The Monmouth City Council approved the hiring of a consulting group to provide a comprehensive strategy to jumpstart the Maple City’s downtown.
353 Court LLC is a consulting firm that specializes in downtown revitalization and assisting with community and economic developments.
Council members approved the requested funding of $112,500 for the services of 353 Court, with funds coming from the restricted use TIF funds, which are to be applied to infrastructure or services related to economic development in the specified area.
The firm will be contacting existing businesses to encourage expansion and retention and produce “market ready inventory” which will be used to encourage new business developments in strategic areas.
They will provide a comprehensive market analysis and provide the city with an actionable work plan to use as a framework for continued efforts with economic development.
According to a council summary, 353 Court was professionally recommended by Illinois communities Pekin, Normal, and Havana after successful work with them. The City of Aledo has also started work with them.
