Municipal Assessment Program (MAP)
MAP provides municipalities with a strategic, third-party evaluation of administrative, financial, planning, infrastructure and economic development systems.
Through this assessment, communities gain clear benchmarks, actionable insights, and a customized roadmap to improve operations, strengthen internal capacity, and increase competitiveness. All services are cost-effective and delivered with minimal disruption.
"Where You Stand"
Phase I: Current State Assessment
HTC conducts a comprehensive review of a municipality’s core operations and organizational health, organized into five strategic categories:
- Governance & Organizational Structure
- Financial Health & Management
- Economic Development Readiness
- Planning, Zoning & Infrastructure
- Public Engagement & Communications
Deliverable:
A report detailing the municipality’s current state, benchmark comparisons, and foundational strengths and weaknesses.
"How to Improve"
Phase II: Strategic Recommendations
HTC develops tailored recommendations for improvement, categorized by timeframe and priorities identified in Phase I.
- Short-Term (0-6 months) Recommendations for Improvement
- Medium-Term (6-18 months) Recommendations for Improvement
- Long-Term (18+ months) Recommendations for Improvement
Deliverable:
A strategic roadmap with next steps, cost estimates, and timelines.
"Moving the Needle"
Phase III: Implementation Support
While the MAP program delivers a Strategic Roadmap with actionable recommendations, implementation is not included in the program contract. Hometown Consulting (HTC) offers optional advisory services to support next steps, but these require a separate agreement.
- HTC does not implement recommendations as part of the MAP program.
- Implementation is the municipality’s responsibility.
- Cities may proceed alone, hire others, or contract separately with HTC.
- HTC’s MAP role is advisory only.
- Additional support requires a separate agreement.
What can the Municipal Assessment Program (MAP) do for you?
Significant Staff Turnover or Retirements
When key department heads or long-term employees leave, institutional knowledge is often lost. MAP helps assess current staffing levels, organizational structure, job descriptions, and workflow to rebuild capacity with clarity and intention.
Evaluating Outsourcing vs. In-House Operations
Municipalities unsure whether to contract out certain services (e.g., planning, legal, code enforcement) can use MAP to assess cost-effectiveness, service gaps, and internal capabilities.
Perception of Inactivity or Lack of Progress
Residents or elected officials may express concern that the municipality isn’t moving forward. MAP provides a structured, third-party evaluation to identify real versus perceived issues and offer a strategic action plan for momentum.
Lack of Clear Goals or Departmental Priorities
When departments operate in silos or without clear benchmarks, MAP can facilitate alignment through goal-setting, performance tracking recommendations, and interdepartmental coordination strategies.
Evaluating Shared Services or Consolidation Opportunities
MAP can identify overlapping services with neighboring jurisdictions and assess potential cost savings or service improvements from shared staffing, facilities, or purchasing agreements.
Alignment with Regional Planning and Infrastructure Goals
Communities involved in MPOs, COGs, or regional utility and transportation planning can use MAP to ensure local plans are in sync with regional initiatives, unlocking greater funding and partnership opportunities.
Concerns about TIF, BDD, or Grant Compliance
Mismanagement of special taxing districts or grant programs can expose municipalities to audits and clawbacks. MAP reviews compliance status and recordkeeping, helping municipalities avoid risks and maintain eligibility.
Lack of Current Personnel Policies or HR Practices
Many small communities lack up-to-date employee handbooks, evaluation processes, or job descriptions. MAP evaluates HR policies and provides recommendations to improve morale, retention, and legal compliance.
Desire to Attract New Residents or Businesses
Communities struggling to market themselves effectively can benefit from MAP’s review of branding, messaging, and economic development materials—helping them build a compelling and coordinated identity.
Vacant or Underutilized Downtowns or Industrial Areas
MAP can assess barriers to redevelopment—such as zoning limitations, infrastructure needs, or lack of incentives—and propose a strategy to activate these areas for economic growth.
Outdated Comprehensive Plans, Zoning Codes, or Ordinances
MAP provides a high-level review of land use plans, subdivision codes, and development policies to highlight where modernization is needed to support today’s goals.
Preparation for Annexation or Growth Management
Communities planning for annexation or facing pressure from new development can use MAP to evaluate service capacity, boundary agreements, and infrastructure readiness to make responsible decisions.
