2025 Wrapped: A Year of Impact
In 2025, we made progress and worked together across every part of our business, from upgrading infrastructure and utilities to developing land that supports the growth of our communities. Looking back, it’s clear that our impact comes from the combined efforts of our teams, clients, and partners, all working toward stronger, more resilient communities.
Throughout the year, AKS delivered practical, forward-thinking solutions in infrastructure and land development—helping public agencies improve critical systems, supporting responsible growth, and partnering with developers and municipalities to bring lasting improvements to life. Whether upgrading utilities, improving transportation corridors, or contributing to housing and commercial projects, our work this year reflects a commitment to collaboration, technical excellence, and client trust.
In this review, we’ll look at how these achievements came together. Each section shows how AKS helped shape the communities we serve. Here’s what made this year special.
Energy: Powering Progress
In 2025, AKS helped strengthen the region’s energy systems, from hydroelectric plants to utility networks. Our teams collaborated with public utility districts and private energy providers to modernize systems, support renewable energy initiatives, and prepare communities for future needs. The following projects show how our technical skills lead to long-term resilience and reliable service for those who rely on us.
Protecting Homes and Habitats: AKS Supports Avista’s Wildfire Resilience Strategy
This year, our work with Avista showed how accurate, field-based survey data supports regional utility infrastructure. At several sites, the AKS team provided detailed mapping and ground checks that helped Avista plan upgrades and long-term improvements. This project highlighted both our technical skills and the strong partnership we’ve built on trust, quick responses, and a shared goal of delivering reliable energy to Northwest communities.
Strengthening Renewable Energy: AKS Survey Expertise Powers Cowlitz Falls
At the Cowlitz Falls Hydroelectric Plant, AKS helped Lewis County PUD strengthen one of the region’s primary renewable energy resources. By providing accurate field data and technical advice, our team supported improvements that are crucial for the plant’s long-term performance and the reliable generation of hydroelectric power for local communities. This work highlights the importance of surveying and planning skills in maintaining the safety and efficiency of renewable infrastructure.
Mapping and Upgrades for Safer Service: AKS Partners with Pacific Power
In 2025, AKS collaborated with Pacific Power on several projects to enhance utility infrastructure and enhance long-term reliability. These projects included targeted upgrades, as well as larger mapping and survey efforts, all of which helped provide safer and more reliable service to communities in the region. The variety of these projects demonstrates the flexibility of AKS’s energy team and our ability to meet a wide range of utility needs.
Safe Gas Systems Through Smart Planning: AKS Delivers Utility Relocation Expertise
For the OR 22 and Kings Valley Highway roundabout project, AKS assisted Northwest Natural in relocating critical utilities so that natural gas systems remained safe, accessible, and compatible with the new road design. While this wasn’t solely an energy project, it demonstrated the importance of careful planning and teamwork between agencies in protecting critical systems during significant infrastructure changes.
Infrastructure: Connecting Communities
Infrastructure is the foundation of strong communities, shaping how people travel, gather, and stay connected. In 2025, AKS worked on many transportation, public works, and community projects to improve safety, accessibility, and long-term resilience. From bridges and roundabouts that make travel easier to public spaces that bring people together, our teams partnered with agencies, developers, and contractors to deliver solutions for today and the future.
Alongside these physical improvements, our construction support team continued to provide specialized support to clients through environmental compliance and construction-phase services, including CESCL training and support for 1200-C permits. By integrating regulatory awareness into infrastructure delivery, our teams help projects move forward responsibly—balancing mobility, constructability, and environmental stewardship at every stage.
Building Access for Hundreds of Future Homes in Bend: AKS Engineering Shapes Petrosa’s Gateway
The Yeoman Road Bridge and Roundabout project plays a pivotal role in shaping access to the growing Petrosa community. Designed as a key new entrance, the project features a single-lane roundabout and an extension of Yeoman Road over the NUID Canal, creating a safer and more efficient connection that supports both current residents and future development.
By improving traffic flow and reducing conflict points, the roundabout enhances safety for drivers while preparing the corridor to serve hundreds of new homes and neighborhood amenities. More than just a roadway improvement, the project establishes a welcoming gateway that helps set the tone for a thoughtfully connected community.
Safe, Multimodal Access for the Future: AKS Delivers Sustainable Bridge Design
In South Hillsboro, AKS supported the delivery of a new 178-foot bridge over Butternut Creek, strengthening a critical transportation corridor while prioritizing environmental protection. The Cornelius Pass Bridge was designed to accommodate future road expansion, sidewalks, and bike infrastructure—ensuring safe, multimodal access for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Our team provided surveying, engineering, and environmental permitting services, carefully balancing infrastructure needs with stewardship of wetlands, habitat, and the surrounding floodplain. The result is a bridge that not only enhances connectivity in South Hillsboro but also embodies a commitment to sustainable design and long-term community benefits.
From Gravel Pit to Gathering Place: AKS Delivers Construction Oversight for Parklane Park
At Parklane Park, AKS helped transform a once-industrial site into a vibrant, multi-use community destination. Spanning 26 acres, the former gravel pit and landfill has been transformed into a neighborhood park, featuring playgrounds, sports courts, a skate park, dog parks, walking paths, and a community garden.
AKS provided hands-on support during construction, conducting daily inspections and on-site problem-solving to ensure everything was built safely and correctly. This work demonstrates the importance of effective construction oversight in transforming plans into enduring public spaces where people can gather, play, and connect for years to come.
Land Development: Creating Spaces for Life
Land development is where planning, infrastructure, and community vision come together. In 2025, AKS partnered with developers, agencies, and contractors to deliver projects that support economic growth, expand housing opportunities, and create places where people can truly put down roots. From commercial centers that anchor growing cities to residential communities designed for long-term livability, our land development work reflects a balance of technical expertise, thoughtful planning, and community-focused design.
Building the Foundation for Economic Development: AKS Shapes Ridgefield’s Future
At Union Ridge Town Center in Ridgefield, AKS helped shape a growing commercial destination by designing and delivering key roadway and infrastructure improvements—including a new roundabout that supports safe access and efficient traffic flow as the area continues to grow.
The project plays a crucial role in supporting regional economic development, creating space for new businesses, and providing amenities that serve the surrounding community. As a notable milestone, the development also became home to Washington’s first In-N-Out Burger—a fun but telling indicator of the site’s growing visibility and regional draw. More importantly, the project demonstrates how well-planned infrastructure can unlock commercial potential and set the stage for long-term success.
Laying the Groundwork for 500+ Homes in SW Washington: AKS Delivers Critical Infrastructure for Vancouver Growth.
Section 30 is part of a one-square-mile master plan that will bring new homes, parks, and mixed-use spaces to eastern Vancouver. In 2025, AKS partnered with Tapani Underground and Rotschy to support critical public improvements that lay the groundwork for future growth.
This year’s work included a new roundabout and traffic signal, a pump station, and multiple subdivision efforts—all contributing to a development that will ultimately deliver more than 500 future homes, with feasibility work completed for an additional 240 apartment and attached housing units. These improvements are more than just utilities and roadways; they represent the early building blocks of a connected, livable community designed to grow thoughtfully over time.
Expanding Access to Affordable Homes: AKS Supports Dolores Development in Hillsboro
In Hillsboro’s Tanasbourne neighborhood, AKS supported the delivery of the Dolores Affordable Housing Development—a three-story multifamily project bringing 67 new affordable homes to the community. Designed to serve individuals and families of all sizes, the development features permanent supportive housing in partnership with New Narrative, providing stability and support to residents who need it most.
The project incorporates sustainability-focused features such as solar panels, green space, and a community garden, reinforcing a holistic approach to long-term livability. By transforming a former orchard into a welcoming residential community, Dolores expands access to stable housing, strengthens neighborhood connections, and contributes to the overall well-being of the area—illustrating the powerful role land development plays in shaping lives, not just buildings.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look toward 2026, the momentum from this past year continues to guide what’s next. The projects highlighted here reflect more than completed work—they represent a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful growth across the communities we serve. From advancing energy systems to delivering resilient infrastructure and creating places people call home, AKS remains focused on solutions that make a lasting difference.
The year ahead presents new opportunities to expand into emerging markets, deepen trusted partnerships, and continue evolving in response to the evolving needs of our clients and communities. With collaboration at its core and an eye toward long-term impact, we’re excited to build on the progress made in 2025 and help shape what comes next.