News Flash

Rock River Disposal will operate on Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and garbage collection will remain on its regular schedule.

Mayor Tom McNamara will host two upcoming Town Hall meetings to share updates on the City of Rockford’s ongoing efforts to build a safer, stronger community. Residents will hear directly from City leadership about public safety initiatives, crime reduction strategies and work underway to support neighborhoods across Rockford.

Joining Mayor McNamara will be Chief of Police Carla Redd and Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention. Together, they will provide an overview of the City’s comprehensive approach to reducing violent crime, strengthening prevention efforts and keeping neighborhoods safe.

Both Town Halls are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend either meeting.

The first Town Hall will take place on Wednesday, January 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford Street. This meeting is open to all residents and will also serve as the regularly scheduled meeting of the Edgewater Neighborhood Association.

The second Town Hall will be held on Thursday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Rockford University, Fisher Chapel, 5050 East State Street.

The City of Rockford Community and Economic Development Department has made Environmental Review Records for planned projects available for review and public comment. 

Learn more at www.rockfordil.gov/689/Environmental-Reviews. 

The City of Rockford’s Community and Economic Development Department announced today the launch of the Business Association Grant (BAG) Program and Business Association Development Grant Engagement (BADGE) Program. 

Business District Associations are essential organizations that play a critical role in the development and success of local economics.  As the representatives that support the collective interests of the businesses within specified geographies, they foster collaboration among local business owners, property owners, and community stakeholders.  The associations act as the unified voice advocating for the initiatives and improvements to those corridors which enhance the vibrancy and appeal of the area.  Such associations are key to creating thriving, sustainable commercial districts that benefit businesses, residents, and the broader community.  

In recognition of this work, the BAG Program and BADGE Program provide funding to strengthen business associations as engines for local economic vitality, support activities that improve business climate, increase foot traffic, and enhance commercial corridors, and encourage collaboration among businesses, property owners, and community partners.  The BAG Program will provide up to $40,000 to existing business associations and the BADGE Program will provide up to $10,000 in seed funding to establish a business association.  

For more information about the Programs and requirements, visit www.Rockfordil.gov/BusinessAssociationFundingPrograms email anna.garrison@rockfordil.gov or call 779-348-7449.

Link - Public Works Update 12.11.25

The Snow Emergency, including odd/even parking, is now canceled. 

Due to the anticipated weather conditions, we're declaring a Snow Emergency beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6. At that time, cars should be parked on the even-addressed side of the street.

Our Customer Service Center will be closed on Thursday, December 4, until 1 p.m. for training. If you need to make a payment on Thursday morning, please use our online portal at https://schedulepayment.com/cor or at any of the alternative methods listed online here: https://www.rockfordil.gov/544/Utility-Billing.

The Snow Emergency, including odd/even parking, is now canceled. 

Due to the anticipated weather conditions, we're declaring a Snow Emergency beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 29.  At that time, cars should be parked on the odd addressed side of the street.

Link - Public Works Update 11.25.25

In an effort to support the growth of local businesses, the City of Rockford will soon launch the Business Advancement Program, a new economic development initiative designed to support businesses as they advance their operation.

The program offers five-year forgivable loans to qualifying for-profit businesses that operate from a commercial or industrial-zoned brick-and-mortar location within the city limits. The goal of the program is to promote business advancement, job creation and long-term investment in Rockford’s local economy.

"This program is about helping Rockford businesses grow, expand and innovate," said Mayor Tom McNamara. "We recognize the critical role that local business plays in our city’s economy and this program provides funding to scale their business as they take the next step in the growth of their company.”

To qualify for the Business Advancement Program, eligible projects can include a variety of costs associated with the growth of business offerings that are directly tied to the advancement of the business. These costs can include equipment upgrades, rent, salaries, marketing and other operational expenses. Applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis using the program criteria and scoring chart. Initial loans will be provided at a 1:1 match up to $25,000. Although a project’s total cost may be greater than $50,000, $25,000 is the maximum reward amount for this program. Each participant’s loans will be fully forgiven after a five-year period, provided the business sustains operations, remains in compliance with zoning and licensing, and maintains a continued presence in Rockford.

Program Highlights:

• 5-Year Forgivable Loans
• Available to for-profit businesses in commercial or industrial-zoned brick-and-mortar properties that are located within an eligible area
• Funds may not be used capital improvements or construction of any kind
• Loan forgiveness is tied to full compliance with the terms of the Development Agreement 

The City of Rockford Economic Development Department will administer the program and provide technical assistance to applicants throughout the process.

Applications for the Business Advancement Program will open on December 1, 2025 and closes December 31, 2025. Interested businesses are encourage to view the informational webinar on November 26, 2025 or attend office hours for more information. They may also visit the City of Rockford’s website for full eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

For more information, visit www.rockfordil.gov/businessadvancementloanprogram, email EconomicDevelopment@rockfordil.gov or call the City of Rockford Economic Development Department at (815) 387-7162.

Link - Public Works Update 11.20.25

The Human Rights Campaign recently released its annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) scorecard. The MEI examines the laws, policies and services of municipalities and rates them on the basis of their inclusivity of LGBTQ people who live and work in the city. The City has participated in the scorecard since 2018 and has improved by 41 points. For 2025, the City scored 100/100 for the fourth year in a row.

Among other things, the City has adopted a Non-Discrimination Ordinance for City contractors; included transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits; established a Community Relations Commission to address issues of equality, equity and discrimination; proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month; and created LGBTQIA+ Liaisons for both the City and the Rockford Police Department.  "The MEI Scorecard serves as a vital benchmark, offering cities a way to track their progress and ensure accountability," says Mayor Tom McNamara. "We’re proud to be a city that reflects equality and representation for the LGBTQ+ community.”

View the full survey at www.hrc.org/mei.

The 2025 MEI is the fourteenth annual edition and rates a total of 506 cities on 49 different criteria from every state in the nation. The MEI is the only comprehensive nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, laws and services.

Link - Public Works Update 11.13.25

Location: Loves Park City Hall/Community Room, 100 Heart Blvd, Loves ParkDates: Wednesday, Nov. 19Sign-ups begin: 8:45 a.m.Appointments begin: 9 a.m.Location: Brooke Road United Methodist Church Community Center, 1404 Brooke Rd, RockfordDates: Thursday, Nov. 20Sign-ups begin: 8:45 a.m.Appointments begin: 9 a.m.Please remember to bring the following to your appointment:• A government or school-issued ID for every household member over 18• Social Security cards for all household members (birth certificates for children under 6 months)• Proof of 30-day gross income for everyone 18 and older (wages, benefits, unemployment, cash wages, etc.)• Proof of income for children receiving child support or Social Security• The front and back of your current utility bills, or a copy of your lease if utilities are included in rent• Email address for application status updates and other necessary follow-upThe City of Rockford Health & Human Services team continues to see extremely high demand for LIHEAP assistance. In the first month alone, staff processed more than 2,200 applications and received over 15,000 calls—more than double September’s volume.To ensure we can assist as many households as possible and continue processing existing applications, each outreach event will 50 appointment slots. Once those slots are filled, sign-ups will close for the day. Applicants must have all required documents to secure an appointment.We appreciate your patience and kindness toward staff and fellow residents. Aggressive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.LIHEAP is a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered locally by the City of Rockford Health & Human Services Department.

On Monday, the Finance and Personnel Committee approved the 2026 budget, maintaining current property tax levels and lowering the General Fund by $2 million from last year. Despite a state-mandated $5 million increase in public safety pension payments over last year (bringing the total pension payments to $40.5 million this year), the overall budget is lower due to continued efforts to control costs and operate more efficiently. The budget will go to City Council for approval next week and includes several key initiatives and investments aimed at maintaining essential services and supporting community priorities.

Key Highlights

• Public Safety/Crime Reduction:  Continues funding enforcement, prevention and intervention efforts, contributing to nearly a 40% reduction in violent crime and a decline in youth-related offenses in recent years. 
• Property Taxes: Keeps City property taxes flat for the 13th consecutive year, saving Rockford homeowners an average of $321 annually.
• Rockford Promise: Allows local students to attend college tuition-free.
• General Fund Support from Casino: Includes annual revenue from the casino to support general fund expenses, including pension obligations and investments in police and fire stations. 
• Cannabis Fund: Redirects unspent Cannabis Fund reserves to the general fund to support a temporary increase in fire staffing as more firefighters than usual become eligible for retirement. This one-time increase allows for the continuation of the 2025 pilot program for an additional engine and ambulance, while preserving $850,000 for equity-focused, restorative justice, and community reinvestment grants.
• Community Programs: Supports initiatives that benefit all residents, including:

• Free Bus Rides: Provides Veterans, K-12 students, and individuals enrolled in post-secondary or adult GED/HSE programs free rides on RMTD buses.
• Lead Service Line Replacements: Continues replacing lead service lines at no direct cost to homeowners.
• Critical Home Repair Program: Funds repairs to homes owned by low- to moderate-income residents.
• Tree Removal Loan Program: Assists residents with limited resources in removing dead, dying or diseased trees from private property.

• Economic Development: Sets aside funding for economic development initiatives including a set aside for investment in high risk neighborhoods.
• Fights Blight: Invests in blighted home rehabilitation and new home ownership opportunities.
• Arts/Culture: Allocates money for arts and culture initiatives across the community.
• Public Safety Pensions: Includes the state-mandated public safety pension contribution of $40.5 million, up from $9.6 million in 2013 and $5 million more than last year’s payments.
• Infrastructure Investment: Maintains historic levels of investment throughout the community, including residential neighborhoods and thoroughfares.
• Internships: Funds internship and career development opportunities within the City of Rockford, including the Concrete Workforce Development Program.

Financial History In 2017, municipal finance experts warned that the City of Rockford could run out of money by 2021 and that Rockford residents had a relatively high tax burden. In response, the City partnered with the National Resource Network to review the budget line by line, identifying efficiencies and areas for improvement. A Financial Task Force, including residents, financial experts, business leaders, aldermen, and public employee union representatives, provided input. These efforts have enabled the City to pass eight balanced budgets, maintain flat property taxes and continue investing in both infrastructure and residents, while lessening the tax burden on residents.

Mayor’s Statement  “No budget is perfect. However, I think we can all agree that property taxes are already too high, which is why I am advocating not to increase them,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “Our City has seen tremendous momentum - gaining national attention and renewed local pride - which reinforces our goal of making Rockford a place where residents and businesses can thrive. While tough decisions aren’t always popular, they are necessary to keep us on track and be responsible stewards of our finances.”

Link - Public Works Update 11.6.25

For many area households, energy costs place a severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some instances, the household is forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without.  The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help eligible low income households pay for energy service. With LIHEAP, a benefit is paid directly to the utility companies on behalf of eligible households, or directly to renters if the utility costs are included in their rent. For the time being, our Health and Human Services team will be providing appointments at various community sites to help individuals apply for LIHEAP.  To help the process run more smoothly and make the best use of everyone’s time, we’re making a few small changes to how our LIHEAP outreach sessions will work. Here are details for this week:Location: Northwest Community CenterDates: Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6Sign-ups begin: 8:45 a.m.Appointments begin: 9 a.m.We will take 50 appointments each day. Once all 50 slots are filled, sign-ups will close for the day. Everyone who receives an appointment will be given an approximate wait time, those with the longest waits, will be allowed to leave and return for their appointment, so you don’t need to wait in line for hours.We understand that times are stressful and tensions may be high, but we ask that everyone treat staff and fellow residents with patience and respect. Our team is working hard to serve an overwhelming number of households as effectively and efficiently as possible. Any threatening, aggressive or disrespectful language or actions will not be tolerated, and individuals who engage in such behavior will be asked to leave.Our goal is to make sure every person we meet with will have their full and complete LIHEAP application submitted and approved as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to make this process smoother and more efficient for everyone! However, the process is subject to change without notice.We may modify this process over the next few weeks—including designating certain outreach dates only for disconnected applicants. Please check back for updates. LIHEAP is a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Energy Assistance funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered locally by the City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department, a Community Action Agency.

Link - Public Works Update 10.30.25

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention has released a Coordinated Community Response to Strangulation Protocol, developed by its Strangulation Task Force. This protocol details our community’s key stakeholders’ response to non-fatal strangulation in intimate partner violence cases. It also memorializes the collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary partners, establishes a unified framework for response and training, and serves as a resource to enhance public understanding and support for survivors. 

Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of violence and a strong predictor of future homicide. Research shows that victims of non-fatal strangulation are 750% more likely to be killed by their partner in the future. Despite the severity, strangulation often leaves few visible signs, making it difficult to detect and respond to without coordinated awareness, training and response procedures.

The protocol represents our community’s collective commitment to recognizing the signs of strangulation, responding with urgency, and ensuring survivors receive trauma-informed care, medical attention and legal support.

The Strangulation Task Force includes key partners from:

• Rockford Police
• Rockford Fire
• Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office
• Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office
• UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital
• MERIT (Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team)
• Family Peace Center

The protocol details coordinated response procedures for emergency telecommunicators, EMTs, emergency room staff, law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and pediatric specialists, ensuring that every survivor receives consistent, evidence-based care and support from the moment of crisis through investigation and recovery. It also includes links to each partner's webpage, online training, and other resources. 

Strangulation Protocol link

The City of Rockford Commercial Corridor Property Revitalization Program is now open for applications!

Eligible Corridors: The program is open to commercial and industrial-zoned properties located within the following designated corridors:

• Harrison Avenue: Rock River to S Alpine Rd
• N Main Street: Brown Ave to Campus Hill Blvd
• Rockton Avenue: Van Wie Ave to W Riverside Blvd
• S Alpine Road: Larson Ave to Bypass 20
• S Main Street: Kent St to Marchesano Dr

Program Highlights:

• Forgivable loans covering up to 75% (up to $25,000) for project costs on exterior building improvements and interior improvements (for ADA improvements only) in eligible corridors. 
• First-come, first-served basis per corridor until all funds are exhausted. 

Program Application Link

The City of Rockford is proud to announce the reopening of Whitman Street on Monday, October 27 at noon. This major project completely reconstructed Whitman/School Street from Avon Street to Church Street. The road will reopen to traffic, with only minor finishing work and short-term lane closures remaining.

To date, this has been the largest project funded by the City’s 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. Beyond rebuilding one of the City’s most deteriorated roadways, the project includes several significant upgrades and community enhancements:

• Conversion from four lanes to three for traffic calming and safety
• A new, separated 5-foot sidewalk on the north side
• Extension of the Mel B. Anderson Recreational Path from Talcott-Page Park to Church Street, with future plans to connect to the Rock River Recreational Path via the Activate Church & Main project
• A single-lane roundabout at Whitman Street and Ridge Avenue, improving safety and access
• Sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer upgrades
• Lead service pipe replacements
• Landscaping and gateway features at the neighborhood entrance
• Improved sight distance and safety west of Ridge Avenue by reducing sharp curves
• Upgraded railroad crossings and surface improvements
• Blight reduction through the removal of a dilapidated property at Ridge and Whitman

At a construction cost of nearly $10 million, the project was managed and inspected in-house by City staff and delivered on time and on budget over the course of two years.

The City extends its sincere appreciation to our Public Works staff, partners at FRSA and the Rockford Park District, design consultant IMEG, water engineer Fehr Graham and contractor NTRAK for their exceptional work and collaboration.

Link - Public Works Update 10.23.25

Link - Public Works Update 10.16.25

Today, the Fire and Police Commission voted unanimously to appoint Rebecca Tyo as the next Rockford Fire Department Chief. 

Chief Tyo joined the Rockford Fire Department in 2009 and, over the course of 16 years of dedicated service, has held a range of roles, including Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Fire Training Coordinator and Captain. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology, and has earned professional credentials including the Fire Officer (FO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

“We were fortunate to have had five incredible finalists, each bringing impressive experience and talent to the table. After a thorough selection process by our citizen-led Fire and Police Commission, Rebecca emerged as the top candidate,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “I want to thank our incredible commissioners for their dedication and thoughtful work throughout this process. I have full confidence that Rebecca will do an outstanding job, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on our department and our community.”

Link - Public Works Update 10.2.25

The City of Rockford, in partnership with Goodwill of Northern Illinois and Rock Valley College, is hosting a Diaper Drive to benefit the Baby Bank. This local non-profit provides products to families in need, aiming to ensure no child goes without basic supplies for a clean, happy, healthy childhood. Since 2018, the Baby Bank has distributed over 900,000 diapers to Northern Illinois families!

Any size diapers or pull-ups can be dropped off at the following locations:

• City Hall, 425 E. State St.
• Rockford Police District 1, 1045 W. State Street
• Rockford Police District 2, 1410 Broadway
• Rockford Police District 3, 557 S. New Towne Drive
• Rockford Fire Headquarters, 204 South 1st Street
• Rock Valley College (2 locations), Stenstrom Student Center and Educational Resource Center

The drive will run from October 1 through October 15.

To donate directly to the Baby Bank, visit www.gobabybank.org.

Today, the Fire and Police Commission announced the finalists for Chief of the Rockford Fire Department.

Jeffrey Althoff.- District Chief, Rockford Fire Department, with 25 years of service.  B.S. in General Studies and ongoing studies toward a M.S. in Public Safety Administration. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). 

Scott Bavery - Assistant Fire Chief, Madison Fire Department, with 28 years of service. B.S. in Community Health Education and a M.S. in Emergency Management Services. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. 

Matthew Cordonnier - Logistics Chief, Rockford Fire Department, with 15 years of service. B.S. in Fire Administration and ongoing studies toward a M.S. in Executive Fire Leadership and Public Administration. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). 

Timothy Morris - Captain/Fire Prevention Coordinator, Rockford Fire Department, with 24 years of service. B.S. in Public Fire Administration and pursuing a Master of Executive Leadership. Working toward the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Rebecca Tyo - Captain, Rockford Fire Department, with 16 years of service. B.S. and a M.S. in Kinesiology. Holds the Fire Officer (FO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

The public can hear from the finalists at an upcoming Virtual Question and Answer Forum on Tuesday, September 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. The public can join the forum at https://tinyurl.com/rfdvirtualforum.

Questions are being collected by IOS Industrial/Organizational Solutions – the consulting firm hired to help the Fire and Police Commission in the recruitment and evaluation of candidates. The public can submit questions they’d like candidates to answer during the forum to RockfordFD@iosolutions.com by September 15.

There will also be in-person Meet and Greet session with the finalists on Monday, October 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Kresge Hall at the Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main Street.

The City of Rockford is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd’s EV Readiness Program, a regional initiative to prepare communities for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Through this program, Rockford has implemented smart and effective policies to make it faster and easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. These efforts will help support widespread EV adoption across the community, moving Rockford toward a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

“The City of Rockford is honored to participate in the EV Readiness Program, which has played a vital role as we work to modernize our transportation system and ensure the benefits of clean mobility reach every neighborhood,” says Mayor McNamara. “This program helped us lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive future – one that supports economic opportunity, environmental stewardship and community well-being. We look forward to building on this momentum.”

Benefits of Electric Vehicles:

• Energy efficient: EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels, compared to only 12–30% for conventional gasoline vehicles.
• Lower emissions: EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, making them cleaner to operate than gas or diesel vehicles—especially when charged with renewable energy. 
• Improved air quality: Lower emissions mean healthier air for Rockford residents.
• Performance benefits: EVs provide quiet, smooth operation and strong acceleration.
• Reduced maintenance costs: With fewer moving parts, EVs avoid oil changes, tune-ups, and other frequent maintenance costs.
• Reduced energy dependence: EVs use electricity, a domestic energy source, reducing reliance on imported fuels.

By completing the EV Readiness Program, Rockford joins a growing network of Illinois communities leading the way toward clean transportation. The City remains committed to building equitable access to EV infrastructure while helping residents and businesses take advantage of the many benefits of electric vehicles.

Join Mayor McNamara at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, August 15, at the Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman Street, as he kicks off our citywide Rockford (815) Day celebrations.

Immediately following the news conference, the library will keep the festivities going with a hands-on activity to color a vintage-style postcard featuring library locations throughout history—complete with colored pencils, vintage stamps, and ink pads for a nostalgic touch. Plus, join the fun with an Rockford Day Scavenger Hunt! Pick up a special passport, complete fun tasks and earn raffle tickets for a chance to win exclusive RPL swag.

There are more than 100 deals, specials and events planned for the day. Here are just a few of those events:

• GoRockford, Rockford Art Deli and River District Association - Join the Rockford Day Block Party in downtown Rockford at State and First Streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get ready for tons of activities, games, giveaways, DJ, vendor fun, delicious food + beverages, a RAD live print, deals and more! 
• Severson Dells Nature Center- Free guided hike from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Severson Dells Nature Center.
• Ernie's Midtown Pub – Ernie’s is hosting a Muralfront Party from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a photo opportunity in front of Rockford sports teams mural, and Rockford Swag Basket giveaways every 2 hours.
• The Standard - Free popcorn and sodas will be available during the Rooftop Cinema Series showing of A League of Their Own at 8:30 p.m.
• SWIFTT and Miracle Mile – The organizations are hosting a free, guided bus tour to showcase the city’s history and landmarks. Participants will board at Don Carter Lanes at 8:45 a.m., depart at 9 a.m., and travel a narrated route with stops at Nicholas Conservatory & Sinnissippi Gardens, Chávez Mexican for lunch, the Ethnic Heritage Museum & Ginestra House, and Klehm Arboretum, returning at 3 p.m.
• Kith and Kin Art Collective - Kith and Kin Art Collective, 510 E. State Street, will celebrate Rockford Day with its 8-1-LIVE event on August 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening includes live painting from collective artists Drew Eurek and Jessica Quam, live music from local musicians, and pop-up vendors Cloth and Canvas and Odd Oddities.
• Inscape Collective - Celebrate Rockford Day with Inscape Collective, 201 7th Street! Stop by between 4–7 p.m. to draw or write a memory of Midtown—or share your dreams for its future. Enjoy live music by Tom Mack from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and refreshments from local Midtown neighbors.
• 815 Silent Disco - Celebrate Rockford Day in style at Top Dollar Slots! From 8:15 to 10:15 p.m., 815 Silent Disco will host a one-of-a-kind silent disco event.
• Edgebrook - Shop the mall sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., then stick around for a live concert by Nauti-Nauti in Center Court from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Think Big - Celebrate Rockford Day and Black Business Month at the Think Big Rockford Mixer, 1311 N. Main, from 5 to 9 p.m. Connect with 20 local vendors, enjoy live music, and end the night with a DJ set.

For a complete list of events, visit https://www.gorockford.com/rockford-day/rockford-day-events/

For a complete list of specials, visit https://www.gorockford.com/rockford-day/rockford-day-specials/

The City of Rockford’s Fire and Police Commission, in consultation with Industrial/Organizational Solutions, has launched a search for its next Fire Chief, and we’re inviting the community to be part of the process.

We’re hosting two virtual community engagement sessions to gather feedback on what qualities, experience and priorities residents would like to see in the next leader of the Rockford Fire Department.

• Virtual Sessions: Monday, August 18 at 5 p.m. - https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGE1MWU5YTYtZTYwMS00NThkLWIxYTctNzUzMDlkYTM0OWEy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e6d702ef-1cd6-45ec-b3b3-cc298324a9ac%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22abf34e7a-53cf-4593-b469-111b90236df0%22%7d
• Tuesday, August 19 at noon - https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MGUwNmNlNWEtYjgwMy00NWE4LWI5NGYtYjQ4OTBmY2M5OGE2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e6d702ef-1cd6-45ec-b3b3-cc298324a9ac%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22abf34e7a-53cf-4593-b469-111b90236df0%22%7d

If you can’t attend one of these sessions, you can send your feedback to RockfordFD@iosolutions.com.

Your voice matters—help us shape the future of public safety leadership in Rockford.

For 150 years, the City of Rockford Water Division has proudly provided clean, reliable water to homes, schools, and businesses across the community. To commemorate this major milestone, the City invites the public to a free community celebration - a Splash Bash.

The event will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 1141 Cedar Street.

The Splash Bash will feature a variety of water-themed activities and family-friendly entertainment, including:

• A neighborhood hydrant party
• Inflatable water slide
• Kona Ice Truck with free treats (while supplies last)
• Live DJ with music and dancing
• Trucks and Heavy Equipment on display for kids to explore

Residents of all ages are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the festivities and learn more about the importance of clean water in everyday life.

Residential Neighborhood Sign Program - Now Accepting Pre-Applications! 

Creating a welcoming entrance is not only a way to convey the name of a neighborhood, but it should provide a meaningful opportunity for neighbors to connect and engage in valuable conversations around neighborhood culture and identity. The City of Rockford is excited to offer an opportunity for neighborhoods to receive financial support in establishing beautiful, inviting entrances that thoughtfully reflect the diversity and culture of their residents.

The City of Rockford is now accepting pre-applications for this program. For more information, visit the Neighborhood Voice page. 

The Family Peace Center is proud to announce a new partnership with Mercyhealth’s Family Medicine Residency Program that will bring essential medical care directly to survivors of domestic violence. Starting in July, resident doctors from the program — who have completed medical school and are practicing under the supervision of an attending physician — will be on-site at the Family Peace Center every Friday morning.

These residents will provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors and their children, offering routine checkups, guidance on chronic health conditions, treatment for acute injuries, and assistance with prescriptions. This collaboration bridges a critical gap for survivors, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing medical services after experiencing abuse.

All participating residents have received specialized training from Family Peace Center staff, as well as a local survivor, focusing on delivering trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety, dignity and healing.

“This partnership helps fill a huge gap in care for the survivors in our community,” said Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Executive Director of Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention. “When people are recovering from trauma, it’s vital that we remove as many barriers as possible to the services they need — and that includes health care. By providing medical support right here at the Family Peace Center, we’re ensuring that survivors are met with compassion, professionalism and support every step of the way.”

“Mercyhealth is enthusiastic about this new partnership that will provide such an important need to some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Dr. John Dorsey, Mercyhealth Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. “This also greatly enhances our family medicine residency program, as our residents will benefit from the additional training from the staff at the Family Peace Center and the perspective of survivors.” 

The partnership is yet another step in the City of Rockford’s commitment to supporting survivors and building a community where every person feels safe, seen and cared for.

The City of Rockford is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Triple Crown by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This recognition is given to governments that receive all three of GFOA’s highest honors:

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
• Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award

Achieving even one of these awards is a significant accomplishment, but earning all three puts the City in elite company. Fewer than 0.5% of all local governments nationwide have earned this distinction, with only about 350 cities and counties recognized at this level.

“This achievement reflects the incredible work of our Finance Department and the City team as a whole,” explains Mayor Tom McNamara. “It demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence in financial stewardship. Congratulations to everyone involved!”

The Community Relations Commission, which acts as an advisory board to the mayor and City Council, is holding a Special Open Forum on Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The goal of the forum is to gain greater input from members of the public to assist in setting the commission’s agenda for the year. 

Residents who would like to share concerns, ideas for improvement or other important information, can sign up to speak at http://www.rockfordil.gov/openforum. Written requests to address the Commission at the Special Open Forum Meeting must be made no later than noon the day before the meeting. 

Once registered, residents will have three minutes to speak to the commission and then another two minutes to allow for questions from the commissioners. Spaces are limited, so register early.

If you are unable to make this Special Open Forum, you can email the Commission at CRC@Rockfordil.gov to ensure your voice is heard.

The City of Rockford is celebrating Arbor Day 2025 by planting ten new trees at West View Elementary as part of our urban forestry initiative and grant-funded community efforts.

Residents can participate in a hands-on morning of tree planting. The City is looking for 20 volunteers to help get these trees in the ground. Come ready to work—with sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Then, afterwards, the City is hosting a tree giveaway.

Where: West View Elementary School, 1720 Halsted RoadWhen: Saturday, April 26Tree Planting: Starts at 8 a.m.Tree Giveaway: Starts at noon 

Want to volunteer to plant a tree? Email Taylor.Hennelly@rockfordil.gov to sign up!

The City of Rockford is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2025 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America (MHA) for the second year in a row.

MHA is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and illness prevention for all. MHA has spent decades researching mental health in the workplace and introduced in 2019 the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health to recognize companies and organizations that understand the value of addressing mental health at work and implement policies and practices that support employee well-being.

The Bell Seal recognizes employer advances in workplace mental health by awarding Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition levels. Only 2 in 5 employers meet the standards for Bell Seal certification. The City underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness programs. 

“Supporting the mental health of our employees is not only the right thing to do—it’s a smart investment in the overall well-being and success of our organization,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “Earning the Bell Seal certification reflects our continued dedication to fostering a workplace that prioritizes mental health and employee wellness.”

Learn more about MHA and the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health at mhanational.org/bestemployers.

In 2018, the National Resource Network (NRN) and the City of Rockford partnered to develop a seven-year financial plan, which focused on improving the City’s fiscal sustainability and economic competitiveness. As part of this work, NRN and the City prepared a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. NRN is led, in part, by Enterprise Advisors.

“In 2017, our revenue projections were bleak for the future,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “We knew we needed experts to come in and assess our community, our finances and our neighborhoods.”

Enterprise looked at the condition of physical property in each neighborhood, and used various data points, including vacant properties, foreclosures, code violations and homeownership rates, to describe the general conditions of the built environment and what tools/interventions could be used to address issues for each neighborhood. The City then used that data to prioritize funding for direct involvement in property improvement; for investing in key partnerships that would bring overall improvements; and for advocating for needed policy and funding changes that would help our community improve and maintain our properties. Enterprise also looked at different data points that would describe strong neighborhoods, middle neighborhoods and emerging neighborhoods to produce the original study.

From 2018 to 2023, the City invested in key initiatives to improve housing and reduce vacancies. The establishment of the Northern Illinois Land Bank and the transition of the Winnebago County Trustee to Region 1 Planning Council provided critical tools to address foreclosures and vacant properties. Creating a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in partnership with Rockford Local Development Corporation (RLDC) and private financial institutions to help revitalize homes, boosting homeownership while reducing code violations. Additionally, the City funded emergency furnace, weatherization and home rehab programs, along with the Critical Home Repair Program, leading to significant property improvements and fewer code violations.

Late last year, Enterprise analyzed our neighborhoods again. This time, most neighborhoods ranked as strong, showing that in the last five years the City positioned our neighborhoods to be ready for new construction and growth in value. (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/974adb9666084252a0b0cb4c24be7951)

Key results from the study include:

• Economic Growth: Property values increased by 56% since 2017 creating wealth for property owners, violent crime fell by 34%, and thousands of new jobs were created.
• Strategic Planning: Rockford partnered with the National Resource Network (NRN), Enterprise Advisors, and others to develop a data-driven multi-year financial plan and Neighborhood Revitalization Typology.
• Infrastructure & Investment: The city leveraged federal and state funds to execute major capital improvements and created financial incentives to attract new residents and businesses.
• Community Development: Initiatives like the Rockford Promise program provide free college tuition for eligible students, while housing programs encourage new development and home rehabilitation.
• Future Focus: Rockford plans to continue economic development, expand housing supply, and maintain affordability while ensuring sustained community engagement and safety improvements.

“I’m thrilled we are trending in the right direction based on strategic decisions and initiatives,” says Mayor McNamara. “The next step in the process is to implement our Housing Strategy Framework. It includes action items like building on the success of the Land Bank by advocating for more state resources, investing in new residential housing, increasing funding for the CDFI and using the vacant property ordinance to get more vacant commercial properties back on the tax roll.” 

Due to this historic turnaround, Enterprise recently wrote an article about the City’s “improbable turnaround.” (https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/blog/improbable-turnaround)

The City of Rockford is taking a step toward a stronger, more inclusive future with the launch of a comprehensive Housing Strategy Framework. This plan lays the foundation for a thriving community by ensuring access to diverse and high-quality housing options that support economic growth, social equity and an enhanced quality of life. 

By coordinating public and private resources, Rockford aims to create and preserve between 6,000 and 9,000 housing units by 2035, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable development and regional expansion. This strategy will help residents live, work and thrive in every neighborhood, making Rockford a more vibrant place for all.

STRATEGY #1: Make Rockford an attractive place to develop in to encourage new housing choices across the market

Actions:

1. Engage local and regional developers through focus groups and check-in meetings to understand their needs and challenges and identify actionable next steps to help address them 
2. Support and expand interest in housing investment in Rockford by mission-aligned out-of-market developers by conducting targeted outreach and building new relationships  
3. Provide developers of affordable properties with a designated point of contact at the City that can help speed up local approvals and avoid delays that could result in financial challenges for the projects 
4. Combine HOME and CDBG funding with innovative financing approaches, such as TIF funding, tax rebates, and fee reductions to support housing development and redevelopment

STRATEGY #2: Apply tailored approaches to specific neighborhood contexts to ensure new development benefits existing and future residents

Actions:

1. Create land use plans for the land around the 6^th and 9^th Street Conversion project and Southwest Railyard Transit Oriented Development project 
2. Where appropriate for the neighborhood context, revise and streamline code and development regulations to encourage a more diverse housing stock 
3. To the maximum feasible extent, focus new development in existing subdivisions with infrastructure in place 
4. Use TIFs strategically to support housing development and reinvestment 
5. Focus new housing development for seniors and people with disabilities in areas with high connectivity and access to essential services 

STRATEGY #3: Strengthen neighborhoods by preserving existing housing stock and revitalizing vacant and abandoned properties 

Actions:

1. Continue implementing the Land Bank/Trustee Program to make vacant and abandoned land available for development or other uses  
2. Provide funding for home rehabilitation programs for households with low, moderate, and middle incomes, including roof and window replacement 
3. Identify obsolete industrial sites suitable for adaptive reuse that could incorporate mixed use development
4. Focus staff time and resources on encouraging full compliance with the Rental Registry and Vacant Land and Foreclosed Property Registry
5. Implement the recently updated Rockford Historic Preservation Plan 

STRATEGY #4: Strengthen capacity of cross-sector partners to support housing preservation and development

Actions:

1. Continue to work with members of the Public Sector Working Group to guide housing preservation and development on a range of shared projects, such as working with the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) to facilitate a pathway to homeownership for RHA-assisted residents, and working with Region 1 Planning Council to identify opportunities to expand funding for the Land Bank 
2. Support community development financial organizations (CDFI) through funding and capacity building to enable them to secure additional funding and effectively allocate it for affordable housing rehabilitation projects 
3. Facilitate the growth and sustainability of community-based development organizations and other community-based organizations that can act as intermediaries between the community and developers; this will help ensure the communities’ needs are addressed by new development and increase community acceptance of new development.
4. Work in partnership with the Rockford Housing Authority and the Rockford Apartment Association to provide training and education opportunities for families and landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program to expand families’ housing options and ensure housing quality 
5. Continue to support workforce development programs and build capacity of local contractors to access city contracting opportunities 

STRATEGY #5: Expand public education, communication, and advocacy to foster more support for housing programs, policies, and development

Actions:

1. Provide education opportunities for city council and the public to learn about fair housing, housing affordability challenges, barriers, and potential solutions (e.g., zoning reform) 
2. Ensure developers are aware of the full range of development opportunities and flexibilities built into Rockford’s zoning and planning regulations and listen to stakeholder ideas for how to further improve them. 
3. Increase community engagement opportunities when conducting planning in neighborhoods and other focus areas and coordinate with neighborhood groups and associations to determine each area’s needs and wants 
4. Promote safe, decent, and affordable rental housing in Rockford by supporting educational opportunities for landlords and tenants
5. Create an annual report to share progress toward implementing Rockford’s housing strategy and achieving its housing goals

To learn more about the framework, attend the next Community Relations Meeting on Thursday, February 13, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers or visit www.rockfordil.gov/163/Neighborhood-Development. If you would like to comment on the framework, please send an email to Sarah.Leys@RockfordIL.gov or call 779-348-7442.

NEW WARD MAP: Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count designed to record each resident in the United States. The 2020 decennial Census revealed population shifts between the wards within the City of Rockford, and as such, state law required adjustments to the current ward boundaries prior to the next City election. A bipartisan Redistricting Committee created the new ward map, which was approved by City Council in 2022. This new map will be effective during the next aldermanic election, which will occur this year with a primary election in February and a consolidated election in April.  To see the current maps, as well as the maps that will take effect with the next election, visit https://www.rockfordil.gov/531/Ward-Redistricting.

The City of Rockford and the Rockford Mass Transit District announced that beginning February 1, 2025, any individual in the community enrolled in a local post-secondary education program or in a local adult General Educational Development (GED)/High School Equivalency (HSE) program will now be able to ride RMTD’s fixed route service for free.Individuals who have a valid student photo I.D. for the spring 2025 semester from any of the following local institutions: Rock Valley College (RVC), Rockford Career College (RCC), Rockford University, NIU Rockford, Judson, Rasmussen, U of I College of Medicine, OSF Nursing - can access the free ride program by simply showing their valid student photo I.D. when boarding a RMTD bus. For those individuals currently enrolled in adult GED/HSE programs offered by RVC, Rockford Public Schools (RPS) & Goodwill, as well as the Rockford Public Library Adult Online High School, RMTD will be coordinating with those providers to distribute free passes to their program participants.  The new free ride programs are being implemented in an effort to help reduce barriers to accessing educational and training opportunities in the community. In 2022, we implement Veteran and K-12 student free ride programs on the fixed route system.

The City of Rockford is proud to announce that it has been awarded a 2024 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America (MHA). The Bell Seal is a first-of-its-kind workplace mental health certification recognizing employers striving to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees.

MHA is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and illness prevention for all. MHA has spent decades researching mental health in the workplace and introduced in 2019 the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health to recognize companies and organizations that understand the value of addressing mental health at work and implement policies and practices that support employee well-being.

The Bell Seal recognizes employer advances in workplace mental health by awarding Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition levels. Only 1 in 4 employers meet the standards for Bell Seal certification. The City, which participated for the first time this year, underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness programs. 

“We recognize that an investment in employee mental health is an investment in the organization’s financial, social and emotional health,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “Gaining status as a Bell Seal-certified organization demonstrates our ongoing commitment to employee mental health and well-being.”

Learn more about MHA and the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health at mhanational.org/bestemployers.

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By clicking “Log In” on the MyAccount bar at the top of the screen, users may create a login for the site or use their Facebook profile to access MyAccount. Once logged in, visitors can choose the modules, features and keywords that they’d like to see most often, including calendars, news items and emergency alerts. Site users can also save favorite pages within MyAccount, encouraging more-frequent visits and making important information even easier to find! Check out MyAccount and customize your own page at http://www.site.com/MyAccount!

The City of Rockford, in partnership with the Rockford Area Arts Council and the Rockford Public Library, recently named a new City of Rockford Poet Laureate and Youth Poet.

The City of Rockford announced Lydia Kozlowski as the 2024-2025 Poet Laureate. A talented poet and marketer, Lydia brings a unique perspective to her work, deeply influenced by her heritage as the daughter of Polish immigrants. She views the world through this lens, allowing her poetry to explore themes of identity, language, and cultural connection. As Poet Laureate, Lydia has an exciting vision for amplifying diverse voices in the community. One of her key initiatives will be to curate and showcase poems by local women, incorporating multilingual works, translations, and code-switching to celebrate the richness of language and expression.

Lydia is a published writer whose work has appeared in The Finger Literary Magazine and, most recently, Spoon River Poetry Review. Her poem, Black Out at the White Eagle, will be featured in the forthcoming Rockford Anthology, further cementing her place in the city’s literary landscape. A graduate of Boylan High School, Lydia went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in English from Lewis University. Her passion for poetry and community engagement will bring fresh energy to Rockford’s literary scene, inspiring others to share their stories and embrace the power of the written word.

The City also announced Autumn Rose Smith as the 2025 Youth Poet. Autumn, a junior at Boylan Catholic High School, has been a passionate writer and creator since childhood. Her love for poetry began at a young age, and by fourth grade, she had already achieved her first publication in Futures, a book by Appelley Publishing. Since then, she has continued to refine her craft, earning recognition and accolades for her work.

At Boylan, Autumn has been twice recognized as Highly Commended in the school's Annual Poetry Contest during her freshman and sophomore years. Her talent and dedication have led to an impressive seven publications through various competitions. Notably, four of her poems have been featured in the Live Poets Society of New Jersey American High School Poets collections—a distinction awarded to only 2% of submissions. With her growing list of achievements, Autumn continues to make her mark as a young poet with a bright future ahead.

Beginning on March 1, 2025, the City of Rockford will implement a new vacant and foreclosing property registration platform provided by Tolemi. Currently registered property owners will have to re-register with this new platform. The Register a Vacant/Foreclosing Property page will contain a link to the new registry, the Vacant and Foreclosing Property Registry (VFPR) ordinance, and any relevant documents related to the VFPR. The new registry provides a step-by-step walkthrough during registration. Please be prepared to provide the name, street address, telephone number and email of each owner, authorized agent, and property manager. If you are unsure if your property needs to be registered, the definition of a vacant property, for the purposes of registration, are defined in the ordinance found in the provided link. If you have already made a payment for the 2025 semi-annual renewal, or have any questions or information on vacant properties, please email vacant and foreclosing property or call 779-348-7440.

The Snow Emergency, including odd/even parking, is now canceled. 

Our Customer Service Center will be closed on Thursday, December 4, until 1 p.m. for training. If you need to make a payment on Thursday morning, please use our online portal at https://schedulepayment.com/cor or at any of the alternative methods listed online here: https://www.rockfordil.gov/544/Utility-Billing.

The Snow Emergency, including odd/even parking, is now canceled. 

On Monday, the Finance and Personnel Committee approved the 2026 budget, maintaining current property tax levels and lowering the General Fund by $2 million from last year. Despite a state-mandated $5 million increase in public safety pension payments over last year (bringing the total pension payments to $40.5 million this year), the overall budget is lower due to continued efforts to control costs and operate more efficiently. The budget will go to City Council for approval next week and includes several key initiatives and investments aimed at maintaining essential services and supporting community priorities.

Key Highlights

• Public Safety/Crime Reduction:  Continues funding enforcement, prevention and intervention efforts, contributing to nearly a 40% reduction in violent crime and a decline in youth-related offenses in recent years. 
• Property Taxes: Keeps City property taxes flat for the 13th consecutive year, saving Rockford homeowners an average of $321 annually.
• Rockford Promise: Allows local students to attend college tuition-free.
• General Fund Support from Casino: Includes annual revenue from the casino to support general fund expenses, including pension obligations and investments in police and fire stations. 
• Cannabis Fund: Redirects unspent Cannabis Fund reserves to the general fund to support a temporary increase in fire staffing as more firefighters than usual become eligible for retirement. This one-time increase allows for the continuation of the 2025 pilot program for an additional engine and ambulance, while preserving $850,000 for equity-focused, restorative justice, and community reinvestment grants.
• Community Programs: Supports initiatives that benefit all residents, including:

• Free Bus Rides: Provides Veterans, K-12 students, and individuals enrolled in post-secondary or adult GED/HSE programs free rides on RMTD buses.
• Lead Service Line Replacements: Continues replacing lead service lines at no direct cost to homeowners.
• Critical Home Repair Program: Funds repairs to homes owned by low- to moderate-income residents.
• Tree Removal Loan Program: Assists residents with limited resources in removing dead, dying or diseased trees from private property.

• Economic Development: Sets aside funding for economic development initiatives including a set aside for investment in high risk neighborhoods.
• Fights Blight: Invests in blighted home rehabilitation and new home ownership opportunities.
• Arts/Culture: Allocates money for arts and culture initiatives across the community.
• Public Safety Pensions: Includes the state-mandated public safety pension contribution of $40.5 million, up from $9.6 million in 2013 and $5 million more than last year’s payments.
• Infrastructure Investment: Maintains historic levels of investment throughout the community, including residential neighborhoods and thoroughfares.
• Internships: Funds internship and career development opportunities within the City of Rockford, including the Concrete Workforce Development Program.

Financial History In 2017, municipal finance experts warned that the City of Rockford could run out of money by 2021 and that Rockford residents had a relatively high tax burden. In response, the City partnered with the National Resource Network to review the budget line by line, identifying efficiencies and areas for improvement. A Financial Task Force, including residents, financial experts, business leaders, aldermen, and public employee union representatives, provided input. These efforts have enabled the City to pass eight balanced budgets, maintain flat property taxes and continue investing in both infrastructure and residents, while lessening the tax burden on residents.

Mayor’s Statement  “No budget is perfect. However, I think we can all agree that property taxes are already too high, which is why I am advocating not to increase them,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “Our City has seen tremendous momentum - gaining national attention and renewed local pride - which reinforces our goal of making Rockford a place where residents and businesses can thrive. While tough decisions aren’t always popular, they are necessary to keep us on track and be responsible stewards of our finances.”

The City of Rockford is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Triple Crown by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This recognition is given to governments that receive all three of GFOA’s highest honors:

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
• Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award

Achieving even one of these awards is a significant accomplishment, but earning all three puts the City in elite company. Fewer than 0.5% of all local governments nationwide have earned this distinction, with only about 350 cities and counties recognized at this level.

“This achievement reflects the incredible work of our Finance Department and the City team as a whole,” explains Mayor Tom McNamara. “It demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence in financial stewardship. Congratulations to everyone involved!”

In 2018, the National Resource Network (NRN) and the City of Rockford partnered to develop a seven-year financial plan, which focused on improving the City’s fiscal sustainability and economic competitiveness. As part of this work, NRN and the City prepared a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. NRN is led, in part, by Enterprise Advisors.

“In 2017, our revenue projections were bleak for the future,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “We knew we needed experts to come in and assess our community, our finances and our neighborhoods.”

Enterprise looked at the condition of physical property in each neighborhood, and used various data points, including vacant properties, foreclosures, code violations and homeownership rates, to describe the general conditions of the built environment and what tools/interventions could be used to address issues for each neighborhood. The City then used that data to prioritize funding for direct involvement in property improvement; for investing in key partnerships that would bring overall improvements; and for advocating for needed policy and funding changes that would help our community improve and maintain our properties. Enterprise also looked at different data points that would describe strong neighborhoods, middle neighborhoods and emerging neighborhoods to produce the original study.

From 2018 to 2023, the City invested in key initiatives to improve housing and reduce vacancies. The establishment of the Northern Illinois Land Bank and the transition of the Winnebago County Trustee to Region 1 Planning Council provided critical tools to address foreclosures and vacant properties. Creating a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in partnership with Rockford Local Development Corporation (RLDC) and private financial institutions to help revitalize homes, boosting homeownership while reducing code violations. Additionally, the City funded emergency furnace, weatherization and home rehab programs, along with the Critical Home Repair Program, leading to significant property improvements and fewer code violations.

Late last year, Enterprise analyzed our neighborhoods again. This time, most neighborhoods ranked as strong, showing that in the last five years the City positioned our neighborhoods to be ready for new construction and growth in value. (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/974adb9666084252a0b0cb4c24be7951)

Key results from the study include:

• Economic Growth: Property values increased by 56% since 2017 creating wealth for property owners, violent crime fell by 34%, and thousands of new jobs were created.
• Strategic Planning: Rockford partnered with the National Resource Network (NRN), Enterprise Advisors, and others to develop a data-driven multi-year financial plan and Neighborhood Revitalization Typology.
• Infrastructure & Investment: The city leveraged federal and state funds to execute major capital improvements and created financial incentives to attract new residents and businesses.
• Community Development: Initiatives like the Rockford Promise program provide free college tuition for eligible students, while housing programs encourage new development and home rehabilitation.
• Future Focus: Rockford plans to continue economic development, expand housing supply, and maintain affordability while ensuring sustained community engagement and safety improvements.

“I’m thrilled we are trending in the right direction based on strategic decisions and initiatives,” says Mayor McNamara. “The next step in the process is to implement our Housing Strategy Framework. It includes action items like building on the success of the Land Bank by advocating for more state resources, investing in new residential housing, increasing funding for the CDFI and using the vacant property ordinance to get more vacant commercial properties back on the tax roll.” 

Due to this historic turnaround, Enterprise recently wrote an article about the City’s “improbable turnaround.” (https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/blog/improbable-turnaround)

The City of Rockford and the Rockford Mass Transit District announced that beginning February 1, 2025, any individual in the community enrolled in a local post-secondary education program or in a local adult General Educational Development (GED)/High School Equivalency (HSE) program will now be able to ride RMTD’s fixed route service for free.Individuals who have a valid student photo I.D. for the spring 2025 semester from any of the following local institutions: Rock Valley College (RVC), Rockford Career College (RCC), Rockford University, NIU Rockford, Judson, Rasmussen, U of I College of Medicine, OSF Nursing - can access the free ride program by simply showing their valid student photo I.D. when boarding a RMTD bus. For those individuals currently enrolled in adult GED/HSE programs offered by RVC, Rockford Public Schools (RPS) & Goodwill, as well as the Rockford Public Library Adult Online High School, RMTD will be coordinating with those providers to distribute free passes to their program participants.  The new free ride programs are being implemented in an effort to help reduce barriers to accessing educational and training opportunities in the community. In 2022, we implement Veteran and K-12 student free ride programs on the fixed route system.

Stay in touch with us by following us on Twitter, becoming our friend on Facebook, or subscribing to one of our RSS Feeds.

Notify Me allows you to subscribe to an unlimited number of email lists. Receive email or text message updates regarding the information you have requested. Check out Notify Me today!

With the MyAccount feature, you can customize your viewing experience, sign up for notifications, and engage in information you care about. Check out Notify Me today!

By clicking “Log In” on the MyAccount bar at the top of the screen, users may create a login for the site or use their Facebook profile to access MyAccount. Once logged in, visitors can choose the modules, features and keywords that they’d like to see most often, including calendars, news items and emergency alerts. Site users can also save favorite pages within MyAccount, encouraging more-frequent visits and making important information even easier to find! Check out MyAccount and customize your own page at http://www.site.com/MyAccount!