What is Planning Communities?
Planning Communities is a women-owned, certified B-Corporation dedicated to helping communities and organizations envision and build a regenerative, resilient future. Specializing in climate and resilience planning, parks and trail systems, and conservation strategies, this firm focuses on restoring ecosystems while connecting people to nature. At its core, Planning Communities embraces a systems-thinking approach, recognizing that everything is connected to everything else. Guided by B-Corp principles, it weaves together people, place, and planet through innovative planning games, tools, technologies, and GIS applications. Whether shaping climate strategies through decarbonization and green infrastructure or enhancing ecological health via conservation and connectivity, the work reflects a deep commitment to interconnectedness.
Main Benefits of Planning Communities’ Approach
What sets Planning Communities apart? Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its impact:
- Certified B-Corporation with a strong commitment to people, place, and planet
- Specializes in Climate Action Plans, Resilience Plans, and Coastal Community Protection
- Offers Regenerative Land Management and Wildlife Connectivity strategies
- Develops GIS Web Applications and innovative planning tools
- Focuses on Parks, Recreation & Trails to promote holistic community well-being
- Integrates emergency management and regenerative planning for community resilience
- Supports B-Corp partners in advancing climate leadership and regenerative values
Climate & Resilience Planning
Planning Communities dives deep into climate and resilience planning, crafting strategies that help communities adapt and thrive in the face of environmental challenges. From Climate Action Plans to Resilience Maturity Assessments, the firm’s work spans decarbonization, green infrastructure, and health & climate impacts. Coastal communities receive specialized protection and resilience plans, ensuring they’re prepared for hazards and changing conditions. This isn’t just about reacting to climate change — it’s about proactive, data-informed solutions that build long-term resilience and sustainability.
Conservation, Connectivity & Ecology
Conservation is more than just preserving land — it’s about reconnecting ecosystems and fostering biodiversity. Planning Communities develops regenerative land management strategies and ecosystem connectivity plans that promote wildlife corridors and habitat preservation. Urban conservation efforts help integrate green spaces within cities, while GIS tool development supports monitoring and planning. The goal? To create landscapes where nature and people coexist in balance, supporting ecological health and community vitality alike.
Parks, Recreation & Trails
Trails, parks, and recreation systems are vital to community well-being, and Planning Communities knows it. Their expertise in park planning and trail system design incorporates green infrastructure to enhance urban and rural spaces. Bike paths, walking trails, and recreational areas aren’t just amenities — they’re essential components of a healthy, connected community. By weaving these elements together, the firm helps create spaces that encourage outdoor activity, social connection, and environmental stewardship.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Integrating Technology and Social Impact
Beyond traditional planning, Planning Communities leverages technology like GIS and smart city concepts to enhance decision-making and community engagement. Their development of interactive planning games and web tools makes complex data accessible and actionable. This tech-savvy approach supports economic analysis and social impact assessments, ensuring that plans are equitable and inclusive. Plus, by aligning with renewable energy initiatives and EV infrastructure, the firm helps communities transition toward a sustainable future — one that’s not just smart, but truly regenerative.
