Hometown Consulting LLC, in collaboration with Compeer Financial, has announced the awardees for the 2026 Strong Communities Initiative (SCI). Five municipalities in Illinois have been selected to participate in this fully-funded, 16-week program aimed at enhancing local government capacity and fostering long-term community success.
Selected Communities and Program Goals
The municipalities chosen for the SCI are the City of Colona, City of Oregon, Village of Hanna City, Village of Manito, and Village of Roanoke. These communities were selected through a rigorous application process that focused on their commitment to improving governance, enhancing economic development readiness, and supporting business retention and growth. The initiative seeks to strengthen internal communication, grant preparedness, and transparency with residents.
“This group of communities represents the kind of leadership and forward-thinking approach the Strong Communities Initiative was designed to support,” stated Cole McDaniel, president of Hometown Consulting. “Each awardee has demonstrated a clear desire to move from vision to action, and we’re excited to work alongside them in the months ahead.”
Program Implementation and Expected Outcomes
Through the Strong Communities Initiative, Hometown Consulting will engage closely with each municipality to assess various aspects of local governance. This includes evaluating leadership roles, communication strategies, staffing capacity, and overall organizational efficiency. The program will also focus on enhancing each community’s ability to attract and support business development and investment.
In addition to these assessments, the initiative will review policies related to grant readiness and improve communication practices that promote transparency and public trust. Each participating community will receive tailored community readiness reports, strategic action roadmaps, and opportunities for peer networking.
The program is set to culminate in an optional regional SCI Capstone Event in June 2026, where communities will gather to share insights and outcomes from their experiences.
“Compeer Financial is proud to partner with communities that are actively investing in their future,” said Leah Thiele, director of rural capital solutions at Compeer Financial. “These awardees will lead the way in what it means to be a thriving, dynamic rural community in Illinois, and we’re honored to support their continued growth.”
Hometown Consulting, based in Illinois, specializes in community and economic development consulting. The firm collaborates with municipalities, counties, and organizations to enhance local government capacity and promote sustainable economic growth. Compeer Financial, a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative, serves agriculture and rural communities, investing in initiatives that foster opportunity and strengthen local economies.
The Strong Communities Initiative exemplifies Compeer Financial’s commitment to rural vitality and Hometown Consulting’s mission to strengthen local government capacity across Illinois.
