Economic & Community Development

Driving growth, resilience, and opportunity where it matters most.

Communities everywhere are working to spark economic vitality, attract investment, and improve quality of life — often with limited resources, competing priorities, and outdated systems that slow progress. Too many promising ideas stall before they start, leaving leaders and residents frustrated by a lack of momentum.

Rivers & Roads Consulting partners with local governments, economic development agencies, and community-based organizations to bring clarity, alignment, and bold execution to community development. From Main Street revitalization to large-scale redevelopment, we help leaders move beyond “good enough” and deliver results that make their communities stronger, more resilient, and more vibrant.

How We Help Economic & Community Development Leaders

We guide public and private partners through complex challenges — aligning stakeholders, unlocking resources, and turning bold strategies into measurable results.

Our Expertise Includes:

1

Strategic Planning for Growth & Revitalization

Crafting bold, data-informed plans that drive economic development, small business support, placemaking, and redevelopment efforts.

2

Public-Private Partnerships & Stakeholder Coordination

Building coalitions of governments, businesses, and nonprofits to tackle complex initiatives and shared priorities.

3

Community Engagement & Visioning

Facilitating inclusive, trust-building processes that elevate community voices and generate buy-in for bold strategies.

4

Real Estate & Land Use Strategy

Advising on feasibility, zoning, and site development to unlock underutilized assets and fuel mixed-use, commercial, and residential growth.

5

Funding & Resource Development

Securing grants, appropriations, and private-sector investment to turn vision into reality and sustain long-term success.

When communities work with Rivers & Roads, they gain a clear vision, stronger alignment, and the momentum to achieve results that last. Leaders are no longer stuck juggling day-to-day demands — they are driving bold change, supported by strategies and partnerships that make progress possible.

Featured Consultant

Meet Our Experts

Sam Shoge,
Partner

A community development strategist and facilitator, Sam guides municipalities, nonprofits, and institutions through bold planning, stakeholder alignment, and execution that drives measurable impact.

Chris Wheedleton,
Consultant

Chris brings a career of building partnerships and developing strategies that connect people, resources, and opportunities — helping communities grow stronger and more resilient.

Let’s Build a Stronger Local Economy

Whether you’re planning for growth, revitalizing a corridor, or launching a bold redevelopment project, Rivers & Roads is here to help your community thrive.