Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Educational Planning Firms Announce Merger

  • 01/19/17

Irvine, Calif. - Cooperative Strategies, LLC, an educational consulting firm headquartered in Irvine, California, and DeJONG-RICHTER, LLC, an educational facility planning firm located in Hilliard, Ohio have merged into one firm to focus on the planning and financing of schools nationwide. The merger came after careful consideration of how to utilize the firms' individual expertise in a collaborative manner to provide public school districts and other local educational agencies with the best tools and resources available. As of January 1, 2017, the combined firms began to operate under the Cooperative Strategies name.

For more than two decades, Cooperative Strategies has focused on providing California school districts with comprehensive services for the planning and financing of facilities construction and improvements. Uniting with DeJONG-RICHTER brings the firm nationwide expertise with advanced approaches to facilities planning that combine key data analysis with community outreach. Their focus on educational assessments aids educational agencies in crafting facilities plans that reflect the unique needs of their students. Combined, the firms have helped plan and finance school facilities for over 2,000 local educational agencies, serving millions of students across the nation.

Tracy Richter, Chief Executive Officer of DeJONG-RICHTER, says uniting with Cooperative Strategies was the "right move" for his firm. "This is an exciting opportunity to combine two firms committed to providing the highest quality learning environments. Cooperative Strategies' expertise in financial analysis related to demographics and facilities conditions is an ideal complement to our educational approach to planning."

Featured

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.

  • Western Kentucky University, Gilbane Announce “Elevate WKU” Partnership

    Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., recently announced that it has reached the financial close on a on a public-private partnership (P3) with Gilbane Development, according to a news release.

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.