Every October, National Community Planning Month (NCPM) spotlights how planning strengthens safety, resilience, equity, and prosperity. It’s a chance to recognize the people and processes that turn community priorities into action—and to invite the public into the conversation.

At Matthews | DCCM, that purpose is our daily practice. We plan with delivery in mind—so ideas become permits, bids, and ribbon cuttings.

Why National Community Planning Month Matters

NCPM is about education and appreciation: helping residents see how “invisible” planning touches daily life (safe crossings, reliable utilities, attainable housing, shaded parks) and celebrating the professionals and partners who make it happen. The American Planning Association leads the observance and provides resources communities can use to promote local planning wins.

Our Planning Services—Built for Implementation

• Comprehensive, small-area & corridor plans aligned to capital programs

• Land use & entitlement strategy (rezonings, PUD/PDP updates, development review)

• Multimodal safety & operations (access management, speed management, ADA, bike/ped networks)

• Site & campus planning for civic, K-12, higher-ed, and parks/open space

• Utility & stormwater capacity planning, nature-based resilience, and lift-station strategies

• Phasing, funding & grant alignment connecting concepts to CIP and near-term “quick wins”

• Stakeholder engagement (workshops; boards & commissions) and permitting readiness with Florida agencies

What Matthews | DCCM Planning Looks Like on the Ground

• Housing-ready infrastructure – Entitlement roadmaps, utility and stormwater strategies, and site concepts that shorten the path to attainable, resilient neighborhoods.

• Safer streets and school access – Context-sensitive crosswalks, access management, and circulation plans that reduce conflicts and close ADA gaps.

• Parks, waterfronts, and main streets – Incremental streetscape/open-space projects that add shade, support local business, and manage stormwater.

• Campus & civic upgrades – Phased improvements that solve queueing, parking, and drainage while creating welcoming, functional public places.