Planning + Economic Development

One Team. Many Disciplines.
Better Outcomes.

We Start As One And
Rally Around Your Goals

We Understand You And
Generate Custom Strategies

You Get Maximum Impact
From Solutions Built to Last

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Market

Local Government

Client

Town of Severance

Location

Severanace, CO

Planning is most effective when communities have trusted support at the right time. Our on-call services bring experienced planners and technical experts alongside local teams to help with everyday questions, complex reviews, and special project needs. As an extension of local staff, we provide practical guidance, clear communication, and steady coordination that help inform decisions, solve problems, and keep work moving.

Project Highlights

  • Planning for Residential, Commercial & Industrial

Services Provided

  • Development Reviews

Markets:

Next: Lamar Comprehensive Plan

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Market

Local Government

Client

City of Lamar

Location

Lamar, CO

A strong plan starts with a clear understanding of where a community has been and where it wants to go. We guide planning processes that listen first, define shared priorities, and translate ideas into a practical path forward. From comprehensive long-range plans to strategic initiatives, we connect community voices, data, and local context to create plans that are easy to understand and use – and help communities move from inspiration to action.

Project Highlights

  • Three Mile Plan (Long-range)
  • Cooperative Planning Intergovernmental Agreement
  • Housing Needs & Economic Snapshot
  • Zoning Code Audit
  • "Crossroads" Theme

Services Provided

  • Public Engagement at Community Events
  • Formation of Youth & Stakholders Committees
  • Bilingual Communications

Markets:

Next: Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan

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Market

Local Government

Client

City of Tampa

Location

Tampa, FL

Growth does not happen evenly. We focus on areas where change is occurring or expected, helping communities understand current conditions and plan for what comes next. By connecting local insight, data, and real-world context, we guide development, infrastructure, and investment with coordinated, actionable direction. The result is clearer decisions, aligned priorities, and growth that is shaped with intent, as with this award-winning plan.

Project Highlights

  • Award of Merit from Florida APA
  • Public Workshops
  • Online Surveys
  • Non-traditional Public Engagement
  • Focus on Housing & Economic Resilience
  • Multimodal Transportation
  • Open Spaces

Services Provided

  • GIS Mapping
  • Socioeconomic Analysis
  • Site Assessment
  • Asset Mapping
  • Community Engagement
  • Visioning

Markets:

Next: Castle Pines Economic Development Plan

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Market

Local Government

Client

City of Castle Pines

Location

Castle Pines, CO

Markets shift, and with them, opportunities. We help communities and organizations understand economic conditions, development trends, and market realities to identify where investment is viable and where challenges need to be addressed. By connecting data, local context, and real-world conditions, we translate market insights into practical strategies that guide decisions and support implementation.

Project Highlights

  • SWOT Analysis
  • Strategic Economic Development
  • Development Targets & Sector Recruitment
  • Commercial Branding & Positioning Strategy
  • Catalytic & Infill Development Opportunities
  • Economic Development Incentives

Services Provided

  • Community Engagement Plan
  • Citywide Economic Analysis
  • Economic Development Action Plan

Markets:

Next: Fort Lupton Housing Needs Assessment

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Market

Local Government

Client

City of Fort Lupton

Location

Fort Lupton, CO

Housing challenges are complex, but there are clear paths forward for supporting a thriving community. We connect data, policy, and real-world conditions to understand needs and define practical solutions. Our work moves beyond analysis to align funding, regulations, and community partners around implementable actions. The result is a coordinated approach that helps communities move from insight to action.

Project Highlights

  • Demographic/Economic/Household Trend Analysis
  • Housing Inventory/Tenure/Age Assessment
  • Ownership & Rental Market Analysis
  • Affordability Assessment
  • Housing Resources/Funding Evaluation
  • Implementation-ready Strategies
  • Senate Bill 24-174 Compliance

Services Provided

  • Housing Needs Assessment
  • 5-Year Housing Action Plan

Markets:

Next: Crescent City Downtown Plan

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Market

Local Government

Client

City of Crescent City

Location

Crescent City, FL

Downtowns and key districts are central to a community’s identity and long-term success. We work with public and private partners to understand what makes these places unique and how they can thrive. By connecting local insight, market opportunity, and placemaking strategies, we guide reinvestment, attract activity, and create vibrant, active places that support businesses and residents alike.

Project Highlights

  • Key Site Redevelopment Recommendations
  • Event & Lake Recreation Connections
  • Preservation of Old Town Charm

Services Provided

  • Community Assessment & Engagement
  • Vision & Branding
  • Redevelopment Plan
  • Policy Updates
  • Implementation Assistance

Markets:

Next: La Junta Brownfield Assessment Grant

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Market

Local Government

Client

City of La Junta

Location

La Junta, CO

Underutilized and environmentally impacted sites often present the greatest opportunity. We work with our environmental experts to help navigate assessment, funding, and redevelopment strategies to turn challenging sites into assets that support investment and long-term value.

Project Highlights

  • Visioning Concepts
  • Market Insights
  • Economic Pro Formas
  • Street Amenity Guide

Services Provided

  • Site Inventory and Prioritization
  • Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
  • Public Engagement

Markets:

Next: Business/Community Tech Assistance

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Market

Local Government

Client

East Central WI Regional Planning

Location

East Central WI

Moving from vision to implementation takes clarity and direction. We assess project feasibility, identify practical paths forward, and translate “What If” into “Here’s How.” By connecting ideas with real-world conditions, we help communities move forward with confidence and purpose.

Project Highlights

  • Berlin Market Square Revival Concept
  • New London Waterfront Alley Concept
  • Campbellsport Trailhead & Downtown Improvements
  • Shawano Marina Plan & Downtown Connections

Services Provided

  • Four Full-day Planning Workshops
  • Downtown Walk-abouts
  • Brainstorming Sessions
  • Sketch/Graphics Experts to Visualize Concepts

Markets:

Next: Wimauma Historic Preservation Plan

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Market

Local Government

Client

Hillsborough County

Location

Wimauma, FL

Plans only matter when they lead to action. We help communities prioritize next steps, identify funding opportunities, and move projects forward. By connecting implementation strategies with available resources, we translate ideas into real, measurable outcomes. The result is progress that is funded, coordinated, and built for lasting impact, such as in this project preserving cultural heritage at the Wimauma Memorial Cemetery.

Project Highlights

  • Research & Fieldwork
  • Indexed Photos & Videos Covering All Sections
  • Before & After Visualizations
  • Character-defining Features
  • Statement of Significance
  • Documentation of Site and Those Interred

Services Provided

  • Landmark Qualification Report
  • Draft Landmark Designation Report
  • Historical Structure Form
  • Landmark Designation by County Board

Markets:

Next: Severance On-Call Planning Services

“

I was astounded by how clearly the team truly SAW our community. It’s like they peered into the soul of our town and delivered a package that reflected our values and dreams. They truly know how to empathize, listen, and hear.

Tera Wick, Community Initiatives Facilitator,
Town of Ridgway, CO

”

Your challenges aren't one-size-fits-all.

See how we adapt for your market. Two employees at a project, smiling.
What grant and loan programs are available to help fund projects?
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The following programs offer grants and loans to finance a range of projects. Ayres has helped clients win approximately $300 million in funding through these sources:

Federal

Federal Emergency Management Agency

  • Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
  • Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

  • Planning Grants
  • Rural Energy for America Program
  • Water and Wastewater Program
  • Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

  • Section 154 Environmental Infrastructure Assistance

U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration

  • Public Works and Economic Development Program

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs Invasive Species Program

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

  • WaterSMART Program

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey

  • 3D Elevation Program

U.S. Department of Transportation

  • Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program: Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE)

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration

  • Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Brownfield Grants
  • Special Appropriations
  • EPA-319 Non-Point Pollution Control Stormwater Grants

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

  • Sport Fish Restoration Program

U.S. National Park Service

  • Land and Water Conservation Fund

Colorado

Colorado Hazardous Materials & Waste Management Division

  • Department of Public Health & Environment Colorado State Brownfields 1306 Program

Colorado Department of Local Affairs

  • Crime Prevention through Safer Streets Grant
  • Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) Grant
  • Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies Grant
  • Main Street Open for Business Grant
  • Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Program
  • Transformational Affordable Housing, Homeownership, and Workforce Housing Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation

  • Revitalizing Main Street Grant

Florida

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

  • Florida Boating Improvement Program

Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

  • Dam Safety Grants

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

  • Dam Removal Grant Program
  • Environmental Repair Fund
  • Green Space and Public Facilities Grant
  • Ready for Reuse Brownfield Grants
  • Targeted Runoff Management Grant
  • Urban Non-Point Source Construction Grant
  • Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Green Infrastructure Partnership Program
  • Municipal Flood Control Grant Program
  • Municipal Dam Grant Program
  • Urban Non-Point Source Stormwater Grant
  • Recreational Trails Act
  • Recreational Boating Facilities (Wisconsin Waterways Commission
  • Clean Water Fund Grant
  • Safe Drinking Water Grants
  • Brownfield Site Assessment Grants (SAG)
  • Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program – Acquisition and Development of Local Parks
  • Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program – Land and Water Conservation Fund & Recreational Trails Program

Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources

  • Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan Fund Closeout Program (CDBG-CLOSE)
  • Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities for Economic Development (CDBG-PFED)
  • CDBG Planning Grant Program (CDBG-PLNG)
  • CDBG Emergency Assistance Program (CDBG-EAP)
  • CDBG for Public Facilities (CDBG-PF)

Wisconsin Department of Administration

  • Wisconsin Coastal Management Program

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  • Harbor Assistance Program
  • Local Bridge Replacement Program
  • Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP)
  • Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP)
  • Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) Program
  • Municipal Street Discretionary Improvement Program (component of Local Roads Improvement Program)
  • Surface Transportation Program – Local (STP-L)
  • Surface Transportation Program – Urban (STP-U)
  • Transportation Alternatives Program – Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
  • Transportation Enhancement Grant or Transportation Economic Assistance Grant

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

  • Idle Sites Redevelopment Program
  • Community Development Investment Grant (CDI)
  • Wisconsin Site Assessment Grant (SAG)
  • Brownfields Grant (formerly Blight Elimination Brownfield Redevelopment (BEBR) Grant

Wisconsin Focus on Energy

  • Renewable Energy Incentives

Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation

  • Brownfield Site Assessment Matching Grant Program

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

  • Land Recycling Loan Program

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and EPA Great Lakes Repair Initiative

  • Clean Water Fund Loan Program
  • Safe Drinking Water Loan

Wyoming

Wyoming Business Council

  • Wyoming Community Development Block Grant for Economic Development

Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments

  • Wyoming Mineral Royalty Grant

Wyoming State Parks

  • Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program