As we close the chapter on another year and look forward to 2026, I want to take a moment—on behalf of the City Council and our entire City team—to extend my sincere thanks to the residents of Pekin. Local government works best when it partners with its community, and this past year, Pekin has continued to make steady progress because of that collaboration.

To enhance communication and address misinformation, we have expanded our efforts by hosting regular town halls. If you have not yet attended one, I encourage you to participate. We also televise these meetings when possible, allowing you to engage from home. Please watch for notices on our official Facebook page.

Over the last twelve months, our focus has been on the fundamentals: infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, public safety, quality of life, and long-term planning. These efforts may not always generate headlines, but they are the foundation of a stable, responsive city positioned for growth.

We advanced several significant infrastructure projects, investing in streets, utilities, and facilities that residents depend on daily—often without noticing, which is a sign of effective local government. Projects like the continued progress on Court Street and the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) initiative exemplify these critical updates. We have aggressively pursued grants, leveraging external funding to maximize local tax dollars. These partnerships have accelerated project timelines that otherwise might have spanned years.

Our lobbyist’s efforts have been instrumental in connecting Pekin with key elected officials in Springfield, which played a pivotal role in Epic Medical’s decision to expand operations here. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, bringing new jobs and economic growth to our community. Additionally, this past fall, we welcomed three major retailers—Ross, Five Below, and Marshall’s—to our East Court location, a milestone many doubted but that has now come to fruition. We anticipate continued growth in this area with Cullinan Properties and new developers investing in Pekin.

I would be remiss not to recognize our small business community, the true backbone of Pekin’s economy. The Pekin Main Street organization continues its mission to revitalize downtown with remarkable success. While I can’t name every new business here, I encourage everyone to visit our Discover Pekin website to learn more and support our local entrepreneurs.

Progress in code enforcement and neighborhood revitalization remains a priority. These efforts are about community pride, safety, and protecting property values—not punishment. At a recent town hall, it was clear the community desires increased enforcement activity. We are working diligently to streamline processes and, as budget allows, expand the code enforcement unit to better serve our neighborhoods.

Public safety remains paramount. Our police and fire departments have continued to modernize training, equipment, and procedures, maintaining the high level of professionalism our residents expect—all without disruption. Despite some calls for cuts, we have maintained essential services to ensure the safety and well-being of Pekin.

On the economic development front, important groundwork has been laid. While some projects take time to materialize fully, the planning and early investments underway today are what create future opportunities. Pekin is gaining attention, and that is significant. We look forward to multiple initiatives along Court Street and the promising Lutticken property investment, both poised to foster growth.

There has been much discussion about the potential data center development. It is important to clarify: Pekin currently has no agreement with a data center operator. What we have is a land option purchase agreement with a developer. Should they determine—after due diligence—that a data center is feasible, then formal negotiations will take place. Premature rejection of this opportunity overlooks the potential benefits. History shows that initial community resistance to projects like the federal correctional institution or ICC campus was unfounded. While the FCI moved forward, not without some being pushed out, ICC did not and instead located their campus in a neighboring community. Pekin lost out on that benefit. We need to keep an open mind and do our due diligence, so we do not miss out on a potential major economic opportunity.

We understand concerns regarding data centers, including utilities and environmental impact. However, decisions should be based on factual, peer-reviewed research—not on social media posts or anecdotal reports. Staff continues to review credible information and will ensure public input through zoning board reviews and community discussions should the project proceed. Our commitment is thorough due diligence to ensure any development aligns with Pekin’s best interests.

Internally, we have focused on strengthening City operations through process improvements and long-range planning to anticipate challenges rather than merely respond to them—a proactive approach akin to preventative maintenance.

Of course, no year in local government is complete without a bit of humor. We navigated construction season, budget season, winter weather, and at least one meeting where someone asked why the City doesn’t control the weather. (We’re still working on that one. As I sit here sending out alerts for snow route enforcement.)

Looking ahead to 2026, the future is bright. Infrastructure projects will continue, economic development will advance from planning to implementation, and investments in neighborhoods, public safety, and city services will remain priorities. Most importantly, we will continue listening—to residents, businesses, and community partners—because great ideas come from all corners of Pekin.

Pekin is not standing still. It is growing—thoughtfully, deliberately, and with a clear vision for the future.

Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your pride in our community. On behalf of the City of Pekin, I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026. Together, we will continue to build a stronger Pekin.