explanation of services

interviews

By interviewing stakeholders, local developers, land and business owners and city staff, and community representatives we acquire local intelligence about the development climate, obstacles to city objectives, community and business concerns and take assessment of the financial and organizational resources available. This is often the first step in discovering local developers with a commitment to the community and involving them in the planning process. 

economic factors analysis

Our research identifies the local and national economic trends in demographics, lifestyles, retail spending and employment, and the relevant factors that affect each of the different types of development. While every project requires some amount of research and analysis, the level of detail will depend on the extent to which questions are to be answered.

GIS land use analysis

We analyze data from the city together with local market information to map potential sites for development. This exercise depends upon the availability of correlated data from the client, but can determine land suitability for future development. Working with scenarios being developed by the design team we can calculate and map themes relevant to the project including anticipated changes in assessed value for taxation, and expected changes in sales tax revenue. This can be a powerful economic development tool in designing land assembly strategies, and suggesting phasing and timing of actions.

program goals

Based on economic and demographic trends, we enumerate preliminary supportable goals for the integration of housing, retail and employment uses. This is an interactive process with the design team and local stakeholders, preferably conducted through a charrette process. We refine program goals based on present and future development potential and community input to produce feasible programs, and achievable development strategies that are appropriate to the location, address neighborhood concerns, and support the community vision.

feasibility analysis

Working with designers, planners, local developers, the city and community stakeholders, we provide sample program and development pro forma analysis to determine project feasibility and requirements for success. At this critical part of the process openly discussing money with the stakeholders brings reality into focus and engenders strong comment so that we really hear what is or is not acceptable to all parties.

economic impact analysis

We examine the potential value of development and assess tax, employment and income benefits from proposed development under different scenarios for land use. We also evaluate benefits from development that result in public plazas and open space, and workforce housing if applicable. Further, where data on sales is available we evaluate optimum development intensity to achieve the highest land profit while providing the greatest benefit to the city.

implementation and development strategy

All of our work is geared toward illuminating paths to make designs and community visions a reality. tasks provides a strategy for local development that may include:

•    A program for a mix of appropriate uses delineating type, timing and character of development

•    Mix of expected businesses (retail and service, FIRE, and industrial clusters and land needs)

•    Requirements for successful implementation

•    Recommended actions, organization and roles

•    Suggestions for retail and commercial centers

•    Appropriate public/private partnerships

•    Financing resources and strategies

We are confident that our services will meet your needs. Our paramount goal is successful community development. If there is anything within our contracted scope of work that we have overlooked, we will resolve it to ensure project success.