Small Nation Founder Jason Duff with Teska’s Eric Cigliano and Andrew Dunham

October 10, 2025 – The City of Mount Sterling’s Long Range Strategic Plan was honored with the “Make No Little Plans Award” at the 2025 Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-IL) Project Awards, presented Wednesday during the APA-IL State Conference in Chicago. The plan was developed by Teska Associates with support from All Together, Chicago-based design studio focused on placemaking, community branding, and engagement, and Small Nation, an Ohio-based real estate development and consulting firm known for its successful small-town revitalization work in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

The Mighty Mount Sterling Strategic Plan was created to address common rural challenges, including housing shortages, limited staff capacity, and economic diversification, while highlighting opportunities for creative, community-led growth. The plan focused on revitalizing Uptown Mount Sterling through infill development, adaptive reuse, code updates, and marketing the city as a destination through storytelling, events, and public art.

Jason Duff at a Mount Sterling Community Open House in March 2024

During the planning process, Small Nation made multiple visits to Mount Sterling to meet with business owners, civic leaders, and residents. The team provided firsthand insight into small-town revitalization, offering tools and recommendations that have helped shape new projects and investments now taking place Uptown.

“We were honored to bring our small-town experience to this project,” said Jason Duff, Founder and CEO of Small Nation. “Mount Sterling’s leaders and residents showed incredible commitment and creativity. This award reinforces that small towns can set the standard for innovation and impact.”

The award recognizes projects that exemplify visionary planning on a modest budget and serve communities under 10,000 residents. Mount Sterling’s plan stood out for its authenticity, engagement, and clear path toward implementation.

“Working with Jason and the Small Nation team was inspiring,” said Erin Cigliano, Principal at Teska Associates. “They bring entrepreneurial energy, practical know-how, and a deep understanding of what makes small towns thrive.”

Implementation of the plan is already underway. A new bar and grill has opened in Uptown, façade improvements are being rolled out, and a refreshed city brand is being deployed through banners, digital media, and a new Main Street statue.

The Mount Sterling Strategic Plan serves as a model for how small towns can “plan big, act locally, and build a resilient future,” proving that with the right vision and collaboration, even the smallest communities can make no little plans. The full plan can be viewed online here.

This recognition aligns with Small Nation’s mission to help small towns across the country revitalize their downtowns, attract investment, and strengthen their local economies. From Bellefontaine, Ohio, to communities like Dresden, Jackson Center, and Mount Sterling, Small Nation continues to support rural communities in developing actionable strategies that create lasting impact and measurable results. Learn more how Small Nation supports communities here.

About the American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter (APA-IL):

The American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter (APA-IL) is Illinois’ source for networking and professional development in the field of urban planning. The organization promotes excellence in community planning and recognizes outstanding projects and individuals who are advancing the planning profession throughout the state.