REGION 1 PLANNING COUNCIL
the
MICHAEL P. DUNN, JR. PAGE 5
February 2025 | Volume 38 | No. 2
Neighborhood Program – Largest allocation in history for individual wards. Budget surpluses boost these funds from $4.5 million in 2024 to $7 million in 2029 and beyond.
By Christine Hand, managing editor
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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS Highlights from the FY 20252029 Capital Improvement Program passed by the Rockford City Council:
Stellantis investment expected to ignite thousands of jobs in the region
THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY
MELISSA MCCORMICK
of the greater rockford business community
Belvidere assembly plant to reopen
Chrysler parent Stellantis announced plans to build a new midsize pickup truck at the assembly plant in Belvidere. The shuttered plant is expected to reopen in 2027, restoring more than 1,500 union jobs and sparking growth for suppliers and contractors in the area. “I am thrilled by the announcement that Stellantis will resume production,”
THE GIFT OF DELEGATION
said Tom McNamara, mayor of Rockford and chair of the Northern Illinois Council of Governments(NorthCOG), a partnership through which counties, municipalities, and other local governmental bodies coordinate their efforts. ”The [council], has worked tirelessly alongside state and federal partners to advocate for the reopening of this facility, recognizing its vital importance to our entire region. This decision not only restores jobs for Stellantis employees but also revitalizes opportunities for the facility’s suppliers,” McNamara said. On the day of the Stellantis announcement, local officials reacted to the good economic news in a press release from NorthCOG. “Today is a great day for Belvidere, for the employees of the Belvidere Assembly Plant, and for our region,” said Belvidere Mayor Clint Morris. “Winnebago, Boone, and all of northern Illinois will benefit from the job and economic development opportunities that will follow,” said Winnebago County Chairman Joe Chiarelli. Pamela Lopez-Fettes, CEO/COO of Growth Dimensions Economic Development, acknowledged the role state and local officials played in making the reopening possible: “Representative Vella and Senator Stadelman championed the muchneeded changes in legislation to make us more competitive, and the governor responded quickly to implement legislation that changed the climate for the automotive industry in Illinois.” The announcement from Stellantis comes after John Elkann, chair of the Italian-American automaker, met with President Donald Trump to discuss the company’s U.S. investment strategy and express their shared “enthusiasm for his strong commitment to the United States auto industry and all that this means for American jobs and the broader economy.”
“Winnebago, Boone, and all of northern Illinois will benefit from the job and economic development opportunities that will follow,” Winnebago County Chairman Joe Chiarelli In addition to reopening the Belvidere plant, Stellantis announced that the next generation of the Dodge Durango will be built at its Detroit Assembly Complex. The company also committed renewed investment in its production and assembly plants in Toledo, Ohio and Kokomo, Indiana. “These actions are part of our commitment to invest in our U.S. operations to grow our auto production and manufacturing here,” North America Chief Operating Officer Antonio Filosa stated in a letter to employees. “We have shared with the UAW all these actions and our desire to work together to strengthen our great company.” Considering the impact of this news on the business community, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce CEO Angela Kay Larson believes that the reopening of the plant adds to the current momentum and positive outlook for the region. “Anytime a major manufacturer brings back or increases production, we see a ripple effect. Employees, suppliers, distributors, and customers all benefit from a strong manufacturing sector,” she said. “We look forward to collaborating with our fellow economic development partners to support Stellantis and UAW workers as they embark on reopening the plant.” v
Capital Roadway Improvement Program – Reconstruct Whitman Street, 11th Street, Madison Street, and Auburn Street, and resurface major roadways, including Riverside, Alpine, Mulford, and Spring Creek. Highway Structure and Bridge Repair and Replacement Program – Replace or repair multiple structures over the next five years based on the biennial bridge inspection report. Stormwater and Drainage Program – Fund the Churchill Park Keith Creek Flood Mitigation project, part of the city’s response to the major storm event in 2024. Maintenance Program – Continue pavement preservation and rejuvenation to extend pavement life cycle on neighborhood roads. Sidewalks and Active Transportation Program – Sidewalk improvements, and engineering for the Highcrest Multi-use Path and the Rockford Riverfront Path. Traffic Program – Begin engineering pedestrian walkways at East State and Mulford. Community Enhancement and Economic Development Program – Revitalize Chestnut St., Walnut St., and 1st Ave. Water Production Capital Improvement Program – New and expanded treatment plants; reservoir, tower, and building maintenance; and filter vessel maintenance. Water Distribution Capital Improvement Program – Replace at-risk water mains, continue lead service line replacement program.