The Value of Program Management

August 1, 2024
By Ang Points, Sr Project Manager, WSB

Cities, counties, and municipalities are growing at exponential rates, more now than ever before. Ensuring that these rapidly growing communities execute projects efficiently and effectively is necessary to meet the expectations of their stakeholders and current citizens and to prepare for the demands on existing and even new infrastructure. However, there is often too much work that current staff cannot handle alone, and cities may not be able to hire enough or qualified full-time staff to support the demands. Program Management provides support for cities that do not have the capacity or ability to take on these programs or projects themselves as an immediate, even short-term solution that is flexible and scalable to meet the ever-changing demands of a city.

Through Program Management, we partner and work alongside city staff, interweaving and executing work on behalf of the city as an extension of the staff. It provides technical knowledge and design as well as valuable expertise and support in project management, contract management, communications with elected officials and stakeholders, building financial strategies and more.

To best support our clients in Program Management needs, our team of experts use the 3 T’s— technology, transparency and teamwork.

Technology

To build an effective and efficient program, technology is key. It is the foundation of the 3 T’s, and only through technology can we build a collaborative team and establish trust with the public, stakeholders and elected officials.

Using Smartsheet, Power BI, Teams, Bluebeam, Primavera 6, and communication tools — we can increase knowledge and awareness of the city’s projects and efficiently and effectively connect with all those involved in the execution of projects. Reliable data and information at the fingertips of decision makers and the public creates an environment of trust. Technology is a driving factor in moving these programs forward.

Transparency

The public’s tax dollars are the reasons these projects get accomplished— its only right to keep the public informed. It is best practice to be proactive when providing information and make it easily accessible. This can be done by creating a website designed specifically for the program with a Power BI dashboard. The dashboard shares financial data including where the funding is coming from, the designated uses of those dollars, and even spending projections. Monthly newsletters and project-by-project updates on the website give stakeholders the ability to access information without requesting it through official channels.

By sharing this information with the public and providing it at their fingertips, you are funding transparency. This will put taxpayers at ease and build trust for the ongoing program. For internal decision makers, tools like Teams, Smartsheet and PowerBI are key to seeing the overall program down to dollar-for-dollar and even day-to-day details in real-time.

We have seen great success from taking this approach with a recent project, with the City of Buda and their 2021 Buda Bond Program.

Teamwork

A goal of Project Management is to integrate our teams and work collaboratively across all levels of effort. This is best accomplished through using Teams. Being responsive and available as a consultant to the city staff is critical, and joining the same Teams platform alleviates any challenges of connecting. This type of teamwork makes us reachable, responsive, and able to collaborate daily and on-demand to all levels of staff. This level of teamwork using Teams and even Bluebeam also allows ourselves, the city’s consultants, and city staff to work interactively on documents and decisions more easily.

Smartsheet, an elite, interactive tool, significantly improves collaboration and consistency. Its advanced capabilities of storing documents and unique viewership of history and updates strengthens workflows. Smartsheet makes coordinating with teams, making decisions, and viewing progress more efficient.

How WSB can Help

Program Management is a tool and service available to cities, but we know to be successful you must rely on the 3 T’s. Our experienced team provides your staff with technical excellence and additional support, and we also prioritize using advanced technology to prepare you for the future while building trust with the public and increasing collaboration. Technology, transparency and teamwork will drive projects forward, and we are here to offer scalable, flexible, and effective support.

Our Program Management team is more than designers— we effortlessly integrate all aspects from writing council reports and presentations, projecting budgets and financial actions, managing contracts on behalf of the city, presenting to the public, engaging with consultants, creating finance and management strategies, and executing plans in design and in project management. Our team has the expertise to build innovative and feasible strategies, and compiles everything into organized workflows that can then be shared with city staff in real-time. With increasing demands on cities, we can integrate workflows using technology to make processes and procedures more efficient and less time consuming.

We understand how cities operate and what cities want and need – we have first-hand experience in the city staff’s shoes. We are eager to support cities as they Forge Ahead.

Angellia has 13+ years experience in various sectors of the industry from project engineer for a water/wastewater firm, serving as the Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the City of Belton, Texas, and leading the Operations and Maintenance Division for Fort Leonard Wood, MO. She is a PE licensed in both Texas and Missouri, and her skills and strengths are project and program management. Her passion is helping municipalities thrive and grow.

[email protected] | 903.431.0573

Asset Management For City Sustainability and Resiliency Goals

By Shannon McGrath, Director of Asset Management and Jack Woolery, Asset Management Specialist, WSB
July 15, 2024

Cities exploring ways to maintain and improve infrastructure sustainably cannot overlook asset management. Thorough data collection and a thoughtful asset management plan can provide the necessary recommendations needed to mitigate weather-based risk, as well as ensure communities are reaching climate goals through green infrastructure strategies.

How can asset management further sustainability and resiliency goals for your community’s infrastructure? Here are some things to consider.

Data and Technology

Good data is the key to asset management. Data collection can be done through visual field inspections or using technology such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). In visual inspections, expert(s) travel to each individual asset to collect data and provide more detailed information than could be acquired through inspecting photos and maps.

Conversely, LIDAR is a remote sensing technique that uses light to make measurements and collect geographic locations for all above-ground infrastructure. The light pulses create a three-dimensional image that models the infrastructure with useful measurement data.

Using an Asset Management System (AMS) integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS), any data collection can be combined with information like a site’s physical condition, soil quality, traffic volumes and an asset’s vulnerability to extreme weather events like flooding for better risk-based planning and prioritization. Additionally, water and wastewater assets may implement a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, so system monitoring is further automated which reduces the number of in-person trips required while also providing asset stakeholders or elected officials ease of access to the information they need. To further that point, an AMS paired with 3D modeling provides an easier means of communication between internal stakeholders (e.g. planning, design, construction and asset management) and external stakeholders (e.g. elected officials and the public). The combination of expert analysis and technologies provides the information necessary to optimize an asset’s longevity.

Risk Assessment and Management

Identifying risk and risk mitigation strategies greatly improves asset resilience against risks such as extreme weather events and premature deterioration. This risk assessment can be broken down in two ways – an enterprise risk assessment and an asset level risk assessment.

With an enterprise risk assessment, locations with heightened risk of extreme weather events are subjected to an enterprise assessment which is larger in scale and can cover a sizable geographic area like a whole community, region or state. For example, communities prone to flooding may have a flood vulnerability model developed as part of an enterprise risk assessment with recommendations for new projects and upgrading current assets.

On a smaller scale, an asset level risk assessment inspects an individual asset rather than a larger location. Through an asset level risk assessment, for example, a roadway is examined to identify underground utilities, asset condition and impact of failure such as impacting a critical healthcare facility or a residence. Factors such as soil type and its impact on pipe corrosion could also be considered.

Risk assessment is tailored to fit both qualitative and quantitative approaches like climate modeling for a region or coordinating with long tenured staff and agencies with institutional knowledge on what best practices have worked for a particular asset. Risk assessments and asset management plans provide ways to improve resiliency and sustainability, prioritize mitigation strategies and costs in financial planning and prevent the loss of institutional knowledge, cutting down on unnecessary work repetition.

Incentivizing and Financing

A growing trend in states like Michigan and Minnesota is the development of state government task forces and advisory councils focused on asset management. These groups incentivize owners to have asset management plans in place to improve resiliency and sustainability. By having a management plan, asset owners and communities can properly identify at-risk areas that require updating and meet evolving state and federal climate goals. With a plan in place, communities can take advantage of the substantial federal investments for sustainable infrastructure from programs like the Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) or state infrastructure grants and legislation.

For example, the IIJA has provided upwards of $7.5 billion for the purpose of updating outdated infrastructure to improve climate friendliness and the ability to withstand climate-related disasters. Without a quality asset management team and plan in place, communities could easily miss out on these opportunities.

How WSB Can Help

WSB’s multidisciplinary team includes experts in asset management who understand sustainability practices and policies, as well as how infrastructure is impacted by natural environments and climate-related issues. By staying at the forefront of techniques and technologies like the use of 3D modeling and automated data collection systems, asset stakeholders, elected officials and the public will have all the information necessary to make the most informed decisions. We work with communities to create a holistic, comprehensive asset management approach that brings real value and is customized for your community or project.

Shannon has spent over a decade advancing asset management at local, state, and national levels by serving on asset management committees, advisory panels, and project management teams. While working at MnDOT, Shannon directed the agency-wide asset management planning including projects, research, policy, innovation, strategic planning, and implementation in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

[email protected] | 651.492.9291

Shannon McGrath Director of Asset Management

Jack is an Asset Management Specialist with degrees in both Geography and GIS and worked as a GIS Technician for an oil & gas consultant for two and a half years. After transitioning into survey, he came to WSB where he works on projects for civil engineering, land development, and planning by collecting field data and completing documentation via use of survey equipment and land record maps. His background in GIS and infrastructure allows him to bring a unique perspective to asset management.

[email protected] | 612.518.4263

Strategic Advice for Attracting Renewable Energy Developers

By Ameer Kian, Sr Project Manager, WSB
July 15, 2024

As the global shift towards sustainable energy gains momentum, cities have a unique opportunity to position themselves at the forefront of the renewable energy movement. Attracting renewable energy developers not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also brings significant economic and social benefits. Learn strategies that cities can use to attract renewable energy developers and capitalize on the growing green economy.

Benefits of Attracting Renewable Energy Developers

Cities stand to gain immensely by attracting renewable energy developers.

  • These projects often lead to direct economic benefits such as job creation in construction, maintenance, and operations of energy facilities.
  • Renewable energy projects contribute to a cleaner local environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
  • They enhance the city’s appeal to environmentally conscious businesses and residents, positioning the city as a leader in sustainability and innovation.
  • Having local renewable energy sources can improve energy security and stability, reducing vulnerability to external energy price shocks and supply disruptions.

Creating an Inviting Regulatory Environment

The foundation for attracting renewable energy investment is a supportive regulatory framework. Cities can streamline permitting processes, offer tax incentives and establish clear guidelines for renewable activity projects. These measures reduce hurdles and make the city more attractive to developers looking for efficient project approval timelines.

Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships and offering Financial Support

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are a powerful tool for cities aiming to attract renewable energy projects. By partnering with private firms, cities can share financial risks while benefiting from the expertise and innovation of the private sector. These collaborations can lead to the development of state-of-the-art renewable energy facilities that might not be feasible through public funding alone. Additionally, cities can provide tax incentives or low interest loans to further reduce the financial burden on developers.

Investing in Infrastructure

Adequate infrastructure is crucial for the development and distribution of renewable energy. Cities that invest in upgrading their electrical grids, improving connectivity and ensuring the availability of suitable land for large-scale projects will be more appealing to energy developers. Furthermore, developing clear interconnection standards can help reduce the complexity and timing needed for the connection of renewable energy systems to the grid

Fostering Community Engagement and Support

Gaining the support of the local community is essential for the success of renewable energy projects. Cities can facilitate community engagement through educational programs that highlight the benefits of renewable energy, such as reduced carbon emissions and stable energy prices. Public forums and workshops can also be used to address any concerns and gather valuable feedback from citizens.

How WSB Can Help

Embracing renewable energy is a strategic decision that can lead to substantial rewards for cities. By creating a favorable business environment, investing in necessary infrastructure and engaging with the community, cities can attract top-tier renewable energy developers. WSB is uniquely qualified to assist cities in navigating this transition, having both renewable and municipal advisory experience. With our expertise in planning, environmental consulting, renewable energy, public engagement and city engineering, we can help you develop strategies that align with your goals and maximize the benefits of renewable energy projects.

Ameer leads and executes complex renewable energy projects, with a demonstrated expertise in managing teams, optimizing project lifecycles, and delivering innovative solutions. His project management experience includes planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment and stakeholder management. He is passionate about renewable energy technologies, such as solar, battery storage and EV charging.

[email protected] | 763.388.3493

Earmarks: Congressional Funding For Your Project

By Morgan Dawley, Sr Director of Municipal, WSB
July 15, 2024

While the timeline for fiscal year 2025 earmark requests have passed, smart planning now can prepare your project for success in future funding years. Through advocating, coalition building and coordinating with your congressional elected officials, your project can obtain the funding it needs. Now is the time to educate yourself on earmarks and what you must do to gain congressional funding to support your project.

What Are Earmarks?

An earmark, also referred to as “Congressionally Directed Spending” or “community project funding,” is a funding allocation presented by an elected Member of Congress. It is written into a spending appropriations bill that directly funds a specific project. Earmarks fund a variety of projects across multiple disciplines such as transportation, structural projects, water treatment plants, civic centers and other local projects that enhance community priorities, expand economic development and provide job opportunities.  

It is most common to receive project funding by applying for a grant through an agency, but this comes with limitations and requirements that must be met while also competing with other projects for funds. These requirements can be hard to obtain due to lack of financials or requirements that are not applicable to your project.

What differentiates earmarks from the typical grant application process is the targeted approach to funding a specific project rather than an agency receiving a large amount to distribute. With earmarks, project funding is still competitively awarded, and you must convince your Member of Congress of the positive impact your project will have on the community to receive funding. A successful earmark request is extremely beneficial because it demonstrates public support from your Member of Congress.

Do Your Preparation

It can be helpful to research similar projects that have received earmark funding in the past. The House and Senate appropriations committee web pages provide full lists of past projects that have received funding along with the amount received. This can help you prepare your submission.

Staying up to date on political trends will benefit your request as well. If your project aligns with the current views of the House or Senate— your project will have a greater chance at receiving funding. For example, if your Congressional Member strongly supports environmental sustainability, an application prioritizing this is set up for success. Alternatively, submissions may be denied for various reasons like limiting spending, conflicting policies, etc. Being well-versed in today’s politics provides valuable information as you request earmark funding.

In addition to researching past projects and current political trends, your project must have some level of study to help define the need for the project before the first meeting with your Congressional Member and their staff. Within this study, be sure to include the anticipated scope and estimated costs. Consider creating a project “one-pager” that helps summarize the information, costs and the funding request into a simple, visually compelling format that you can leave behind and they can use for briefings.

Requesting Earmark Funding and Coalition Building

When it comes to requesting earmark funding— where do you start? The first step is engaging with your elected officials and explaining why your project deserves to be funded.

Earmark funding request forms are found on the websites of your Representative or Senator. Through a submission, they gain insight to valuable information like your project’s purpose, location and the amount of funding requested.

Once the application is submitted, the best path to receiving funding is through meeting with your elected official’s staff through coalition building. Meeting in-person provides the opportunity to explain in greater detail the need for funding and the benefit your project provides.

If your project benefits multiple communities or groups, it is in the best interest of the earmark request to present a coalition of support. By directly advocating for earmark funding and showing the project’s wide-reaching benefits, the potential your elected official will provide their support increases. For example, if a county is presenting the earmark request and has the support of multiple cities and communities, the project will provide a more convincing argument.

How WSB Can Help?

Earmarks are an incredible way for projects to receive congressional funding and support. WSB’s team of experts will support you with your earmark funding request. Our team helps determine your project’s scope, estimate overall costs and help facilitate and manage the process for acquiring the desired earmark funding for your project.

Morgan brings over 20 years of experience in municipal, transportation and civil engineering projects. He has been providing consultant city engineering services, including strategic planning, preliminary design, project development, and public engagement. He is passionate about finding solutions that are right for the client and that help neighborhoods and communities achieve their goals and vision for the future.

[email protected] | 763.287.7173

Morgan Dawley

Recap of the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session

June 14, 2024
By Jacob Ringstad, Graduate Engineer, WSB

The end of the 2024 Minnesota legislative session in St. Paul brought opportunities for communities across Minnesota. With changes to regulations and new grant investment opportunities, now is the time for communities to dive into better understanding of what happened this session and what changes and opportunities resulted from this year’s session. I was able to discuss with Anne Finn, Director of the League of Minnesota Cities’ Intergovernmental Relations, about the impact on cities for this session.

Budgets and Bonding

This year, lawmakers did not pass a capital investment bill. Many communities see a lack of a bonding bill as detrimental to asset preservation and local infrastructure. This failed bonding bill contained building asset preservation, money to remove lead and PFAs from local water systems, and $40 million dedicated to local communities. Additionally, the bonding bill failing to pass this year likely means there will be a large appetite for a bill in the 2025 legislative session. Communities with future construction projects and bonding needs must stay up-to-date and plan for what is to come in 2025. Anne encourages these cities to continue meeting with their representatives about the importance of these funds in your communities.

Efforts to Improve our Transportation

The 2024 session saw an additional $11.35 million investment in the Small Cities Assistance Program. These funds will be evenly distributed to cities with populations under 5,000 starting July 1st. These funds can be used to improve city assets and even include an option to use the money to pay debt service on bonds. One new policy opportunity Anne mentioned was state guidelines were enacted for establishing pedestrian malls. This new law will help to guide communities looking to expand pedestrian transportation and safety in high density areas.

A Focus on Environment

The 2024 legislative session saw massive investment from the Environment and Natural Resources Budget and Policy bill. An additional $46 million will be invested into programs dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s water, air, soil and wildlife. Anne specifically mentioned, “New grant programs created for community tree planting with $8 million for statewide use and another $3 million dedicated to the seven-county metro area.” To maximize use of this new funding, construction projects that can highlight sustainability should keep a close watch on these new investments and be ready as soon as the grants become available.

Expanding Housing Infrastructure Grant Program

Alongside new funding, counties are now able to take advantage of opportunities previously limited to cities. Under the 2024 legislative session, the Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant Program was expanded to include county-managed construction projects, creating new opportunities, such as the development of housing, streets, water supply systems, sewers, utilities and more.

How WSB Can Help?

The 2024 session included several new state investments and policy changes that impact communities. With WSB, communities can feel secure with a talented team of experts who will help walk you through finding funding, applying for grants and ensuring every opportunity is on the table for your projects.

Jacob Ringstad has 2 years of experience in the city engineering. He has worked with city and township clients out of our Minneapolis and Saint Cloud offices to assist in improvement planning, design, and construction. Alongside his engineering work, Jacob has joined professional associations that involve the legislative affairs of the industry.

[email protected] | 6120.214.0962

bike and pedestrian space

What Is Driving the Demand for Bike and Pedestrian Park Space?

May 20, 2024

By Jordan Gedrose, Landscape Architect, WSB

Published by League of Minnesota Cities in the May-June month’s issue of the Minnesota Cities Magazine. MN Cities Magazine May-June

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for bike and pedestrian park spaces across the nation, which has also become prevalent in cities across Minnesota. The trend reflects a shift in societal values. There are several factors we are seeing connected to this trend, including public engagement influencing demand, recognition of bicycle and pedestrian park space benefits, and the effects these types of park spaces have on city infrastructure.

Public engagement

Public engagement is increasingly encouraging communities to prioritize investments in bicycle and pedestrian park space, reflecting a growing interest in recreational spaces and active transportation corridors. As community members and stakeholders become more vocal about their desire for healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities, decision makers are responding by allocating resources to expand and enhance infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

Advancements in technology, such as social media, have provided new methods to collect citizens’ feedback and has led to an increase in community engagement participation. These methods allow cities to notify community members about opportunities through a variety of channels, which reach a high percentage of the people in each area. Online interactive maps, comment boards, and virtual meetings — methods spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic — allow for greater participation and input than only hosting in-person events.

The pandemic also underscored the importance of outdoor spaces for recreation and social distancing, while also emphasizing park spaces and trails that cater to diverse user groups. By engaging the community, cities and counties can clearly understand needs and are better prepared to provide meaningful bike and pedestrian experiences.

Health benefits

Bicycle and pedestrian park spaces offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to the health, activity, and environment of a city. Regarding health: bike and pedestrian park spaces promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles by providing safe and accessible trails for walking, jogging, and cycling, which can lead to a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. These spaces are designed to be accessible to all age groups and abilities. Research provided by City Parks Alliance found that walking loops increase park use by 80%.

Connectivity

Infrastructure that allows bicycle and pedestrian park spaces fosters connectivity between neighborhoods, business districts, and recreational areas — enhancing overall mobility and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Communities, big and small, are experiencing improved connectivity, heightened accessibility to amenities, and a revitalization of public spaces spurred on by bike and pedestrian focused infrastructure. Properties located near parks and trail corridors typically attract investment, as parks and trails are often viewed as desirable amenities that enhance quality of life and contribute to a higher standard of living. According to City Parks Alliance, houses near parks or trails have 8-10% higher property values than those in the surrounding community.

Bike and pedestrian park spaces contribute to the creation of vibrant and inclusive communities by providing opportunities for social interaction and recreation — fostering a sense of belonging and connection among residents. These spaces provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, even in urban environments, which has shown positive effects on mental well-being and reducing stress.

Environmental factors

In regard to the environment, prioritizing bike and pedestrian infrastructure promotes active transportation and encourages residents to opt for emission-free modes of transportation, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting active transportation and reducing reliance on cars, bicycle and pedestrian park spaces contribute to more sustainable and resilient cities, with improved mobility, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. Bicycle and pedestrian corridors also provide habitat corridors for wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity within a community.

Notable challenges

While these spaces offer many benefits, a few challenges of incorporating bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure may include funding, maintenance, site constraints, and community opposition. The expansion of bicycle and pedestrian park space significantly impacts city infrastructure, ushering in a wave of changes to communities.

Cities across Minnesota are seeing an increase in demand for bicycle and pedestrian park space attributed to an increase in community engagement participation and acknowledgement of the health, recreational, and environmental benefits. Cities have continued to adapt to this evolving infrastructure demand through comprehensive planning efforts and investment in park and trail infrastructure. By implementing these improvements, communities can enhance their quality of life for residents and position themselves as an attractive destination for tourists.

Jordan is a landscape architect with 8 years of experience. He has a passion to harmoniously integrate design into the natural environment. Throughout his career Jordan has worked with many communities to deliver transformational park and streetscape improvement projects. He is committed to collaborating with the client and providing thoughtful design input to create unique outdoor spaces that respect the surrounding physical and social context.

[email protected] | 612.263.0687

Making Public Infrastructure a Catalyst for Economic Development and Community Prosperity

Making Public Infrastructure a Catalyst for Economic Development and Community Prosperity

February 6, 2024

By Jay Kennedy, Vice President, WSB

In the vast landscape of economic development, one key piece often remains hidden in plain sight: infrastructure. It’s not just about building roads and bridges; it’s about constructing the foundation for thriving communities and enticing businesses to bring jobs and investment.

Communities that invest in infrastructure with an eye to the future ensure they are the place that people and businesses want to be. Infrastructure is the lifeline that sustains economic progress. From utilities to public transportation to drinking water facilities, when these essential components are robust, designed with intention to the future and well-maintained, they create a fertile ground for businesses and communities to thrive.

Communicating with Businesses & Planning for the Future

The ‘build it and they will come’ approach, although powerful, isn’t the sole ingredient for sustainable growth. Communities need to actively engage with businesses and create an environment that welcomes investment.

Businesses looking for a community in which to invest can bring millions, sometimes even billions of dollars with them. Effective communication between communities and businesses is critical when it comes to infrastructure development. When local leaders say, “we are open for business,” they need the infrastructure and planning to back it up. 

When communities have plans that account for future development, population growth and supporting infrastructure, businesses can see a vision of why they should place their investment in that community.  

Relieving Infrastructure Stress & New Opportunities

There are also situations where upgrades and redesign can alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure and open new opportunities. Improving efficiency in public transportation and redirecting traffic from small community roads to major roadways, for example, can benefit both residents and local businesses. What starts off as one project opens the door for developers wanting to be a part of an up-and-coming area.

As infrastructure pressure is relieved and economic growth continues, it is critical to have a dedicated team that can manage an expanding community. It sends the message that the community is dedicated to growth, attracting even more investment.   

The Ideal Community: Balancing Residential and Commercial Zones

An ideal community strikes a balance between residential and commercial land uses, as well as public spaces. People prefer to live close to work and amenities. A blend of both residential and commercial spaces not only enhances convenience for residents but also attracts businesses looking for a customer base and workforce in proximity.

Collaborating Across the State and Region

Cities looking at their long-term community plans must ensure they also align with county-level planning and broader regional plans. Cooperation and coordination among various levels of government means that an infrastructure project is not operating in a silo, but instead part of a larger plan to drive people and businesses to the region.

How WSB Can Help

In Texas and beyond, the success of public infrastructure projects and planning is driving economic development. WSB is playing a pivotal role in communities throughout Texas, where expertise in smart infrastructure planning and execution has significantly reduced stress on resources while actively attracting businesses to the area.

WSB’s team can help with everything from community planning to public engagement to designing major infrastructure projects and more. We can help your community find ways to bolster economic growth and build infrastructure that fosters the long-term success of your community and region. 

Jay is a Vice President leading Texas operations. He has over 30 years of experience overseeing the management, planning, coordination, design and construction of municipal and civil engineering projects. He works with staff and clients seeking new business opportunities and developing local staff.

[email protected] | 512.518.1819

How Communities Can Prepare for Minnesota’s New Native Landscaping Law

August 14, 2023
By Alison Harwood, Director of Natural Resources, Kim Lindquist, Director of Community Planning & Economic Development and Jason Amberg, Director of Landscape Architecture, WSB

Native landscaping is growing in popularity, from pollinator-friendly plants and prairie grasses to rain gardens. Now the state of Minnesota passed a new law, effective July 1 of this year, that requires municipalities to allow property owners and occupants to install and maintain managed natural landscapes.

What are the pros and cons of this new law, and what does it mean for cities? Here are some things to consider.

What are the benefits of native landscaping?

Native landscaping covers a spectrum of options that includes a variety of landscaping. This could mean including only plant materials that grow naturally within the region to combinations that blend some areas of native plantings with some areas of manicured lawns or ornamental landscapes. Introducing native plant communities can provide critical resources for pollinators and provide a place for certain species to hibernate in winter. Rain gardens can help manage stormwater run off and reduce chemical runoff.

In addition to the natural benefits, there are economic benefits as well. Native landscaping reduces the need for irrigation and watering as plants are often more drought resistant. There are also cost savings from reduced fertilizer and chemical usage, as well as reduced maintenance costs.

How are native landscapes maintained?

The new Minnesota statute clearly states that native landscapes must be well-maintained, but what does that mean? In the statute, managed natural landscape is defined as a planned, intentional, and maintained planting of native or nonnative grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, shrubs or trees, including but not limited to rain gardens, meadow vegetation and ornamental plants.

When thinking about a traditional manicured lawn, maintenance includes regular mowing throughout the spring and summer, regular watering when it gets dry and the application of fertilizers and herbicides. Then in fall, landscapes are often cleaned to remove dead plants and leaf litter.

For native landscapes, however, there is far less maintenance and plants often grow quite tall. In fact, the new law allows native grasses to grow taller than 8 inches high. Plus, as the weather turns cold, it’s better to leave the lawn and dead vegetation in place, providing quality habitat for wintering animals and insects.

What does this ordinance mean for local governments across Minnesota?

While many cities have adopted ordinances in the past decade allowing native landscaping, many others have ordinances prohibiting native landscaping or yards to have grass taller than 8 inches. This new state law supersedes local law, and it is important that communities update ordinances to comply with state statute.

Moreover, ordinance changes often take at least 60-90 days, so it’s important to act before next spring when many residents will begin lawn maintenance and planting. This ensures residents have a clear direction from the city.

Managing Public Engagement and Education

With this new law, there are a few issues local communities must navigate to ensure residents feel heard and legal requirements are made clear.

For residents concerned about unkempt lawns or who prefer neighborhoods to have a more manicured look, it’s important to communicate the benefits of native landscaping for the community and residents. Moreover, residents should be educated that while native grass and plants can grow taller than 8 inches, traditional manicured lawns cannot. And whether having natural landscaping or manicured lawns, noxious weeds are not allowed by this law change. Cities can and will still be enforcing unkempt lawns that do not meet state and local law requirements.

Educational community meetings, handouts, guidance on websites, and social media campaigns are all ways that cities can effectively communicate with residents about the new native landscaping laws.

How WSB Can Help

If you’re a city leader who needs help navigating ordinance changes around this new statute, WSB’s team can help.

Our landscaping team can also help clients design and build native landscaping into their public or private spaces, offering solutions that are aesthetically striking, environmentally friendly and economically beneficial.

Native landscaping is growing in popularity, helping bring people and nature closer together.

Alison leads the Natural Resources group. Her experience includes work in the natural resources field, including wetland and avian surveys, permitting, alternatives analysis, and environmental documentation for projects in both the public and private sector.

[email protected] | 612.360.1320

Kim is a planning professional with over 30 years of experience overseeing a variety of complex planning projects. She has worked in high growth communities with developers and the public on entitlements for residential development and attracting business to the city.

[email protected] | 763.287.8303

Kim Lindquist

Jason is the Director of Landscape Architecture at WSB with more than 25 years of experience in public space planning and design. From small-scale neighborhood park improvements to comprehensive park and trail system plans, Jason has worked with park boards, municipalities, governing agencies and community residents.

[email protected] | 612.518.3696

Jason Amberg

Supporting the Infrastructure of an Entire Community

July 18, 2023
By Brian Bourassa, VP of Corporate Development

Investing in the vitality of the city of Lino Lakes, Minnesota.

At WSB, we use the term infrastructure broadly to define the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.  As important as infrastructure is to our way of life, we don’t often think about it until something goes wrong.  We’ve been privileged to support communities across the U.S. with their infrastructure needs. The scale of the projects may vary, but the impact is always significant.  

For the last several decades, the city of Lino Lakes, just north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, has been investing in their infrastructure across the community.  In the end, it’s not one single project that has helped to build a vibrant community, but rather the collective investment in varying infrastructure. These investments have played a vital role in spurring development and progress within the city.

1. Biological Water Treatment Plant

The city is currently planning to construct a water treatment plant due to some of the city wells having manganese levels above the recommended guidelines. A biological treatment approach is unique because it relies on natural microbial activity to remove contaminants rather than chemicals, an environmentally sustainable strategy.

2. West Shadow Lake Drive

West Shadow Lake Drive is a residential street that was plagued by potholes, had no sewer or water, and faced challenges from high groundwater levels due to its proximity to Reshanau Lake. As part of the city’s pavement management program, the road was removed and replaced to support the city’s roadway infrastructure and sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer infrastructure was also installed. In addition, environmental work and wetland enhancements occurred throughout the area.

3. 12th Avenue Trail Project

The 12th Avenue Trail connection was identified as a priority in the city’s Comprehensive Parks and Trails System Capital Improvement Plan due to the lack of trail connection along 12th Avenue.  Prior to project completion, the busy rural road was narrow with unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The project resulted in increased safety and a more bikeable, accessible community.

4. Master Plan and Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan

Located in the northeast corner of Lino Lakes is a 1300-acre greenfield area that is prime for development opportunities. WSB was contracted to develop a master plan, comprehensive stormwater management plan and update the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for the area. Development opportunities will include residential, industrial and commercial that will spur economic activity in the area. 

5. The Rookery Activity Center

When the local YMCA closed in 2020 it left a hole in the community. The city of Lino Lakes took action to reinvigorate the space. To establish itself as a new asset within the community, the building needed an overhaul, not just in amenities and programming, but also the brand.  WSB worked with the city to develop a story, identity and brand assets.

6. Tower Park  

Tower Park is located on a 60-acre piece of land that was purchased by the city over 20 years ago.  The city council felt strongly about developing the space into a destination recreation area for the community.  WSB provided the park master plan and phase 1 design support. Tower Park is now home to some of the city’s most popular pickleball and tennis courts.  The project was completed last year. 

7. Birch Street Roundabouts

Birch Street is a heavily traveled roadway through the city with frequent accidents occurring due to the number of entrances to the high-speed roadway.  There were safety concerns from residents and a nearby school. To help alleviate the number of accidents and increase safety, several roundabouts, medians, crosswalks and safety signage were added.

8. Gateways to the City – Placemaking

Lino Lakes is a proud community and wants to enhance their welcoming presence by creating placemaking monuments at city entrances. The project is still under development, but once complete, the entrances will offer a ‘front door’ to the city and will invite visitors and residents to step inside and explore the community.

9. Feasibility Study – Lake Amelia Subwatershed

A 255-acre subwatershed of Lake Amelia is currently undergoing a feasibility study to address existing stormwater management concerns and anticipated future land use changes to the area.  The short-term phase includes solutions to address flooding concerns.  The long-term phase proposes more holistic improvements to the corridor that that would occur alongside its eventual development. The study will help guide future planning in the area and will ensure that the area is prime for development.

10. Shenandoah Park Improvements

In partnership with the Rice Creek Watershed District, the city is exploring multiple improvements to the Shenandoah Park area to improve water quality, ensure its habitat is supported, and create a destination for park users. WSB is currently exploring water quality improvement options, wetland restoration, flood retention and greenway spaces to support the goals of the watershed district and the city.

Brian has more than 25 years of experience in the civil engineering field and has worked extensively in both the public and private market sectors. This experience has provided Brian with a broad engineering background, and has allowed him to develop a strong understanding of both public financing and private business perspectives. Brian’s lasting client relationships are a testament to the focus he places on developing creative solutions and providing over-the-top customer service.

League of Minnesota Cities Conference

Gaining valuable insights at the League of Minnesota Cities Conference

Bart Fischer, Senior Public Administrator, WSB

WSB recently attended the annual League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Conference in Duluth. At this conference, more than 600 city officials and staff attended from different cities in Minnesota. LMC is a membership organization dedicated to promoting excellence in local government. The goal of the conference is to join city officials from across the state to develop new skills, discover ideas and show love for our cities. This year’s theme was “City Love.”

City officials and staff are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to their cities and communities. As we thought through how we could engage with conference attendees, while also gathering valuable insights, the “City Love” theme brought us to two prompts: “What do I love most about my city?” and “If I had a million dollars for my city I would….”  We displayed two boards with the different questions at the exhibit hall and below is what we heard.

What do I love most about my city?

We received a number of different responses to this question; however, they all shared common themes. What city officials and staff love about their cities is their community. The people, diversity, infrastructure, and nature of a community is what people care about. City officials and staff work diligently to create a safe community with a high quality of life. Several of the responses reflected on open spaces, parks, trails, lakes, and wetlands.

What do I love most about my city

It is crucial to understand this information because it matters when making decisions for the future of the community. When city officials and staff are providing their best to their community it grows and strengthens the city.

WSB works to grow with them, and we want to strengthen our cities infrastructure through partnership. Understanding what is important to the people we work with allows us to better serve a city’s unique needs. We incorporate our client’s values to build what is next in infrastructure.

If I had a million dollars for my city I would…

On this board, the many responses reflected similar ideas, and all revolved around making their city better. Responses talked about infrastructure, parks, landscaping, safety, and economics.

If I had a million dollars for my city I would

Gathering this information, our team reflected on how WSB can play a role. We have collaborated with different communities to support their needs for nearly 30 years. Throughout this time, we’ve found that in many cases, one of the largest barriers to completing projects is funding. We work with cities to find a way to get their infrastructure projects completed from start to finish.

Following the conference, it was interesting to reflect on the collective responses from each question.  While many cities share similar needs and thoughts, the scale and specifics vary greatly because of their unique characteristics, geography, and constructs.  

Bart Fischer has over two decades of experience in public administration. Throughout his tenure, he’s worked in five Minnesota communities as the city or assistant city administrator. Bart joined our firm in 2019 as a senior public administrator and focuses on lending his public service expertise to our clients.

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