Meet Martin

Photo of Martin Sorge

Martin Sorge, Founder and CEO

In high school, I attended a community meeting about the future of my hometown’s downtown. At that time, downtown was quiet after business hours. I wanted to help change that. As the only person under 30 years old at this meeting, people wanted to hear what I had to say. I realized how much difference one person can make. 

Growing up, I worked at amazing small businesses. These jobs showed me that small businesses make communities vibrant. They provide necessary goods and services for a community. But they also build a sense of place and community pride. They give people a reason and a place to gather.

I have devoted my career to thoughtful, innovative economic development. I worked with organizations such as Common Future (formerly the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) and the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. I served as executive director of Uptown United and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce. My public sector experience includes time with the Economic Development Bureau of the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development.

I have a master of public affairs degree in economic development and public policy analysis from Indiana University’s top-ranked O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. I am also a graduate of LISC Chicago’s Business District Leadership Program.

  • "Martin knows how public policy impacts main street. His leadership helped pass common-sense reforms that benefit Chicago's small business community. Martin understands how to devise, communicate, and advocate for smart public policies."

    Elliot Richardson, President & Co-Founder – Small Business Advocacy Council

  • "As the volunteer board chair for Uptown United, I had a front-row seat to watch Martin, as the Executive Director, dramatically change the economic dynamics of Uptown over the five years he and I worked together. He understands the myriad of moving parts that need attention and nurturing while attempting to positively impact a diverse, changing, and thriving Chicago neighborhood."

    Jackie Loewe, Founding Partner - Sheridan Park Consulting, Chairperson – Uptown United

  • “Martin helped us take a long-term planning and development vision and break it into actionable implementation steps. He also deftly navigated a variety of opinions from key stakeholders to reach consensus.”

    Katharyn Hurd, Supervising Planner – Chicago Department of Planning and Development

  • "Martin has the unique combination of understanding the big-picture forces at work in economic development and on-the-ground experience of getting things done."

    Dillon Goodson, Co-founder – Public Sphere Projects

  • "Martin is an empathetic and data-informed economic development professional. His experience in the field allows him to understand many of the constraints and opportunities in front of organizations. Combining that experience with the way he prioritizes actual insight to fully grasp the tasks at hand make him a valuable advisor."

    Casey Smagala, Co-founder & Director of Growth – Chicago Cityscape

  • "Martin is a strategic leader with the vision and practical experience to get things done. He knows how to build effective organizations and thoughtful programs. Most importantly, he understands that economic development needs to be rooted in equity, authenticity, and community."

    Rob Fojtik, Vice President of Neighborhood Strategy – Choose Chicago

  • "Martin understands community-based economic development from start to finish. He is a true asset to any team because he values collaboration, communication, and outstanding service to his clients."

    Kim Schilf, President & CEO – Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce

Our partners.

We know that one person won’t have all the answers. We work with a network of partners across a variety of disciplines to enhance our projects. Martin is always making connections and finding the right team to help his clients succeed.