News Archive

Eight people stand in front of the Westbrook Water Treatment Plant holding a red ribbon. A badge in the lower right corner reads Award Winning Project with AQUARIUS Recognition. The group is outside, surrounded by sunlight and greenery.

Westbrook Water Treatment Plant Earns AQUARIUS Recognition

April 14, 2026

Westbrook Public Utilities’ Water Treatment Plant has received one of five AQUARIUS Awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Each awarded project was funded in part by the Drinking Water… [ Read More about Westbrook Water Treatment Plant Earns AQUARIUS Recognition ]

Aerial view of a small town with buildings, roads, parked cars, and a waterfront with a dock. Trees, some with autumn foliage, line the curved shoreline and streets. A park with walking paths borders the water.

From Concept to Reality: Photo Simulation Visualizations

April 10, 2026

Clear, effective communication is critical to building understanding and trust around projects that impact communities. Photo simulation visualizations help bridge the gap between technical design and public understanding by showing… [ Read More about From Concept to Reality: Photo Simulation Visualizations ]

A modern brick building with a glass entrance is in the background. Overlay icons include a group of people, a dollar sign, a water drop with a bolt, arrows, a wrench with a screwdriver, and a refresh symbol.

Investing in Buildings: First Cost vs. Long-Term Cost

April 9, 2026

Municipal leaders today face constant pressure to deliver high-quality public facilities while operating within tight budgets. Many respond by designing buildings that meet minimum code requirements at the lowest possible… [ Read More about Investing in Buildings: First Cost vs. Long-Term Cost ]

People using power wheelchairs and others walking along a wide, accessible path in a green park on a sunny day. Trees, benches, and a bridge are visible in the background.

2050 Comprehensive Plans: Climate, Sustainability, Resilience

April 8, 2026

At Bolton & Menk, sustainability and resilience are central to how we help communities plan for the future. As climate conditions evolve and expectations increase, communities are being called upon… [ Read More about 2050 Comprehensive Plans: Climate, Sustainability, Resilience ]

Three people, including two children, kneel on a colorful chalk mandala drawn on a public sidewalk. In the foreground are painted raised hands, and an apartment building is visible in the background.

Knowledge,

2050 Comprehensive Plan Update

April 8, 2026

At Bolton & Menk, we believe great communities are built through thoughtful, long‑range community planning. Our Community and Area Planning team partners with cities, towns, and counties to guide growth… [ Read More about 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update ]

A group of people stands around a table under a canopy, examining a large map and discussing. One person points at the map while others look on attentively. There are plants and informational posters on the table.

Comprehensive Plan Services

April 8, 2026

A comprehensive plan is a long‑range planning document that guides a community’s growth, development, and decision‑making over a typical 20‑year horizon. Through a thoughtful planning process, communities engage residents, stakeholders,… [ Read More about Comprehensive Plan Services ]

Aerial view of a small town with tree-lined streets, brick buildings, a water tower, parked cars, and vibrant murals on some walls; farmland and greenery surround the town.

Building Momentum Through Public and Private Partnerships in Algona

April 6, 2026

For many Iowa cities, downtown street reconstruction projects begin as responses to aging pavement, outdated utilities, and necessary accessibility updates. Now more than ever, communities are regarding these investments as… [ Read More about Building Momentum Through Public and Private Partnerships in Algona ]

A person wearing a helmet and backpack rides a bicycle on a dedicated bike path beside a city street with traffic lights, trees, and buildings under a hazy sky.

MnDOT Separated Bicycle Facility Design Guide

April 2, 2026

In 2020, MnDOT adopted the Minnesota Bicycle Facility Design Manual to provide designers and planners with information to develop safe, consistent, and predictable bicycle facilities along MnDOT’s trunk highway system…. [ Read More about MnDOT Separated Bicycle Facility Design Guide ]

A group of students and an adult gather around a table, interacting with a colorful water-themed educational model. The top of the image displays REAL OUTREACH with a teamwork icon on a purple background.

Knowledge,

Career Paths for Students Who Want to Shape Places

April 1, 2026

At Bolton & Menk, we take pride in being active within our communities, which includes welcoming students into our office. Sharing the spaces where we collaborate, innovate, and grow each… [ Read More about Career Paths for Students Who Want to Shape Places ]

Two men standing indoors, one holding a plaque that reads Dedicated Partner Award. Both are smiling at the camera. Wood-paneled walls and a television displaying an outdoor scene are in the background.

Hinkle Recognized for Southeastern Drainage Partnership

March 30, 2026

Jonathan Hinkle, Water Resources Group Leader and Principal at Bolton & Menk, was recently recognized as a dedicated partner for his commitment and leadership providing innovative drainage solutions. This recognition… [ Read More about Hinkle Recognized for Southeastern Drainage Partnership ]