Our Culture

Motivation

SB Friedman team members are motivated to help solve community and  economic development issues. We work on projects that directly address  matters of social equity for under-resourced communities and populations as well as planning and development work that benefits communities  broadly. We seek to influence the public agenda, create awareness of  important issues, and advance best practices for the field.

Culture

We intentionally create a collaborative, learning environment, where all team members are encouraged to share ideas and pose questions. We are  driven by our mission and passionate about the work we do, but also  relax and have fun with our colleagues through regular happy hours,  annual service days, potlucks, and our firm’s annual summer gathering  and holiday party. We also celebrate personal and professional  milestones.

Hybrid Work Environment

SB Friedman has a hybrid work environment to provide employees the  ability to balance personal and professional needs. We believe this  arrangement gives staff members personal flexibility while also  facilitating the rich in-person collaboration on which our work depends.

Professional Growth and Development

Our firm values the growth of our team members and supports them in  meeting professional goals in terms of advancement, broader professional development and building relationships. Staff are involved in client  meetings and presentations and are provided opportunities to interface  directly with clients. We pride ourselves on growing staff from the  entry level and promoting within the firm; most managers started at the  firm in entry-level positions.
Additionally, we encourage and pay for each staff person to be  involved in at least one major professional organization and support  staff in obtaining and maintaining AICP certification. We provide staff  time during business hours to attend professional development and  certification maintenance activities, such as conferences, seminars,  webinars and trainings, including public speaking skills training. We  have developed an internal “brownbag” program where staff present  projects and methodologies to the firm, providing opportunities to  enhance their presentation skills.