Cooperative behaviors among private investors, local entities and a county can create significant efficiencies and resources to achieve a countywide vision. A county willing to take on this leadership role can provide technology and creates incentives for cooperation, supports opportunistic action, and regulates a balance between private sector investment and payment for public services and improvements. Such a plan is proposed for Fulton County, Illinois but many counties can benefit from considering a similar approach. Many of these concepts are gleaned from successful communities but have yet to be incorporated into one complete strategic action plan for a rural community.