
Zachary Rice
Principal Consultant
With over two decades of experience, I drive measurable impact at the intersection of economic development, government affairs, and community investment. I’ve led transformative initiatives that span industries and geographies — from establishing the first self-regulatory standards for an established industry to launching multi-million-dollar housing programs, including the $167 million Indiana Homeowner Assistance Fund.
My career is defined by results: creating 30,000 jobs in the Dominican Republic, building championship motorsports teams, and spearheading award-winning legislative and lobbying efforts. I combine strategic vision with hands-on execution and collaborative leadership to deliver evidence-based solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable growth.
Watch the Smart Take: Community Centered Strategies for Homelessness
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Vision & Planning
 - Policy & Legislative Insight
 - Economic & Community Investment
 - Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building
 
Hear from Zachary
- Blog: YIGBY: A Creative Solution to the Housing Crisis
 - Smart Take: Decoding Data Centers (Youtube)
 - Smart Take: YIGBY Housing Solutions (Youtube)
 - News: TPMA Selected to Guide Volusia County ECHO Program Toward 2040 Vision
 - Blog: Small Business Ecosystems Protect Communities During Economic Downturns
 
Key Projects
Childcare Access & Economic Growth
- Northwest Indiana: Childcare Investment Strategy
 - Hamilton County, IN: Childcare Action & Investment Plan
 - Hancock County, IN: Childcare Economic Impact Analysis
 
Housing Solutions
- McLean County, IL: Regional Housing Recovery Plan
 - Madison County, IN: Attainable Housing Solutions Study
 - Salisbury, NC: Housing Strategy
 
Economic Development & Tourism
- Charles City County, VA: Economic Development Tourism Strategic Plan
 - Indiana Destination Development Corporation: Future Destination Asset Development Study
 - Louisville, KY: Economic Development Plan
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Quality of Life & Regional Growth
- Volusia County, FL: ECHO Vision 2040 Strategic Plan
 - Indiana First: Quality of Life Economic Impact Analysis
 - Southern Indiana: Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan
 
Technology & Infrastructure
- Surge Development: Data Center Development & Economic Impact Analysis
 - North Central Illinois: Broadband Recovery Plan
 - Central Indiana: United Way Technology Landscape Analysis
 
