Women-owned planning and design studio recognized as the fastest-growing firm for significant revenue growth over three-year period
ROCHESTER, NY (June 23, 2025) – Highland Planning, LLC, a certified women-owned planning and design studio, has been ranked 18th out of 50 businesses on the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s second annual list of fastest-growing Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). The ranking was announced at an awards ceremony held June 18th at the Floreano Convention Center, attended by nearly 400 business and community leaders.
The Greater Rochester Chamber MWBE Awards recognize privately-owned businesses headquartered in the Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region that have demonstrated exceptional revenue growth. Rankings are determined by accounting partner Insero Advisors, LLC based on dollar and percentage revenue growth over a three-year period, highlighting firms that are growing fastest, such as Highland Planning.
Founded in 2007, Highland Planning specializes in public engagement, planning, and urban design services for government agencies and public sector organizations throughout the northeastern United States. The firm is known for its innovative community engagement strategies and commitment to creating more equitable and sustainable communities through collaborative planning processes, contributing to its status as a rapidly expanding firm.
With offices in Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany, Highland Planning serves clients across New York State. The company’s approach, encapsulated in their tagline “Listen. Design. Transform,” emphasizes meaningful community participation in planning and design decisions that impact people’s daily lives, and helps the company maintain its fastest-growing firm status compared to others.
The 50 honored businesses collectively generated over $400 million in local revenues, with service industries representing 40% of cumulative revenues. To qualify for the awards, businesses must be independent, privately held, headquartered in the Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region, maintain minimum gross revenue of $250,000 in each of the three most recent fiscal years, and have at least 51% ownership, operation, and control by minorities and/or women.
Highland Planning’s recognition reflects the growing demand for authentic community engagement and inclusive planning practices across the region. The firm continues to expand its impact through projects ranging from comprehensive planning and downtown revitalization initiatives to transportation studies and climate resilience planning, thereby marking its reputation as one among the fastest-growing firms.
View the Complete MWBE Awards List: To view the full ranking of all 50 fastest-growing MWBEs, visit the 2025 Greater Rochester Chamber MWBE Awards Magazine.
About the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen the regional economy by advocating for business, convening stakeholders, and promoting the region. For more information about the Chamber and its programs, visit www.greaterrochesterchamber.com.
About Highland Planning: Highland Planning is a certified women-owned business (WBE/DBE) founded in 2007, specializing in public engagement, planning, and urban design. Based in Rochester, NY, with additional staff in Buffalo and Albany, the firm is dedicated to transforming communities through creative public engagement, planning, and design strategies. Highland Planning works with governments and public sector agencies to make better, more informed decisions that improve quality of life for all, thus contributing to its reputation as one of the fastest-growing firms.
For more information about Highland Planning, visit www.highland-planning.com.
Media Contact:
Megan Morsch
Director of Marketing and Business Development
megan@highland-planning.com | 585-649-1242
