FORGING PATHS FOR COMMUNITIES TO
DEFINE THEIR FUTURES

WHAT WE DO

COMMUNITY-LED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

Urban Planning

We help communities create better places to live and work. That starts with a deep understanding of how the best projects and plans are shaped – and a commitment to discovering what the community values most.

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Community Development

Development causes anxiety even in the YIMBY-est of people. From concerns about affordability and gentrification to traffic and infrastructure, we’re here to help project teams navigate these conversations with grace and empathy. 

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FEEDBACK GATHERING

How a community evolves should be a direct reflection of the people who call it home. Our work revolves around getting the most representative feedback possible to inform decisions that will impact generations to come. 

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COALITION BUILDING

Like a ripple in the water, the best ideas for change often start with a small, but mighty group of passionate community members. Our job is to elevate their message and build momentum for progress. 

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KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Planning, zoning, and development are inherently overcomplicated. Most people can’t fully participate in the process because they don’t understand it – through no fault of their own. It’s time to change that. 

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Digital Experiences

Creating a space online where people can learn about a project in their community and be energized about its potential is part art, part science. We’ll elevate your vision and create a digital home base that’s accessible and beautiful. 

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By the numbers

Building better outcomes - Together

5+
Active projects
10
Custom websites created
5
Neighborhoods digitally rendered
20k+
Total audience
25
Average letters of support per project
7
In-house and outside planning experts
1k+
Moderated comments collected
150+
Meetings hosted
30+
Local organizational partners
2
Municipality clients
3
Custom built white label solutions
15+
Years of local experience

A few of our clients

Desire Path has been wonderful to work with on the community engagement strategy on an often contentious affordable housing development. We knew there were more supporters in the midst than we had been hearing from and Desire Path worked artfully to make connections, build relationships and ensure that more voices were heard.
Beacon communities
Desire Path is knowledgeable and committed to their agenda of bettering the community engagement process. Developed within an extremely tight schedule, Desire Path was able to research, build, and run an overwhelmingly successful engagement campaign. We will continue to use Desire Path for our planning and engagement needs moving forward.
City of cambridge
As a small transit oriented advocacy group we sometimes feel unheard. Desire Path worked with us to understand what we are working for and helped us work with the City of Boston to plan for better implementation of bicycle infrastructure in the South End.
Bike Boston
The team at Desire Path has played an integral role in helping us connect with local communities. Their knowledge of planning practices and policy and their ability to communicate with members of the public is outstanding.
Perci