Focus Area’s Building Use Updates Form
Focus Area’s Building Use Updates Form
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.