Manitou Springs, Colorado

Clarion Associates, in partnership with Acclivity Associates, led a multidisciplinary team on a hallmark project for the City of Manitou Springs; its first comprehensive master plan with a unique approach for integrating natural hazards planning into the long-range planning process. The process was spurred by events, such as the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 and significant flooding in 2013, the City’s lack of a comprehensive policy plan and Future Land Use Plan, and the need to identify priorities and establish a plan for action. Though a robust community process, the Clarion team helped translate the community’s vision for the future into specific policies and strategies that reduce risk and increase resiliency in the face of future disaster events. The Clarion team worked in partnership with City staff, elected and appointed officials, a Citizens Advisory

Committee, a team of Hazard Mitigation experts, and the community at large to explore issues and opportunities; assess risks associated with the City’s unique context and natural environment; explore mitigation capabilities; confirm and refine the community’s vision and goals, and identify priorities for implementation. Subject matter experts from Economic and Planning Systems (housing and economic development), Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig (transportation and mobility), Icon Engineering (infrastructure and flood mitigation), and Urban Interactive Studio (online engagement tools) provided targeted input on key elements of the plan. The plan was awarded a Merit Award for Community Resiliency by APA Colorado.