Extension empowers Central Illinois to grow with new community and economic development expert
HAVANA, Ill. – From giving small businesses tools to thrive to building up resilient rural towns, the University of Illinois Extension community and economic development team supports municipalities big and small around the state. Illinois Extension in...

Your thoughts needed in Bushnell meetings
What do you think about Bushnell? Your thoughts on employment, recreation/activities, education, housing, and healthcare is exactly what the City of Bushnell and University of Illinois Extension...

Reclamation programs help communities transition abandoned mines
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 140 years, coal mining communities in 72 Illinois counties have helped to power the state. As Illinois pursues energy transitions, coal power plants have downsized and closed, leaving mines abandoned and communities without avenues to replace lost tax revenue and...

Repair, renovate, restore: How communities support growth with TIF funding
URBANA, Ill. – Tax Increment Funding (TIF) provides a way for municipalities to spur economic growth and make infrastructure improvements in qualifying economically stagnant or physically declining areas, designated as TIF districts. TIF districts reallocate property tax funds while...

When coal mines close: Help for transitioning communities
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois contains about 15% recoverable coal reserves and is the nation’s second-largest coal producer, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Five of the 11 remaining Illinois coal plants are scheduled...