Award-Winning Planning, Backed by Research and Results

At SturtzPMG, research and evaluation aren’t afterthoughts — they’re the engine behind meaningful, measurable change.

That’s why our work with the NewAllen Alliance, a collaboration of seven rural communities in East Allen County, Indiana, has become a nationally recognized model of community-driven planning. Honored with the Outstanding Planning Initiative Award by the American Planning Association, the NewAllen Strategic Investment Plan set a bold standard for how rural regions can align around shared priorities while honoring local identity.

Our approach combined deep community engagement — over 800 residents participated through workshops, surveys, and interviews — with rigorous analysis of demographic data, land use trends, and existing plans. This blend of insight and input led to the creation of the East Allen Rural Revival Development Plan (2018), a data-informed roadmap focused on quality-of-life investments in infrastructure, economic development, and health.

The result? A $65 million coordinated action portfolio, a Stellar Communities Regional Designation, and measurable momentum:

• 10% population growth in the region
• 15 miles of new trails supporting connectivity and recreation
• 25% increase in local festival participation, fueling pride and tourism
  

Our commitment to evaluation continued through implementation (2019–2023), culminating in an impact report that told a powerful story of rural revitalization. The project’s success was further recognized with the NIPSCO Luminary Award for Economic Development and featured as a New Ruralism Case Study — affirming our belief that when planning is rooted in data and powered by people, rural communities can lead with vision and strength.