economic development + planning + public affairs

(518) 227-1844

Free REMOTE MEETING RESOURCES

Designing Virtual Public Meetings

Holding Your First Virtual Public Meeting

Holding Your First Virtual Public Meeting

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, many communities have started making changes to public meetings.  Learn more about how to take your community into a remote, virtual meeting format.  Join us for a 30-minute webinar about options.

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Holding Your First Virtual Public Meeting

Holding Your First Virtual Public Meeting

Holding Your First Virtual Public Meeting

You've ready to hold your first virtual public meeting!  What else do you need to do in order to be successful?  What are some pitfalls to avoid?  How can you ensure a successful and productive meeting?  

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Opportunities and Updates

Pro Bono Economic Development and Planning?

Essem Strategies has always been committed to public service. That is why we offer our pro bono program to communities in need. We set aside time all year to give back to communities in need. We can typically accommodate two to four communities per year. Often, our work is used as the foundation for a full strategic plan or to serve as a catalyst for other opportunities.


We're interested in working in communities impacted by an economic or natural disaster. We are interested in projects that require no more than one week of intensive study followed by a report to the community in six to eight weeks. Our work typically focuses on:


  • Formulating a vision, major goals, and objectives; 
  • Conducting an analysis of existing conditions including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; and 
  • Developing resiliency framework. 


Communities are only responsible for travel expenses associated with the site visit. Typical costs are in the range of $1,000 to $1,500 per professional and per visit. The value of our donated professional time can be documented and may be used towards a local match for various grant programs. To find out more, please email us.

Find out more

About Us

Our Experience

With nearly 20 years of public and private sector experience, our team at Essem is committed to serving small communities and small businesses alike.  We recognize that not everyone can have a full-time economic development or planning professional on hand - we're your ON DEMAND professional.

Our Services

Our service includes a comprehensive consult to help identify gaps and opportunities, a comprehensive report that includes a project plan with timelines and milestones, a cost analysis, and a schedule. 


Looking to add to or grow your team?  We offer a confidential recruitment service to help you hire your next planning and economic professional.   Contact us to learn more.

Why Us?

Your time and money are valuable and limited resources —that’s why when it comes to client selection, we’re choosy. We want to give each of you the time and guidance you deserve.  Whether you’re seeking a strategic alliance with the right partner or a special skillset or tool, call us today. Together we’ll create and refine your plan for success. We didn’t get there alone. And neither will you. 

Recent Projects

DETCOG (TX) Post-Hurricane Conditions Analysis

DETCOG (TX) Post-Hurricane Conditions Analysis

DETCOG (TX) Post-Hurricane Conditions Analysis

Working with the Deep East Texas Regional Council of Governments, we developed a post-hurricane existing conditions analysis to assist the region in seeking funding to support its economic recovery

Apalachee Disaster Assistance Recovery Portal

DETCOG (TX) Post-Hurricane Conditions Analysis

DETCOG (TX) Post-Hurricane Conditions Analysis

We assisted the Apalachee Regional Planning Commission of Florida with the development of a Disaster Assistance Recovery Portal to improve the connection to FEMA and other recovery/relief programs after Hurricane Michael.

Jefferson Parish (LA) CEDS Recommendations

Jefferson Parish (LA) CEDS Recommendations

Jefferson Parish (LA) CEDS Recommendations

After being impacted by 25 declared disasters since 2016, we performed a comprehensive review of local and regional plans and made recommendations for a CEDS Economic Resilience Program with its area Economic Development District.

Village of Menands (NY) Market Profile

Jefferson Parish (LA) CEDS Recommendations

Jefferson Parish (LA) CEDS Recommendations

Located just north of the City of Albany and east of the Town of Colonie, the Village of Meands is a small urban village with two exits to I-787.  This profile was created to help the village market commercial sites to potential users.

Add a certified pro to your team

Our Certified Professionals Strengthen Your Team, Proposals, and Deliverables

Are you working with local governments, industry, or community groups?  Adding Essem Strategies to your team gives you the added edge with access to certified planners and economic developers that others just don't have.  You can be confident that our certified professionals will bring:


  • Knowledge of local land use policies, economic development goals, and municipal structures and functions.
  • Experience to collect and analyze data, providing valuable insight on trends in demographic, economic, and other indicators.
  • Understanding the intersections between the economy, transportation, public safety, land-use regulation.
  • Ability to engage the public and other stakeholders, articulate key points to different audiences, and mediate/facilitate conflicting community interests.
  • Expertise with problem solving and decision making that balances objective and subjective considerations.


Contact us today to learn more.

Contact Us

Essem Strategies

(518) 227-1844

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