MSA Today

June 2025

HAPPY SUMMER!

The summer season encompasses so much — a whirlwind combination of construction, planning, budgeting, grand openings, and hopefully a little R&R on the side. This issue of MSA Today brings you articles and project spotlights to match each of those occasions!

First, an article about Lean Comp Plans. Less data, fewer words, more action — a smart quality-over-quantity approach to developing or updating communities' most-referenced planning document: the comprehensive plan.

Second: Geotextile Tubes. What are they? A budget-friendly, low-maintenance solution for municipalities struggling with biosolids management.

Our third article is about Public Engagement in Park & Recreation Planning and why summer is the perfect time to collect meaningful, diverse community feedback about projects.

This issue also features some great project spotlights, showcasing the way communities are leveraging post-storm resiliency, funding, accessibility, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver projects of lasting pride and value.

Pour yourself a cold beverage, enjoy the sunshine,

and — as always — let us know how we can help.

COMMUNITY PLANNING

Lean Comp Plans - a Planning Oxymoron?

The most common refrain at the beginning of a comprehensive plan update process is, "Will this be as long as the last one?" Not if we do our jobs well. Introducing the Lean Comp Plan — an approach that "trims the fat" to focus on what matters most.

Tell Me More.

Need help creating or updating a comprehensive plan for your community?

Contact MSA's Planning Team!

WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS

Geotextile Tubes for Biosolids Management

Facing rising costs and aging infrastructure, municipalities are turning to this low-cost, low-maintenance solution to deliver biosolids reduction, storage, and clean filtrate without the complexity of traditional systems.

I'm Intrigued.

Want to discuss wastewater solutions with a professional near you?

Reach out Today.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TOOLS

A Guide for Public Engagement in Park & Recreation Planning

Public engagement is more than just a checkbox in the planning process — it is the cornerstone of equitable, inclusive, and sustainable design. Identifying how, where, and why to engage the public is the first step in creating spaces of, by, and for the people.

Tell Me How.

Looking for help developing a public engagement toolbox for your next project?

We're Here to Help!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS

Memorial Park Revitalization

Village of Barneveld

Honoring community resilience with a rejuvenated, inclusive new gathering space.

Learn More.

La Salle Avenue Reconstruction

City of Barron

A resourceful bundle of SDWLP, CWF and WisDOT funding supports the upgrade of key downtown infrastructure.

Learn More.

Wastewater Effluent Irrigation System

Village of Deer Park

Meeting compliance levels for phosphorus effluent while supporting the nutrient application needs of a local farm.

Learn More.

Lac La Belle Boat Launch Improvements

City of Oconomowoc

Boat launch upgrades boost site flow, safety, accessibility, and stormwater management.

Learn More.

100% EMPLOYEE OWNED

MSA is proud to be 100% employee owned! Our team takes pride in serving clients, not just as project partners, but as citizens, neighbors, and friends. Follow the link to learn more about our latest employee promotions, professional milestones, award-winning projects, and new hires. When you work with MSA, it's more than a project. It's a commitment — to you and your community's long-term success.