Illinois Groundwork provides community resources and guidance for creating community green infrastructure
URBANA, Ill. – During large rainstorms, many Illinois residents brace themselves for flooding in their basements, streets, and neighborhoods. Illinois Groundwork, illinoisgroundwork.org, is a new free, online tool for communities and stormwater...

Belusko takes on new role as community and economic development educator
URBANA, Ill. – Central Illinois is building its service to community with the addition of staff devoted to community and economic development. Valerie Belusko has advanced to community and economic development educator serving...

Bring life to empty downtown buildings
URBANA, Ill. – Many rural Illinois communities have a vacant or derelict building in the heart of their downtown or on main street. While the missed opportunities of a property sitting vacant seem basic, the concept is complicated. Intent, code, statute, and insurance classification may...

Peoria 'stormwater farm' demonstrates power of connecting design thinking with improved public health outcomes
PEORIA, Ill. –The city of Peoria will break ground on a pilot project transforming vacant land on the city’s south side into a “stormwater farm” that will help manage chronic sewer overflows impacting low-income neighborhoods...

STARTUP Jefferson County provides entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools to succeed
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. - We’re all familiar with the phrase, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Well, that’s what Jefferson County, Illinois said to itself almost three years ago when it found itself in real need of some good ideas.  In 2015 there were 35 ...