Collaborative Services

Based in California, Collaborative Services has built a reputation over nearly three decades as a firm that bridges the gap between public agencies and the communities they serve. Founded in 1995, the company originally operated under the name Collaborative Services before evolving into CityWorks People + Places, Inc. The firm is deeply rooted in the California market, where complex environmental regulations, rapid urban development, and diverse community needs create a constant demand for skilled public involvement and strategic communications. Their work is particularly relevant in a state where major infrastructure projects, water management initiatives, and transportation overhauls require careful stakeholder engagement to move forward successfully.

What They Do: Public Involvement and Strategic Communications

Collaborative Services specializes in helping organizations navigate the often difficult process of public engagement. Their core expertise lies in designing and implementing programs that allow for meaningful information exchange between project sponsors and community members. The firm’s approach is practical and process-oriented, focusing on building agreement, changing behaviors, and improving community outcomes. Their services are not about one-way messaging but about creating structured dialogue. Key areas of their work include:

• Public involvement and outreach program design
• Strategic communications planning and execution
• Meeting facilitation and stakeholder workshops
• Event logistics and coordination for public meetings
• Training programs in conflict resolution and communication
• Media coordination and public information campaigns

This suite of services allows Collaborative Services to act as a neutral third party or a strategic partner, depending on the project's needs. Their facilitators are trained to handle contentious topics, from water conservation policies to stormwater pollution prevention, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the process remains productive.

Who They Serve: Public Agencies, Utilities, and Community Organizations

The firm’s client base is primarily composed of public agencies at the local, regional, and state levels, as well as utilities and community-based organizations. Collaborative Services works on issues that directly affect people’s daily lives, such as infrastructure planning and construction, urban and transportation planning, and natural resource management. For example, they might help a water district communicate changes in conservation requirements or assist a city in gathering input on a new transit line. The firm also supports economic development initiatives, helping public entities explain complex projects to residents and businesses. Their experience with conflict resolution makes them particularly valuable for projects where there is existing tension or skepticism from the community.

Expertise and Approach

What sets Collaborative Services apart is their long history and deep understanding of California’s public involvement landscape. Having been in operation since 1995, the firm has developed methodologies that are tested and refined over hundreds of projects. Their expertise in meeting facilitation and event logistics ensures that public meetings are not just held, but are productive and well-organized. The firm’s emphasis on behavior change is also noteworthy; they go beyond simply informing the public to actively encouraging shifts in practices, such as water conservation or recycling habits. This requires a sophisticated understanding of both communications theory and community psychology. Collaborative Services also offers training in these skills, helping their clients build internal capacity for future engagement efforts.

Collaborative Services is an excellent fit for any public agency or utility in California that is facing a challenging public outreach requirement. Whether the project involves a controversial infrastructure upgrade, a new environmental regulation, or a long-term planning process, the firm provides the structure and expertise needed to engage stakeholders effectively. Their focus on facilitation and conflict resolution makes them especially well-suited for projects where community buy-in is critical to success. For organizations that need a reliable partner to manage the complexities of public involvement in California, Collaborative Services offers a proven track record and a practical, results-oriented approach.