Planning at Able City
Shaping how a city grows
For more than 40 years, we’ve helped cities, towns, and institutions shape their future through thoughtful, community-driven planning that leads to real, measurable outcomes. Our work connects vision to action—aligning policy, design, economics, and public investment to create places that are resilient, inclusive, and enduring.
We don’t believe in plans that sit on shelves. We create living frameworks that guide growth, protect community character, and support implementation—today and for generations to come.
Planning as a Tool for Action
Planning is how communities turn aspirations into reality. At Able City, planning is not just about land use maps or policy documents—it’s about creating actionable roadmaps that align community values, infrastructure investment, and economic opportunity. Every plan we produce is grounded in implementation, funding strategies, and measurable outcomes.
Planning is an active, evolving process that grows and adapts over time through collaboration, shared understanding, and collective decision-making.
Our expertise
Community (Downtown & Neighborhood) and Comprehensive Plans
Planning that reflects local identity and guides long-term growth
Able City prepares comprehensive, downtown, and neighborhood plans that translate community values into clear, actionable frameworks. Our plans address land use, housing, mobility, infrastructure, and economic development while respecting local character and history. We focus on realistic implementation—aligning policy, capital investment, and market conditions—so plans actively guide decision-making rather than sit on a shelf.
Unified Development Code & Ordinance Updates
Clear, modern regulations that support better places
We help cities modernize zoning ordinances and unified development codes to foster livability, housing choice, and economic resilience. Our approach balances regulatory clarity with flexibility, ensuring codes are easy to use, legally sound, and aligned with community vision. The result is development regulations that improve outcomes while streamlining review and implementation.
Visioning and Design of Traditional Neighborhood Developments
Human-scaled places rooted in timeless planning principles
Able City specializes in the visioning and design of Traditional Neighborhood Developments that prioritize walkability, mixed uses, and a strong public realm. We integrate land planning, urban design, and policy to create neighborhoods that feel cohesive, vibrant, and enduring. Our work ensures that development patterns support community life, long-term value, and a strong sense of place.
Mitigation Planning
Reducing risk while strengthening community resilience
We develop mitigation plans that help communities identify risks, protect critical assets, and prepare for future challenges. Our planning process integrates data analysis, stakeholder input, and regulatory requirements to create strategies that are practical and fundable. By linking mitigation to broader planning goals, we help communities build resilience while supporting sustainable growth.
Active Transportation & Pedestrian Safety Plans
Streets designed for people of all ages and abilities
Able City creates active transportation and pedestrian safety plans that make walking, biking, and transit safer and more accessible. Our work focuses on connectivity, comfort, and equity—linking neighborhoods, schools, jobs, and public spaces. These plans prioritize implementable improvements that enhance public health, mobility choice, and quality of life.
Site Selection Services
Strategic analysis to support smart investment decisions
We provide site selection services that help public agencies and institutions make informed, strategic choices. Our process evaluates land use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, market conditions, and community goals to identify sites that support long-term success. This data-driven approach reduces risk and ensures projects align with broader planning and economic objectives.
Featured work
We design architecture that fits into a bigger vision of people-focused cities.
Alazan Courts Master Plan
Reimagine Alazan Courts was a community engagement and master plan design effort that proposed a major redevelopment to Alazan Courts, San Antonio’s largest and oldest public housing complex located on the city’s Westside. The plan sought to respond to resident needs, honor the local community and celebrate local culture and history.
Clint Comprehensive Plan
Able City led the development of the Imagine Clint Grows Comprehensive Plan and Code Rewrite, a forward-
looking framework that places housing at the center of the town’s long-term vision.
Eagle Pass Downtown Master Plan
Able City completed a full assessment of Eagle Pass’s river-fronting downtown as part of an unprecedented downtown revitalization plan.
Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan
Our team of professionals collaborated with the city of Laredo to develop its Comprehensive Plan. Viva Laredo is a plan created through an inclusive, participatory public process that presents both grand vision and a practical plan to accomplish those goals.
Latest news
Related Articles
Able City Receives Two 2026 People + Place Awards from AIA San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, TX – August 1, 2026 – Able City received two honors at the American Institute of Architects San Antonio 2026 People + Place
Able City East is here!
We’ve expanded our leadership team and added a new East coast office. Able City East is a full-service urban planning firm based in Miami, Florida founded by Jason King, AICP, CNU-A and Pam Stacy, CNU-A.