Economic Development

Unlocking Investment Potential

Every site has hidden economic potential. We work with clients to uncover opportunities through strategic land use planning, market analysis, and targeted infrastructure investments. Whether it’s transforming a disused waterfront into a bustling destination or enhancing an existing coastal town with new amenities, our development frameworks are designed to stimulate private investment and attract new business ventures.

Through thoughtful phasing strategies and flexible land plans, we create pathways for incremental growth that build momentum over time. This approach helps mitigate risk while opening up a range of partnership, leasing, and sales opportunities for developers, municipalities, and investors alike.

Creating Jobs and Business Opportunities

One of the fastest ways to build local support for a waterfront project is through job creation. Our planning incorporates job growth strategies directly into site layouts and program designs. Hospitality, retail, marine services, construction, maintenance, and recreational tourism all offer major employment opportunities within waterfront environments.

We also identify opportunities for small business incubation—like food kiosks, water sports rentals, or artisan markets—that give local entrepreneurs a stake in the success of the development. By providing spaces and structures that encourage entrepreneurship, we help keep economic benefits rooted in the local community.

Boosting Tourism and Visitor Spending

Tourism is often a major driver for waterfront economic development. Our projects are designed to maximize appeal to visitors by combining public access, hospitality offerings, retail experiences, and natural beauty. We also build in flexible event spaces that allow for festivals, regattas, farmers markets, and concerts—all of which draw visitors and create recurring spending opportunities.

Our team supports clients with tourism development planning that looks at seasonality, niche markets (such as eco-tourism or luxury travel), and destination branding strategies. The goal is not just to attract one-time visitors, but to build a loyal following that fuels sustained economic growth.

Public-Private Partnerships and Incentive Programs

Successful economic development often depends on collaboration between the public and private sectors. We help clients navigate opportunities for public-private partnerships (P3s), where municipalities invest in infrastructure, entitlements, or public spaces in exchange for private sector development and job creation.

We also assist in identifying and pursuing incentive programs, such as:

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
• Tourism Development District grants
• Historic preservation tax credits
• Opportunity Zone investments
• Infrastructure subsidies for sustainable development

Our expertise helps ensure that clients maximize the financial tools available to them, creating stronger projects with better bottom lines.

Long-Term Economic Resilience

We don’t just plan for the grand opening—we plan for 10, 20, or even 50 years down the line. Our economic development strategies incorporate flexibility, allowing developments to evolve with market trends and demographic changes. Whether it’s planning for future expansion, designing multi-use spaces, or integrating sustainability features that reduce operational costs, our goal is to ensure long-term viability and prosperity.