Master Planner Search Update

Latest Update: March 10, 2026

On March 10, 2026, the City Commission narrowed the selection of Master Planner candidates and identified Raftelis Financial Consultants as the leading firm moving forward in the process.

The selection comes after presentations from the three finalist firms and marks an important step in determining who will guide the long term planning and redevelopment strategy for the City.

Now that the leading Master Planner has been selected, the City can begin moving forward with the next phase of redevelopment planning for Treasure Island. This allows the City Commission to resume discussions surrounding the future of the community while also taking the preliminary steps needed to support the planning process.

These early efforts are often referred to as “loading the toolbox,” meaning the City begins preparing the policies, resources, and planning framework that the Master Planner will ultimately use to guide long-term redevelopment strategies for Treasure Island.

Background: Master Planner Search

The City Commission has begun the formal process of selecting a Master Planner to help guide the future development and redevelopment of the City.

On February 24, 2026, the Commission reviewed submitted Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and selected three firms to advance in the process:

• Cotleur & Hearing

• Raftelis Financial Consultants

• Calvin, Giordano & Associates

Each firm was invited to present its approach, experience, and planning strategy during a Special Commission Meeting held on March 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The presentations allowed commissioners and the public to evaluate how each firm would approach the City's long term planning needs.

Following these presentations, the Commission moved forward with Raftelis Financial Consultants as the top choice.

Development Discussions Currently Paused

While the Master Planner selection process has been underway, the City Commission made the decision to pause other development related discussions and initiatives.

This decision has generated considerable discussion among residents and stakeholders.

Many community members believe conversations about rebuilding, redevelopment, and the long term direction of the City should continue at the same time as the Master Planner selection. Residents have noted that planning processes of this scale can take significant time, and some feel that delaying discussions could slow progress.

Community Engagement and Transparency

As the City moves through this important stage of redevelopment planning, community engagement and transparency remain key priorities for residents.

The selection of a Master Planner will play a major role in shaping future decisions related to:

• redevelopment strategy

• infrastructure planning

• resiliency and coastal protection

• land use and zoning considerations

• long term economic development

Residents are expected to continue closely following the process as the City works toward defining its long term planning framework.