Nauvoo, Illinois Selected as 2026 Strong Communities Initiative Awardee

March 18, 2026 | Nauvoo, Illinois

Nauvoo 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, Nauvoo 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  “Nauvoo 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 Nauvoo 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 Nauvoo 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 Nauvoo’s goals and priorities.

 “I am excited to work towards community sustainability and growth with the Strong Communities Initiative,” said Jim Boyles, Mayor, Nauvoo, Illinois.

“I’m excited to see the Strong Communities Initiative help us identify our priorities and take meaningful steps toward strengthening tourism and supporting long-term economic growth in our community,” said Rebecca Williamson, Tourism Director, Nauvoo, Illinois.

The Strong Communities Initiative will conclude with an optional regional SCI Capstone Event in June, bringing Nauvoo 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

Questions for Nauvoo can be directed to:
Rebecca Williamson

Tourism Director

309-221-9803, visitnauvoo.illinois@gmail.com