POPULATION 3,500
Aledo had strong bones, a newly designated historic district, and years of unrealized potential. Progress had not stalled due to lack of interest, but because of limited local capacity to engage developers, support small businesses, and coordinate long-term reinvestment. City leadership was ready to act, but needed structure, market clarity, and trusted partners to help move from aspiration to execution. Work to develop an actionable strategy included:
• A comprehensive downtown building inventory and market assessment
• Interviews with more than 30 property owners and business operators
• Community engagement and surveys to ground decisions in local priorities
• A Downtown Strategy Report presented to City Council and formally adopted
• Ongoing administration of building stabilization and business support programs
• Direct engagement with developers, property owners, and entrepreneurs
• A multi-year action plan focused on buildings, businesses, and branding
Upon delivery of a clear plan, the city funded, expanded and put the strategy into action, at the same time making a multi-year commitment to implementation, iteration, and showing visible progress.
The project team was able to:
• Serve as a trusted intermediary between the municipality, developers, and small businesses
• Translate historic designation into a practical economic development tool
• Move beyond planning into administration, deal-making, and implementation
• Build long-term systems that outlast individual projects or personalities
As a result, Aledo has witnessed:
• Transition of a significant downtown property portfolio into new, responsible ownership
• Concentrated reinvestment through demonstration blocks and prioritized catalytic sites
• Expanded use of TIF and incentive programs to stabilize historic buildings and activate storefronts
• Increased confidence among private investors due to consistent public commitment
• Formation of a new public–private partnership between the City of Aledo and Aledo Main Street
• A clearer downtown identity supported by placemaking, events, and coordinated branding
efforts
Progress in Aledo demonstrates what happens when strategy is paired with capacity and follow through that creates a stronger ecosystem built to sustain growth.
