05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Staffing Solutions Policy Planning `- M-Group planners have the ability _ The planners at M-Group have © � to get to work from day one • • . real world experience crafting and l helping cities plan for the future. ; t_ • implementing General Plans, Zoning ±IP We are able to provide both iv Codes, Design Guidelines, Area - short and long term staff to assist Plans and Precise Plans that help with peak workloads and fill in for vacancies. Staffing communities achieve their goals. solutions vary widely by city, and includes: counter duty, General Plan updates are a major opportunity for a City processing small projects, project management for large and its community to shape policy direction in a way that projects,executing special projects,performing research, is visionary and implementable. Our approach is one of and writing staff reports, resolutions and ordinances. listening,educating,and translating the hopes and dreams We understand the importance of communication and of the community into cohesive policy direction. collaboration within the City. M-Group strives to build In the current Housing Element cycle (2009-2014), strong relationships both within the cities we work with M-Group completed or managed ten (10) Housing and within the communities they serve. Elements throughout the Bay Area. This planning effort M-Group has processed entitlements and managed the encompassed nearly 15,000 housing units. environmental review process for significant projects We emphasize local knowledge and technical expertise in in numerous communities throughout the Bay Area. undertaking successful comprehensive zoning ordinance We are capable of organizing and managing resources updates. A zoning ordinance must reflect community to complete a quality project within a defined scope, vision—the unique goals, values and special conditions of under time and cost constraints. We focus on optimizing each City, and implement the General Plan. resources to achieve project goals, and we seek to create We strive to be forward thinking, utilize what works, and consensus and add value. create sustainable cities. At the end of the process we M-Group is well suited to provide independent design want a "living document" that citizens can identify with review on a range of projects. Our breadth of experience and understand, and which proves useful in the day-to- in multiple disciplines and our history of working closely day operations of the City. We work with staff, decision with cities are key to our ability to assess good design in makers, and the community to engage in a collaborative architecture, urban design and public space. planning effort throughout the policy planning process. Sustainability Services Urban Design We work hard to make our D r Urban Design and Specific Plans communities sustainable. � 0 DD'9y9 are important components of our M-Group staff has experience y 41111107�j�yDmi practice. managing complex environmental ' We have firm knowledge of " analyses for large-scale projects. contemporary urban planning We are able to identify and anticipate relevant issues early methods, which emphasize pedestrian and transit on in the project, work with environmental consultants, oriented development patterns that support the natural and manage the Environmental Impact Report process environment, while also recognizing the economic, social from beginning to the end. and cultural needs of the community. Our background in We also conduct environmental review for projects, community design, mixed-use development regulations, including categorically exempt projects, Initial Studies and urban infill strategies has demonstrated the great and Mitigated Negative Declarations and EIRs. We potential for development oriented to transit. have completed numerous CEQA documents for both Our extensive and in-depth knowledge of design guidelines private and public projects from infill housing projects to and experience in design review services allow us to pedestrian bridges and Housing Elements. create compelling urban desigr plans and documents. We M-Group also has staff with a high level of expertise in recognize that design standards and guidelines need to Historic Preservation, ranging from individual project be able to clarify intent, so we utilize innovative graphic analysis to area-wide policy formulation. techniques that are descriptive and informative. We apply our urban design skills to the full range of projects we work on, resulting in attention to detail and design that creates quality places.