Through a needs assessment approach with local representatives, Staff assists with needs assessments, identifies funding sources, prepares and submits grant or loan applications, and administers awards. Public Infrastructure and housing rehabilitation grants are available to communities through the Community Development Block Grant Program and other funding sources. Public Infrastructure grants fund rehabilitation or construction of community drinking water facilities, sanitary sewers, and storm water collections systems.

Community Development staff assist local governments in development and amendment of comprehensive plans that to address existing and future needs, enhance community identity, and provide the framework for economic opportunity. Other types of assistance include community mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), land use and zoning, community surveys, and feasibility and rate studies.

The United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration designated WIRC as an Economic Development District (EDD) for the six western Illinois counties of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren in 2001. A major component of being an EDD is the preparation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The purpose of the CEDS and the WIRC’s EDD is to help create jobs, foster more stable and diversified local economies, and to ultimately improve the overall living conditions of the region’s population through community and economic development.

Open for Public Comment: Western Illinois Regional Council has created Region 4 and Region 7 HSTP plans. This plan includes current data and future plans that we will be working on for improving transportation services in these regions. Please review the Region 4 and Region 7 plans, and let us know if you would like to change, edit or update additionally with your comments to us. These plans are ready to view by the public for 30 days from 09/12/2023 to 10/12/2023.

Contact a member of our experienced community development team to schedule an appointment and discuss your ideas . We are excited to hear from you.