From Stuck to Standout — Faster.

We help small towns turn stalled downtown efforts into visible revitalization progress by connecting creative strategy with practical action.

Check Your Downtown Momentum Score

RAD is the downtown specialist small towns trust to turn stalled efforts into real momentum.

We work with communities that are ready to act. Our process delivers quick wins, visible change, and a clear path to long-term economic vitality.

Most downtowns don’t fail overnight, they stall. Momentum fades, decisions drag on, and opportunities slip away. We help communities break that cycle with clarity, focus, and action that builds visible momentum.

Why Small Towns Choose RAD

Focused Where It Matters
Because we work exclusively in downtowns, you don’t have to explain the basics. We understand your limited budgets, lean teams, and the tension between honoring the past and driving future progress. We help you move forward anyway.

Proven Impact
In more than 50 communities, our strategies have stabilized vacant buildings, turned empty storefronts into active businesses, and re-energized downtown organizations. You’ll see visible wins that build confidence and momentum.

Action, Not Just Paperwork
We don’t create plans that gather dust. Every project ends with visible progress, a stronger team, and a clear path for what to do next to keep your downtown moving forward.

Experience You Can Use
Led by Erik Reader, with 15+ years of hands-on experience in downtown revitalization, economic development, and small business support. Our work is grounded in real conversations, and real constraints, not abstract theory.

A man speaking at a podium during a conference, with American and Montana flags on either side, and a backdrop with the International Economic Development Council logo. The audience is seated in front.

If we haven’t met yet…

Hi, I'm Erik!

II’m a downtown revitalization and economic development consultant with more than 15 years of experience helping small towns move from stalled to thriving.

As the founder of Reader Area Development, I work with civic leaders to cut through complexity, unlock underused assets, and create visible progress that builds confidence and momentum.

My focus is on downtown revitalization, small business ecosystems, and place-based strategies that turn ideas into action and momentum into long-term vitality. Known for a practical, straightforward approach, I help communities make clear decisions, take ownership of next steps, and see results that show up on the ground.

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Momentum Builders

Downtown Discovery Package icon

Downtown Discovery Package

Stuck and don’t know where to start?
We cut through the noise and show you your next 5 quick wins in just 1 day. No binders, no endless studies. Just a rapid, boots-on-the-ground assessment that pinpoints where to act now for visible results tomorrow.
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Downtown Action Lab icon

Downtown Action Lab

Tired of plans collecting dust?
In 60 days or less, we take you from idea to impact. Together we’ll plan and launch a pilot project your community can actually see, touch, and rally around.
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Downtown AREA Blueprint icon

Downtown AREA Blueprint

Ready for real investment?
This momentum-driven plan is built around RAD’s signature AREA Framework. It aligns economic development efforts, attracts investment, and keeps progress on track.
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A Few Kind Words

  • "Erik was exceptionally proactive and consistently responsive in helping Batavia MainStreet strengthen and advance our program. His guidance reflected a deep understanding of our operations and daily challenges, often anticipating our needs before we articulated them. This informed, engaged support helped us make meaningful progress."

    —Beth Walker, Executive Director of Batavia MainStreet

  • "Erik’s optimism and grace were very valuable to me as a Main Street director returning to the field after 18 years away. Ours was an organization in crisis, and Erik led us through thinking about the productive ways in which we could move forward. I always looked forward to talking with Erik and to visiting with him. Without his support and advice, I am not certain that our organization would be here today.

    —Matt Collinsworth, Executive Director of Carbondale Main Street

  • "Working with Erik made the hard stuff feel doable and the work feel lighter. His radical candor and steady optimism turned chaos into clear next steps. Working together with other communities, he helped build capacity, earn buy-in, and we notched real wins for downtown districts. Simply put: Erik provides better focus, better follow-through, and more fun along the way."

    —Joi Cuartero Austin, Senior Program Officer of Economic Vitality at Main Street America

Past Clients