Facility Planning: The First Step to Building Consensus

Planning for the new Buena Park Fire Station No. 61 began with a comprehensive needs assessment for fire services based on projected community growth and changing development patterns.

Clarity for Decision-Makers

Comprehensive facility planning studies provide decision-makers with essential data to guide policy decisions and budgetary allocations. Needs assessment and feasibility studies evaluate current findings, identify future space requirements, and analyze potential actions and solutions. Findings may justify the need for a large capital expenditure or illustrate that minor efficiency updates to an existing facility are sufficient.

First Things First

Whether your agency is considering constructing a new building from the ground up, expanding an existing facility or renovating inefficient space, it's important to take a step back and gather the essential information to frame sound decisions.

While it’s exciting to envision DIY maker-spaces, vast green sports fields, and offices with state-of-the-art technology, it's important to take the time for intentional, information-based planning to ensure facilities match user needs and budgetary realities—at grand opening and well into the future.

Comprehensive planning guarantees resources are allocated wisely and ensures key organizational and community values are reflected in future facilities

The informational framework typically begins with an assessment of current service levels and facility conditions. How does this data compare to generally-accepted industry standards? Are there overlapping efforts in the community with other agencies or organizations providing the same services?

Facilities may have become functionally obsolete or physically deficient, raising liability concerns. Changes in code requirements and service deliveries are also considered. Aging facilities often have difficulty meeting the need for gender neutral restrooms and ADA access clearances. With technological advances, less space is needed for document storage. Additionally, some in-house operations may now be outsourced, reducing the need for staff offices as well as large vehicle and equipment storage.

Responsible planning also incorporates future population and demographic projections. This ensures future operational efficiencies and provides an assurance the space will be utilized long after the doors open.

Next Up:

The Importance of Friends and Other Stakeholders

Identifying and Evaluating the Possibilities

Engaging Communities

" Every community has its own unique set of needs, wants and desires. It's our job to independently identify those, help build community consensus, and provide decision-makers with solid information to ensure limited resources can be prudently and appropriately allocated . "

Dustin Alamo, Vice President, Strategic Services

For more information about needs assessment or other strategic services, email Dustin or call 949/497-9000, ext. 263.

Project Milestones

Grand Openings

Buena Park Fire Station No. 61

City of Carlsbad Pine Avenue Community Center & Gardens (pictured)

Half Moon Bay Library

Rancho Cucamonga Sports Center

Ground Breaking

Laguna Beach Village Entrance

Irvine | Santa Clara