Grundy County Economic Development Council (IL) – Advancing Grundy: Grundy County Economic Diversification and Resiliency Plan

Challenge

Situated in northern Illinois, Grundy County’s rural charm, robust transportation network, and proximity to Chicago have spurred industrial development and attracted individuals and families seeking less densely populated areas. However, steady population gains and continued industrial expansion have highlighted the need to better balance growth with preservation of the area’s rural character and desirable quality of life. Increasing concerns about how best to manage the downsides of industrial growth, while maximizing economic opportunities, prompted leaders to take a more proactive approach to shaping the county’s future.

Response

In 2022, the Grundy Economic Development Council (GEDC) and the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) applied for and received a federal planning grant aimed at helping communities affected by nuclear plant operations develop more diverse and resilient economies. With administrative and financial support from Grundy County and the North Central Illinois Council of Governments, the community embarked on the Grundy Resiliency Project. The first phase consisted of an in-depth look at the county’s economic performance, including industry, workforce, population, and real estate analyses, conducted by the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute in 2023. In January 2024, TIP Strategies was engaged to facilitate phase two which combined the results of this baseline study with extensive stakeholder outreach including a series of topic-based roundtables, one-on-one interviews with public and private sector leaders, three town hall meetings, and two online surveys that together received more than 900 responses. Guided by a 12-member steering committee, TIP used insights gained from the outreach and the phase one economic analysis to help craft a thoughtful, community-backed approach for building a more stable economy that can withstand and recover from future shocks, such as economic downturns, industry shifts, or unforeseen weather events. The Advancing Grundy: Grundy County Economic Diversification and Resiliency Plan identified 10 recommendations with detailed strategies and actions that emerged from four areas of opportunity: prioritizing target sector growth, supporting local business vitality, attracting and developing talent, and investing in placemaking.