The 10 Pillars of Thriving Communities: Our Blueprint for the Future

elk river urban planner minneapolis civil engineer minnesota land surveyor landscape architect drone operator
Our Urban Planning team (from L-R), Maryse, Kevin, Kendra, Zeke

Have you ever strolled through a city, captivated by its energy, community spirit, and endless possibilities? This is the art of urban planning, and at Landform, we don’t just believe in it – we live it. Our Planning and Urban Design Studio, led by Principal Planner Kendra Lindahl, AICP, sees cities as dynamic organisms, constantly evolving, and our mission is to nurture their growth.

What sets us apart? It’s our unwavering commitment to ten core principles that shape every project we undertake:

  1. Community Engagement: Your Voice Matters: We believe that the best ideas come from those who will be most affected by them. We actively involve local communities in every step of the planning process, ensuring their needs and voices are heard and have the power to shape the future of their city.
  2. Green Spaces: The Heart of a Community: Parks, gardens, and green corridors aren’t just aesthetic additions-they are green infrastructure. They clean the air, offer recreational opportunities, boost residents’ well-being, and provide spaces for the community to gather.
  3. Lifecycle Housing: A Place for Everyone: We work with our clients to provide opportunities for lifecycle housing choices to create inclusive communities where everyone has a place to call home.
  4. Smart Growth: Building Up, Not Out: Sprawling cities are a thing of the past. We focus on higher-density development, revitalizing existing areas, and utilizing brownfield sites to minimize environmental impact.
  5. The Power of Mixed-Use Development: Integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces creates vibrant communities. We champion this model, creating opportunities for neighborhoods where everything you need is within reach.
  6. Sustainability as a Cornerstone: We don’t just talk about sustainability; we live it. Our SensiblyGreen® approach means we weave sustainable practices into the fabric of our work by creating ordinances that encourage renewable energy integration to resource optimization. A city’s future depends on its ability to respect the environment, and we’re here to ensure that the future is bright.
  7. Resilience in the Face of Change: Our designs anticipate climate change and other potential disruptions. We create tools to ensure our clients build resilient infrastructure and communities that adapt and bounce back, which is more vital than ever.
  8. Economic Development: Engines of Prosperity: We create opportunities for economic growth and job creation through strategic land use plans and support for local businesses. Thriving economies are the heartbeat of prosperous cities.
  9. Connectivity and Accessibility: A City for Everyone: We design communities that are easy to navigate for all residents, including pedestrians, cyclists and individuals with disabilities. We build a connected city where everyone feels welcome.
  10. Graphics to Tell the Story:  We know that plans only work if they are understandable and implementable. We create maps, graphics and storyboards using the latest mapping and graphic tools to easily communicate information and ensure that the community’s vision is clear.

Ready to unlock your city’s full potential? Let Landform be your guide to a future that’s not just brighter but also more sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive. Together, we can transform your community into a place where everyone thrives.