The Intangible Values of Master Planning

By Jolene Rieck, Director of Landscape Architecture, WSB

The author of The Art of War, Sun Tzu, is quoted as saying, “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” The quote originated in the 6th century BC, but the wisdom can be applied to many modern endeavors. It is easy to dismiss the need for planning because the outcome of a plan usually lacks a tangible outcome. But even in today’s materialistic society, leaders who take the time to plan before execution will achieve their goals faster and with the clarity that your team and constituents deserve. The following five reasons are why you should invest in master planning:

Engagement. Planning is a collaborative way to engage and connect with your constituents. People create a sense of ownership and pride when genuinely asked about their opinions. Invite diverse perspectives to the table, including those who may not be in favor of your goal. By eliminating the curtain on “the government,” or “the (faceless) man,” and interacting with your constituency, you create social entrepreneurs who will become your most effective advocates.
Momentum. Dreaming of “what can be” is energizing and uplifting. Appreciative planning starts from a strengths-based perspective of focusing on things that are going right and using that momentum as a springboard to your desired future state. A well-facilitated planning process can get you past the airing of the grievances and focus on what you really need: a shared vision of what good looks like and a roadmap to get there.
Vision. If you can visualize it, you can achieve it. Spend time defining the purpose and desired outcomes. Often people have a gut instinct of what they want or is needed but fall short it being able to articulate that feeling to others. A professional planner listens to all the feedback, eliminates the noise, focuses on the key themes, and clarifies the need. The vision is often expressed in words and imagery — the simpler the better.

_{A hand sketch provided a vision for a new entryway bridge in Bozeman, Montana. The aesthetic won a local award for design.}
Accountability. An outcome from planning is that it creates an expectation — a promise to deliver. Continued momentum and credibility are outcomes of a successful plan. Failure to deliver contributes to apathy. A vision that is realistic and achievable creates a sense of shared purpose that empowers people. A plan that includes tactical objectives creates accountability for people, policies, and processes. Include measurements of success or key performance indicators (KPIs) to track implementation.
Growth from Experience. Use the master plan as the litmus to identify blind spots and learn from them. Reserve the right as the gatekeeper to course-correct the plan when unexpected influences appear but use professional judgment when deciding on the power of the influence. Spend time at the conclusion of the planning process to review and note what went well. Finally, celebrate early and often the accomplishments that are tied to the plan. This demonstrates the intangible value in the time and funding spent to create the plan.

American Legion Park, Hamilton, Montana was able to quickly move from concept to built product based upon a shared vision developed from a master plan process. The park is now the focal point of several community events and increased pride and continued momentum in the revitalization of their downtown.

Jolene brings 22 years of experience practicing landscape architecture and planning to the WSB team. She is focused on helping empower clients to advance their economic competitiveness, inspire creative placemaking and implement smart infrastructure to improve quality of life. She helps build business while providing leadership to WSB’s growing landscape architecture team.

[email protected] | 612.201.7193

$1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Will Provide Big Boost to Community Projects

By Monica Heil, Vice President of Municipal Services, WSB

On Monday, November 16, President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act into law. This $1.2 trillion package, which includes $550 billion in new federal spending over the next five years, gives local and state governments significant opportunities to fund infrastructure improvements over the next several years.

What’s in the Bill?

For communities and states eyeing dollars for projects, here are some highlights of what is included in the bill:

$110 billion for roads and bridges
$39 billion for public transportation
$66 billion for railways
$73 billion for power grid upgrades
$7.5 billion for EV charging stations
$50 billion to address cybersecurity and to fight the effects of climate change, including dollars for flood mitigation and drought preparedness
$55 billion for clean drinking water, water and wastewater infrastructure including replacing lead pipes and addressing chemicals
$1 billion to reconnect communities that have been divided by past infrastructure projects
$11 billion for transportation safety

What is the Timeline?

States and communities across the nation have a laundry list of projects and priorities that they are hoping can be funded by this legislation. But what comes next, and when can local and state governments expect to see funding?

Federal money will be allocated through a variety of programs, mostly run by the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as a handful of other federal agencies. There are two ways that most of the funding will then be disbursed to states – either annually through a formula or through a competitive grant program.

For the competitive grants, timing is unclear at this point as the Department of Transportation will have to set the criteria, then solicit and review applications from state and local governments before announcing the awards. This process could take several months.

For formula funding, dollars may begin to go out as soon as in the next few weeks and are expected to be distributed over the next six months. Funding that goes into existing federal programs with formulas already in place, as well as certain more basic projects like resurfacing, improving roadways, bridges, and transit, are expected to see dollars faster than more complicated capital projects or ones that require new rulemaking.

What’s Next?

Communities can begin preparing now to tap into funding for infrastructure improvements and take advantage of new spending.

One thing to note is that once dollars are allocated to states from the federal government, they will have quite a bit of flexibility on how those dollars are spent. Many state departments of transportation have funding priority lists, and in some states, legislatures or other local entities may try to earmark projects.

At WSB, we help many clients tap into grant funding, and have resources from the community level to planning to design and construction. For local communities vying for community projects – whether it’s road construction, transit, wastewater, clean energy projects, etc., it’s critical to ensure you have as much information as possible prepared and stakeholder support so you can apply for grant-based funding quickly when parameters and deadlines are announced. This will help put your project in a strong position.

What’s clear is that this $1.2 trillion package will catapult many essential and innovative projects forward, positively impacting local communities, residents, and businesses, promoting clean water and energy investment, and making critically needed improvements to our nation’s infrastructure.

Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) – San Antonio Region Announces Christie Saenz as Chapter President

The Women’s Transportation Seminar – San Antonio Region (WTS-SAR) recently announced that Christie Saenz, WSB Senior Right of Way Specialist, will serve as President for their Executive Board beginning in January of 2022.

Saenz is an active member of WTS-SAR. Since joining in 2015, she has served in a number of leadership roles including Membership co-chair, Transportation YOU co-chair, Scholarship co-chair, co-Treasurer, and Treasurer. She also served as President-Elect for the 2021-chapter year.

“I am incredibly honored to be the next President of the WTS-SAR’s Executive Board. It is a privilege to work with an organization that elevates and supports women in our industry, as well as works to support our vibrant San Antonio region,” said Saenz. “I am thankful for this opportunity and for the wonderful people working in transportation, government, sustainability, and economic development that are part of our amazing organization.”

Saenz brings over 25 years of real estate experience to the table, having a diverse background working with both government agencies and various engineering firms.

Women’s Transportation Seminar was founded in 1977 by a group of pioneering women in transportation that realized women’s careers would benefit from professional development, encouragement, and recognition to support their advancement in transportation professions. Through its professional activities, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry and government leaders, WTS is turning the glass ceiling into a career portal. You can learn more about the organization at wtsinternational.org.

James Lowe Joins WSB as Director of Municipal Services – Texas

Lowe will focus on identifying key clients and pursuits with Texas municipal clients.

Design and consulting firm WSB announced today that James Lowe joined the organization as its new director of municipal services. Lowe joins the firm’s Austin office where he will lead WSB’s expansion of municipal services across Texas.

Lowe has over 20 years of experience with environmental and municipal services. In his new role, he will develop strategies to elevate and grow clients, pursue key municipal projects, and hire talent in regions and municipalities across Texas with significant growth opportunities. He will also serve as a technical resource for Transportation Planning and NEPA/Environmental pursuits and projects.

“James’ experience will be vital to our growth in Texas,” said WSB vice president of Texas operations Jay Kennedy. “He is well-known for his municipal experience throughout the central Texas region, and we are eager for him to lead and help grow WSB’s footprint across the state and country.”

Prior to joining WSB, Lowe was the division manager and Texas NEPA group manager/Austin office manager for Atkins North America. Throughout his career, he has held multiple environmental roles in the state of Texas, providing oversight, conducting environmental studies, and servings as project director on a variety of projects. He also led business development activities and proposal development.

“I’m excited to join WSB at this time in their growth story,” said Lowe. “There are a lot of opportunities for us to proactively support our clients, and I am ready to jump in to help meet their infrastructure needs.”

WSB expanded operations into Texas in 2017. Over the last four years, the firm has worked closely with clients to provide engineering, planning, environmental, and construction services throughout the state to both the public and private sectors. Lowe’s strategic hire adds to WSB’s momentum in the state and will help to grow client and partner relationships to support their infrastructure needs.

WSB Receives International Award for Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River Digital Delivery Project

WSB was recognized by Bentley Systems, a software company used by the architecture, engineering and construction industry around the world.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they were internationally recognized for their work on the Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project. The project was the first in the state to be delivered to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) through paperless plans. WSB was selected by Bentley Systems as a Founder’s Honoree at the 2021 Year in Infrastructure (YII) and Going Digital Awards.

“To be recognized as not only a national leader, but a global leader in our space, is a tremendous honor,” said Bret Weiss, President and CEO of WSB. “We are proud of how our staff have embraced the push into technology and advanced solutions. We made a commitment to be a leader in our industry and this international award is a testament to our collective commitment to that goal.”

Bentley Systems is a software development company that supports the professional needs of those responsible for creating and managing the world’s infrastructure, including roadways, bridges, airports, skyscrapers, and industrial and power plants, as well as utility networks.

“The TH 169 project in Elk River is the pattern that I hope will get repeated throughout the United States,” said Keith Bentley, founder and chief technology officer of Bentley Systems.

The Founder’s Honoree award recognizes special projects, individuals or organizations that have set the precedent for infrastructure projects going digital, for environmental / social achievements or advancing the infrastructure profession. The YII is a global event, hosted by Bentley, for executives and practitioners in the world of infrastructure design, construction and operations, who are focused on best practices in technologies for going digital.

“We are proud of this award and look forward to continuing to advance our project delivery now and in the future,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s COO. “We will keep moving forward and we’ll continue to drive fast in our industry to set the bar when it comes to technology and supporting our clients and partners with cutting-edge solutions.”

The Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project will redesign and reconstruct three miles of Highway 169 to a new freeway system through Elk River. WSB is responsible for delivering the final design. The project is a partnership project with MnDOT, the city of Elk River and Sherburne County.

St. Paul Park GAC Treatment Plant receives APWA-MN Honorable Mention for Project of the Year

The St. Paul Park water treatment facility recently received an honorable mention for this year’s 2021 Minnesota Chapter APWA Project of the Year Award. The APWA Awards program recognizes excellence in public works.

The Granular Activated Carbon Water Treatment Plant was constructed to support public health by bringing cleaner drinking water to residents and businesses within the St. Paul Park community. The implementation of the plant has improved water quality and reduced the impact of harmful contaminants on community residents. To support the city’s vision for providing a sustainable solution, WSB performed services for design, bidding and construction administration and observation.

WSB is honored to partner with the city of St. Paul Park and Magney Construction on a project that has positively impacted the community of St. Paul Park.

WSB Director of Operations Chris Petree receives Hugo G. Erickson Award by the American Public Works Association – Minnesota Chapter

Chris Petree, WSB’s Director of Operations, was awarded the Hugo G. Erickson Award from the American Public Works Association – Minnesota Chapter (APWA-MN) on November 18, 2021, at the organization’s Annual Fall Conference.

The Hugo G. Erickson Award is presented to an individual who has provided years of superior service to the chapter, as well as assisted in furthering the chapter’s successful operation and goals. Petree has been involved in APWA-MN since 2000 and has served on many committees throughout his tenure, most notably serving as APWA-MN Chapter President in 2017. He is also the current Chapter Delegate.

In addition to this recent achievement, Petree is also the 2021 recipient of the American Public Works Association National Harry S. Swearingen Award for Outstanding Chapter Achievement and Excellence in Chapter service.

“I am honored and humbled by such a prestigious honor,” said Petree. “APWA-MN has played a vital role in shaping my career and I am so proud to be part of an organization committed to the public works profession. To be recognized by my peers and colleagues is truly special and I’m grateful that I serve alongside some of our industry’s best and brightest.”

WSB CEO Bret Weiss Elected to Lead the Minnesota Chamber Board of Directors as its 2021-22 Chair

Bret Weiss, president and CEO of WSB, was elected by the Minnesota Chamber to lead their Board of Directors as their 2021-22 Chair. The announcement was made official Nov. 18 at the Minnesota Chamber’s 2021 Economic Summit at the Omni Vikings Lake Hotel.

Weiss joined the Minnesota Chamber in 2010 to broaden WSB’s reach in the business community. Since, then he’s been heavily involved in the Chamber’s programs. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2017 and has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2019. He has also played an instrumental role in the Chamber’s Leadership Minnesota and Leaders Lab programs.

“The Chamber is a powerful connection point for Minnesota’s business community,” said Weiss. “We have a singular focus on improving the business environment to allow all businesses to be successful. My priorities over the next year are to work with our Board to grow opportunities for all employers, employees and entrepreneurs. We will concentrate on building connections across all businesses to enhance the impact we can have on Minnesota communities. I am honored to represent the business community and the Chamber as Board Chair.”

The Minnesota Chamber is a statewide organization representing more than 6,300 businesses of all types and sizes – and more than a half a million employers – through Minnesota. The Board is volunteer-based and represents businesses of all types and sizes across Minnesota. Weiss credits the Chamber for helping him think differently about business and strengthening WSB’s connections with the business community outside of the AEC industry.

WSB Named Finalist for 2021 Tekne Awards

WSB was recently named a finalist for the 2021 MN Tekne Awards in the Digital Transformation category. The Tekne Awards are presented by the Minnesota Technology Association each year to shine a spotlight on Minnesota’s science and technology community by honoring innovation across numerous industries.

WSB nominated TH 169: Redefine Elk River. The Minnesota Department (MnDOT) received special funding to convert Highway 169 from the Mississippi River to 197^th Avenue into a freeway system through the City of Elk River. WSB was contracted to provide the final design for the project, which included converting four, at-grade traffic intersections into interchanges and modified highway access. The design needed to be iterative and flexible, and we needed to provide real time quantities to stay on budget.

In October 2021, the WSB team delivered the first set of fully digital paperless design plans to MnDOT. Historically, the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry has been paper-heavy with many DOTs across the nation still requiring traditional plans. The transition to paperless is impacting the entire AEC industry, including DOTs, general contractors, and civil engineers.

The Tekne Awards Gala was held virtually in mid-November, drawing in the state’s most influential business, educational, and government leaders to celebrate the state’s science and technology-based economy. WSB is honored to be named a finalist in one of 13 categories that span a wide range of leading-edge technologies. The awards were chosen based on business impact, innovation, outcomes and judge discretion.

Q&A | Kyle Klasen

Kyle Klasen is the Director of Survey at WSB. In his role, Kyle oversees our survey staff nationwide, advances a visionary approach to industry practices and improves the efficiency and value of projects. Kyle’s innovative spirit and client-focused approach is admired by partners and staff. In this Q&A, Kyle reflects on his time at WSB and what the future of the surveying industry looks like.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LEADING WSB’S SURVEY TEAM?

My favorite part of leading the survey team is collaborating with everyone. Our team has a strong work ethic and are extremely dedicated to both WSB and the infrastructure industry. I enjoy being surrounded by motivated individuals who strive for new ideas and have ambition to do more.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR TEAM MOTIVATED?

I am excited and passionate about the work we do, and I want that excitement to come across to my team. A lot of our staff are motivated by delivering projects. They start a project when there is nothing there, and by the end of the year, they are able to see all that was accomplished by building and surveying. There is a certain satisfaction in seeing a highway, a road, or whatever it might be, from beginning to end.

WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT SURVEYING AT WSB?

I’d like people to know about the diversity and scope of the work that our team performs. We may be known for our construction abilities, but we do so much more. We have a large presence in the renewable realm on wind and solar projects, we work in the oil and gas industries, and we also do a lot of large-scale boundary work. We are also larger than our Minnesota staff. We have built a solid survey team in Colorado and are working on adding a survey team in Texas in the near future.

WHAT MAKES OUR SURVEY SERVICES UNIQUE?

Our surveying team stand out among our competitors because we are incredibly innovative and forward thinking. We focus on utilizing technology and are extremely advanced in our abilities to manage and operate cutting-edge software. We are leading the industry in our use of 3D models and are leading many firsts in our industry when it comes to the tools we use. Our collaboration and partnerships allow us to be more productive and efficient in the field, ultimately saving contractors and owners money.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WSB?

I like that everybody is always looking for new ways to solve our clients and contractors’ challenges. Creative and out-of-the-box thinking takes collaboration, and all our departments and functional groups work well together. We communicate and are willing to offer experience and solutions, even if it is outside our core functional group. At the end of the day, we have a team where every person is motivated, brings a positive attitude and collectively works together to deliver quality projects for our clients.

SURVEY IS A TOUGH JOB TO FILL. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TALENT?

A recent strategic hire told me the main reason they joined WSB was because of the longevity of our staff. You can’t make that up. That sells what it means to be part of the WSB team. They’ve seen companies with turnover after turnover, and it’s clear that WSB is different. We really care for our staff, while providing numerous opportunities for leadership and career advancement for those wanting to stay and help grow the company.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF THE SURVEY INDUSTRY LOOK LIKE?

We are going to see more and more of our processes become automated. We need to think differently and creatively on how we collaborate with contractors. The future of WSB surveying is about nurturing and preserving the client relationships that make our core market in Minnesota, while also fostering growth for our teams in Colorado, Texas, and around the country.

WHAT HAS MADE THE MOST IMPACT ON YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?

Early on in my WSB days, a client at Mathiowetz Construction, gave me a shot on a project. Our relationship has grown into an incredible partnership, and it opened my mind and eyes to what contractors are doing, what they need, and how they deliver a solid project. Trust and collaboration are key to achieving success. They changed my mind on how I think about construction. I attribute a lot of my career growth to that partnership and being given a chance to make an impact.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE MEMORIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

My most memorable moments were early on, as I was growing as a young land surveyor in a private company. I was fortunate to be working at WSB where they foster an environment of learning, problem solving and mentorship. I recall once finding myself in a particularly challenging situation where I couldn’t find a solution. Ron Bray, one of WSB’s founders, took the time to walk me through it and solve the problem. In retrospect, that situation not only taught me how to solve that problem, but also instilled me in me a desire to apply that same philosophy in managing my team. WSB encourages everyone to push boundaries, solve problems and work as a team to reach the end goal.