After the successful first launch and completion of the 2026 program, Hometown Consulting, LLC, in partnership with Compeer Financial, is excited to announce the return and launch of the 2027 Strong Communities Initiative (SCI). SCI is a fully funded, 16-week capacity-building program designed to help municipalities strengthen municipal administration, economic development, community engagement, and grant readiness.
Through this initiative, six Illinois municipalities within Compeer Financial’s service territory will be selected to participate at no cost, receiving community readiness assessments, and strategic roadmaps to guide revitalization and long-term development.
“The first year of SCI reinforced what we see in rural communities every day: local leaders have the vision and determination to move their communities forward but often need additional capacity and a clear path to get there,” said Cole McDaniel, President of Hometown Consulting. “Building on that success, our continued partnership with Compeer Financial will give six more communities in 2027 the opportunity to turn local priorities into practical action plans. We’re helping communities build the foundation to pursue investment, tackle challenges, and shape their own future.”
The SCI program is open to incorporated municipalities, with under 20,000 in population located within Compeer Financials Illinois service area.
“The success of the first year of SCI showed the value of giving rural communities dedicated support to plan for their future,” said Leah Thiele, Director of Rural Capital Solutions at Compeer Financial. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Hometown Consulting in 2027, helping six more Illinois communities build on their strengths and take meaningful steps toward their local goals. Investing in these communities supports a stronger future for agriculture and rural America.”
Selected communities will participate in a structured 16-week process including an organizational readiness assessment, stakeholder interviews, and customized strategic action plan. The program culminates with the communities being invited to and recognized at Hometown Consulting’s Annual Client meeting in the Summer of 2027, which is optional but highly encouraged.
Program applications open November 2, 2026, and will be accepted through January 29, 2027, at 5:00 PM (CT). Selected communities will be announced in the second week of February 2027.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested communities can download the application and participation agreement at www.hometownconsultants.com/
The Strong Communities Initiative reflects Compeer Financial’s broader commitment to rural vitality and Hometown Consulting’s mission to strengthen local government capacity across Illinois.
About Compeer Financial
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $35.5 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.
Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial’s patronage program.
About Compeer Giving
Compeer Giving is Compeer Financial’s robust corporate giving program focused on philanthropic support for agriculture and rural communities across the Upper Midwest. Since 2018, Compeer has distributed nearly $40 million to enhance agriculture education and workforce development, inspire youth, empower farmers, nurture rural communities and equip rural first responders. The Compeer Giving Board of Trustees is committed to creating a positive impact and advancing a vision where agriculture and rural communities are dynamic, collaborative and thriving. Learn more at Compeer.com/giving-back.
About Hometown Consulting
Hometown Consulting is a professional community and economic development consulting group that partners with small and mid-sized communities to turn ideas into impact by bringing the tools, expertise, and extra capacity needed to get things done and to strengthen local leadership. With decades of combined experience in municipal administration, strategic planning, economic development, tourism, marketing and more; Hometown Consulting operates as an extension of local teams to help communities clarify goals, operate more efficiently, implement strategic initiatives, and attract investment. Learn more at Home – Hometown Consulting.
