How to Get the City On Board with a New Development Concept

How to Get the City On Board with a New Development Concept

ASK:

I have a new development concept I’m excited about, but how do I get the city on board before I spend months (and money) on plans?

ANSWER:

You can have the best concept in the world, but if the city doesn’t see its value, your project won’t move.

Getting a city on board isn’t just about design; it’s about alignment. Cities have economic, environmental, and political goals, and if your project doesn’t help them achieve those goals, it’ll face headwinds no matter how strong your team is.

At I&D Consulting, we make city alignment a front-end priority. Before drawings are finalized or budgets are set, we start with conversations that build trust and clarity.

Our Process for City Alignment

  1. Start Early.
    Meet with city staff before your first submittal. Ask how your project supports their General Plan, housing element, or economic strategy. It shows you’re not there to force your project through, but that you’re there to collaborate.
  2. Speak Their Language.
    City staff are planners and policy implementers. They care about design compatibility, infrastructure, and public benefit. We tailor our project narrative to those priorities, whether it’s housing diversity, job creation, or tax base growth.
  3. Build Relationships Across Departments.
    Planning is one piece. But public works, fire, and utilities all influence approvals. We map decision-makers, understand their timelines, and build relationships beyond just the planning desk.
  4. Anticipate Political Realities.
    Even staff-supported projects can get caught in politics. When we have a large or potentially controversial project we brief council members and key stakeholders early to prevent surprises at hearings.

Why This Works

Cities want progress, but they need assurance. When you show up understanding their challenges, and position your project as part of their solution, you shift from applicant to partner. That’s the difference between friction and flow.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Engage the city early, before design or submittal.
  • Frame your concept in terms of city goals and benefits.
  • Build relationships across departments, not just planning.
  • Anticipate politics before they affect your timeline.

People Also Ask

1) How early should I talk to the city about my project?
As early as possible. Ideally before site plans are finalized and prior to purchasing the land. Early alignment prevents redesigns and delays.

2) Who should I meet with first?
Start with planning staff, then expand to economic development and public works.

3) What if the city isn’t excited about my concept?
Listen carefully to their feedback and adapt. Sometimes small changes can unlock big support.

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