Andrew-Ratchford

Andrew Ratchford’s work focuses on real estate market analysis, economic and demographic research, and strategic planning to inform land use, community planning and policy, and private development decisions. Since joining the firm in 2006, Mr. Ratchford has contributed to more than 370 of GG+A’s assignments involving local and regional planning, market analysis, pre-development due diligence, fiscal and economic impact analysis, public policy assessments, and real estate asset management. He frequently provides analysis to guide public-private partnerships and land and infrastructure investment decisions.

Andrew’s work has contributed to the successful development of mixed-use, industrial, retail/office, multi-family residential, and single-family residential projects in several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. His research and strategic planning has helped to inform comprehensive plans, specific-area land use plans, housing plans and policies, and economic development strategies in over 60 communities throughout the Midwest and western United States. He has considerable experience in the past five years providing market and economic analyses for development and planning efforts in communities such as Chandler and Tempe (AZ); Davis and Rancho Cordova (CA); Boulder and Greeley (CO); Ames and Des Moines (IA); and Sugar Grove and Wilmette (IL).

More recently, he led a multi-disciplinary land use scenario planning effort to evaluate the costs and benefits of various development alternatives for a 60-acre property in Glenwood Springs (CO) and was significantly involved in recent efforts on behalf of the Northern Colorado Regional Airport to identify a long-range land use, housing, and economic development strategy for the airport’s 10,000-acre sphere of influence in Loveland and Fort Collins. He was significantly involved in assisting with the planning, developer solicitation, and disposition of a 20-acre property in East Sacramento for development of 700+ new affordable and market-rate housing units on a surplus public property.

Andrew has conducted interviews with developers, property owners, and brokers; analyzed real estate, housing, and land use conditions; and conducted market and impact analyses to help inform comprehensive and specific planning efforts in communities such as Gilbert and Scottsdale (AZ); Tracy and Visalia (CA); Centennial, Durango, and Thornton (CO); Romeoville and Wheaton (IL); Logansport (IN); Blue Ash (OH); and Brookfield and Menomonee Falls (WI). He has played a key role in identifying market-responsive development opportunities and strategic plans for the reinvention and revitalization of downtowns, town center areas, and commercial corridors in the communities of Lincoln, Riverside, and Roseville (CA); Lyons and Woodland Park (CO); Des Moines (IA), Glen Ellyn, Lily Lake, South Elgin, West Chicago, and Wilmette (IL); Whiting (IN); Haverhill (MA); Plattsmouth (NE), Reno (NV), Park Rapids (MN); and Waukesha (WI). He contributes regularly to GG+A’s pre-development and strategic planning efforts for the disposition of state-owned real estate assets in California and Arizona.

Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he studied economic geography, land use, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He is a member of the International Economic Development Council and Economic Development Council of Colorado.