Michael J. Lauer, AICP, Principal

As the founding partner based in Melbourne Beach, Florida, Michael Lauer has served local governments from coast to coast over the last 25 years.  He has developed award-winning growth management programs addressing diverse land use planning and policy issues, including concurrency, infrastructure funding, development regulation, and facilitation of intergovernmental agreements and public-private partnerships.

Michael’s planning approach blends consensus-building with a strong technical foundation, ensuring that plans reflect local values and resources.  His projects are distinguished by the strong support they receive through adoption and implementation and, more importantly, through the long-term relationships he maintains with his clients.

Michael’s practice is focused on communities located in Florida and across the Gulf Coast, as well as in Western states, and he has built a reputation for his work addressing the challenges of hazard mitigation and disaster recovery.  His extensive work in tourist-oriented communities focuses on protecting natural and community resources while maintaining economic balance.

As the Director of Planning for the law firm of Freilich, Leitner & Carlisle throughout the 1990s, Michael Lauer gained unparalleled insight on the opportunities for local governments created through proactive growth management planning.

Certifications & Education

• American Planning Association
• American Institute of Certified Planners
• Congress for New Urbanism
• National Charrette Institute Certified Charrette Planner
• Urban Land Institute
• Master of Community and Regional Planning, University of Texas
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Texas