Franklin Associates

This week, Vice President of Management Services Portia Johnson and Senior Project Manager Emily Harris-Shears are attending the U.S. Housing Community Development Conference & Expo where they are engaging in insightful dialogue with the nation's leading housing and community development experts. They will take these lessons learned in development and financing to preserve and broaden access to affordable and attainable housing to continue putting people first.

Senior Project Manager Emily Harris-Shears shared her subject matter expertise at the 2026 NeighborWorks Montana conference, presenting a collaborative blueprint designed for Montana’s diverse communities—from rural areas to resort-driven economies. The session explored strategies for integrating inclusive design, fair housing compliance, accessibility standards, and funding opportunities to support mixed-income and workforce housing development. Franklin Associates is proud to support conversations focused on creating resilient, sustainable, and people-centered housing solutions for communities of all sizes.

Franklin’s commitment to Putting People First is demonstrated through our new work with the City of West Monroe on its MAD Grant—a transformative funding initiative from the Louisiana Office of Community Development – Local Government Assistance, designed to expand access to safe, sustainable housing and strengthen community resilience. This effort is especially significant as it marks the first time the City of West Monroe has received funding directly for housing programs, creating a new opportunity to build local capacity and deliver meaningful, resident-focused outcomes. As the grant management and implementation partner, Franklin supports the city in designing and delivering both the Home Rehabilitation Program and the Homeownership Assistance Program, ensuring funding reaches the residents it is intended to benefit.

We’re proud to share that the Florida Corridor Master Plan has been recognized with an Honorable Mention – Excellence Award for a Plan by the American Planning Association Louisiana Chapter.

As the communications and public engagement lead, Franklin developed and implemented a comprehensive engagement strategy that connected with more than 4,000 residents and stakeholders across Baton Rouge. The plan serves as a roadmap to revitalize the 12-mile corridor, promoting reinvestment, connectivity, and resilience in the neighborhoods that unite our city.

We’re honored to have been a part of this transformative effort that will shape the future of Baton Rouge.