Fieldwork
How the RAD Downtown Momentum Method Shows Up in the Field
Downtown momentum does not return the same way everywhere. But the conditions that stall progress—and the moves that restore it—repeat.
The examples below show how the RAD Downtown Momentum Method has been applied in real communities with different scales, capacities, and political realities. These are not project spotlights.
They are snapshots of momentum conditions and how structure, sequencing, and restraint changed what was possible.
The Lens We Apply First
Every engagement begins with diagnosis, not solutions.
Before recommending programs, investments, or initiatives, the work focuses on understanding:
Where momentum is breaking down
What is being misdiagnosed
What the community can realistically carry next
The goal is not to do more. It is to restore forward motion that holds.
Field Snapshots
Delavan, Illinois
Momentum Condition: Interest without traction
Primary Focus: Diagnosis, translation, and early stabilization
Engagement: Downtown Business Development Strategy (Summer 2023)
Delavan had entrepreneurial interest and civic pride, but progress stalled. Vacancies, deferred maintenance, and the absence of a coordinated business support structure made it difficult to turn interest into action.
Rather than pursuing a single catalytic project, the work focused on clarifying risk, capacity, and sequence.
What changed
A clear assessment showed roughly one-third of downtown properties needed reinvestment or activation
The core issue was identified as early-stage risk, not lack of demand
A repeatable framework was established around real estate development, small business support, and placemaking
Ready-to-launch programs were developed to reduce risk and signal consistency to entrepreneurs and property owners
Why it matters
Momentum shifted from cautious optimism to informed action. Delavan now has a framework for steady, incremental progress rather than waiting for a single breakthrough.
Pekin, Illinois
Momentum Condition: Strategy without alignment
Primary Focus: Diagnosis under political and organizational strain
Engagement: Downtown Reinvestment Strategy (2022–2023)
Downtown Pekin had strong fundamentals but was navigating leadership turnover, political tension, and organizational instability. The City needed clarity and a defensible reinvestment roadmap.
The work delivered a comprehensive, fundable strategy grounded in real conditions and available tools.
What changed
A detailed downtown report documented building conditions, business mix, and branding gaps
Catalytic sites and demonstration blocks were identified
A four-year action framework aligned with TIF, BDD, and hotel-motel tax funding was established
A clear investment model totaling approximately $2M annually was defined
The reality
Despite the clarity and readiness of the strategy, internal disruption prevented adoption and implementation.
Why it still matters
This engagement demonstrates a critical truth: good strategy cannot overcome unresolved governance and leadership instability. The work remains a complete, implementation-ready roadmap that can be reactivated when alignment returns.
Aledo, Illinois
Momentum Condition: Capacity gaps during reinvestment
Primary Focus: Sequencing, implementation, and long-term stewardship
Engagement: Downtown Reinvestment Strategy & Implementation (2019–2022)
Aledo had strong bones and growing interest, but limited local capacity to engage developers, support businesses, and coordinate reinvestment.
This was not a one-time planning effort. It was a multi-year commitment to implementation.
What changed
A downtown strategy was adopted and funded
Demonstration blocks and catalytic sites concentrated early investment
Incentive programs stabilized historic buildings and activated storefronts
Private investor confidence increased due to consistent public follow-through
A new public–private partnership between the City and Aledo Main Street formed
Why it matters
Aledo shows what happens when strategy is paired with capacity, discipline, and sustained follow-through. Momentum became visible, durable, and repeatable.
Havana, Illinois
Momentum Condition: Deep stall and loss of confidence
Primary Focus: Long-term stabilization and trust rebuilding
Engagement: Downtown Reinvestment Strategy & Implementation (2016–2020)
Havana had experienced repeated false starts. Confidence was low, trust was thin, and stakeholders were skeptical that another study would lead to change.
The work began with disciplined diagnosis and continued through multi-year, hands-on implementation.
What changed
31 downtown stabilization and revitalization projects approved
Over $2.1M invested in downtown properties
18 new businesses opened
17 real estate transactions completed
Streetscape improvements, placemaking, and public art reinforced identity
Regular engagement rebuilt trust and alignment
Why it matters
Havana demonstrates the power of sustained capacity and sequencing. The result was not a single project, but a downtown ecosystem that could adapt, grow, and believe in itself again.
View the full Havana Case Study
What These Examples Have in Common
Across different contexts, the outcomes were not driven by:
Bigger plans
Faster timelines
Louder enthusiasm
They came from:
Clear diagnosis
Realistic sequencing
Alignment with local capacity
Restraint at the right moments
Momentum returned when structure was restored.
Start With Diagnosis
If your downtown feels busy but fragile—or active but stuck—the right next step is clarity, not commitment.
The Downtown Momentum Scorecard helps identify where momentum is breaking down and what deserves focus next.