Services

Quick Wins Now. Stronger Downtowns Forever.

Reader Area Development, Inc. (RAD) helps rural and small towns break through stalled downtown revitalization, launch visible wins, and create a clear path for long-term vitality. Our work is hands-on, outcome-focused, and designed to meet communities where they are — whether you’re just starting, building momentum, or ready for a full strategy.

 

Downtown Discovery Package

Find your next five high-impact moves in one day.
A rapid, on-the-ground assessment that gives you fresh eyes on your downtown, immediate recommendations, and the clarity to move forward.

Includes:

  • 1-day site visit and photo survey

  • Field notes and simplified SWOT analysis

  • 3–5 “Do-Now” ideas for visible improvements

  • Recommendations for grants, partnerships, and next steps

Best for:
Towns just getting started or needing quick direction.

 

Downtown Action Lab

Get a visible downtown win in 60 days or less.
We help you identify and launch a pilot project — something your community can see, touch, and rally behind.

Includes:

  • Activation workshop to generate and select ideas

  • Planning guide and local implementation toolkit

  • Follow-up coaching and scaling recommendations

  • Optional: On-site co-hosting of your activation event

Best for:
Communities stuck in planning mode or needing an energy boost.

 

Downtown AREA Blueprint

Your 3-year blueprint for downtown growth and investment.
A comprehensive, phased strategy built around our AREA method — Assistance, Retention, Expansion, Attraction — tailored to your downtown’s unique assets and challenges.

Includes:

  • Business inventory and ecosystem mapping

  • Stakeholder interviews and community listening

  • Phased revitalization roadmap with short- and mid-term goals

  • Presentation to local leaders and stakeholders

Best for:
Towns with some traction that need a clear, actionable plan to guide investment and growth.

 

Other Ways We Help

RAD also offers targeted support to strengthen your downtown ecosystem:

Small Business Development

  • Business attraction marketing

  • Retention & expansion strategies

  • Entrepreneur mentoring programs

Organization Support

  • Nonprofit advisory & interim management

  • Budget analysis & operational planning

  • Stakeholder and member engagement

 

Not sure where to start?
Ask about our Downtown Readiness Scorecard to find out which service is the best fit for your community.