Civic Minds

Not all land surveys are equal, and ordering the wrong one can cost projects time and money. In this episode, Dennis Stoffer, a licensed surveyor and registered engineer, draws on more than 40 years of experience to dissect why requesting the right survey matters. He breaks down the most common survey types, from boundary and topographic to ALTA and bathymetric, and when each is needed. Listeners will also learn why older surveys often need to be updated and what to watch for to ensure an accurate, complete survey product.

Director of Water Resources Jeff Carr breaks down what sets a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) apart from other strategic planning tools and how communities can build one. From stakeholder brainstorming sessions to prioritized project lists, learn how to leverage a CIP for palpable growth. The conversation also covers utility rate studies, explaining how setting the "right rate" not only boosts revenue but can impact eligibility for state and federal grant funding. Listeners walk away with a clear roadmap for moving from reactive infrastructure fixes to proactive planning.

Part 2 of this series continues the conversation on the most consequential piece of transportation safety: the management. Transportation safety expert Renee Whittenberger, PE dissects the variety of available plans, studies and solutions that can be utlized to improve traffic safety in communities. From comprehensive action plans to lane widening, this episode navigates what data-driven safety management can look like in practice, and how to implement it effectively.

"Why do we need a bike lane? No one ever rides bikes here."

Sound familiar? Pushback on transportation safety improvements is one of the most persistent and pervasive challenges in public infrastructure planning. In Part 1 of this series, safety expert Renee Whittenberger debunks common misconceptions around roadway and pedestrian safety and offers actionable safety improvements. Whether you're navigating public opposition, juggling critical infrastructure decisions or just trying to move the needle on safety in your community, this episode arms you with the tools and confidence to lead the conversation.

Parks are essential community assets that shape quality of life, connection and economic value. In this episode, EDG Park Development Specialist, Tom James, explores what thoughtful park planning looks like in practice, the processes that guide it and how to prepare for the unexpected challenges that will invariably arise along the way.