PRESS RELEASE:
Contact: Darin DeHaan, City Manager 815-732-6321
Oregon IL Selected as 2026 Strong Communities Initiative Awardee
February 19, 2026 | Oregon Illinois
Oregon is excited to announce that it has been selected as a 2026 Strong Communities Initiative (SCI) awardee, a fully funded, 16-week capacity-building program made possible through a strategic partnership between Hometown Consulting, LLC and Compeer Financial.
Through participation in SCI, Oregon will assess and strengthen key areas of municipal operations, including governance, economic development readiness, grant preparedness, public engagement and communications, and business retention and expansion. Communities were selected through a competitive application process based on their demonstrated commitment to strengthening local government capacity, increasing transparency and communication with residents, and supporting long-term economic and community success.
“The Strong Communities Initiative was designed to meet communities where they are and help them take their next strategic step forward,” said Cole McDaniel, President & Principal Consultant of Hometown Consulting, LLC. “Oregon] stood out for its commitment to continuous improvement, thoughtful leadership, and a clear desire to strengthen how the community plans, communicates, and supports long-term economic vitality. We’re excited to partner with local leaders and staff to help translate priorities into actionable strategies that reflect the community’s unique strengths and goals.”
“Compeer Financial is proud to partner with communities like Oregon that are actively working to strengthen 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.”
As part of the Strong Communities Initiative, Hometown Consulting will work closely with Oregon to review leadership roles, internal communication, staffing capacity, and organizational efficiency. The process will also examine the community’s ability to attract, retain, and support business development and investment; evaluate policies, procedures, and recordkeeping related to grant readiness; and assess communication practices related to transparency, accessibility, and public trust.
In addition, the initiative will evaluate existing business ecosystems, outreach efforts, and the community’s capacity to support local entrepreneurs and key employers. The outcome of the process will include a customized community readiness report, current conditions assessment, and a strategic action roadmap tailored to Oregon’s goals and priorities.
“Our community’s most pressing challenges are attracting new home builders and fostering more diverse commercial development. Participation in the SCI program directly supports these needs by providing the structure, resources, and collaborative framework necessary to remove barriers and create a stronger environment for growth.” Darin DeHaan, City Manager
The Strong Communities Initiative will conclude with an optional regional SCI Capstone Event in June, bringing Oregon together with five other community awardees to share insights, best practices, and outcomes from the program.
Hometown Consulting, LLC is an Illinois-based community and economic development consulting firm that partners with municipalities, counties, and organizations to strengthen local government capacity and promote long-term economic growth.
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving agriculture and rural communities. Through its Rural Vitality programs, Compeer invests in initiatives that strengthen communities, foster opportunity, and promote sustainable rural economies.
For more information about the Strong Communities Initiative contact:
Cole McDaniel
President & Principal Consultant
(309) 370-2865, cmcdaniel@hometownconsultants.com