CEO + Founder

Doug Rasmussen is an entrepreneur, economic development thought leader, and certified mediator with 25 years of experience in the real estate and economic and community development industries. Doug has worked for local and regional economic development corporations in the area of business retention and attraction, has developed urban real estate as his employer’s leader in underwriting projects through real estate incentives and tax credits, founded and led a New Markets Tax Credits CDE that received $100MM of tax credit allocations leveraging a half billion dollars in investment in distressed communities, and was a national site selector as a Director at Duff & Phelps. While AVP and SVP of Economic Development at the St. Louis County Economic Council in St. Louis Missouri, Doug successfully helped facilitate the retention of the Ford Motor company in Hazelwood, MO, the expansion of two Chrysler Plants in Fenton, MO, and the location of about 9 additional suppliers.

In forming Steadfast City in 2019, Doug brought together his prior career in the public and private sectors of economic development and real estate development to launch one of the nation’s most innovative economic development and planning consulting firms. Since its founding in 2019, Steadfast City has grown over 2000% in revenue and was named to the Inc 5000 in 2024 as one of the fastest growing companies in America. Steadfast City is an innovative firm that weaves together government, business, real estate, social, and philanthropic sectors to deepen the economic and social impact of the field. He and his team engage in site selection, negotiate economic incentives, engage communities and residents, develop fund strategies, perform urban planning and real estate advisory work, and mediate industry conflicts. Doug’s mediation expertise further enhances his ability to resolve disputes, facilitate collaboration, and ensure that diverse interests are aligned to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in public-private partnerships. Throughout his career, Doug has worked with entities nationwide including municipalities, government agencies, real estate developers, manufacturers, community development corporations, and nonprofits to promote business and real estate development and thriving communities. His experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and situations has given him the unique ability to navigate complex business and interpersonal issues, foresee long- and short-term trends, and manage and mitigate risks while enhancing investment and community growth.

With his brand of hard-working expertise and steadfast commitment, Doug delivers maximum value to any initiative he serves.

Professional Experience

• Duff & Phelps - Director of Site Selection & Incentives Advisory

• Heartland Regional Investment Fund - Senior Vice President

• Green Street St. Louis - Vice President

• St. Louis Regional Chamber - St. Louis, MO Director

• St. Louis County Economic Council/STLPartnership - Senior Vice President

Education

• Saint Louis University - M.A. Urban Affairs

• University of Wisconsin-Madison - B.S. Political Science

Professional Affiliations and Certifications

• Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR)

• The Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution, Cornell University

  • Certified in 2024

• Association of Conflict Resolution

  • Board Member