“[Clarion] was very responsive to the often times shifting priorities during this code re-write and were also great at diagnosing the strengths and weaknesses of the old Code and assessing what was most needed.  They were always willing to share their concerns if they felt we were on the wrong track.  Since this project had a very significant public involvement component, the Clarion team was able to demonstrate great skill at facilitating meetings and focus groups, listening and extracting issues and addressing concerns.  Clarion also identified and incorporated innovative new policies to address ongoing issues like affordable housing and sustainability, and established trust and respect in working with the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.”

“The Clarion Team as a whole [is] probably the best consulting group we have worked with in recent memory.”

“In all, Clarion’s deliverable – a public hearing draft of the Unified Development Code – made approximately 1,000 changes to the existing ordinances (i.e., former code chapters on zoning, subdivision, signs, land preservation, and planning). The team stayed within budget and on schedule for those phases of the project that the consultant team had within its control.  Ultimately the City of Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission approved the ordinance unanimously, and the City Council followed suit with a unanimous approval.”

“[The Clarion Team] proved knowledgeable, evenhanded, and eminently professional in their approach to a complex assignment and a diverse, highly engaged community.  I daresay [Clarion] made zoning interesting.”

“Clarion Associates possesses an extremely deep and rich knowledge of land use, zoning, and regulatory issues. From our first interactions, the Clarion team has been an exemplary partner with City staff; our collaboration over the last four years has been the best experience I have had in my thirty-year career working with an outside consultant. The most valuable aspect of their consultancy was their deep appreciation for when and how to provide the professional advice of the consultant team, reflecting experience from many other cities and national standards and norms, while respecting Philadelphia’s traditions, context, and circumstances.”

“[Clarion] was able to connect with our community members during the process. The process was well-thought out and the public was engaged at all times. Clarion demonstrated flexibility to revise the code based on feedback, or if not, to clearly explain why the code shouldn’t be revised.  The result is a Unified Development Ordinance which is embraced by the community as it reflects the community’s values.”

“Clarion impressed us with their ability to effectively facilitate the public participation process. Whether a large public meeting, a small work session with key stakeholders, or a city council meeting, Clarion proved to be a master at presenting complex information, soliciting feedback, and providing expert guidance. Finally, we found the staff at Clarion to be a genuine joy to work with. They shared our excitement about working to improve Duluth’s zoning code. In all of our interactions, they were professional, responsive, helpful, and friendly. In working with them, we as City staff felt like we learned so much; it became an educational experience as well.”