From the Pritizker Administration:
Governor Pritzker Announces 25 Awards to Revitalize Main Streets and Downtowns Across Illinois
JACKSONVILLE – Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders in Jacksonville today to announce state-funded grant awards totaling $30 million for 25 grantees through the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets (RDMS, $20 million) and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE, $10 million) programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state and accelerate local economic initiatives.
“As Governor, one of my top priorities is to reverse decades of neglect and broken promises and bring jobs, opportunity, and hope back to communities across Illinois, while breathing new life into our downtown corridors and beyond,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This program will directly support 25 communities across the state by funding critical community development projects, housing and infrastructure all while revitalizing commercial corridors.”
“These investments reflect our deep commitment to communities that have been overlooked for too long—places with rich histories and hardworking families who deserve more. These investments aren’t just improving buildings and streets, but by revitalizing downtown spaces and driving economic development, we’re creating opportunity, strengthening local economies, and building a future where every Illinois family can thrive,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.
The RDMS Capital Program provides grants for construction, repair and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs, improve quality of life and stimulate economic activity for communities that have experienced historic disinvestment. The goal of this program is to drive investment in infrastructure and public amenities that will invite more people back into Main Street districts and local city centers in communities of all sizes. These Main Street districts are economic and cultural engines for small towns across the state. The second round of RDMS funding builds upon $106 million in RDMS grants provided in 2022.
“The RDMS and RISE grant programs are essential to supporting economic development in communities that need it most,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The State of Illinois is providing resources to revitalize downtown spaces and boost economic growth while investing in Illinois’ top-rated infrastructure.”
Here is the information about the McHenry and Woodstock money:
| City of McHenry | Northeast | $771,263 | Reconstruct Riverside Drive from Venice Avenue to just past Pearl Street in the City’s downtown district |
| City of Woodstock | Northeast | $1,047,750 | Renovate the Opera House’s Stage Left Café and its west annex as a reception and bar area, and Woodstock will install three dual-screen interactive kiosks on the Square to engage residents and visitors in music and art, holiday celebrations, cultural events and Opera House and Stage Left Café performances. |
