Urban Place Strategy

Planning, Activating, & Strengthening  Communities of All Sizes

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Operate effectively.
Build economic resilience.
Create places people are proud to call their own.

Great place don’t happen by accident. They’re created with intention.

Our team works with communities to create vibrant, safe, and welcoming places that strengthen local life and drive economic vitality. We collaborate with cities, towns, villages, and neighborhoods, offering thoughtful strategy, practical tools, and experienced guidance tailored to each community’s goals.

Our award-winning team knows what it takes to build places people love. We bring nearly 70 years of combined experience helping downtown Columbus, Ohio, transform and thrive through leadership of the Capital Crossroads SID and Discovery SID, two highly respected special assessment districts. That work, along with our broader portfolio, shapes how we approach communities of all sizes, applying proven strategies while remaining responsive to local needs.

Whether launching or renewing special assessment districts, activating public spaces, strengthening operations, or supporting economic growth initiatives, we help communities move confidently from vision to execution. We see ourselves not simply as advisors, but as long-term partners committed to helping places succeed and endure.

| Our Expertise

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Special Assessment District Creation & Renewal

Build & sustain the district
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District Formation & Renewal
Post-Petition Analysis
Interim Staff Support

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Economic Vibrancy

Plan with purpose to thrive long-term
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Economic Research & Performance Reports
Retail Planning & Recruitment
Transportation Planning & Policy
Economic Impact Programs

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Placemaking

Activate people, places, & potential
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Events & Experiences
Public Art
Safety, Environmental Maintenance, & Essential Services
Marketing & Promotion

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Operations & Guidance

Operate at the next level
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Operations Audits & Assessments
Service Review & Performance Improvement
Partner, Vendor, & Systems Coordination
Interim Staff Support & Strategic Planning

| Our Approach

Our work is collaborative, iterative, and grounded in the community.

We start by listening to understand local identity, needs, and opportunities. Working alongside the neighborhood, we ensure its vision guides the work ahead. From there, we help prioritize actions, strengthen the physical environment, and create experiences that bring spaces to life and people together.

By combining data, engagement, and proven implementation strategies, we help communities build momentum and create places that are resilient, welcoming, and built to last.