om-what?

(/ˈämˌbədz)

Your community has the answer.

We help you find it —and bring it to life.

Ombuds partners with cities, institutions, developers, and community organizations to turn insight into action.

Through planning, design research, and engagement, we help teams create places, projects, and systems that work for real people — and build trust along the way. Whether you need a sounding board, a collaborator, or a full project partner, we meet you where you are.

And for our name? ‘Ombuds’ comes from the Swedish ombudsman, meaning “representative of the people.” That’s who we strive to be.

Let's Build Together

planning

+

research

+

engagement

+

planning + research + engagement +

hi! we’re ombuds.

Ombuds ensures local voices are heard early and clearly. We help shape your projects and initiatives to reflect shared values, so that your community is your coalition.

Whether building on an existing idea or crafting something new, we thrive in collaborative spaces. Our value is a fresh perspective to pull it all together, making unexpected connections to reimagine what exists in ways that can meet your community’s goals.

We partner with organizations, institutions, and community groups to co-design projects that respond to unique urban issues.

Whether you need a few focused hours of support, an out-of-house team, or a partner through a full project, we’re built to flex.

Start a Conversation

who we work with

  • We work alongside cities, districs, regional agencies, and departments to co-create plans and engagement processes that reflect the voices of the people they serve.

    W love to help public entities pilot new approaches to neighborhood planning and community services.

  • We collaborate with business improvement districts, council districts, and other place-based initiatives to help strengthen local economies, public spaces, and civic relationships.

    Our work often bridges city agencies, small businesses, and residents to align on shared goals and creative strategies for their corridors and neighborhoods.

  • We collaborate directly with residents, community groups, and civic associations to reimagine their public spaces and community processes.

    Our work empowers neighborhoods to take ownership of change through creative, inclusive engagement.

  • We partner with school districts, libraries, and other public-serving institutions to design responsive, people-centered systems.

    Our work helps institutions build trust, foster belonging, and better serve the communities at their heart.

  • We partner with nonprofits advancing social, cultural, and environmental impact. Whether through facilitation, storytelling, or program design, we help strengthen missions and mobilize community energy.

  • We work with mission-aligned developers to ensure new projects strengthen the fabric of their surrounding communities. We bridge residents, local leaders, and design teams—helping shape developments that are context-sensitive, inclusive, and welcomed as part of a shared neighborhood vision.

  • We love teaming up with architects, designers, and planners who share our human-centered values. Together, we take on complex projects that require both technical expertise and deep community insight.