Built for communities with important work to do
Built for communities with important work to do
Small local governments are expected to manage complex land-use decisions, competing priorities, ambitious projects and public expectations—often with limited staff capacity. Civic Enhancement Strategies helps make that work more manageable with practical advice, clear documents and a path from discussion to implementation.
How CES can help
How CES can help
Zoning and ordinance consulting. Audit confusing codes, modernize land-use standards, prepare use tables and procedures, create review checklists, and strengthen staff implementation tools. Learn about Zoning Consulting →
Strategic planning and public engagement. Facilitate retreats, community meetings and surveys; translate findings into measurable goals, responsibilities and work plans. Explore Strategic Planning →
Grants and project development. Find fitting funding opportunities, shape project narratives, organize budgets and partnerships, and support readiness for implementation. Explore Grant Services →
Experience with the work behind the decisions
Experience with the work behind the decisions
CES was founded by Jessie Owensby, MPA, whose public-sector career includes responsibility for municipal zoning, downtown redevelopment, capital improvements, housing strategy and historic preservation. CES brings the perspective of someone who has worked inside local government and understands the administrative work required after a plan is approved.
Selected work and experience
Selected work and experience
Demorest | CES consulting engagement. Community and employee survey analysis, strategic retreat facilitation and a 2025–26 municipal work plan. See the case study →
Cornelia | Prior municipal project leadership. Named project administrator for the completed Appletree Alley streetscape; named local project manager in the ARC amphitheater funding application. See public-sector experience →
Cornelia | Housing and preservation programs. Organized GICH housing-program work and preservation-commission operating procedures as a municipal staff leader. Read more →
Talk through your municipality’s challenge
Talk through your municipality’s challenge
Whether you need a complete zoning overhaul, an actionable strategic plan or help getting a project ready for funding, start with a short conversation about your goals, capacity and timeline.
At CES, we are committed to improving communities throughout the Appalachian region.
Communities throughout these beautiful mountains, where millions of people call “home,” are working tirelessly to create places that promote an excellent quality of life, sustainability, and growth, while balancing the preservation of the rural lifestyle and the charming, quiet places that they love.
Often, these rural communities, and the people who live in them, do not have all the resources needed to build the capacity for long-term viability.
That’s where we come in! CES serves government entities, non-profit organizations, and small businesses in assisting them with building the framework they need to be successful.
So, take a minute to check out our website and let us know if we are right for you!
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