case studies

A planning process that should have taken a max of 18-months took nearly five years given fierce opposition, an outdated city comp plan, and a divided council. Uplands had a great story, but it was overshadowed by misinformation spread by a small group of neighbors on social media, eventually reaching mainstream media and influencing the local elections.

We were brought in mid-way through the process and quickly developed new messaging focused on key aspects of the development that we knew city council and stakeholders were interested in – deed-restricted affordable and workforce housing; parks and public spaces; environmental sustainability; and multi-modal transportation mobility. All this messaging culminated in a new website, factsheets, infographics, a monthly newsletter, and more, that helped the community development team win approval. 

The master development plan, approved in December 2021, will lead to: 2,350 desperately needed housing units (including 300+ deed-restricted affordable and dedicated senior housing); 47 acres of accessible parks, protected view corridors, and public spaces; bike lanes and trails; and a walkable village center with local shops, restaurants, and retail.

Later, in 2022, we helped message the need for a metro district service plan with $60 million bonding capability that was approved and will support the construction of roads, sidewalks, traffic mitigation, water and sewer infrastructure, and parks and trails that are absolutely essential before any homes can be built.

When needing local government approvals and public support for over $2 billion in new electric grid infrastructure improvements, Xcel Energy has trusted us repeatedly to develop the strategy and tactics to deliver. New transmission lines, substations, large scale solar, wind, and storage facilities all require a public process where educating local residents and working with impacted communities is essential. 

Navigating stark differences in issues and public understandings across rural and urban environments to find a path towards consensus and acceptance is never easy yet always yields a positive result in the end. We have helped achieve approval for over $800 million in approved electric infrastructure projects over the last few years - and we aren’t done yet. These long-term projects take time and we appreciate Xcel consistently turning to us to get the job done.