LACO Associates

Advancing the quality of life
for generations to come

Engineers, Designers, Planners, Geologists, Geotechnical Engineers, Surveyors, Environmental Scientists, Special Inspectors, and More

What’s your priority when selecting an industry provider? Is it experience? Reputation? Ease of communication? Range of services? To address those questions, LACO offers the complete package – a long, respected history of professional consulting services for development, infrastructure, and environmental projects, along with a broad range of related services. And as your neighbors in Humboldt County, Mendocino County, Sonoma County, and Butte County, we’re committed to improving quality of life. We’ve grown along with our communities, but what hasn’t changed since we opened our first office in 1954 is the personal connection to our clients. LACO Associates wants to be your trusted advisors. Email or call us today to discuss how we can solve your problems and serve your diverse needs!

Mike Nelson

Mike Nelson’s attention to detail and creative approach built his reputation as leader in the planning industry. Since assuming the duties of LACO President in 2016, those same skills have helped the company expand into a 4-office regional operation that maintains the mindset of personal attention to every project, large and small. That commitment to the firm and community led to a client describing him as “a man of integrity and honesty who is easy to work with through complex issues.” Mike also oversees business development and operations at LACO’s newest office in Chico.

President

Brad Thomas

LACO’s Vice President of Land Surveying, Brad Thomas was integral in the conceptual planning, design and construction of Windsor Town Green Village, a nationally recognized Smart Growth Mixed Use Land Development. In this photo Brad is in front of Phase One completed in 2002. This fifteen-year project is now a focal point for gatherings and pride in the community.

Vice President of Land Surveying

Kevin Doble

As Regional Manager of LACO South, (comprised of Ukiah, Santa Rosa, and Fort Bragg offices) Kevin Doble brings a strong wheelhouse of skill to LACO’s leadership with a record of successfully managing complex projects in the North Bay region and surrounding counties. Kevin’s integrated approach to communities is supported by a special knowledge of jurisdictional ordinances, the ability to easily navigate land development challenges, and key relationships with public agencies. He is recognized for his involvement as an active member in both civic and community roles, as well as the attentive guidance and care he provides clients and staff members alike.

Regional Manager

Rod Wilburn

Rod Wilburn’s understanding of LACO’s services and application to our clients’ needs is based on hands-on experience. In short, he’s done it all, which serves the firm well in his role as Operations Manager on the corporate leadership team. He’s also Regional Manager of the Ukiah/Mendocino County team, which earned the Ukiah Chamber of Commerce’s “Business of the Year” award in 2019. Rod and his wife, Olivia, run a wildlife rescue that cares for injured and orphaned animals.

Operations Manager

Beth Burks

As head of the LACO planning services, Beth Burks’ knowledge and expertise sets a high standard that has earned the respect of clients and industry peers. Her input and direction on an expanse of initiatives – from wind-generated power to cannabis regulation -- is regularly solicited by community leaders. She’s also earned the respect of her LACO co-workers for her willingness to share knowledge and mentor new professionals.

Planning Director

Bob Ulibarri

Bob Ulibarri’s attention to detail has developed a lasting trust among LACO clients. As an enrolled member of the Navajo Tribe, Bob’s understanding of tribal cultures translates into planning that incorporates tradition, lifestyle, and history into every project. Bob’s knowledge and creativity has also helped clients identify funding sources, and his grant writing skills have helped conceptual ideas – like a traditional Yurok cemetery - be realized.

Senior Planner

Working At LACO

LACO Business Manger and Director of Human Resources, Kara Clower is a true LACO success story – an employee whose passion for the firm has elevated the company’s business structure while also recruiting top talent that has kept us on the leading edge of innovation and process. Visit our career center for more information on LACO’s family-friendly work culture, team approach, and employment opportunities.

We used LACO Associates to help us modify our winery use permit. The team there is properly resourced, knowledgeable and well connected which helped us navigate through the various hurdles. We recommend LACO to anyone looking for permit planning, engineering and design expertise.

"Our office appreciates LACO s dedication to working with our various stakeholders to develop scientifically defensible best management practices and supportive recommendations. Based on their technical expertise and professionalism, we recommend LACO for your projects."

"LACO has demonstrated a commitment to education through its internship program and has a history of planning and engineering safety-based initiatives. The company’s high standards weighed heavily in our choice of a project partner."

"LACO's true professionalism and client relationship "shined bright" through the process. We deeply appreciate the LACO team for their constant communication of the progress, attention to detail, and their compassion towards our residents."

A Message from our President

March 18, 2020

Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the COVID-19 situation and we hope this email finds you and your family well. With so

Map image of Little Lake Valley (LLV) Groundwater Plan locations

LACO, City of Willits seek input from residents regarding Groundwater Management Plan Project focused on Little Lake Valley Basin

February 27, 2020

Representatives from LACO Associates and the City of Willits held the first of two Little Lake Valley (LLV) Groundwater Plan public workshops on Feb. 20

Women employees at LACO forge ahead with professional achievements

February 14, 2020

EUREKA – Geology Department Manager Christine Manhart has assumed the added responsibilities of company Principal, leading a list of recent achievements announced by LACO Associates