We are The 1861 Group.

Data-driven, equity-focused economic development experts.

Our
Values

Equity

For generations, decisions have been made without input from the communities they take place in, especially those populations that are most vulnerable to the changes made to the environment around them. It is beyond time to ensure that decisions are additive and not extractive, and to increase ownership not just in the process, but in the profits.

Sustainability

The world is facing a climate crisis that is at a tipping point, and we must, finally, prioritize protecting the environment and environmental justice. For too long disinvested communities have borne the brunt of poorer health outcomes and disconnected communities from short-sighted decisions made by decision-makers that do not have the long-term health of the community at heart.

Data-Driven

We live in a time where data shapes the world around us. The tools to harness this data are powerful and, if used correctly, can help leverage assets in communities to encourage wealth-building within communities across the nation.

Market-Driven

No two communities are alike. With this in mind, we believe that solutions should be rooted in reality and align with the market realities of a community. To inaccurately portray a community’s position (locational and temporal) within real estate and labor markets does a disservice to the people of the community and will stunt economic growth.

OUR PEOPLE

Our small but mighty team creates high levels of responsiveness to client needs and ultimate flexibility within our work.

Kyle Terry
Founder & President

Kimberlie Terry
Vice President of Operations

  • Over a decade in urban planning, real estate, and economic development.

  • Work has spanned markets across the country: from Seattle, WA to Orange County, CA, from Florida markets up to Boston, MA, and a variety of markets - size, composition, location, demographics - in between.

  • Experience with:

    • Economic development strategy

    • Market analysis

    • Feasibility and economic impact studies

    • Forecasting

    • Community-specific analyses

  • Masters in Urban Planning and Policy from University of Illinois at Chicago.

  • Spends most of his days in Excel, golfing, enjoying Lake Michigan, or admiring Chicagoland’s incredible architecture.

We believe in collaboration - many hands make light work and many heads are better than one.

  • Kimberlie brings over 15 years of experience in enhancing professional marketing strategies and elevating brand presence.

  • Has leveraged strategic marketing initiatives and a nationwide professional network into remarkable success for clients small and large alike.

  • Expertise in driving small business excellence through:

    • Market analysis

    • Brand penetration

    • Performance marketing

    • Leveraging strategic marketing initiatives into success for clients

  • Key among her capabilities are fostering unified communication, nurturing consumer growth, and delivering memorable brand experiences for emerging businesses and industries.

  • Her proactive engagement in educational, community events, and industry related environments has solidified her position as a trusted authority in her industry, allowing her expertise in marketing to guide small business and entrepreneurial strategy within municipalities.

  • Bachelor’s of Science in Public Relations and Marketing from University of Utah.

  • Animal lover. Outdoor enthusiast. Lake Michigan swimmer. Darned good at darts.

Our collaborators include:

  • MKSK

  • Development Planning Partners

  • Goodman Williams Group

  • The MetroAlliance

  • NeighborScapes NFP

  • The Chicago Consultants Studio

  • TranSystems

  • Sam Schwartz

  • All of the communities we work in

…and any other group doing good work to improve our communities who wants to collaborate!

Our Home

kyle@1861group.com
(209) 829-9278

1525 E 53rd St, Suite 514-6
Chicago, IL 60615