About
Craig Owens
Founder & Principal, High Horizon Consulting LLC
Craig Owens is the Founder and Principal of High Horizon Consulting LLC and a former city manager with decades of municipal leadership experience. His career spans service in communities across the United States, where he led complex organizations, managed large public budgets, and guided cities through strategic transitions.
His consulting work focuses on the areas where he has the deepest expertise: strategic planning and organizational alignment, performance measurement and results-oriented management, budgeting and resource allocation, economic development strategy and public-private partnerships, and the ethical and practical adoption of AI in local government.
Craig partners with local governments, private-sector organizations, and institutional partners — including engineering firms, planning firms, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, regional councils, universities, and govtech companies — across the United States to help them gain clarity, align resources, and deliver measurable results.
High Horizon Consulting is based in Lawrence, Kansas, in the Kansas City Metro Area, and serves clients nationwide.
Philosophy
A long‑view approach to every engagement
When setting out on a journey, it is essential to have a vivid vision of your destination. Many paths are possible, but keeping your focus on the high horizon ensures you complete the journey with purpose and alignment.
This long‑view perspective — grounded in real municipal leadership experience — guides every engagement Craig takes on. The goal is never just a deliverable. It is lasting clarity, durable alignment, and results that hold up over time.
Areas of Focus
Strategic Planning
Organizational alignment, long-range visioning, and strategic frameworks that translate leadership intent into measurable action.
Performance Management
Results-oriented management systems, performance measurement, and accountability frameworks for public organizations.
Budgeting & Resource Alignment
Budget strategy, resource allocation, and financial planning that connects spending to organizational priorities.
Economic Development
Public-private partnership strategy, economic development program design, and community investment frameworks.
AI in Local Government
Ethical and practical adoption of artificial intelligence — govtech advisory, pilot program support, and staff readiness.
Public-Private Collaboration
Navigation of local government processes, stakeholder alignment, and engagement strategy for private-sector and institutional partners.
Ready to work together?
To explore a project, partnership, or speaking engagement, reach out anytime.
Contact Craig