A growing portion of Brauer & Associates, Ltd. work is with local cities and counties to reshape their approach to private development to foster greater preservation and protection of the natural environment, and realize other desired public values. Under the banner of open space design/conservation development, the firm’s strategy focuses on leveraging traditional development controls to entice developers into a more collaborative track that results in win-win-win outcomes for the city, developer, and regulatory agencies. Brauer & Associates has been increasingly successful in leading communities and developers toward outcomes that result in public values not otherwise achievable under standard development practices – all within the context of developments that are economically viable and marketable. These efforts are leading to changed philosophies in the way local  policies are written and how new tools can be used to position municipalities to take a more assertive role in the development process to achieve their vision. 

Conservation Development

BRAUER & ASSOCIATES, LTD.

LAND USE PLANNING AND DESIGN

Most recently, the firm has been working with Minnetonka, Lino Lakes, Scott County, and Oak Grove on conservation development and open space planning approaches and representing the communities’ interests in private development projects. The following graphics highlight the results of two projects in which Brauer & Associates, Ltd. facilitated the development process between the City and local developer. Each of these netted the public values being sought by the community. Fox Den has been formally approved, and Natures Refuge is currently entering the review and approval process.

(Left photo) Traditional development approach subdivided the property into traditional lot sizes, with very limited natural green space protected.

(Bottom left photo) Conservation development approach achieved the public values defined by the City’s parks, open space, and trail system plan without compromising the economic viability of the project - resulting in a win-win outcome.

Left photo) Traditional development approach subdivided the property into standard lot sizes, which significantly impacted an adjoining large wetland system and compromised many of the natural landscape features across the site. 

(Bottom photo) Conservation development approach greatly expanded open space (protected by a conservation easement) and provided a wide buffer between the development and adjoining wetland system – resulting in a win-win outcome. The stewardship endowment fund created as part of the development will be used to take care of the natural areas on into perpetuity.

Fox Den  - Lino Lakes, MN

Natures Refuge - Lino Lakes, MN