Economic development

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Profile picture of Richard Proffer, new Extension community and economic development educator
Richard Proffer hired as new Extension community and economic development educator
University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit is pleased to announce...
thriving downtown buildings
Bring life to empty downtown buildings
I’ve noticed that many of our rural Illinois communities have a vacant or derelict building in the heart of their downtown or on main street. While...
Spending locally first ensures roads are safe for travel in winter.
What does it take to keep our roads clear . . . and how do we pay for it?
In Illinois, we’re familiar with the phrase “A winter weather advisory is in effect for your region.” Snow has blanketed the state from north to...
Opportunity Zones projects in Canton and Havana, Illinois
The Opportunity Zones incentive is a new community investment tool...
Remote work offers potential benefits for Illinois’ rural communities
Many rural areas in the U.S. Midwest have been experiencing net population losses for years, raising concerns about the survival of these communities...
hands writing on paper at table
USDA Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) Initiative garnered big results in Fulton County and beyond
Many voices, one vision The...
People filling out paperwork on a desk
Fulton County collaboration yields $8 million in grants
Rural communities throughout Illinois and across the nation struggle to maintain population, jobs, and schools. The COVID-19 pandemic created even...
Greater Peoria Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) collaborated with the Greater Peoria Economic Development...

News Releases

Young farmers seek solutions to entry barriers
Young and beginning farmers face many challenges, including access to land, financial capital, technical knowledge and support, social networks, adequate labor, marketing experience, health insurance, and childcare. University of Illinois Extension is wading...
County wide survey to identify adequacy of internet service
Knox County’s Broadband Steering Team is conducting an important survey to identify the extent and reliability of access to high-speed broadband internet service across the county. The survey will run throughout the month of April and can be taken online or on paper. The online version will...

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