Community

Making Visual Content Accessible: Alt Text and Descriptive Media

By: Chhavi Dhingra, Public Engagement Senior Manager, WSB

Part 3 of our series, Digital Accessibility in Practice: Moving Beyond Compliance.

The U.S. Department of Justice has extended compliance deadlines for digital accessibility under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public entities serving populations of 50,000 or more now have until April 26, 2027 to comply, while smaller entities and special districts have until April 26, 2028. The technical standard remains WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web and mobile content.  

These extended timelines create space to strengthen workflows and build accessibility into everyday work. One of the most common gaps—and a key place to start—is alt text. Alt text is consistently one of the most common issues identified in accessibility audits. Missing or weak alt text often signals that accessibility has not yet been fully integrated into content workflows.  

At its core, alt text is a short written description that ensures the meaning of an image isn’t lost. Screen readers rely on it to convey what visuals communicate. At its simplest, it answers one question: If someone couldn’t see this image, what would they need to know? 

Common Alt Text Mistakes (We’ve All Made Them!)

Alt text often falls short  not because people don’t care, but because expectations vary. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to address them:   

1. Missing alt text

• This is still one of the most widespread accessibility problems. If there’s no alt text at all, screen reader users get nothing.  
• Suggestion: If an image conveys information, it needs alt text—every time. 

2. Too vague

• Alt text like “image,” “graphic,” or “map” doesn’t help anyone understand what’s being shown. 
• Suggestion: Be specific about what the image is communicating, not just what it is. 

3. Too much—or too little detail

• Trying to describe every detail can overwhelm users, while one‑word descriptions don’t provide enough context. 
• Suggestion: Focus on the key message. If the image is complex, provide a brief alt text and include a longer description in the body text or use slightly more descriptive captions. 

4. Repeating nearby text

• Alt text shouldn’t simply restate a caption or nearby paragraph word for word. 
• Suggestion: Complement the surrounding text rather than duplicating it. 

5. Decorative images treated as content

• Not every image needs alt text. Decorative elements—background patterns, dividers, logos, dates repeating on every page, or purely aesthetic photos—can create unnecessary noise for screen reader users. 
• Suggestion: Mark decorative images as decorative so they’re skipped entirely. 

Writing Better Alt Text: Practical Examples

Alt text doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be clear, intentional, and useful. Here are some examples regularly seen as part of our work: 

1. Photos

• Less Effective: “People standing outside.”
• Better: “Community members gathered outside a project open house reviewing display boards.”

2. Icons

• Less Effective: “Envelope icon.”
• Better: “Email contact link.”
  Focus on function, not appearance.

3. Charts and graphs

• Less Effective: “Bar chart.”
• Better: “Bar chart showing transit ridership increasing from 2021 to 2024.”
  Share the takeaway, not every detail.

4. Maps

• Less Effective: “Map of project area.”
• Better: “Map showing the project corridor along I‑94 between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.”
  Focus on orientation—not every street. Add a short summary if needed.

Beyond Images: Descriptive Media Matters

Accessibility extends beyond visuals:

1. Video Captions

• Any video with spoken content should include captions. Captions help people with hearing disabilities, and they also help viewers watching in noisy rooms, quiet offices, or on mute. Moving forward, include captions so content remains accessible in any environment.

2. Transcripts

• Providing transcripts for videos, webinars, and audio recordings allows people to read content instead of listening. Transcripts are also searchable and easy to reference later.

3. Audio description

• When important visual information isn’t explained out loud in a video, audio descriptions may be needed. Even simple narration choices—like describing what’s happening on screen—can reduce barriers.

Putting It Into Practice

Most tools already support accessibility features like alt text. Keep descriptions concise (around 125 characters), and review auto-generated text for accuracy.

Before publishing, ask:

• Do meaningful images include alt text?
• Does it explain why the image is there?
• Are videos captioned or transcribed?
• Are decorative visuals marked correctly?

Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference—and help ensure accessibility is part of the process, not added later.

At WSB, our Public Engagement team is equipped to help draft alt text for all kinds of graphics, maps, and visual materials across different engineering disciplines. We regularly work with project teams to translate technical visuals into clear, accessible descriptions and support compliance as materials move toward publication. 

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Follow along our new series, Digital Accessibility in Practice: Moving Beyond Compliance as we explore practical steps to make digital spaces truly inclusive. Part 1 is available here. Part 2 is available here.

Powering Smarter Communities: Battery Storage is Transforming Local Energy Use

By Griffin Anderson, Director of Distributed Energy Resources, WSB

Across the country, communities are facing a new energy reality. Demand is rising, infrastructure is aging, cost is increasing and extreme weather events are testing grid reliability. Subsequently, cities, counties, and tribes are advancing clean energy goals, striving for energy independence and looking for practical ways to manage costs. 

Battery energy storage is emerging as a powerful, flexible tool to help communities do all three: optimize energy use, improve resilience, and create long-term value. 

What Is Battery Storage—and How Does It Work? 

A battery energy storage system (BESS) captures electrical energy in rechargeable batteries for future strategic use, allowing communities to store electricity when it’s abundant and use it when it’s needed most.  At a high level, the concept is simple: 

• Charge during low-demand periods (or when renewable generation like solar is producing excess energy)  

• Discharge during peak demand periods when electricity is more expensive or the grid is strained 

• Use intelligent controls to manage timing, performance, and integration with other infrastructure 

This approach, often called peak shaving or load shifting, helps reduce spikes in energy demand by supplying stored power instead of pulling from the grid at peak times. Because battery systems are modular and scalable, they can be deployed in a variety of ways, from supporting a single facility to powering critical infrastructure across an entire community.  

Why It Matters: The Benefits for Communities 

Battery storage is more than an energy solution; it’s a community infrastructure investment. When implemented strategically, it delivers measurable value across operations, finances, and resilience. 

1. Improved Reliability and Resilience 

Battery systems can provide backup power during outages, helping maintain operations at critical facilities like emergency operations centers, water treatment plants, and public safety buildings. 

In areas prone to outages or extreme weather, storage paired with local generation can support microgrids that operate independently from the larger grid—keeping essential services running when it matters most.  

2. Lower and More Predictable Energy Costs 

By reducing reliance on grid power during peak demand periods, communities can: 

• Lower peak demand charges 

• Avoid high peak-time energy rates 

• Stabilize long-term energy costs 

Battery systems essentially allow communities to control when they buy and use energy, improving budget predictability over time. 

3. More Efficient Use of Renewable Energy 

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind don’t always align with when energy is needed. Battery storage bridges that gap by: 

• Storing excess renewable generation 

• Delivering it when demand increases 

• Reducing curtailment and clipping 

This capability is critical to achieving sustainability goals without compromising reliability. BESS allows your solar assets to provide power when the sun is down. 

4. Economic and Community Development Benefits 

Battery storage projects can generate local value through: 

• Job creation and construction activity 

• Increased tax revenue 

• New revenue streams from participating in energy markets 

• Federal tax incentives, these programs allow cities and towns to significantly lower upfront capital expenses, increasing project economic feasibility.  

Communities can also use storage to buffer against energy price volatility and create more stable economic conditions for businesses and residents.  

5. Advancing Energy Equity and Sovereignty 

For tribal communities and underserved areas, battery storage, especially when integrated with microgrids, supports: 

• Energy independence and increased local control 

• Reduced reliance on vulnerable or distant grid infrastructure 

• Improved service in areas with frequent outages 

Microgrid and storage projects are increasingly seen as tools to support energy sovereignty and community resilience.  

How Communities Are Putting It into Action 

Across the U.S., communities are already leveraging battery storage to optimize energy systems: 

• Community resilience hubs use solar with storage to power critical services during outages 

• Municipal utilities deploy batteries to stabilize local grids and participate in energy markets 

• Tribal microgrids combine storage with renewable generation to deliver reliable local power 

• Implementation of measurable priorities in local climate, sustainability, and resiliency plans 

These projects aren’t just about technology, they represent a shift from passive energy consumption to active, community-driven energy management.  

What It Takes to Implement Battery Storage 

While the benefits are compelling, successful projects require thoughtful planning and coordination. Key considerations include: 

• Site selection and land use compatibility 

• Permitting, zoning, and safety standards 

• Grid interconnection and utility coordination 

• Funding, incentives, and financial modeling 

• Long-term operations and maintenance strategy 

As adoption grows, many communities are also developing policies and guidelines to ensure projects deliver public benefit while addressing safety and community concerns.  

How WSB Can Help 

WSB helps communities turn battery storage from concept into a practical, high-performing solution. 

• Plan with purpose: Identify the right use case, evaluate feasibility, and align projects with community goals and funding opportunities 

• Design with confidence: Develop systems that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure and meet safety and regulatory requirements 

• Complete Utility Interconnection Process: Create necessary drawings for utility review and discussion. Answer technical questions and take ownership of interconnection portal/procedure. Review utility studies and limit exposure to large interconnection upgrade costs. 

• Engineering Support: Serving as Engineer or Record or Owner Engineer to ensure proper design and installation of complete systems. Developing/reviewing drawings and performing construction administration gives communities confidence the systems are being installed with respect to all requirements, meeting the highest standards, operating as intended and on schedule. 

• Deliver and optimize: Support implementation, coordinate stakeholders, and ensure long-term performance 

Our approach is straightforward. Deliver solutions that improve reliability, manage costs, and create lasting value for your community. 

A Smarter Energy Future Starts at the Local Level 

Battery storage is changing how communities think about energy, not as a fixed cost, but as a resource that can be managed, optimized, and aligned with broader goals. For cities, counties, and tribes, the opportunity is clear: build a more resilient, efficient, and locally controlled energy future, one that supports your community today and adapts to tomorrow. 

Opportunity Crossing Receives Community Impact Award at 2026 ReScape Awards 

May 7, 2026

Opportunity Crossing has been recognized as the Large Project Winner for the Community Impact Award at the 2026 ReScape Awards presented by the Minnesota Brownfields. Located in Minneapolis, the project was honored for its positive impact on the community and its role in advancing meaningful development. 

This achievement reflects a strong partnership between WSB and our client, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), alongside a collaborative team that includes Landmark Environmental, the City of Minneapolis, the Metropolitan Council, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Winthrop & Weinstine, Hennepin County, and DEED. 

The award celebrates the collective effort behind Opportunity Crossing and highlights what can be accomplished through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to community impact. 

Resilient Communities Start with the Ground Beneath Them

April 7, 2026

By Shawn Poe, Director of Municipal Services, WSB

As communities recognize Earth Month, it’s a good time to reflect on how working with natural systems, rather than against them, can lead to more resilient, sustainable infrastructure. Understanding the ground beneath and around our roads, utilities, and public facilities is one of the most important steps in reducing risk and protecting the environment. 

Early insight into soil, groundwater, and site conditions helps communities make informed decisions before design and construction begin. Geotechnical and environmental evaluations identify challenges that could otherwise lead to premature failures, environmental damage, or costly change orders later in a project’s life. Addressing these conditions early supports both sustainability and fiscal responsibility. 

Stormwater management is another area where thoughtful planning has an outsized impact. Designing infrastructure that manages runoff effectively helps protect local waterways, reduce erosion, and comply with regulatory requirements. When stormwater systems are integrated into broader planning efforts, they contribute to healthier ecosystems and more resilient neighborhoods. 

Communities are also increasingly focused on reducing construction-related environmental impacts. Better site planning, informed material selection, and coordinated construction oversight can limit disturbance to surrounding areas and shorten construction timelines, benefiting residents, staff, and the environment alike. 

Finally, resilient infrastructure is essential as communities prepare for extreme weather and changing climate conditions as natural hazard events grow in frequency and intensity.  Cities and counties that use both thoughtful community engagement and hazard-specific data to understand their unique vulnerability and exposure are better prepared to protect critical assets while supporting public safety and environmental stewardship. 

At WSB, we help cities and counties reduce uncertainty by identifying risks early and addressing them before they affect project outcomes. Through integrated hazard mitigation planning, geotechnical, environmental, stormwater, and construction-phase support, we assist communities in navigating complex site conditions, regulatory requirements, and evolving climate challenges. Our teams focus on practical implementation, helping local governments move from planning to construction with fewer surprises, better coordination, and infrastructure that performs as intended for the long term. 

Building Accessibility into Everyday Practice

By: Chhavi Dhingra, Public Engagement Senior Manager, WSB

Part 2 of our series, Digital Accessibility in Practice: Moving Beyond Compliance, explores how accessibility works best when addressed in an upstream manner.

Document remediation using built-in accessibility checkers or more advanced tools such as CommonLook plays a key role in identifying issues and supporting quality control, particularly for legacy content. However, experience and broader trends indicate that accessibility is most effective when it is addressed from the outset. Accessibility should be viewed as a fundamental requirement in the creation and design process of digital content.

When accessibility considerations are integrated directly into native files the need for downstream remediation is significantly reduced. Native files include Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and Excel spreadsheets.

Moving beyond compliance means adopting consistent and recommended approaches at the point of content creation, including:

• Adding proper document titles and author information to its properties
• Using proper heading styles to establish a clear and logical structure
• Writing alternative text that conveys purpose and context, not just appearance
• Using descriptive link text instead of generic phrases or long/complex URLs (Uniform Resource Locators)
• Designing tables with simple layouts and clearly defined headers
• Introducing acronyms by spelling them out at least once
• Ensure meaning is not conveyed by color alone and is supported by text or symbols
• Maintaining sufficient contrast between text and background colors
• Confirming that content can be navigated using a keyboard
• Using plain, concise language wherever possible
• Using the ‘Check for Accessibility’ feature and manually checking reading order of documents

These practices by no means restrict creativity. In fact, they improve clarity, reduce ambiguity, and result in content that works more consistently across formats and platforms.

From Compliance to Capability

Digital accessibility becomes sustainable when it is treated as part of everyday work rather than a specialized or corrective task. This shift requires awareness, shared responsibility, and a willingness to revisit long-standing practices. Importantly, digital accessibility is not about achieving perfection; it is about intention, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Organizations that invest in accessibility as a practice often realize broader benefits, including clearer communication, stronger documentation, improved usability, and more consistent user experiences. Compliance may be one outcome, but the greater value lies in creating digital content that more people can reliably access and use.

At WSB, we are continuing to strengthen our accessibility practices by collaborating with partners and clients to integrate accessibility. Whether into document creation, remediation, or web content. As this continues to evolve, we look forward to sharing additional insights and lessons learned from applying accessibility in practice.

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Follow along our new series, Digital Accessibility in Practice: Moving Beyond Compliance as we explore practical steps to make digital spaces truly inclusive. Part 1 is available here.

Accessibility Gaps in Everyday Practice

Part 1 of the Digital Accessibility in Practice: Moving Beyond Compliance series features everyday practice to bridge the gap between compliance and accessibility.

Digital accessibility refers to the practice of designing digital content that can be accessed and used by people with a wide range of abilities. Digital content includes documents, websites, tools, and media. Those who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, captions, or voice recognition software need this accessibility. At its core, accessibility ensures that information is perceivable, understandable, and usable by as many people as possible.

The more one works with digital accessibility, it becomes clear that it is a thoughtful, nuanced, and continually evolving discipline. Shaping how information is created, structured, and shared. Embedding accessibility in how we communicate through digital media requires shifting focus. From meeting minimum standards to considering accessibility from the very beginning.

While tools such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and PDF software include robust accessibility features, they often go unutilized. Especially because those features are largely and rarely part of standard content-creation habits and are therefore easy to overlook.

Designing for Sighted Users Is Not Designing for Everyone

Several commonly used design choices often prioritize users who can visually interpret content and navigate with a mouse. Design choices include icons or emojis, color-coding information, splitting or merging tables. Moreover, enhanced layouts with complex graphics without a description in the body of text. What is less frequently considered is how this same content is experienced by someone using a screen reader, navigating exclusively by keyboard, or accessing content with low vision, color blindness, cognitive disabilities, or limited motor control.

Content that appears polished and visually engaging can still present significant challenges depending on how it is structured and navigated. Design choices that rely heavily on visual cues or mouse-based interaction may limit access for users who rely on assistive technologies. Common examples include:

• Images, charts, or icons without meaningful alternative (alt) text

• Headings that are visually styled but lack a logical structural hierarchy

• Tables that use merged or split cells, disrupting reading order

• Information conveyed through color alone, without supporting text or symbols

• Forms or interactive elements that cannot be completed using a keyboard alone

For individuals using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive tools, these factors directly influence whether content is understandable and usable.

Common structural and interaction barriers 

Beyond individual design elements, digital accessibility challenges also arise from how content is written, organized, presented and programmed. Frequently observed issues across digital platforms include:

• Dense language, long sentences, and unexplained technical or institutional jargon

• Poor color contrast affecting users with low vision or color blindness

• Inconsistent or illogical use of heading levels, disrupting navigation

• Improperly tagged graphics or diagrams created in design tools

• Lack of visible focus indicators to show where a user is on a page

• Tasks or time-based interactions that do not allow sufficient flexibility or adjustment

At WSB, our work to address accessibility for digital communications is already underway. We are supporting our partners and clients through document accessibility reviews, remediation, and guidance on building accessibility into everyday document and web content creation.

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Follow along our new series, Digital Accessibility in Practice: Moving Beyond Compliance as we explore practical steps to make digital spaces truly inclusive. Part 2 of this series will focus on practical ways organizations can address these challenges by embedding accessibility into everyday content creation and workflows.

How Right of Way Agents Drive Success

By Shelly Woodall, Sr Right of Way Specialist, WSB

City infrastructure projects, whether building new roads, expanding utilities, or creating public spaces, are complex undertakings. They require more than engineering and construction expertise; they demand strategic land management and strong community relationships. This is where Right of Way (ROW) agents step in as essential partners for municipalities.

ROW agents ensure that projects move forward smoothly, on time, and within budget by managing the critical processes that connect city plans to private property realities. Below, we explore the comprehensive services ROW agents provide and why they are indispensable for successful city projects.

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Relationship Development with Landowners

Every project begins with trust. ROW agents build and maintain positive relationships with property owners, fostering open communication and addressing concerns early. This proactive approach minimizes conflict and sets the stage for cooperative solutions.

Permitting

Permitting can be a maze of local, state, and federal requirements. ROW agents navigate this complexity, securing timely approvals and ensuring compliance so projects stay on schedule.

Land Acquisition

Acquiring property rights is often the linchpin of a project. ROW agents manage the entire acquisition process, from initial outreach to closing, ensuring fair transactions and adherence to all regulations.

Title Work

A clear title is non-negotiable. ROW agents coordinate title searches, resolve encumbrances, and prepare documentation to protect the city’s investment and avoid legal complications.

Appraisals

Fair compensation starts with accurate valuation. ROW agents work with certified appraisers to deliver defensible property valuations that meet legal and ethical standards.

Land Surveys

Precision matters. ROW agents coordinate land surveys to establish boundaries and identify potential issues before construction begins, preventing costly surprises later.

Negotiations

Negotiation is both an art and a science. ROW agents bring experience and tact to secure agreements that balance project needs with property owner rights, reducing delays and disputes.

Eminent Domain

When voluntary acquisition isn’t possible, ROW agents guide municipalities through the eminent domain process, ensuring compliance with the Uniform Act and state laws while maintaining transparency and fairness.

Relocation Assistance

Displacement can be disruptive. ROW agents provide relocation assistance to residents and businesses, offering guidance and resources to ease transitions and minimize hardship.

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Partner with WSB for Comprehensive ROW Solutions

At WSB, we understand that right of way services are more than transactions, they’re about building trust and delivering results. Our team of experienced ROW agents offers all these services, backed by deep regulatory knowledge and a commitment to collaboration. Whether your city is planning a roadway expansion, utility project, or trail development, WSB is here to help you navigate every step of the process with confidence.

Ready to move your project forward? Connect with WSB today and discover how our ROW expertise can turn challenges into opportunities for your community.

From Alert to Aftermath: Navigating Severe Weather as a Community

June 4, 2025

By: Allison Whitsitt, Planning Manager, WSB

When severe weather strikes, taking swift and informed action is crucial to ensure safety and minimize storm risks. Being prepared and knowing how to respond effectively can make a significant difference.

Stay Indoors & Seek Shelter: During severe weather, it’s essential to follow your preparedness plan by sheltering in a designated safe space, such as a basement or an interior room without windows. If you’re in a public location, avoid large open rooms like gymnasiums and seek shelter away from windows and glass doors. For those caught outdoors, do not attempt to drive, especially in dangerous weather like tornadoes or flash floods. Instead, find sturdy shelter to reduce storm risks. Stay away from overpasses, trees, or other unsecured structures that could pose a risk. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low-lying area while covering your head and neck.

Stay Alert & Informed: Staying informed during severe weather is critical to managing storm risks. Keep a charged cell phone and a backup battery handy. This ensures you can receive updates and stay connected. Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio to receive real-time emergency broadcasts, even if cellular networks fail. While social media and local emergency management pages can provide valuable updates, they should not be your sole source of information. This is due to the potential for misinformation or network outages. Ensure notifications for weather alerts are enabled on your phone to stay updated on warnings and advisories in your area.

Avoid Complacency: Severe weather often brings multiple alerts over time, leading to what’s commonly known as “weather fatigue.” This constant barrage of warnings can cause people to ignore subsequent alerts, assuming the danger has passed. However, severe weather patterns are unpredictable and can change rapidly, making it crucial to treat each warning seriously to mitigate storm risks. Always listen to official directives, even if the situation seems stable, as conditions can escalate without warning.

Aftermath & Recovery Resources: The aftermath of severe weather can be challenging and require time and effort to recover. Local Emergency Managers are often the first to provide assistance, helping with debris removal, temporary relief efforts, and damage reporting to state and federal agencies. Understanding storm risks is important because immediate assistance might not be available for up to 72 hours. This is because response teams mobilize resources. To facilitate quicker recovery, document all damage by taking photos and videos of your property before discarding any damaged items. These records, along with receipts for repairs or replacements, can be invaluable for insurance claims or applications for disaster assistance.

Beyond personal recovery, building community resilience is a vital part of preparedness. When individuals and families have a plan, and encourage others to develop their own, the entire community benefits. A resilient community can respond more effectively to crises, reduce storm risks, and recover more quickly. Preparedness extends beyond individual safety—it strengthens the bonds within neighborhoods and fosters a collective effort to face and overcome challenges together.

WSB Support for Communities: At WSB, we are dedicated to supporting communities not just in the aftermath of severe weather but also in preparation for it. We work to raise awareness about potential storm risks, provide resources to strengthen preparedness efforts, and assist in recovery. This helps individuals and neighborhoods rebuild stronger and safer. Together, we can create a culture of readiness and resilience, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.

Building a Stronger Oklahoma: WSB’s Commitment to Innovation and Community

June 3, 2025

By: Rick Johnson, Vice President of Operations, WSB & Brandon Claborn, Vice President, Environmental, WSB

Oklahoma is a land of resilience, progress, and opportunity—values that align perfectly with WSB’s vision for the future. As a national firm with a deep local presence, we are here not just to work on projects. Instead, we aim to actively shape the landscape of infrastructure and innovation in the state, especially with WSB Oklahoma.

Our journey into Oklahoma was intentional and strategic. Through the acquisition of key firms deeply rooted in the local market, we have been able to integrate their expertise, relationships, and community-driven insights into our broader national vision. This wasn’t simply an expansion—it was an investment in people, in progress, and in the infrastructure that fuels growth managed by WSB Oklahoma.

With nearly 200 dedicated professionals now serving Oklahoma, our multidisciplinary approach ensures we can meet the diverse needs of communities. Whether in government, commercial, or energy markets, we bring together expertise in engineering, environmental, planning, and construction. We deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the challenges and opportunities unique to the region at WSB Oklahoma.

Infrastructure is more than roads and bridges—it is the backbone of thriving communities. At WSB, we recognize that resilient transportation networks, sustainable water management systems, stormwater & floodplain studies, and forward-thinking design are essential to long-term prosperity. We don’t just build; we innovate. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology is transforming how projects are delivered, and it improves efficiency, sustainability, and impact as facilitated by WSB Oklahoma.

Collaboration is at the core of our approach. We partner with state and local governments, businesses, and community leaders to build a future that is both sustainable and vibrant. Whether expanding a roadway, enhancing water systems, mitigating flood risk, or developing smart city initiatives, we remain focused on delivering solutions that matter. Contributions from WSB Oklahoma play a vital role in these efforts.

Oklahoma’s infrastructure needs continue to grow, and WSB is prepared to meet those demands. Our expansion in the state reflects our belief in its potential—both in available talent and in the opportunity to create meaningful advancements. While the brands EST, Meshek & Associates, and Craig & Keithline are now integrated into WSB, the technical excellence and deep expertise of our team remain unchanged. What has evolved is the access to a broader bench of talent and resources at WSB Oklahoma, which reinforces our ability to support infrastructure needs at every level.

As we look ahead, our commitment to Oklahoma and all the regions we serve remains unwavering. We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the future. By combining local knowledge with national expertise, we create lasting impact and foster growth. We are reimagining how infrastructure is delivered, spearheaded by WSB Oklahoma.

Together, we are building what’s next in infrastructure.

Embracing Sustainability with Envision® Framework

April 11, 2025
By Shawn Poe, Director of Municipal Services, WSB and Amy Fredregill, Senior Director of Sustainability, WSB

As we recognize Earth Month this April, it is imperative to emphasize sustainable and resilient practices in infrastructure projects. A comprehensive Sustainability Plan is most strategic, relevant and useful when it considers future capital projects planned within a community.

Introducing the Envision® Framework

One effective practice to incorporate is the Envision® framework — a holistic sustainability rating system designed to evaluate the resilience of various types of civil infrastructure.

Envision® serves as a tool for cities, consultants, and contractors, helping to deliver infrastructure that:

Utilizing the Envision® framework allows infrastructure projects to contribute positively to the environment by enhancing sustainability and resilience. This framework helps improve the quality of life for communities by addressing climate change, supporting public health, providing long-term economic benefits, and improving infrastructure longevity.

How WSB Can Help

The WSB team includes certified Envision Sustainability Professionals (ENV SP) who can support communities in integrating Envision® into their sustainability and resiliency plans, as well as transportation, transit, and other infrastructure projects. We offer comprehensive services including project assessment, strategy development, and implementation guidance to help municipalities align infrastructure projects with community goals. Our expertise ensures that sustainable, resilient, and equitable outcomes are achieved.