Why Shockey?

We make good on our promises

Areas of Expertise

Our expertise runs broad and deep. Many of us started our career on the frontlines, working for cities, counties, and non-profit organizations. Because of that, we understand the complexities behind the issues you face. We know the questions that need to be asked – and answered. We know how to present the information in a clear and compelling way. (And we understand why that matters to you.) We also know how to bring diverse groups of people to consensus on important issues. (Not an easy task but rewarding.) We’ve worked on an array of issues, but our specialties include: 

Air Quality

There is little that’s more important than the air we breathe. For years, Shockey has worked with communities to develop plans aimed at improving air quality and staying in attainment. We know how important it is to build a broad-based, community plan that educates emitters, including the public, on how and why to improve air quality.

Drinking Water

At Shockey, we have significant experience working with utility companies on a range of initiatives, from ground source protection plans and cost of services evaluations to funding strategies and educating customers on the importance of investing in and conserving drinking water systems. Shockey also provides strategic and business planning services for drinking water utilities. 

 

Energy

For years, we’ve understood that our communities must use energy more efficiently while they work to find new sources. Increasingly, communities are researching the use of wind and solar panels. They’re conducting audits on their facilities to become more efficient and altering their codes to allow for more sustainable buildings. Shockey works with agencies to develop green-friendly building codes and look at ways to tap into alternative financing strategies for energy efficiency, helping not only the environment but also their bottom line. 

Economic Development

Every community wants a thriving economy, but how they get there is unique. At Shockey, we dig deep to identify the key drivers specific to each community. A strong economic base is built by attracting and retaining highly successful businesses of all sizes, innovative entrepreneurs who create jobs, and a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. We help communities understand how to reach their boldest economic future.

Historic Preservation

To strike a balance between progress and preservation, Shockey provides proactive historic preservation planning services to establish and review an inventory of existing historic properties, develop historic district strategies and preservation policies, and recommend community design guidelines that reflect the unique character of the community.  

Housing

Neighborhoods are changing – and that’s a good thing. It’s important for communities to provide a variety of housing options that suit the needs of different generations and lifestyles. Shockey works with communities to assess their current housing stock – What’s available? What housing types are missing? What’s their current condition? What housing types will be needed in the future? Using that information, Shockey can develop plans, policies, and tools to help communities achieve their housing vision. 

 

Land Use 

When it comes to land use, balance is key. Shockey helps communities create land use plans that balance the need for growth with the protection of existing community assets. We work with communities to craft a vision for future land use, set goals and policies to achieve that vision, create future land use maps, and provide recommendations to realize the highest and most quality land uses for tomorrow. 

Natural Resources

Shockey works with communities to strike a balance between the need to preserve resources and the need to accommodate growth. The potential for conflict is high but we have successfully navigated these sticky discussions with a range of communities. We help them manage and protect natural resources, meet environmental regulations, and strategically use natural resources to enhance the community’s identity and attraction. 

 

Parks & Recreation

Increasingly, parks are recognized as a powerful tool to improve a community’s quality of life. Shockey works with communities to develop parks master plans, trail plans, bike facilities plans, green infrastructure plans, and more. We know that parks have the potential to help address nearly every critical need – from housing to health, from environmental justice to education, from economic activity to reducing crime. 

Public Health 

Public Health is at the center of every decision a community makes, from land use and transportation to infrastructure and housing. We weave public health into every planning initiative we facilitate. We help communities identify public health goals and policies across a range of planning sectors, create solutions to address environmental justice and social equity issues, and implement measures to enhance a community’s overall quality of life. 

 

Solid Waste 

The challenges that come with solid waste management are becoming increasingly difficult. Shockey staff has been on the forefront of solid waste management in the Kansas City area since the early 1990s by implementing curbside recycling while on City staff. Since then, we have continued helping communities create public information campaigns and outreach programs to educate residents on waste reduction, recycling regulations and alternatives and household hazardous waste. Shockey also provides strategic planning services for solid waste districts and agencies. 

 

Stormwater

Flood damage, flood risk, and water quality are all stormwater issues that affect every community but pay no attention to jurisdictional boundaries. Shockey works with agencies to better manage stormwater by creating watershed and master plans, building coalitions and partnerships, and developing ordinances, programs, compliance plans, public education programs, and funding strategies. We’ve worked with stakeholder groups numbering in the hundreds in the Missouri River basin to only a few stakeholders in a neighborhood trying to solve a backyard flooding issue. 

 

Racial Equity & Inclusion 

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and BELONGING are at the heart of our planning practice. We know the impact systemic racism and social injustice have had on our communities, leading to residential segregation, gentrification, and disinvestment, among other ramifications. As planners, we must develop policies designed to overcome these disparities and atone for past injustices.  As public engagement professionals, it’s our duty to dismantle the barriers to public participation, to listen, build trust, and amplify the voices of the communities we serve.  

Advancing racial equity and inclusion in a community requires investment and cross-sector collaboration, the elevation of community voices, and a strategy to address policy and process improvements. Shockey works with communities to conduct city- and department-wide racial equity trainings, build coalitions and partnerships, and advocate for inclusive and equitable policy solutions in every plan or project.

 

Resiliency

As we continue to experience more frequent and severe weather events due to climate change, local governments are becoming increasingly concerned with the vulnerability of their communities. The good news is that there are new tools and sustainable technologies designed to enhance infrastructure and service delivery performance regardless of the scenario and changes caused by natural and man-made disasters and climate change. Shockey works with communities to proactively plan for emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery by prioritizing and investing in resilience.

Sustainability

We work with communities and government leaders to better balance economic, social, cultural, and environmental interests to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising future generations. Sustainability and resiliency are both foundational to community decision-making. We make it a part of the conversation. Shockey applies a holistic approach when working with communities to address environmental issues and meet regulations by developing comprehensive policies and building community capacity and education on sustainability and resilience. Shockey has several Envision Sustainability Professionals on staff who are well-versed in using the Envision Rating System for sustainable infrastructure. We help local governments understand how to best contribute to the climate solution. The sustainable and resilient communities of the future are preparing for natural disasters, reducing carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing health and social inequities, promoting community economic development, and offering more transportation alternatives today.

Mobility – Multimodal Transportation

An effective, multimodal transportation system optimizes the accessibility, livability, and vitality of a community. We are on the cusp of rapid change in mobility services and infrastructure. The U.S. has not experienced such a revolutionary change in transportation since the construction of the interstate highway system in the 1950s. Technology and transportation have the potential to create seamless mobility, accessible transit, and enhanced connectivity.

Shockey works with transportation planners and engineers as they design multimodal transportation networks that integrate all modes of transportation, including walking, biking, driving, car sharing, transit, and micro mobility options. Shockey has experience working on regional transportation plans, statewide program outreach, local plans, and designs for roadways, bridges, railroads, transit systems, active transportation, and airport projects.

Wastewater

We know wastewater…we know where it comes from, what happens to it, and where it goes. We understand the acronyms and what is meaningful to the community. We love explaining the complexity and value of high-quality wastewater services to the community. (We’re odd that way.) We enjoy teaching citizens what they can do to improve water quality and improve system reliability.  

We understand the challenges of providing superior yet affordable service while protecting the environment and adhering to regulations. Shockey has provided public engagement, management consulting, and planning services for many wastewater agencies. We have provided over $4 million in wastewater consulting services. 

 

Overflow Control Plans & Programs: Shockey has worked with six (6) wastewater programs with consent decree agreements totaling tens of billions of dollars. Our public engagement strategies helped clients build collaborative relationships with regulatory agencies and community interest groups resulting in plans that were approved and programs that are being implemented.