"Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.”
- Robert Baden-Powell
Based in Sacramento, California, Civic NOW's team has decades of experience in city planning, public engagement, and government operations. We’ve worked inside city halls and alongside residents—translating regulations into plain language, guiding projects from concept to approval, and designing tools that make civic processes more accessible.
Our expertise spans zoning, permitting, sustainability, and equity-driven policy. Whether we’re leading entitlement reviews, crafting training materials for staff and stakeholders, or advising small businesses on how to thrive within local frameworks, our mission remains the same: empower people with the knowledge and support they need to shape their communities.
Experience
Experience leading policy changes, community visioning, changes to the General Plan and Zoning, review of community plans, and housing regulations and development. Extensive work with data analysis, regional plans, site surveys, and graphics and maps with AutoCAD and GIS systems.
Over twenty years in planning with experience dealing with General Plan and Zoning amendments, community and master plans, tentative maps, development agreements, use permits, design reviews, variances, telecommunication issues, nonconforming issues, environmental documentation/CEQA, settlement agreements, and annexations. Skills in customer support, code enforcement, front counter services, and land use research.
Managed staff, assigned tasks, and supervised departmental work, including project facilitation, budget management, and collaboration across groups with conflicting deadlines. Experienced in handling politically sensitive community projects with officials, developers, and citizens. Skilled in procurement, proposal preparation, RFP and SOQ review, and marketing.
Projects
Staffing
In-person staffing for San Mateo, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, Stockton, American Canyon, Concord, Manteca, Napa, Roseville, Signal Hill, Yuba, and Sacramento County.
Provided remote help for Lincoln, Suisun, Antioch, Westminster, and Benicia.
Background in current and long-range planning activities for the public and private side.
Skill with processing General Plan and Zoning amendments, community and master plans, tentative maps, development agreements, use permits, design reviews, variances, telecommunication issues, nonconforming issues, environmental documentation/CEQA, settlement agreements, and annexations.
Housing
Housing Element updates for Stockton, Lincoln, Woodland, and American Canyon cities.
Helped create a Housing and Neighborhood Action Plan that implemented various policies to encourage public-private partnerships, public collaboration, funding, and infrastructure needs. Items can be downloaded from the Stockton Housing Action Plan.
Work to secure the California housing designation of “Prohousing” for the City of Stockton.
Managed 2 million dollars in state grant money for various efforts that encouraged the production of more housing units.
Conducted needs assessment for disadvantaged communities. Work includes community outreach, market studies, and the creation of action items tailored to neighborhood reinvestment.
Aided in the review of the Housing Consolidation Plan review, various homeless initiatives, funding allocation and spending (i.e., CDBG, HOME), grant submittals,
Conducted annual reviews and reported to the state.
Visions and Long-Range Planning
Managed a comprehensive overhaul of the Development Code and Design Guidelines.
Processed many large code and map amendment efforts consisting of thousands of property owners and hundreds of zoning code changes.
General Plan Updates for Stockton include annual progress reporting and coordination with state agencies and consultants on policy implementation.
Helped prepare and review master plans for various plans in the Sacramento and Stockton regions.
Managed and assisted in annexing over 1 square mile of new land into the City of Stockton. Also managed the Municipal Service Reviews, Sphere of Influence Update, and amendments.
Work to facilitate master plan development in Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, and Stockton.
Experience in dealing with development and settlement agreements.
Chaired the San Joaquin Council of Governments Habitat Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC)
Proposal writing, budget creation, and cannabis regulation amendments.
Infrastructure and Funding
Conducted infrastructure deficiency studies and explored leveraging funding to speed up redevelopment.
Explored the funding gap for housing projects in disadvantaged communities.
Helped implement various capital improvement projects (CIP).
Helped in many grant submittals for funding of needed infrastructure.
Updates to the Traffic Impact Analysis guidelines to reflect Vehicle Miles Traveled.
Data Analysis and Mapping
Proficient in AutoCAD and GIS mapping software systems.
Conducted land use projections, constraints maps, data management, map creation, holding capacity analysis, parcel surveys, GIS/AutoCAD integration, and public workshop presentations. Preparation of housing condition surveys for Woodland, Lincoln, Lathrop, American Canyon, Wasco, and Weed.
Conducted land use assessments to find vacant and underutilized land. Based on updated legislation, this included vacant buildings for potential residential reuse and potential industrial warehouse locations.
Customer Support
Experience resolving conflicts for unhappy applicants, residents, developers, and elected officials.
Experience in dealing with contentious project reviews.
Training in public outreach techniques.
Management/Training
Current and long-range planning, including project and contract supervision.
City Planning Mentor (PLAN Sac Valley Mentoring Program)
Youth sports coach.
FAQs
What is a City Planner? A city planner is a professional who works to design and oversee the development of urban areas. They collaborate with architects, engineers, elected officials, and community members to create plans that manage land use, zoning, transportation systems, public spaces, and infrastructure. City planners aim to solve complex community problems, enhance the quality of life for residents, and ensure sustainable growth by balancing economic, social, and environmental needs. Whether it involves residential projects, commercial developments, or public facilities, city planners play a crucial role in shaping the future of our cities and communities.
What does a City Planner do? A city planner’s duties encompass a wide range of activities to foster organized and beneficial urban growth. They handle designing, implementing, and managing urban development projects. This includes strategizing land use, zoning regulations, transportation systems, public spaces, and infrastructure. They engage with architects, engineers, elected officials, and community members to devise comprehensive plans that cater to economic, social, and environmental needs. By addressing complex community issues, enhancing residents' quality of life, and promoting sustainable development, city planners ensure that urban areas are well-prepared for future growth and challenges.
How do City Planners help Communities? City planners are essential in nurturing and supporting communities by fostering organized and beneficial urban growth. They design and manage urban development projects, strategize land use and zoning regulations, and develop transportation systems and public spaces. Through engagement with community members and collaboration with various professionals, city planners address complex issues, enhance the quality of life for residents, and promote sustainable development. Their work ensures that urban areas are prepared for future growth and challenges, creating vibrant, resilient communities.
How do City Planners help Businesses? City planners support businesses by creating environments conducive to economic growth and vitality. Through strategic land use planning and zoning regulations, they ensure that commercial areas are well-organized and accessible. Planners develop transportation networks that facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services, enhancing business operations. They also design infrastructure projects that support business needs, such as reliable water supply, waste management, and energy systems. By fostering vibrant commercial districts and promoting sustainable practices, city planners help businesses thrive while contributing to the community's overall health and prosperity.
What are the ways Planners can help Residents?
Enhancing the quality of life by designing public spaces and recreational areas
Ensuring balanced land use and zoning for residential, commercial, and public purposes
Developing efficient and sustainable transportation systems
Managing infrastructure projects like water supply and waste management
Addressing environmental concerns and promoting green spaces
Facilitating community engagement and incorporating resident feedback into planning
Providing guidance on residential projects and compliance with zoning regulations
Assisting with permits and approvals for home additions and modifications
What are the benefits of hiring a private consultant? Private consultants offer specialized expertise tailored to your unique needs. They often provide flexible solutions, personalized attention, and innovative strategies that can be more efficient and effective than generalized approaches. Their independence allows them to prioritize your goals without being influenced by external organizational policies.
How does a private consultant ensure success? Private consultants typically start with a detailed analysis of your specific challenges and objectives. They offer customized plans, leveraging their industry knowledge and experience to deliver optimal results. Their focus on measurable outcomes ensures accountability and success.
Are private consultants cost-effective? While private consultants may seem more expensive upfront, their efficiency and targeted solutions often save you time and resources in the long run. Their ability to address issues quickly and effectively helps avoid costly mistakes and delays.
What type of projects are best suited for private consultants? Private consultants excel in complex or specialized projects that require focused expertise, such as strategic planning, organizational restructuring, market analysis, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Their adaptability makes them a great choice for situations that demand creative or non-standard approaches.
How do I choose the right private consultant? Look for consultants with proven experience in your industry, strong references, and a clear understanding of your goals. An effective consultant will communicate openly, demonstrate reliability, and work collaboratively to achieve results.
What is Civic NOW? A company comprised of seasoned city planners who have worked with architects, lawyers, engineers, elected officials, developers, business owners, and residents to solve complex community problems. Civic NOW is a low-cost solution to understanding city processes that will help you cut through the bureaucracy and empower you to achieve your goal. Whether it be working on your home, opening a business, or understanding development in your community.