Lois D. Cohen Associates LLC

Lois D. Cohen Associates LLC is a public relations and communications agency based in Portland, United States, specializing in community engagement for public and private sector projects. Founded in 2008, the firm focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for public participation, particularly in transportation, infrastructure, and building projects. The agency's core work involves facilitating communication between project teams and the communities affected by their work, ensuring that public priorities are heard and integrated into project outcomes.

Services and Specialties

Lois D. Cohen Associates LLC offers a range of services centered around public involvement and community outreach. The agency is known for its expertise in public information campaigns, school-based outreach programs, and engagement strategies for large-scale projects. Below are key services and specialties the firm provides:

• Public involvement planning and implementation
• Workforce enrichment workshops
• School-based outreach and education programs
• Public information and communication campaigns
• Occupant engagement for building projects
• Charrette facilitation for collaborative design processes
• MWESB (Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Business) outreach and enrichment
• Community engagement strategy development

These services are tailored to meet the needs of clients managing complex projects that require broad community input and support.

Who They Help and Their Approach

Lois D. Cohen Associates LLC primarily works with public agencies, government bureaus, and private contractors. Current and past projects include work with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Port of Portland. The agency’s approach is highly customized, focusing on listening to community needs and translating technical information into accessible language for diverse audiences. As noted by Matthew Garret, Director of ODOT, the firm excels at communicating with engineers, contractors, and local officials, then translating that information to all levels of affected communities. This investment in time and talent helps deliver projects that align with community visions.

The firm also emphasizes strategic distribution of publicly funded resources, with a strong sense of civic responsibility. Multnomah County Commission Chair Deborah Kafoury has praised the agency’s threads of civic responsibility and respect for public institutions woven through all their programs. This approach ensures that engagement efforts are not just procedural but genuinely impactful.

Location and Credentials

Headquartered at 521 SW 11th Ave in Portland, Oregon, Lois D. Cohen Associates LLC operates primarily in the Portland metropolitan area and the Pacific Northwest. The agency holds Gold Certification from Portland’s Sustainability at Work Program, reflecting its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible practices. This local certification underscores the firm’s deep roots in the Portland community and its dedication to sustainable operations. For organizations in the United States, particularly those in the public sector or involved in infrastructure projects, Lois D. Cohen Associates LLC offers specialized expertise in navigating community engagement challenges.

Lois D. Cohen Associates LLC is a strong fit for public agencies, government contractors, and private developers seeking to build trust and collaboration with communities affected by their projects. Their focus on listening, learning, and customizing outreach makes them particularly valuable for complex, high-stakes initiatives where public support is critical to success. Whether working on sewer rehabilitation, building reconstruction, or park renovations, the agency brings a focused, respectful, and effective approach to community engagement.