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Hometown Consulting

A Community & Economic Development Consulting Group

About Us
- Our Team
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MAP
Our Work
Contact Us

Hometown Consulting

A Community & Economic Development Consulting Group

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About Us
Services
MAP
Our Work
Contact Us

Comprehensive Planning & Community Visioning

Set the Vision. Build the Roadmap. Inspire Action.

We create actionable Comprehensive Plans rooted in community input and realistic strategies, not just shelf documents. We also lead visioning workshops and planning sessions to develop Strategic Action Plans.

Services Include:

Full Comprehensive Plan Development or Plan Updates
Full 3-5 Year Strategic Action Plan
Downtown Revitalization and Corridor Strategies
Housing Market Analysis and Redevelopment Guidance
Public Engagement and Survey Facilitation

On-Demand Economic Development Services

Flexible Expertise. Focused Results.

Whether your community has no full-time economic development staff or simply needs added capacity and expertise, we provide strategic outreach, technical assistance, business support, and incentive development on a flexible basis.

Services Include:

Existing Business and Developer Assistance
Market Gap Analysis and Target Sector Identification
Development of Incentive Districts (TIF, BDD, Enterprise Zones)
Grant Research and Readiness Assessment
Public-Private Partnership Facilitation

Incentive Program Management & Technical Assistance

From Concept to Completion—Focused on Results.

We manage the details of your redevelopment programs and incentive initiatives, ensuring that projects stay on track, funds are well-utilized, and goals are achieved.

Services Include:

Development of Incentive Programs and Policies (TIF, BDD, EZ, RLF)
Incentive Program Administration (TIF, BDD, EZ, RLF)
Placemaking Initiatives and Streetscape Enhancements
Project Monitoring and Compliance Tracking

Community Marketing & Business Promotion

Support Existing Businesses. Attract Investment. Build Momentum.

We create marketing tools and strategies that position your community as a vibrant place to do business, invest, and visit—backed by data, insights, and a compelling message.

Services Include:

Website Audit and Content Enhancement Recommendations
Economic Development Website Content and ED Page Management
Business Start-Up Guides and Entrepreneurial Support Resources
Marketing Materials for Available Properties and Community Assets
Marketing Materials for Destination Assets

GIS & Strategic Mapping Solutions

Digitize Existing Information. Visualize Opportunities. Drive Smart Decisions.

We help communities bring their data to life through publicly accessible interactive GIS mapping and digital tools that enhance decision-making, promote transparency, and support business attraction.

Services Include:

Zoning, Land Use, and Property Information Maps
Available Sites, Redevelopment Opportunity, and Priority Demolition Maps
Building Use Inventories and Business Mix Analysis
Additional Mapping Such As: Destination Assets and Historic Districts

Municipal Management Support

Expert Guidance Without Full-Time Overhead.

We bring additional capacity and strategic insight to your municipal operations, offering hands-on assistance with budgeting, grant management, development negotiations, and more. We like to call this “Fractional City Administration”.

Services Include:

Budget Development and Financial Planning
Grant Management and Compliance Reporting
Board Reports and Strategic Communication
Code and Ordinance Review
Project Management

Amanda Sampson

Design & Operations Director

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design - Illinois Institue of Art, Schaumburg

Amanda has a wealth of experience in graphic design, with expertise in publication, advertising, marketing, web design, exhibit design, and photography. Her background also includes public administration, community development, municipal administration, finance, and the administration of Tax Increment Financing, as well as water and wastewater systems, planning, and zoning.

In her work, Amanda has contributed to the development of exhibits, website design and management, publications, marketing, public educational programming and played a key role in developing local events. She has managed city websites, tourism initiatives, and marketing efforts.

Additionally, Amanda has handled municipal and private billing, reconciliation, payroll, and budget creation. She has served as a liaison between the cities and various stakeholders, assisted in creating ordinances and resolutions.

Cole McDaniel

President & Principal Consultant

Bachelor of Business Administration – Lincoln College
Peoria Magazine - Forty Leaders Under 40 - 2022 Award Recipient

Cole has extensive experience in economic development and municipal administration. He has represented municipalities in community and economic development initiatives, including new business recruitment, expansion, and retention. Cole has been instrumental in creating new programs, securing numerous grants, and administering Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and he introduced and gained approval for a new Business Development District.

Prior to this, Cole was involved in a variety of economic development projects, including over 30 TIF Redevelopment initiatives. These projects helped fill vacant buildings, open new businesses, complete a downtown streetscape, and stimulate local contractor work and investment.

His expertise also encompasses public administration, municipal finance, private finance, creating entrepreneurial ecosystems, downtown revitalization, and administering Enterprise Zones, and Revolving Loan Funds.

Matt Fick

Vice - President & Principal Consultant

Master of Business Administration – Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science in Community & Regional Planning – Iowa State University

AICP Designation – American Institute of Certified Planners

Matt has extensive experience in economic development, planning, zoning, and municipal administration, providing him with a deep understanding of municipalities and their capacity for growth and change.

He has been involved in projects focusing on Tax Increment Financing, Enterprise Zone programming, and the planning of significant commercial developments. His work has included managing various projects, selecting sites, and negotiating redevelopment deals. He has also played a key role in implementing new TIF Districts and a Business Development District, fostering a collaborative business environment.

Notable initiatives include the installation of outdoor seating for local restaurants using innovative methods like shipping containers and creating public art installations for pedestrian enjoyment.

About Us
- Our Team
- Collaborations
Services
MAP
Our Work
Contact Us

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