Katz & Associates

Katz & Associates is a public infrastructure communication services firm based in San Diego, United States. Founded in 1986, the firm focuses on strategic communication, public involvement, and community relations for essential public projects. While the firm’s core offering is public relations and communications, its work is heavily concentrated on helping government agencies, utilities, and private developers navigate the complex communication challenges that come with large-scale infrastructure, environmental, and community planning initiatives. Katz & Associates is known for blending traditional media relations with hands-on community outreach and facilitation, ensuring that projects move forward with informed public support.

Core Services and Specialties

Katz & Associates provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to support the full lifecycle of public infrastructure and environmental projects. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of public agencies and their stakeholders. The firm’s expertise spans strategic communication planning, crisis and emergency communication, and media/presentation training. A key differentiator is its emphasis on public involvement and participation, which includes designing and facilitating public meetings, workshops, and online engagement platforms. The firm also offers graphic design and creative communication services to translate complex technical information into accessible visual storytelling. Below is a list of the primary service areas offered by Katz & Associates:

• Strategic Communication and Program Management
• Public Involvement and Community Outreach
• Public Participation and Online Engagement
• Media Relations and Media/Presentation Training
• Crisis Communication Planning and Response
• Facilitation and Community Relations
• Construction and Development Relations
• Creative Communication, Branding, and Graphic Design
• Environmental and Hazardous Waste Communication
• Stormwater Management and Utilities Communication
• Social Media Strategy and Visual Storytelling
• Community Planning for Infrastructure Projects

Industries Served and Project Focus

Katz & Associates primarily serves government entities, including water and transportation agencies, municipalities, energy providers, and military installations. The firm’s work is deeply rooted in the public sector, with a strong emphasis on projects that require transparent communication with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. Common project types include stormwater management outreach, hazardous waste communication, community planning for infrastructure, and construction and development communications. The firm also works with utilities on water, wastewater, and energy projects, helping them manage public perception and regulatory requirements. By focusing on these specialized areas, Katz & Associates has built a reputation for understanding the unique communication needs of public agencies in the western United States.

Approach and Philosophy

The firm’s approach is grounded in the belief that effective public involvement is essential for successful infrastructure projects. Katz & Associates employs a collaborative and transparent methodology, often starting with a thorough assessment of stakeholder needs and project goals. The team uses a mix of traditional and digital tools to reach diverse audiences, including in-person meetings, online engagement platforms, and targeted social media campaigns. The firm also places a strong emphasis on training, offering media and presentation training to help agency staff communicate more effectively with the public and press. In 2023, Katz & Associates was acquired by Southwest Strategies Group, a move that expanded its capabilities and reach, particularly in California. This acquisition has strengthened the firm’s ability to deliver integrated communication strategies for complex, multi-jurisdictional projects.

Katz & Associates is an excellent fit for government agencies, utilities, and private developers in the western United States who need expert communication support for infrastructure, environmental, or community planning projects. The firm’s deep experience in public involvement, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement makes it particularly valuable for projects that require building trust and consensus among diverse audiences. Whether working on a stormwater management campaign in San Diego or a large transportation initiative elsewhere, Katz & Associates brings a methodical, results-oriented approach that prioritizes clarity and community buy-in. For organizations seeking a reliable partner to navigate the public communication challenges of essential projects, the firm offers a proven track record and a specialized focus that sets it apart in the public relations landscape.