Hometown Consulting LLC, in collaboration with Compeer Financial, recently revealed the awardees for the 2026 Strong Communities Initiative. Five municipalities in Illinois have been selected to participate in this fully-funded, 16-week program aimed at enhancing local government capacities and ensuring long-term community success.
The selected communities—City of Colona, City of Oregon, Village of Hanna City, Village of Manito, and Village of Roanoke—were chosen through a competitive application process. Their selection reflects a strong commitment to governance improvement, economic development readiness, grant preparedness, and fostering transparent communication with residents while supporting local business growth.
Cole McDaniel, president of Hometown Consulting, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, saying, “This group of communities represents the kind of leadership and forward-thinking approach the Strong Communities Initiative was designed to support.” He emphasized that each awardee demonstrated a clear desire to transition from vision to action, setting a positive tone for the collaboration ahead.
Leah Thiele, director of rural capital solutions at Compeer Financial, highlighted the importance of investing in rural communities. “Compeer Financial is proud to partner with communities that are actively investing in their future,” she stated. “These awardees will lead the way in what it means to be a thriving, dynamic rural community in Illinois.”
Program Details and Objectives
Through the Strong Communities Initiative, Hometown Consulting will collaborate closely with each municipality to evaluate their leadership roles, internal communication strategies, staffing capacity, and organizational efficiency. The program aims to assess each community’s ability to attract and retain business investments, review policies related to grant readiness, and improve communication practices that foster transparency and public trust.
Participants will benefit from customized community readiness reports, current conditions assessments, strategic action roadmaps, and opportunities for peer networking. The program will culminate in an optional regional SCI Capstone Event in June, where communities will gather to share insights and outcomes from their experiences.
Hometown Consulting, an Illinois-based firm, specializes in community and economic development. It partners with municipalities, counties, and organizations to enhance local government capacity and promote sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, Compeer Financial, a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative, serves agriculture and rural communities, investing in initiatives that bolster rural vitality and sustainability.
The Strong Communities Initiative aligns with Compeer Financial’s broader commitment to fostering rural vitality and reflects Hometown Consulting’s mission to strengthen local government across Illinois. As these communities embark on this journey, the initiative promises to deliver significant benefits for residents and local businesses alike.
