Rochelle is getting Revved Up! We’re joining forces with Western Illinois University for the “Mapping the Future of Your Community” program to take our community to the next level.
You have probably noticed some exciting changes over the past few years: a renewed excitement brewing with community events; new Downtown businesses including Kennay Farms Distilling, the Artist’s Garden, Glo Wellness and Cheri Picked Vintage; new community wayfinding signage and downtown lights with banners; and new murals. To encourage new business development, the City of Rochelle now offers a blade sign contest, façade improvement program and a Downtown Historic District as well as a partnership with resources through Kishwaukee College and the Sauk Valley Small Business Development Center. In 2020, area residents will enjoy the new Rochelle Park District Community Center.
Our neighbors to the west in Oregon, Illinois, recently went through the WIU program and the results have been incredible. Their downtown boasts more retail business in rehabilitated historical buildings and residents are enjoying beautification projects, special events and recreation opportunities throughout the community – all thanks to the work of about sixty community volunteers.
Now it’s time to get Revved Up!
This fall, we invite Rochelle residents to roll up their sleeves and work beside us to do even more!
We’re asking citizens to join us for five community meetings where we will discuss where we are now; where we want to be; how we’re going to get there; how do we make it happen; and how do we make it happen while maintaining momentum. During these sessions, we will identify three to six high priority goals for the community along with an action plan for making them happen. Volunteers will then break into groups according to their interests to begin work on their goals and projects. Finally, a community-wide town meeting will take place where our ideas and projects will be shared with the community to encourage even more participation!
All sessions will be 6:00PM – 9:00PM. Location: Hicks Hall, 709 4th Avenue, Rochelle.
Dates of the five sessions are Tuesday September 10, 17 and 24 and October 1 and 8.
To RSVP or for more details, please contact Jenny Thompson at 561-2006 or .