When Zach Bopp founded Midwest Planning in 2019, he wasn’t simply starting a business, he was building the kind of consulting firm he wished existed throughout his career, one that combined technical strength with practical usability. After more than a decade in municipal design, master planning, and construction engineering, Zach saw a persistent gap between regulatory expectations and the practical realities of field implementation.
“I wanted to create a firm that was technically strong, but also grounded in real-world application,” he explained. “Infrastructure has to work for the people who build it and maintain it.”
Growing up in an agricultural environment shaped Zach’s values: work hard, focus on the details, and solve problems with practicality and purpose. Those principles became the foundation of Midwest Planning, LLC, a firm defined by responsiveness, clarity, and commitment from project conception to completion.
About Midwest Planning
Midwest Planning specializes in civil and environmental consulting with a focus on:
- Municipal utility design
- Land and site development
- Stormwater and wastewater engineering
- Water resources planning
Their projects span everything from parking lot layouts to hydraulic modeling, erosion control, and large-scale infrastructure planning. What makes Midwest Planning stand out is the way field experience is integrated into every phase of the design process.
“Our goal is always constructability and long-term usability,” Zach said. “Plans have to be more than compliant; they need to function.”
The firm’s modular, logic-driven design approach supports clearer communication and smoother approvals across agencies, contractors, and community partners.
Impact on the Community
From stormwater systems to wastewater treatment solutions, Midwest Planning plays a quiet but critical role in building resilient communities. Their work helps clients navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring infrastructure is practical, maintainable, and built to last.
“Our work is meant to support communities for decades,” Zach shared. “By combining technical precision with a deep understanding of local needs, we contribute to safer, more sustainable environments for the people who live and work there.”
Project Highlights
Midwest Planning has built strong regional partnerships, including work with:
- American Crystal Sugar Company on multiple engineering initiatives
- The Red River Valley Alliance as part of construction and maintenance oversight for the Diversion Channel and Associated Infrastructure Work Package within the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project
These projects highlight the firm’s commitment to technical excellence and regional resilience.
Challenges and Opportunities
One ongoing industry challenge is balancing regulatory expectations with the needs of field teams, who must implement the work in real-world conditions.
“To us, that’s an opportunity,” Zach said. “We focus on bridging that gap, so documentation satisfies agencies and still makes sense to the crews on the ground.”
Connection to the Center for Innovation
Zach’s connection to the UND Center for Innovation began through a colleague who encouraged him to explore CFI’s resources and network. One conversation led to another, and before long, the relationship became a natural fit.
“CFI opened doors to collaboration and helped us connect with other entrepreneurs and innovators,” Zach shared.
Support from CFI
Through the Center for Innovation, Midwest Planning has gained visibility within the regional business community, deepened its network, and connected with resources that support long-term business development.
“CFI has given us a platform to share our story and explore new opportunities,” Zach said. “It’s been invaluable.”
Looking Ahead
Midwest Planning is focused on steady, sustainable growth, continuing to build strong client relationships while expanding regional partnerships.
“We want to grow without ever compromising the quality of our work or the trust we’ve built,” Zach emphasized.
For Midwest Planning, the path forward is rooted in responsiveness, high standards, and a commitment to serving the communities that rely on resilient infrastructure.
To learn more about Midwest Planning, reach out to Zach at Zach@mwplanning.com
