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Economic Development

Oakdale Economic Development Strategy

Oakdale, ILPopulation 45,0006 months (strategy) + ongoing advisory

850+

Jobs Created

18%

Tax Base Growth

3

Major Projects

94%

Community Support

The Challenge

Oakdale was caught between two futures. Located on the growth edge of a major metro area, the city faced pressure to accept any development that came along. But residents valued the community's character and worried that unplanned growth would transform their town into generic sprawl. The city needed a strategy to grow intentionally.

Our Approach

Analyzed regional growth patterns and identified Oakdale's competitive position

Mapped existing assets including infrastructure capacity, land availability, and workforce characteristics

Conducted community visioning process to understand acceptable growth types

Identified target industries aligned with both growth potential and community values

Developed incentive framework with clear criteria and performance requirements

Created implementation roadmap with specific milestones and responsible parties

Results

850+

Jobs Created

New jobs in target industries over implementation period

18%

Tax Base Growth

Increase in assessed value without residential property tax increases

3

Major Projects

Major development projects secured using strategy framework

94%

Community Support

Resident approval rating for development direction

"They understand the political realities we face. Every recommendation was designed to survive council votes and budget cycles."

James Chen

City Manager, Oakdale

Deliverables

10-year economic roadmap
Target industry analysis
Growth corridor identification
Incentive policy framework
Developer marketing materials
Annual implementation metrics
Get Started

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Let's talk about your city's vision and how we can help turn it into projects—and projects into growth.