Oregon Receives Top Score in Strong Communities Assessment

OREGON – The City of Oregon received the highest scores among six Illinois communities reviewed through the Strong Communities program, according to Cole McDaniel, president of HomeTown Consulting. McDaniel presented the assessment to the Oregon City Council this week after a review of city operations and planning. The assessment examined government organization, economic development readiness, grant readiness, public engagement and communications, and business retention and expansion. McDaniel said Oregon was the benchmark community in the program, scoring highest overall and in each category. He said the city’s strengths include its Rock River identity, recreation opportunities, downtown, tourism visibility, building stock and position as a county seat. The Strong Communities program was conducted through a partnership between HomeTown Consulting and Compeer Financial.