Barnes & Thornburg Guides Smart City Locating in Strategic Partnership With Owner Resource Group

The companies announced on April 16, 2026, that Smart City secured an outside investment from the affiliates of ORG that will support the company’s next phase of growth. The investment is structured as a recapitalization, with existing management retaining significant ownership and continuing to lead the business.

"Taking on outside investment is a major milestone for Smart City — the first in our company’s history,” Smart City CEO Cassie Brown said in the announcement. “From the beginning, it was clear ORG was the right partner. They were thoughtful, curious, and deeply aligned with how we think about building a company. ORG doesn’t just invest in businesses; they invest in culture, mission, and purpose, which is exactly how we’ve built Smart City.” 

Brown founded Smart City in 2013 in Austin to help fill vacancies for leading property managers across the U.S. As the industry leader in property locating services, it now operates in nine markets across five states.

Founded in 2008, ORG partners with industry-leading businesses looking for a growth partner and management teams hoping to establish or increase their ownership. ORG’s affiliates have invested in numerous companies across the manufacturing, distribution and business services sectors. 

The Barnes & Thornburg team included partner Reid Johnson and associate Haylie English.