[January 16, 2025]  When I first assumed office, I never could have imagined the challenges that lay ahead. From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to rebuilding our community, every step has shaped my commitment to this city.

Since then, we have faced challenges, but we have also achieved great success. A prime example is how we have managed our city's $23 million budget. It is our responsibility as elected officials to protect the city's financial health and ensure every dollar works for the people. Under my leadership, and through close collaboration with the council, we have worked tirelessly to prioritize fiscal responsibility. As a result, our General Fund has grown significantly, putting us in a strong position for the future. This growth is not just about numbers—it means we can invest in our infrastructure, provide vital services, and secure a bright future for our community. Together, we have built a foundation that will support us for years to come.

As elected leaders, our primary responsibility is to serve you, those who trust us to make decisions that improve our community and your everyday lives. It is not just about managing budgets; it is about balancing growth and progress with fiscal responsibility. Over the past few years, we have made real, lasting changes. We have dramatically increased our road maintenance budget, so that we can target more streets for improvement. We have expanded alley maintenance, ensuring that the areas less traveled are not forgotten. We have launched a sewer rebate program to help families recover from devastating sewer problems, and we have completed a $20 million overhaul of our sewer system, which is an investment that will ensure clean and trustworthy wastewater treatment for decades. As part of the overhaul, we have been able to establish a healthy enterprise sewer fund, ensuring that future upgrades and maintenance will not require an increased expense to taxpayers. And finally, after 27 years of delays and frustration, I am optimistic that the 5th Street Road project will begin this year. This is more than just a road; it is a vital connection point for those who live and work in proximity to the road.

A thriving community is built not just on infrastructure and economics, but on the everyday experiences that shape our lives—our parks, our events, and the spaces where we gather. Recently, we have brought new life to our parks, starting with a brand-new dog park where families and their furry friends can enjoy the outdoors together. Every park in our city now features new equipment, including special needs-friendly spaces, so everyone can play and connect. We have worked hard to ensure that the spirit of our community remained strong during the pandemic. The Third Friday Downtown events are thriving, and we have preserved treasured traditions like the Railsplitter Festival, Balloons Over 66, and the Up in Smoke BBQ Competition. These are events that bring us all together and boost our local economy. Through enhanced collaboration among local businesses, we have seen our downtown come alive. Due to various grant opportunities, we have seen improvements to historic buildings, including much-needed upgrades to our City Hall. These efforts are not just about preservation; they are about creating a vibrant space that honors our past while embracing the future. Together, these efforts have sparked a renewed sense of pride and community spirit that reflects the heart and soul of our city. It is a pride we can all share, knowing that our city is not just growing, but thriving in ways that make a difference.

Nothing matters more to me than the safety and security of our community. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, on their street, and in their neighborhood. That is why I have worked tirelessly with others to establish and strengthen the Downtown Safety Initiative. We began by installing security cameras in key locations throughout downtown, and since then, have expanded this initiative, providing law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent crime and solve cases more quickly. Next steps include expansion throughout the city. Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between our police department and other agencies, we have also successfully confiscated large quantities of illegal drugs and firearms, keeping these items off our streets and making our community safer. While we have made considerable progress, the work is far from finished. We are seeing an uptick in theft and burglary, partly due to changes in state crime reform legislation that appear to have inadvertently made our streets less safe. That is why I am committed to working with our legislators to address these issues and advocate for changes to laws that are compromising our safety. Together, we will ensure that our community remains a place where residents can live, work, and thrive without fear.

A thriving community depends on economic growth that creates new opportunities for our residents, attracts investment, and provides long-term stability. As your mayor, I have had the honor of attending dozens of ribbon-cutting ceremonies, celebrating the grand openings of new small businesses that are vital to our city’s growth. This year, we will see the opening of a new Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice facility—creating jobs and providing critical services to youth from within the region. At the same time, new housing developments are underway, offering affordable and quality living spaces for families and individuals. While the city plays a crucial role in fostering growth, much of our success comes from strong partnerships with organizations like Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development (LEAD), the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC), and Logan County Regional Planning (LCRP). Economic development is a continuous effort that requires dedication and collaboration. By collaborating with our partners, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous future for our community.

Looking ahead, our path to continued success is clear; to build on the growth we have already achieved and ensure a vibrant future for our community. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every decision we make is driven by what is best for our community and its future. Strengthening our relationships with the County is also essential. By working hand in hand with our county partners, we can leverage resources, tackle shared challenges, and unlock even greater opportunities for our residents. We must continue to partner with local and regional economic development organizations to not only support our existing businesses but also attract new ones that will create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our local economy for generations to come. One of the most urgent challenges we face is the proposed closure of the Logan Correctional Center. This is a battle that I am committed to continue fighting to protect local jobs, economic stability, and the well-being of our community. Ultimately, our work must always center on the needs and well-being of our residents. We will continue striving to improve every facet of our community, ensuring that the quality of life for all who call this city home remains a top priority.

I want to close by sincerely thanking everyone who has supported me throughout my time as Mayor, and those who have shown their confidence in my re-election campaign. Your encouragement means the world to me. I am especially honored to have the endorsement of respected leaders like Senator Sally Turner, Representative Bill Hauter, and community figures such as Mr. Bill Gossett and Dr. Robert Kidd, among others. Their support strengthens our collective vision for the future.

I have worked hard to serve our community, and I am committed to continuing that work. I feel that I am the best candidate to keep moving our community forward and humbly ask for your vote on February 25th.

Thank you!
Mayor Tracy Welch

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