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R&M Consultants Launches Land Development Group with Senior Planner

Apr 15, 2025 | Engineering, Right Moves

Photo Credit: R&M Consultants

Civil engineering, surveying, and environmental firm R&M Consultants is establishing a Land Development Group. To staff up the new team, the company hired Dave Whitfield as Senior Planner.

Most recently the Planning and Zoning Manager and Platting Officer for the Municipality of Anchorage, Whitfield serves as project manager and technical expert at R&M. He leads projects from concept through approval, coordinating with clients, agencies, and internal teams to ensure timely and effective delivery. His responsibilities include preparing and managing entitlement applications, conducting zoning and land use analyses, drafting code language, and supporting subdivision and site design efforts.

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Alaska Business Magazine March 2026 cover

March 2026

With Whitfield aboard, R&M now offers comprehensive land development services, whether designing and surveying a new subdivision, navigating the regulatory process for a conditional use or rezone, or assisting communities in updating zoning and subdivision regulations.

Whitfield holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from Southern Oregon University. He is a member of the American Planning Association and International Right of Way Association. His background includes expertise in code analysis and compliance, private development, and community and economic development through site planning, conditional uses, and variances. He is a regular presenter on development projects to agencies, community councils, and stakeholder groups.

“I wanted to work for R&M because they are a family-oriented firm that shares my values, is made up of talented industry professionals, and provides professional services that benefit Alaska,” Whitfield says. “I ultimately hope to add value to the firm. I’d love to continue to build on my experience in planning and development, foster professional relationships, and help grow a service line. As someone who’s benefited from mentorship, I also look forward to mentoring young professionals.”

Outside of work, Whitfield enjoys spending time outdoors biking, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and running. On the weekends, he can be found cheering on the Oregon Ducks sports teams.

Alaska Business Magazine March 2026 cover
In This Issue
ARCTIC DEVELOPMENT
March 2026
While all of Alaska is “arctic” to the rest of the country, our focus in the March 2026 Arctic Development special section is on projects more closely aligned to the actual Arctic, including an update on the Port of Nome deep-draft project, offshore oil activity, plans for projects on Savoonga and on the North Slope, and our cover story about the transportation industry’s efforts to operate responsibly in waters worldwide, which has direct applications to Arctic Seas. Also in this issue: learn more about the Chin’an Gaming Hall, USACE projects, the new Wildbirch Hotel, and the transportation and logistics of Girl Scout cookies. Enjoy!
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