Giffels Webster

10/21/2026

Congratulations to the City of Sterling Heights on receiving the Michigan Association of Planning’s Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan for its Master Plan!

The updated plan incorporates community input to establish a refined future land use vision, providing a framework to guide development, reinvestment, and future growth.

We’re proud to have partnered with Sterling Heights on this award-winning plan!

10/19/2026

Lavender Field in Orion Township is officially complete!

Giffels Webster is proud to have served as the civil engineer and surveyor for this exciting development, working alongside Moceri Companies to help bring Lavender Field to life. Through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and engineering expertise, this vibrant new space is ready to make a lasting impact on the community.

Lavender Field represents an exciting addition to Orion Township, offering a welcoming destination that will contribute to the area’s continued growth, enhance the local landscape, and create new opportunities for the community to connect and enjoy the space.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing Lavender Field to completion! We look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on Orion Township and beyond.

Read more about Lavender Field here: 

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1925057905568864&id=100041940205596&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=tdvNRiKNDhBy8xC4 #

10/13/2026

October is National Community Planning Month, a time to recognize the people and ideas that help shape strong communities.

We’re excited to spotlight Joe Tangari, Principal Planner at Giffels Webster.

From building cities with Micro Machines and playing SimCity to living in communities across the country and eventually returning to school for planning, Joe’s journey reflects curiosity, exploration, and a genuine interest in how places function and change. Today, he helps communities navigate complex planning and zoning challenges and turn ideas into practical solutions.

In this feature, Joe shares what sparked his interest in planning, what keeps him excited about the profession, and his advice for those considering a career in the field.

Read his story here: https://giffelswebster.com/news-resources/giffels-webster-employee-spotlight-finding-purpose-in-places-with-joe-tangari/

10/08/2026

Congratulations to the City of Rochester Hills on receiving the Michigan Association of Planning's "Outstanding Public Outreach Award" for the City of Rochester Hills Master Plan!

Public engagement was at the heart of the planning process, creating meaningful opportunities for residents and stakeholders to share their perspectives and help shape the community’s future. That input played an important role in developing a plan that reflects the priorities and vision of Rochester Hills.

Giffels Webster is proud to have partnered with the City on this notable project!

10/07/2026

Giffels Webster Principal Planner Joe Tangari, AICP, will take the stage tomorrow at the APA Wisconsin 2026 Annual Conference!

In 2025, Giffels Webster developed a model sign ordinance for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to share with communities participating in its Wisconsin Main Street program. Our planning team paired the ordinance with an illustrated guidebook designed to help communities navigate policy decisions and sign ordinance amendments.

At the conference, Joe will join Errin Welty of WEDC to share the guidebook, its development and how communities can use it as a practical resource for sign regulation and decision-making.

10/05/2026

Last week, we kicked off National Community Planning Month with planners from across Michigan at the Planning Michigan Conference, hosted by the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP).

On Thursday, October 1, the Giffels Webster team hosted an evening of comedy and conversation, giving conference attendees a chance to “zone out” with a planning-centered improv comedy show. The mixer was filled with plenty of laughter, connection and fun.

Thank you to our friends at Crawlspace Comedy Theatre for helping us make it such a memorable evening!

09/29/2026

Calling all Planning Michigan Conference attendees! Stop by our booth, #4 in the Kalamazoo Room, during the conference, September 30–October 2, to connect with the Giffels Webster team, learn more about our services and projects, and pick up some swag!

We look forward to seeing you in Kalamazoo!

09/28/2026

We’re excited to share that Giffels Webster Partner Jill Bahm, AICP, and Principal Planner Joe Tangari, AICP, will both take the stage at the Michigan Association of Planning’s (MAP) Planning Michigan Conference, taking place September 30–October 2, 2026, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo.

On Thursday, October 1, at 10 a.m., Jill will lead an interactive workshop focused on shaping a strategic plan for stronger land use coordination. Following the session, Jill will host an open discussion in her role as the Chapter’s Professional Development Officer, answering questions and sharing additional insight.

Joe Tangari joins the conversation at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 2, for “Breaking Down Requests for Proposals”, a game show-style discussion covering all things RFPs and RFQs.

If you’re attending this year’s conference, be sure to add both sessions to your schedule.

Learn more about the conference: https://www.planningmi.org/aws/MAP/pt/sp/michigan-conference

09/24/2026

What keeps a community moving often starts below the surface.

Water mains, sanitary sewers, stormwater systems and utility connections may be out of sight, but they play a critical role in supporting neighborhoods, businesses and future development.

In our latest blog, we explore why understanding existing underground infrastructure early can help communities identify challenges, coordinate improvements and make more informed decisions.

Read more: https://giffelswebster.com/news-resources/the-infrastructure-beneath-us-how-civil-engineering-keeps-communities-moving/

Civil engineering keeps communities moving by supporting water, sewer, stormwater and utility infrastructure. Learn how civil engineers assess underground systems, coordinate improvements and help communities plan for resilient, reliable infrastructure that supports future growth.

09/16/2026

Civil engineering plays an important role in how communities grow, function and adapt over time. At Giffels Webster, our civil engineering team works with communities and project partners across Southeast Michigan on infrastructure, site development, utilities, stormwater management and other projects that support the places people live and work.

Learn more about our civil engineering services: https://giffelswebster.com/services/civil-engineering/