A Seattle-based consulting firm has been hired to work as Langley’s principal design agency on the Second Street Improvement Project.

The City Council on May 7 approved a $250,000 contract with KPG Inc. Mayor Larry Kwarsick said Friday the contract has since been signed and work is expected to begin soon.

The city is planning a redesign, enhancement and reconstruction of Second Street between Anthes Avenue and Cascade Avenue. A start date and project budget have not yet been determined.

Rather than taking a more traditional approach of hiring an engineering firm to come up with plans and then presenting them to the public, Kwarsick said he wanted KPG to lead the design effort with community input at the forefront.

KPG will work with city officials to lead a series of public meetings, workshops and outreach to businesses in an effort to develop a truly community driven and designed project, Kwarsick said.

The firm will also work to develop a timeline and budget. Kwarsick said he expects the company’s efforts to be done before then end of the year.