Our team collaborates with clients of all types and sizes as we develop innovative strategies for first communication and implementation. Our focus is the impact of land use changes on the economic, social, and environmental health, strength, and resilience of the communities with whom we work.

We have assisted many communities with zoning changes, including Form-Based Codes. We also create design guidelines either incorporated into the zoning or as stand-alone documents.

We offer zoning and design guidelines as stand-alone services or as components of strategic and comprehensive plans.

We work with communities to develop strategic plans for neighborhoods, downtowns, corridors, and site-specific areas, including waterfronts.

We have a strong background in helping communities use urban renewal as a tool to address long-standing inequities in distressed areas, some of which were caused by earlier urban renewal efforts.

We have worked with MassDevelopment and MHP on some of these projects.

We assist communities with many targeted needs, including developing RFPs for the disposition of municipal property, sign and façade improvement programs, permitting guides, targeted community engagement, design guidelines, and other needs.

We work with the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative to help communities with efforts to revitalize their downtowns and commercial centers.

We also work with private firms, including the creation of HDIP and UCH-TIF plans in collaboration with communities.

We worked directly with EOHLC, MHP, and RKG Associates to create and update the Compliance Model and companion how-to guide. We also collaborated with EOHLC and MHP to develop the Sample Zoning as a guide for communities modifying their zoning for compliance.

Since 2022, we have worked with over 15 communities to evaluate options for compliance. As communities get closer to their deadlines, we have added public engagement, draft zoning, and zoning review to our services. We are excited to help communities with their efforts to plan for and comply with the MBTA Communities Act in ways that address the specific needs of each community.