Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Community Development Solutions
We are a community-focused firm dedicated to transforming municipalities through comprehensive planning, innovative design, and meticulous building services. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with local officials and residents to create functional, sustainable spaces that address both current needs and future growth. With expertise in master planning, urban design, and code enforcement, we prioritize public engagement and context-sensitive solutions to enhance livability and economic vitality. Our commitment to quality is reflected in every project, from neighborhood revitalization to transportation infrastructure. We approach each challenge with a hands-on mindset, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining creative flexibility.Our decades of experience in municipal consulting have established us as trusted partners in community development across Michigan. We believe that meaningful change emerges from listening to stakeholders and translating their vision into actionable plans. Our services span the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to final implementation, with a focus on long-term impact. By integrating environmental considerations and modern design principles, we help communities build resilience and adaptability into their physical spaces. Our team's diverse backgrounds in policy, architecture, and construction enable us to deliver holistic solutions that balance practicality with innovation.
Services
Master Planning
Urban Design
Code Enforcement
Public Engagement
Zoning Consultation
Transportation Planning
Neighborhood Revitalization
Park Design
Form-Based Coding
Community Development
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of experience in municipal consulting and community development
- Our multidisciplinary team combines planning, design, and building expertise
- We implement a collaborative process with trained public engagement facilitators
- Our professionals hold AICP and NCI certifications in planning excellence
- We provide context-sensitive solutions tailored to each community's unique needs
Associations and certifications
- AICP
- NCI
Services
Master Planning
Our master planning process creates comprehensive, forward-thinking frameworks for community development. We analyze historical context, population demographics, and environmental factors to craft strategic visions that guide sustainable growth. Through collaborative workshops and stakeholder engagement, we develop actionable plans that balance municipal needs with resident expectations. Our approach integrates transportation, economic development, and land use considerations to create cohesive, adaptable blueprints for future progress.
Urban Design
Our urban design services focus on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing public spaces that enhance community life. We combine environmental sensitivity with modern design principles to develop walkable, accessible environments that foster social interaction. Our team specializes in form-based coding, streetscape improvements, and mixed-use development that preserves local character while accommodating growth. Through 3D modeling and visualization tools, we help stakeholders envision proposed changes before implementation.
Code Enforcement
Our code enforcement specialists ensure municipal projects meet all regulatory requirements while maintaining design integrity. We provide comprehensive inspections, plan reviews, and compliance guidance throughout the development process. Our team stays current with evolving building codes and environmental regulations to minimize delays and reduce liability risks. We offer both advisory services and on-site enforcement support to help communities maintain safety standards and development quality.
Public Engagement
We facilitate meaningful public participation through structured engagement strategies that capture diverse community perspectives. Our certified facilitators employ surveys, town halls, and interactive workshops to gather input at every project stage. We develop customized communication plans that ensure transparency and build trust between officials and residents. Our approach emphasizes inclusive participation, ensuring underrepresented voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Zoning Consultation
Our zoning experts help municipalities create context-sensitive ordinances that align with community goals. We specialize in form-based coding that prioritizes physical form over land use segregation to create walkable, mixed-use environments. We assist with ordinance revisions, regulatory impact assessments, and implementation strategies that balance development needs with neighborhood character preservation. Our solutions aim to streamline approval processes while maintaining regulatory consistency.
People
John R. Jackson
President
AICP-certified planner with extensive experience in municipal policy and community development. Leads strategic initiatives and oversees project execution across all service areas.
Kathleen M. Jackson
Managing Partner
Manages firm operations and client relationships. Brings expertise in organizational leadership and public-private partnership development for community projects.
Christopher Khorey
Vice President
AICP-certified planner specializing in economic development strategies and sustainable community growth. Oversees major planning initiatives and policy implementation.
Laura E. Haw
Vice President
NCI-certified planner with expertise in neighborhood revitalization and public engagement. Leads community development projects and stakeholder coordination efforts.
Brian Keesey
Senior Principal Planner
GIS specialist with focus on transportation planning and data-driven decision making. Develops spatial analysis frameworks for municipal projects and infrastructure planning.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve municipalities across Michigan, with offices in Northville, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. Our team has experience working in both urban and rural communities throughout the state.
What types of community projects do you specialize in?
We handle comprehensive master planning, urban design, zoning reform, transportation planning, and public engagement initiatives. Our expertise spans from small neighborhood revitalization projects to large-scale regional development plans.
How do you involve residents in the planning process?
We use a multi-phase engagement approach including public workshops, online surveys, and community forums. Our certified facilitators ensure diverse representation and incorporate resident feedback into every project stage.
What sets your firm apart from other planning consultants?
Our integrated approach combines planning, design, and building expertise under one team. We maintain long-term relationships with municipalities through our commitment to practical, context-sensitive solutions that prioritize community needs.
Do you work with both public and private sector partners?
Yes, we facilitate public-private partnerships for economic development projects and help municipalities create regulatory frameworks that encourage private investment while maintaining community standards.
