About
About DemosPro Strategies
DemosPro Strategies is a public management consulting firm dedicated to helping governments help the people. Our name combines the following two individual words of ancient origin:
- Demos: the people of a nation as a political unit (Greek origin)
- Pro: for, or on behalf of (Latin origin)
Together, these words reflect our belief that the government, at its core, should work for the people. As society and technology advance, so do the complexities of the laws and policies intended to protect us. The ultimate purpose, then, is often lost in translation, which is where DemosPro comes in. We specialize in:
- Improving how local governments deliver planning, zoning, and economic development services;
- Simplifying regulatory processes, empowering residents, property owners, and businesses; and
- Implementing people-first policy improvements.
From systems analysis and regulatory reform to user experience (UX) design and public communication, we help public agencies build processes that are clear, equitable, and effective. Whether the number of steps needs to be reduced, forms need to be digitized, or codes need to work together rather than conflict, DemosPro can help with all of it.
About DemosPro Strategies
Helping Governments Help the People
DemosPro Strategies helps local governments modernize planning, zoning, and economic development systems to serve residents, small businesses, and developers through equitable, transparent, and people-centered policies that build trust and efficiency.
A Practical,
People-First Approach
With over a decade of experience in planning and public-sector management, DemosPro bridges policy, process, and people—turning complex regulations into practical solutions that reduce barriers and build community trust.
Mission
To empower local governments to serve all people effectively, equitably, and transparently by improving planning, zoning, economic development, and public-facing regulatory systems.
VALUES
Equity
Every person and business deserves a fair, accessible path to opportunity.
Efficiency
Streamlined systems support better service
and accountability.
Transparency
Open, well-communicated processes foster public confidence and improve ease-of-use.
Integrity
Public trust is earned through consistency, clarity, and honesty.
About the Founder
Katie Ashbaugh, AICP, (she, her) is an accomplished planning and public management professional with over a decade of experience improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of local government systems across the Chicago region. She brings expertise in zoning, development review, process improvement, and data-driven decision-making—helping communities align policy, people, and technology to deliver better public outcomes.
Why Choose Us
Professional Experience
Development Review
Managed the administrative and public review of 100+ residential, commercial, and mixed-use development applications across multiple municipalities, ensuring zoning compliance and municipal approval for projects collectively valued over $200 million.
Process Improvement
Completed process mapping of interdepartmental workflows to eliminate redundancies and redesign per actual operations and legal requirements. Resulted in clarifying staff roles and faster review times, increasing efficiency, transparency, and front- and back-end user satisfaction.
Public Communication
Led UX/UI improvements and drafted plain language content for public-facing tools, including ChiBlockBuilder, Chicago’s online map and vacant land disposition tool, other municipal webpages, and print format brochures to increase accessibility and understanding of municipal services and requirements.
Policy Implementation
Developed and executed standard operating procedures for land-use, permitting, and real-estate programs—translating policy goals into clear administrative steps that ensure equitable treatment, consistent application and staff training.
Data Management
Collaborated directly with IT professionals to translate community development operations to data collection standards, frameworks, and flow protocols for improved information accuracy across departments for the cities of Evanston and Chicago.
Organizational Capacity
Developed standard operating procedures and onboarding materials to strengthen institutional consistency and knowledge transfer. Trained new and seasoned staff. Led intern recruitment, provided direct supervision, and supported their professional development.
Why Choose Us
QUALIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
Education & Credentials
- Master of Public Administration (MPA), Financial Management concentration - University of Illinois at Chicago, 2019
- Bachelor of Science in City & Regional Planning (BSCRP), Minor in Political Science, with Honors and Honors Research Distinction, Cum Laude - The Ohio State University, 2015
- Certified Planner - American Institute of Certified Planners, 2019
Illinois Chapter,
American Planning Association
- Active member since May 2016.
- Regularly attends the annual conference to maintain knowledge of best practices and AICP certification.
- Serves as Plan Commission trainer and presents to regional municipal planning and zoning boards and commissions.
- Served on 2025 State Conference Programming Committee to select continuning education sessions.
Chicagoland Chapter,
Project Management Institute
- Joined in June 2025.
- Pursuing Project Management Professional Certification.
Get in Touch
Let’s start a conversation about how DemosPro can support your community’s goals. Reach out today to explore tailored solutions that make local government more effective, equitable, and people-focused.