Giffels Webster acquires Clearzoning

Detroit — Giffels Webster, a Detroit-headquartered consulting firm specializing in infrastructure and land development solutions for public, private and institutional clients, acquired Clearzoning, a planning and zoning consultant located in Lathrup Village, Mich. The acquisition broadens Giffels Webster’s full suite of community-building solutions through additional expertise and proprietary processes.

“The talent of Clearzoning significantly strengthens our community-planning abilities and deepens the service portfolio we offer to our clients,” said Scott Clein, PE, LEED, AP, president and partner at Giffels Webster. “Clearzoning’s service and culture mesh with Giffels Webster’s philosophy of improving quality of life in the communities we serve. We are thrilled to have them join our family.”

This month, Clearzoning will begin transitioning its team to all three of Giffels Webster’s offices. At that time, Clearzoning President and Co-founder Rodney Arroyo, AICP, will become a partner at Giffels Webster, overseeing all of the firm’s community planning. Arroyo’s founding partner, Clearzoning CEO David Birchler, AICP, will retire later in the year, following the successful harmonization of the two firms.

“David and I founded a planning and transportation firm 27 years ago that grew into a nationally known pioneer in the development of electronic, online municipal codes. We believe joining Giffels Webster is the next step to elevating the reach and impact of our proprietary service,” said Arroyo. “We will continue to provide community-planning consulting to more than 30 municipalities. I anticipate a seamless transition that will allow us to continue our well-known client service.”

Giffels Webster will continue offering Clearzoning’s namesake product that converts zoning ordinances into illustrated, digital documents, and its NEXTSTEPS for downtown planning process for downtown districts.

With the acquisition, Giffels Webster employs a workforce of more than 100 professionals among its Detroit, Oakland County and Macomb County offices.