City of Peoria Economic Development

Congratulations - Bashir Ali

Bobby Gray and I are attending the International Economic Development Council conference this week in Atlanta. Some excellent programs that will work in Peoria.

The Central Illinois Workforce Board Talent Force 21 has won the Human Capital Program award for their efforts in workforce training. Our congratulations to Bashir Ali and his staff.

First Home Homebuyers

Peoria County and the City of Peoria participates in the Assist Program, a federally funded program that eases the financial burden for qualified first time homebuyers and persons who have not bought a home in the past three years. The Assist Program provides first time homebuyers up to 4.25% of the amount borrowed on the home purchase to be used for down payment and closing costs. Through the Assist Program, the 4.25% is a gift, not a loan.

To find out if you qualify contact one of these participating lenders:

http://www.peoriacounty.org/planningAndZoning/firstHome/

Combining this program with the new Federal tax Credit of $7,500 makes this a great time for first time homebuyers.

Great new restaurant Plays in Peoria Downtown

Tilley's at River Station is a great new restaurant in Peoria.

At the River, just south of Main Street in the Historic Peoria Train Station.

http://www.pjstar.com/dining/x42281540/Tilleys-starts-new-era-at-old-depot

http://www.peoriariverfront.com/index.php?section=1

HIZ TIF and BDD Public Hearings

Public Hearings are Scheduled on the proposed Hospitality Improvement Zone (HIZ), to include a:

Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) and a

Business Development District (BDD).

The Hearings will be held before the City Council on Tuesday 14 October 2008 after 6:15 pm.

There will be a second public hearing on the BDD on 28 October 2008 before the City Council after 6:15 pm.

Interested citizens are encouraged to send their comments and suggestions to me at Hullingerc@gmail.com.

We will add comments received to the public record.

More info at:

Hospitality Improvement

http://hospitalityimprovementzone.blogspot.com/

City Budget On Line

FY2009 Preliminary Budget

The City’s budget website has been updated to include the entire preliminary budget documents. The Mayor and City Council charged staff with creating a budget process that was more transparent, more open to public involvement and built more alignment with Council goals and priorities. For the first time in the City’s history, the preliminary is available for download by citizens, businesses and other interested parties.

http://www.blogger.com/www.peoriabudget.com