Our Story.
Our Values.
A few years ago, we were asked to lead a public meeting in a town where the conversation around new housing had become...tense, to say the least.
The room was packed. You could feel the nerves. Some people stood with arms crossed; others sat ready to argue.
But we had a different approach.
Instead of diving into debate, we used our Open House tools to spark quieter conversations, invite participation on paper and boards, and encourage thoughtful listening.
Something shifted.
By the end of the night, people who hadn’t spoken at a public meeting in years were sharing their hopes—not just their concerns. One resident came up afterward and said, “That’s the first time I’ve felt heard at one of these.”
That’s why we do what we do. Because when engagement is thoughtful and well-designed, it transforms conflict into connection—and helps communities move forward together.
At JM Goldson, we believe the heart of great planning is finding balance—honoring the past while making room for a better future, supporting long-time residents while welcoming newcomers, and promoting wellness for both people and the planet.
Since founding JM Goldson in 2006, certified planner Jenn Goldson has led our team with one clear goal: to help communities thrive with authenticity, equity, and sustainability. We do this by partnering with municipalities, developers of affordable housing, and fellow consultants to craft plans and policies that reflect local voices, preserve community assets, and expand access to opportunity.
At the core of our work is a commitment to highly effective, inclusive community engagement. Over the years, we’ve designed and refined a powerful set of engagement tools—tailored to reach a broad spectrum of voices, even in the most contentious conversations. Whether facilitating comprehensive plans, housing strategies, or community preservation efforts, we create meaningful, productive dialogue that leads to lasting solutions.
In addition to working directly with municipalities and agencies, we collaborate with developers and consultant teams looking to strengthen their community engagement efforts.
Our facilitation strategies are rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and genuine collaboration—ensuring every project is informed by those who live, work, and invest in the community.
We’re proud to have worked with countless municipalities, organizations, and partners across the Northeast U.S. and beyond—helping communities anticipate change, envision their future, and strike the right balance to become stronger, healthier, and more inclusive places.
Our services include:
Municipal land disposition and developer selection processes
Strategic and area plans
Equity analysis of grant programs and policies
Community engagement consulting and facilitation for partner teams
GIS analysis and data-driven policy solutions
Comprehensive plans
Community visioning and goal-setting
Community preservation plans
Housing production plans and housing needs assessments
Zoning strategies supporting housing production, gentle density, and transit-oriented development
What we believe
All people should have open and equitable access to live in healthy, vibrant, and safe communities.
Community engagement should create an inclusive environment where everyone who wants to can be seen, valued, and heard in the decisions that affect their communities and their lives.
Smart policies help us to be good stewards of our communities and planet, use resources wisely, and enhance wellness for both people and the planet.
Just and effective outcomes require close collaboration to co-create public policies that have the power to improve lives.
Ready to collaborate?
WE CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!