Planning & Economic Services

CES, Inc
CES Planning

CES, Inc
CES Planning

The goal of planning and economic development is to analyze problems, compare alternatives and develop strategic solutions which help to guide the future in attractive, healthy and efficient ways. Plans can take many different forms based on the needs of a particular situation. CES can offer planning assistance to help find the right balance between personal goals, neighborhood concerns, community assets, funding limitations, and regulatory constraints. Our team has a wide range of expertise including:

Downtown Master Planning
A vibrant downtown is one of the most important indicators of a healthy community. We have experience working with many communities on various downtown master planning projects including asset identification, economic development plans, façade projects, streetscape projects, transit, organizational structure, and implementation strategies.

Waterfront Master Planning
The waterfront is often the center of commercial and recreational activity in a community. Finding the appropriate balance of uses is an important planning function. Our Planning Team has worked with several communities to evaluate uses and design future plans for waterfront growth and development. Plans have included new transportation alternatives, marine structures, recreational paths and park spaces, ordinance changes, and development options. 

Site Analysis
Understanding the existing opportunities and constraints is an important step in planning future options for use or development of a site. This process can include a review of existing codes, environmental conditions (wetlands, soils, habitat), topography, accessibility, and hydrology. 

Site Planning and Design
Our Planning Team works collaboratively with our engineering staff to help our clients determine project goals and site design options. These discussions can focus on site programming, building siting, internal circulation, site access, and other site amenities.

Economic Development Planning
One of the main goals of economic development planning is to create and maintain a strong, vibrant ,local economy. Economic development plans consider a community's assets such as supporting land uses, transportation, and existing initiatives. They should also be closely related to an overall comprehensive plan. We have experience in creating economic development plans that can provide a comprehensive overview of the economy and identifies strategies, programs, and projects to improve the economy.

Grant Writing and Administration
Finding funding for a project can be an important part of the success of any planning initiative. Our Planning Team offers a diverse range of services to assist with this process, including identification of funding sources, proposal development and writing, and grant submission. We also work with client to administer grants upon award.

Stakeholder Participation
Community and stakeholder participation is critical to the success of any planning project and design process. We have experience working to develop effective public participation processes such as community workshops or charrettes, public forums, surveys, facilitated group discussions, and in-person interviews.

Municipal Comprehensive Planning
Comprehensive planning is an important tool in directing future growth and understanding growth patterns. Our team can assist a community in developing comprehensive planning elements such as land use, transportation, housing, and public facilities, open space, and implementation strategies.

Public Policy and Development Tools
Our Planning Team has experience with an array of public policy and development tools including zoning and land use codes, overlay district guidelines, growth management, grant writing, and other strategies.

Streetscape, Transportation and Infrastructure Planning
Streetscape planning along with transportation and infrastructure design are two of the most important elements within communities. Thought must be given to traffic and pedestrian movement, adjacent land uses, and streetscape and landscape materials. We can assist in developing streetscape plans and transportation/infrastructure strategies that positively impact land use, future development, environmental concerns, and financial reality.