Nelson\Nygaard was founded in 1987 as  a partnership by two former San Francisco Municipal Railway managers, Bonnie Nelson and Diane Nygaard.  Together, they believed it was possible to create a transportation planning firm that fosters a fun, egalitarian and creative work environment, and that provides high quality, principled work for its clients.  Starting in Diane’s
basement, their company has grown to over 60 planners and engineers, with offices across the United States and a work base that covers five continents. 

We are proud that sustainability has been at the core of our corporate values from day one, and that our emphasis on sustainability includes not only the work we do for our clients, but also how we run the company. 

We also understand our clients’ demand for cost effective advice that can lead to seamless implementation.  For this reason, our senior staff includes professionals with hands-on experience, who have stood in our clients’ shoes.

Our practice areas include: