Urban Rural Continuum, or URC, is a small planning consulting firm founded in 2016. Located in western Colorado, URC is passionate about helping rural and mountain towns thrive. We work with public, non-profit, and private-sector clients on a wide range of projects to facilitate positive change. We are nimble and able to adjust in real time to meet client needs. We enjoy collaborating with clients and partners to help create diverse and sustainable communities that benefit current and future residents.
What we do:
Extensive housing work across Colorado and the Mountain West, including housing needs assessments and market studies. Most of our housing efforts center around housing needs, affordability, and market gaps.
Land use code work ranging from comprehensive updates to targeted revisions to code audits. Recent work includes:
URC serves as a Regional Grant Navigator for Region 10 in western Colorado, helping municipalities and their partners access federal, state, local, and philanthropic funding. URC assists with project development, grant identification, grant application support, as well as grant management and compliance support.
URC served as the Local Community Contract Consultant for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Colorado Main Street Program for seven years. This included writing requests for proposals and/or managing over 100 different projects spanning a range of topics that facilitated community revitalization.
Andrew is a life-long learner and critical thinker. He is constantly doing calculations, analysis and research. He has extensive experience working with public and private sector clients in urban and rural communities, and on public land. For years he has assessed local housing markets across the mountain west but has had a diverse career.
Andrew has managed planning projects for the National Park Service, worked as an assistant financial director for a gubernatorial campaign, and served as a wildland firefighter, among others.
Andrew has volunteered for the Nanjing Urban Planning and Research Center in China, Cajas National Park in Ecuador, and Habitat for Humanity in Bolivia.
When not working he enjoys fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and researching his next “needed” outdoor gear purchase.
Education
Shay was born to be a planner. She is detail oriented, organized, enjoys meeting new people, and is always planning ahead. She previously served as the Community Development Director for the City of Delta and as the Planner for the Town of Ridgway. Prior to working in local government, Shay worked for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) as the Colorado Main Street Program Manager and started her career at Clarion Associates, a private land use consulting firm. With this well-rounded experience, Shay brings a broad perspective and strong communication skills to every project.
When not working, she can be found gardening, fly fishing, cross country skiing, hiking, and snacking.
She has volunteered for post-hurricane Katrina disaster assistance in New Orleans, Cajas National Park in Ecuador, and Habitat for Humanity in Bolivia.
Education
info@urbanruralcontinuum.com
720.464.5821
