Why It Matters:

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of economic development, driving innovation, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies. However, many small business owners face challenges such as limited access to capital, lack of strategic guidance, and regulatory hurdles. Supporting these businesses through targeted assistance not only boosts their chances of success but also strengthens the community as a whole. A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem fosters economic resilience, attracting new talent and investment.

Our Impact:

We’ve collaborated on hundreds of development and revitalization projects, working with entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and secure sustainable growth. Through tailored programs, we’ve helped reinvigorate small business sectors in communities of all sizes.

Why It Matters:

Effective municipal administration is the backbone of a thriving community. Without a solid administrative foundation, even the best development initiatives can falter. Municipalities often face challenges such as staff turnover, limited resources, and evolving regulatory requirements. Our technical assistance provides the tools, expertise, and guidance needed to navigate these complexities. By improving administrative processes, municipalities can enhance transparency, foster public trust, and ensure that operations run smoothly, even during transitions or times of change. This service empowers both staff and elected officials to make informed decisions and implement effective policies.

Our Impact:

We’ve worked closely with municipalities to streamline project approvals, facilitate land use planning, and implement systems for effective capital improvement tracking. By focusing on strategic development, we help communities address zoning challenges, expedite permitting processes, and coordinate infrastructure upgrades. Our support has also included assisting in the creation of long-term development plans, ensuring alignment with community goals, and fostering stronger collaboration between municipal departments and external stakeholders. This approach not only strengthens operational efficiency but also drives growth, innovation, and a clear path forward for municipal efficiency.

Why It Matters:

Economic incentives are powerful tools that attract investment, stimulate job creation, and drive local economic growth. However, structuring these programs effectively requires a deep understanding of state and federal regulations, as well as the specific needs of the community. Similarly, accessing grant funding is highly competitive, communities that are well-prepared demonstrate clear benefits and alignment with funding priorities.

Our Impact:

We have helped municipality's structure grant-ready programs, develop detailed applications, and secure millions of dollars in funding for key projects. Our approach ensures communities are positioned to seize funding opportunities effectively.

Why It Matters:

Inclusive engagement ensures that development efforts align with community needs and aspirations. When stakeholders are actively involved in the planning process, projects gain broader support, higher success rates, and better outcomes. Community input helps identify obstacles, uncover hidden opportunities, and build consensus around actionable solutions. By fostering collaboration, communities can address concerns, harness local knowledge, and create plans that truly reflect their unique character and priorities.

Our Impact:

We have facilitated large-scale public meetings that produced meaningful feedback, resulting in actionable recommendations. For example, a recent initiative united stakeholders to align economic development goals, yielding a revitalized business district vision.

Why It Matters:

A strong and vibrant downtown serves as the heartbeat of any community. It not only attracts visitors and businesses but also reinforces a community’s identity and sense of place. Many small communities face challenges such as aging infrastructure, vacant buildings, and declining foot traffic. Downtown revitalization addresses these issues by creating attractive spaces where people want to live, work, and gather. By improving aesthetics, accessibility, and business opportunities, a revitalized downtown boosts property values, increases tax revenue, and inspires local pride.

Our Impact:

Our work has transformed underutilized areas into hubs of activity. In one community, we established funding mechanisms for façade improvements while developing GIS tools to streamline zoning and planning efforts. In others, detailed building inventories uncovered redevelopment opportunities, unlocking potential for growth.

Why It Matters:

A clear, strategic plan enables communities to align their resources with their long-term goals. Without such a plan, decision-making often becomes reactive and disjointed, leading to missed opportunities and inefficiencies. By taking a proactive approach, communities can identify their strengths, address their challenges, and establish a cohesive vision for the future. Strategic planning also enhances collaboration between stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is working toward shared objectives.

Our Impact:

We deliver data-driven plans that empower communities to take charge of their futures. These plans provide clear priorities and actionable steps that have helped communities streamline resources, secure funding, and achieve measurable results. 

Timothy Asta

Director of Community Planning

Bachelor of Science in Community & Regional Planning - Iowa State University
AICP Designation – American Institute of Certified Planners

Timothy is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of diverse experience in urban planning, land development, construction management, environmental regulation, and utility deployment.

Throughout the United States and Canada, Asta has successfully directed complex commercial, industrial, and residential development projects. Asta specializes in real estate acquisition, site design and engineering, stakeholder engagement, legal entitlements, and zoning approvals.

Recognized as an industry leader in 5G Smart Cities, Broadband Fiber-Optic Networks, and essential communications infrastructure, Asta has made significant contributions to these fields.

Additionally, Asta has completed OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Programs, underscoring a commitment to safety and professional standards.

Matt Scachette

Chief Technology Officer

Computer Science - Southeastern Illinois College
Illinois Central College - Web Software

Matt has extensive experience in helping clients in a variety of fields solve essential challenges by way of innovation and technology. He has been primarily focusing on the unique set of challenges and opportunities municipalities have faced in the Community and Economic Development disciplines.

Matt finds the challenges fascinating and, more importantly, actionable. As such, he has directed his 20 years of technology delivery experience towards improving the next generation of economic revitalization and progress around the State of Illinois.

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.