The Collaborative Firm (TCF) is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and was established in 2001 by Michael Hightower, Managing Partner. The company was born out of the founder’s desire to achieve positive outcomes for clients through strategic collaboration. TCF is recognized as one of the largest minority planning firms in the southeastern United States. We offer services in the area of Planning, Program Management, Community Engagement, and Development, and specialize in urban planning and design, transportation planning, redevelopment strategies, public involvement and provide engineering support.

Our distinctively qualified team of professionals includes urban planners, project managers, and marketing and communication specialists who have extensive experience working with city, county, and state governmental entities, as well as the private sector at the policy and executive level. The Collaborative Firm boasts an impressive client roster comprised of the private sector and local governments throughout metropolitan Atlanta and beyond.

Since 2002, The Collaborative Firm has hosted South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO), which is the brainchild of Michael Hightower. It is the largest conference of its kind in metropolitan Atlanta and serves as a platform to convene elected officials, government leaders, corporate executives, chambers of commerce, and other professionals with a common interest in the Southern Crescent’s economic growth.