Bridging Public Priorities and Private Investment
A boutique advisory firm focused on economic development, redevelopment finance, and public-private partnership strategy.
About Community Catalyst Co.
Community Catalyst Co. exists to advance fiscally responsible growth and long-term economic resilience for municipalities and development partners.
We provide clear, defensible, and strategically aligned advisory services in economic development, redevelopment finance, public incentive structuring, and market-driven development strategy. Our work sits at the intersection of public policy and private investment—helping communities and private partners structure projects that are both financially viable and publicly accountable.
Founded in 2025, the firm was established to address a common gap in the market: The growing need for advisors who understand both the complexities of governmental finance, policy, and public strategy, and the realities of private underwriting, return expectations, and investor priorities—professionals who can effectively bridge these perspectives to deliver successful, high-impact development outcomes.
A Boutique Model with Expanded Capability
Community Catalyst Co. operates as a boutique advisory firm delivering senior-level expertise with direct client engagement.
Through strategic partnerships, the firm expands its capabilities in redevelopment planning, mobility analytics, and grant funding strategy—allowing us to deliver integrated solutions without the overhead of large national consulting organizations.
This model ensures that every engagement benefits from both:
- Hands-on senior leadership
- Specialized technical expertise when needed
Active Engagement Across Markets
Community Catalyst Co. is actively advising both public sector leaders and private developers on complex, high-impact projects.
Current engagements include structuring public incentive tools and financial strategies to support a $100M+ mixed-use development, aligning project feasibility with clear public justification and long-term community benefit.
The firm operates across multiple states, with experience in Midwest markets including Missouri and Wisconsin, and is currently expanding into Florida.
Core Capabilities
Public Incentive Structuring (TIF, CID, TDD, Bonds)
Development Feasibility & Financial Modeling
Review of Developer Pro Formas
Public-Private Partnership Strategy
Zoning & Land Use Alignment
Political Navigation & Stakeholder Strategy
These services are grounded in financial rigor, policy awareness, and real-world implementation experience.
Extended Capabilities Through Trusted Partners
Community Catalyst Co. collaborates with a network of trusted partners to deliver expanded capabilities, including:
This collaborative approach allows us to scale expertise based on project needs while maintaining a focused and efficient advisory structure.
Leadership
Aaron Jenson
Founder & Principal
Aaron Jenson is the Founder and Principal of Community Catalyst Co., specializing in economic development strategy, public-private partnerships, incentive structuring, and municipal finance.
With over 14 years of experience in local government administration, Aaron brings a deep understanding of how development projects are evaluated, structured, and approved within municipal environments.
He previously served as a City Administrator in Wisconsin where he led a team of staff and elected officials building partnerships that led to transformational projects, including:
Aaron has worked extensively with elected officials, developers, state agencies, and site selection professionals—bringing a well-rounded and practical perspective to complex development challenges.
A Dual Perspective: Public and Private
In addition to his public sector leadership, Aaron is also a co-founder of a private real estate investment vehicle, providing direct exposure to the realities of development, capital structuring, and risk.
This dual perspective allows Community Catalyst Co. to:
This perspective is often critical in bridging the gap between municipalities and private partners.
Professional Experience & Leadership
- General Partner in $100M+ Mixed Use Development
- Co-owner and Founder of NorthCurrent Capital
- Strategic Advisor to private development team on transformational mixed-use redevelopment of a high-priority blighted site—a City redevelopment objective spanning more than 25 years
- City Administrator, City of Waupaca
- President, Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation
- Chair, Revolving Loan Fund Committee
- Chair, Room Tax Commission
- Board Member, Regional Planning Commission
- Member, State Grant Allocation Committee
Education & Expertise
Education
- Master of Public Administration – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- Bachelor of Science – University of Wisconsin La Crosse
Areas of Expertise
- Governmental Finance
- Public Incentive Structuring
- Zoning & Entitlements
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Leadership & Consensus Building
- Intergovernmental Communication
Community Catalyst Co. delivers senior-level advisory services designed to bring clarity, structure, and confidence to complex development decisions—helping clients move projects forward with credibility and alignment.