Running a small town is a unique challenge. You don't have the budget of a big city, but your residents expect the same level of service and opportunity. The right consulting partner can help you craft a strategy that works
The State of Small-Town Consulting
Small towns across the US are facing a crisis of leadership and resources. Many rely on volunteer boards and part-time staff who lack the time to develop long-term plans. This has created a growing demand for specialized consulting firms that understand the nuances of rural governance, economic development, and community engagement. The firms in this roundup have proven track records of helping towns with fewer than 20,000 residents build sustainable futures.
How I Ranked These Firms
I evaluated each firm based on three core criteria: specialization in small-town or rural communities, the breadth of services offered (from strategic planning to training), and the clarity of their value proposition for a town leader like you. A firm that offered a complete toolkit scored higher than one with a narrow focus.
Here is a quick look at how the five firms stack up against each other, from the most comprehensive to the most specialized.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hometown Consulting | Comprehensive community and economic development |
| Rural Community Consultants | Land use planning and policy development |
| Burian & Associates | Infrastructure and economic development integration |
| Townwrights | Structured training and capacity building |
| Small Town | Specialized conservation projects |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Small-Town Consulting Firms
#1 Hometown Consulting
A screenshot of the Hometown Consulting website.
Hometown Consulting is a powerhouse for community and economic development. They specialize in municipal administration, strategic planning, and revitalization, backed by decades of combined experience. Their client testimonials, like one from the Morton Economic Development Council, highlight their ability to handle board restructures and build actionable strategic plans. They also offer GIS applications, which is a unique technical asset for small towns. If you need a full-service partner to guide your vision from start to finish, this is your firm.
#2 Rural Community Consultants
A screenshot of the Rural Community Consultants website.
Rural Community Consultants focuses on fact-based policy and actionable solutions for local governments. They excel in strategy, resiliency planning, and land use, with over 20 years of experience in the Intermountain West. Their recent projects include a statewide subdivision ordinance update for Utah and a general plan for Millard County. They also publish the Rural Utah Journal, showing a commitment to educating rural leaders. This firm is ideal if you need deep expertise in land use and policy.
#3 Burian & Associates
A screenshot of the Burian & Associates website.
Burian & Associates takes a holistic approach to rural development, integrating economic development, regional infrastructure, housing, and workforce solutions. They offer services like capacity building, grant writing, and main street revitalization. Their work often centers on large regional water systems and comprehensive plans, making them a strong choice for towns tackling infrastructure challenges. They are a solid pick if your town needs to pair development with hard infrastructure projects.
#4 Townwrights
A screenshot of the Townwrights website.
Townwrights is a consulting firm that helps leaders of small towns under 20,000 residents develop new strategies and build local ownership. They offer advisory services, one-on-one coaching, and a structured 12-module training program. This training program is a standout feature, as it provides a step-by-step curriculum for your team to follow. If you are looking for a partner that will teach your staff how to fish rather than just handing them a fish, Townwrights is worth a close look.
#5 Small Town
A screenshot of the Small Town website.
Small Town is currently providing services exclusively to The John Fairey Garden Conservation Foundation, which limits their availability for new clients. Their website is minimal, with little public information about their past work or methodology. While they may have expertise, the lack of transparency and current exclusivity makes them a risky choice for most towns. You should only consider them if you have a very specific project that aligns with their current focus.
How to Choose the Right Firm for Your Town
Start by defining your biggest pain point. Is it a lack of a strategic plan, crumbling infrastructure, or a volunteer board that needs training? If you need a broad overhaul, go with Hometown Consulting. For land use issues, Rural Community Consultants is your best bet. If you want to build internal capacity through training, Townwrights offers a unique program. Always ask potential firms for case studies from towns similar in size to yours.
Automating Your Town's Workflow After Consulting
Once you have a new strategy from a firm like Hometown Consulting or Townwrights, you can automate follow-through. Use a tool like Zapier to connect your town's project management software (e.g., Trello or Asana) with your communication channels. For example, automatically create a task in Asana when a new action item is identified during a Townwrights coaching session. Then, set up a weekly email digest to your town council summarizing progress on those tasks. This keeps everyone aligned without manual updates.
Your Next Step Toward a Thriving Small Town
Revitalizing a small town is a marathon, not a sprint. The firms on this list offer different tools for different stages of that journey. Whether you need the comprehensive support of Hometown Consulting or the focused training of Townwrights, the key is to start with a clear plan. Pick the partner that best fits your current needs, and take that first step today.