Sustainable Development

Infrastructure Strategies

Combining deep experience in utility management with land use planning, CollinsWoerman provides our clients with operationally sound, economically responsible, and ecologically oriented solutions for capital investments in utility, transportation, and water infrastructure. Download our Yesler Terrace Sustainable District Study for a strong example of hour our approach to infrastructure and sustainability can create highly environmental solutions that save money for our clients and build support from regulators and citizens.

Another case study is our work helping the City of Seattle take a fresh look to increase the value and sustainability of their $650 million in annual capital spending.

Case Study: Seattle’s Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative

Both as a Senior Advisor and consultant to the City, Steve Moddemeyer launched and led the implementation of the City’s Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative, which includes coordinated capital planning and spending strategies, pilot projects, and asset management between City departments.

The intent of the Initiative is to increase the value of capital spending by City departments while achieving greater sustainability benefits. Key concepts included broader alternatives generation, cross-departmental project and budget planning, and robust life-cycle cost analyses of alternatives.

The Initiative fosters collaboration between City capital departments, which include the Department of Planning and Development, the Department of Finance, Office of Policy and Management, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, Seattle City Light, Seattle Center, and Seattle Public Utilities.

Pilot projects included development and analysis of alternatives for integrated redevelopment of city streets; port electrification to reduce air pollution and green house gas emissions; and innovative water recycling and rainwater harvesting.