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DeKalb is building on its reputation for leadership, approving an innovative, sustainability-focused data center that will allow the City to continue its forward momentum.

The City Council, on Dec. 8, approved the Edged data center planned by Endeavor Energy for the City’s southern edge, north of Route 23 and Keslinger Road. In providing its unanimous approval, Council members supported continuing the positive momentum that accelerated with construction of Meta’s DeKalb Data Center. 

Along with construction and permanent jobs, Meta paid more than $46 million to local taxing bodies between 2022 and 2024. This has allowed the City to provide property tax relief to existing residents and businesses, improve local roads and strengthen police and fire protection, while making it possible for the DeKalb School District to build Mitchell Elementary School.

“I’m a DeKalbian, like my father before me, and I have to do what’s best for DeKalb,” said Fourth Ward Alderman Justin Carlson. “This is the biggest decision I’ve ever made, and I believe we should do this. I believe it is a great opportunity, and I believe it’s the momentum I’ve been talking about.”

With the project’s approval, the City is partnering with a company focused on creating technology to make data centers sustainable. The equipment will not be cooled with DeKalb’s potable water, but rather waterless chillers. The center will be powered by TurboCell generators running on clean-fuel natural gas as the regional electrical infrastructure is upgraded, preventing competition for electricity. After the upgrades, the generators could be used to offset seasonal demand on the electric grid.

To further minimize impact, setbacks and screening have been developed to soften visibility, stormwater detention and landscaping exceeds requirements and exterior shoebox lighting will be used to avoid lighting spill. Mayor Cohen Barnes said the City can be confident the project will be done responsibly given the track record of Meta and the developer.

“Look at what Meta brought to the community, the impact and the good stewardship that they brought to our community. I think they’re the perfect example to show that this isn’t new to us,” said Barnes, who also credited Krusinski Construction, the developer for both projects. “Your integrity is phenomenal, you always work with people, you care about your projects and you care about DeKalb.”

The site for the project has been planned for industrial use for years. The City’s 2022 Comprehensive Plan designates the site as industrial. Additionally, as DeKalb County’s Enterprise Zone was expanded, the Illinois Department of Agriculture found that including the property would be consistent with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Agricultural Land Preservation Policy and Illinois Farmland Preservation Act.

Under the current timeline, it is expected the development’s first building would be completed in late 2027.

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The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants, Dimensions Dance Academy and Egyptian Theatre filled the downtown with holiday cheer as Santa was welcomed to DeKalb on Dec. 4. This year, Dimensions held Tinsel N' Tutus on the same night as Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes to Town, adding dance students performing in the storefront windows to the event. DeKalb Public Transit happily offered free rides to the event and our Public Works, Police and Fire Departments were thrilled to escort Santa into town.

As we welcome in the new year, here’s a look back at some of the City’s accomplishments in 2025. Happy New Year!

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget continues DeKalb’s commitment to improving residential streets and strengthening public safety while holding the line on property taxes.

The City budget, approved unanimously by the City Council on Dec. 8, includes another $3 million to resurface local roads and alleys. Improving local roads is a top priority of the Council, with $16.4 million dedicated to the Street Maintenance Program since 2019, including a record level $4.5 million in 2025.

“We feel that (the budget) represents the Council’s opinion of what is needed in terms of services to advance the community,” said City Manager Bill Nicklas.

The budget strengthens public safety with four additional Firefighter/Paramedics to fully staff Station Four, which opened in 2025 to improve response times in the City’s southwest quadrant. These employees will be funded through a second federal SAFER grant.

The City will maintain these higher service levels while keeping the City’s property tax rate flat. The levy, which was approved ahead of the budget, keeps the City’s tax rate the same as the previous year, preserving the 47.6 percent the City has lowered its rate since 2018. This helped hold the line on taxes as the properties in DeKalb Township increased in value by 49.6%, based solely on the annual Township multiplier in the same period.

The DeKalb City Council has approved new transitional housing to support young people, building on earlier financial support.

The Council, on Dec. 8, approved a special use permit to allow the Family Service Agency to operate the Roots to Rise Transitional Youth Shelter at 220 College Avenue, providing 16 beds in a supervised, residential setting specifically tailored to youth, ages 14 through 18.

Along with supporting the permit, the Council, in November, dedicated $50,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding to support the initiative.

According to FSA, the program is voluntary, and its primary purpose is to offer a secure, stable, and nurturing environment for young people who lack consistent housing. The shelter aims to address immediate needs for safety, food, and shelter while offering resources to support the transition to long-term stability, education, and self-sufficiency.

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LRS will provide a special collection of Christmas trees for two weeks in the beginning of January. Pickups will be the week of January 5th and the week of January 12th.

• Flocked trees, trees with shiners, tinsel, light bulbs, glitter, wire, or plastic or in plastic bags will not be included in this special collection and are considered a large item.

• Lightbulbs should be completely removed from live trees and artificial trees when possible and recycled at County events.

Questions regarding holiday refuse or recycling may be directed to LRS at (815) 770-7550.

City of DeKalb Public Transit Fixed Route, also known as the Huskie Line, will be expanding morning service on Routes 17 and 18, beginning Friday, Jan. 2.

• Route 17 will be starting at 6 a.m. and will continue through the start of the last trip at 11 p.m.
• Route 18 will be starting at 5 a.m. and will continue through the start of the last trip at 11 p.m.

Currently, both routes start at 7 a.m.

Additionally, Route 18 will be starting all trips at DuSable Circle at NIU. The route design will not be changing, just the starting location. Currently, the route starts at Walmart. The new Route 18 schedule can be viewed here.

These changes will be in effect seven days a week.

Receive important notifications from the City by signing up for ALERT DeKalb. Text, email, and phone messages are used to alert the public to emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic disruptions.

Users can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67283 to report criminal or suspicious activity and quality of life concerns.

The DeKalb Police Department’s Policemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association and DeKalb Target Store held the "Heroes & Helpers" (Shop with a Cop) event in December.

This event helps children in special situations have a wonderful holiday season. With “Heroes and Helpers,” the children are the heroes, and the police officers are their helpers. Each child is partnered with a DeKalb Police Officer and chooses gifts for themselves and members of their family. All children participating in the event are DeKalb residents or students at DeKalb School District 428. The school district or another local agency nominates children participating in the event.

This program is funded completely by donations. We want to thank everyone for their generous donations that make this event possible. This year, 91 children and their siblings were able to participate in this event.

Thank you to Target and Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers for their help with the event and for providing the families with a free lunch after shopping.

Now that we are in the thick of the winter season, the DeKalb Fire Department offers some safety tips to maintain safety in your home:

Carbon Monoxide:

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. 

Winter Storms: Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.

Generators: Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a 2013 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools. 

Electrical: Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters.

City of DeKalb is announces one-time Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID-19 funding opportunities

The City is providing a one-time allocation of $50,000 in remaining CDBG COVID-19 funds to 501(c)(3) agencies serving City of DeKalb residents. Funds will be issued as a lump sum in mid-February 2026 to support rental assistance, utility assistance, and food insecurity programs.

Eligible organizations must provide new or expanded services to target residents, serving either households below 80% of the area median income or areas where over 51% of residents are low- to moderate-income. Projects must meet at least one Consolidated Plan Objective and one HUD National Objective. Applications will be available starting January 5, 2026. Completed applications are due by 2:00 PM on January 22, 2026. The final report is due June 1, 2026. Please note, the regular CDBG Public Services grant period is closed.

Additionally, $13,720 is allocated to the Owner-Occupied Home Repairs Program for low- to moderate-income residents to address emergent repairs, including sewer lines, roofs, fascia, windows, furnaces, plumbing, etc. The City will secure three bids, funding the lowest bid, though homeowners may select a contractor of their choice and pay any difference.

The program provides a mortgage of up to $5,000, secured against the resident's property, with up to $10,000 total project contribution. The mortgage is forgiven after five years, but prorated repayment is required if the home is sold or the resident moves within that period. No interest will accrue.

Applications for both programs are available here. For more information, contact Jennifer Yochem at 815-748-2366 or Jennifer.Yochem@cityofdekalb.com.

The City of DeKalb administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support affordable housing, community development, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

HUD requires the City to prepare a five-year Consolidated Plan and an annual One-Year Action Plan identifying community needs, priorities, and proposed CDBG-funded activities. For Program Year 2026 (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027), the City anticipates receiving approximately $400,000 in CDBG funds. Final activity budgets will be adjusted proportionally based on HUD’s final allocation.

Proposed 2026 CDBG Activities

• $240,000 - Public Facilities/Improvements
• $60,000 - Public Services (capped at 15% of annual allocation)
• $20,000 - Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
• $80,000 - Administration (capped at 20% of annual allocation)    

In addition to the proposed new funds, the City expects to carry over funds for the following activities:

• $360,102 - Public Facilities/Improvements

Public Review: The 2026 Draft Annual Action Plan is available here and in print at the Community Development Department and main lobby of DeKalb City Hall, 164 East Lincoln Highway, and at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street.

A 30-day public comment period will run from December 26, 2025, through 5:00 p.m. on January 26, 2026. Written comments may be submitted to:

Jennifer Yochem

Community Services Coordinator

City of DeKalb

164 E. Lincoln Highway

DeKalb, IL 60115

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce announced its award recipient and finalists on Tuesday, December 17, recognizing individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that have contributed to DeKalb’s growth and success.

This year’s Pioneer Award recipient is Charles “Chuck” Siebrasse. The Pioneer Award honors an individual who paved the way for others in the community through leadership, dedication, and meaningful contributions.

The DeKalb Chamber also announced finalists for its Business of the Year and Nonprofit Organization Award.

Business of the Year Finalists include Bockman’s Auto Truck & Tire; DeKalb Mechanical; G’s R Plumbing and Heating; Ken Spears Construction / Spears Design Build Group; and The Balloon Bar.

Nonprofit Organization Award Finalists include Fox Valley Community Services; Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center; Opportunity House; RAMP; and Tails Humane Society.

Both awards recognize businesses or nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated leadership and impact within the DeKalb community through job creation, collaboration, philanthropy, innovation, Chamber involvement, and a commitment to strengthening the local economy over the past three years.

All recipients and finalists will be recognized at the DeKalb Chamber Annual Celebration Dinner on Thursday, February 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Faranda’s Banquet & Conference Center. The evening will feature networking, recognition, and celebration of community leadership. Registration includes dinner, with a cash bar available.

Tickets are on sale now at dekalb.org.

DeKalb municipal offices will be closed on the following days:

• Thursday, Jan. 1, New Year's Day
• Monday, Jan. 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January Community Events

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Arthur D. Montzka

Young Artists Concerto Competition

Hear the best young musicians in Illinois compete for the opportunity to perform with the KSO in February.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 10 a.m.

NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall

Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center

921 W. Lincoln Highway

Soup-er Sundays

These programs are held twice a month from January through March and include soup and Homestead tours.

Restoring Heritage: The Golden Barn Revival

Sunday, Jan. 11, 12 p.m.

Birds, Beasts, Bugs, and Little Fishes: DeKalb Wildlife on Former Glidden Land

Sunday, Jan. 25, 12 p.m.

Find more fun and educational activities happening in DeKalb on the City's Events calendar.

DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak St.

Ernest Hemingway and the Voice of the Lost Generation

Part of the America 250 initiative, this program will explore many of Hemingway’s most important and inspiring works and will include a viewing of some clips from some of his best-known film adaptations.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.

Northern Illinois University

Sixty Years of Printmaking at NIU: A Legacy of Excellence

The artistic achievements of current and former faculty, alumni and visiting artists will be highlighted in this retrospective exhibition of the Printmaking division of NIU’s School of Art and Design.

Jan. 21 through Feb. 4

NIU Art Museum, Altgeld Hall

Egyptian Theatre

135 N. Second St.

John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party

A re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper's final tour, featuring hit songs of the 50's era.

Sunday, Jan. 25, 3 p.m.

Cohen Barnes, Mayor

Carolyn Zasada, Alderwoman - 1st Ward

Barb Larson, Alderwoman - 2nd Ward

Tracy Smith, Alderman - 3rd Ward

Justin Carlson, Alderman - 4th Ward

Andre Powell, Alderman - 5th Ward

Mike Verbic, Alderman - 6th Ward

John Walker, Alderman - 7th Ward

Brad Hoey, City Clerk

Ruth Scott, Recording Secretary

Bill Nicklas, City Manager

City Hall          

164 E. Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday  

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Police Station

700 West Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday   

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Public Works

1216 Market Street

Monday - Friday

7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    

3232 Pleasant Street  

Monday - Friday     

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

City Clerk 815-748-2095 



City Manager's Office 815-748-2090

Community Development Department 815-748-2070

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102

Finance Department 815-748-2000

Fire/Police Emergency 911

Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460

Mayor's Office 815-758-1886

Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400

Public Works Department 815-748-2040

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