The Community Investment Model is designed to fully explore a community’s existing assets and challenges, building an actionable plan that develops strategic projects based upon return-on-investment principles. ARI assists communities in narrowing the focus of typical strategic planning processes, then works collaboratively to find public and private resources for implementation. In order to sustain progress, ARI also helps communities establish the systems for continuing the cycle of planning, analysis, investment and implementation long after the consulting role has ended.

1-1. EXISTING PLAN?

Does the community have a current strategy with well-defined projects or programs and buy-in from the community at large?

1-1a. STRATEGIC PRIORITIZATION

Identify potential projects and programs for implementation.

1-2. INVESTABILITY ANALYSIS

Identify capacity, resources, partners and markets. Prioritize investment based on potential return.

2-1. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Putting it together: Initial design and scoping of project or program, including continuous community input cycles and champion development.

2-2. RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Funding alignment. Identification of public and private resources specific to each priority, project or program.

3-1. CAPACITY

Organizational development. Education and leadership of community partners. Systemic improvements to support continued progress.

3-2. STRUCTURE

System development. Creation of an integrated partnership between community and economic development organizations, nonprofits, municipalities and citizens.

3-3. LONG-TERM CAPITAL

Local financing. Lending and technical services designed to provide local impact while expanding partnerships with outside investors.

3-4. PROMOTION

Marketing and public relations. A mix of internal and external promotional systems to engage the public and attract interest.