March 31, 2025

Stay in the know with the latest news, updates, and stories shaping the Rockford Region. In each edition, we dive into Transform Rockford's four areas of focus—housing, workforce, economic development, and education—to keep you informed and inspired. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or just curious about the region's growth, our newsletter provides a clear view of the challenges, achievements, and opportunities that make our area vibrant. Join us as we explore the initiatives and stories making a difference in the Rockford area, driving progress and building a stronger future for all.

Rockford continues to gain national recognition as the hottest housing market in the country. With that momentum comes a critical need: more homes for current and future residents.

Recognizing this, Rockford City Council has adopted a bold Housing Strategy Framework to create and preserve between 6,000 and 9,000 housing units by 2035. This long-term strategy supports a vision for a thriving, inclusive Rockford—one where individuals and families have access to safe, affordable housing and a strong sense of community.

As new job opportunities bring more people to our region, it’s essential that we grow alongside that demand. This framework is an important step in building the Rockford we aspire to be—together.

Read more about the plan and what it means for Rockford’s future:

City of Rockford Housing Strategy Framework

In a unified step forward, Rockford’s City Council voted unanimously (11-0) to extend a key homebuilding incentive: a three-year property tax rebate for new single-family and multifamily homes built in 2025. This intergovernmental agreement between the City and Rockford Public Schools is another intentional effort to strengthen Rockford’s housing market—and ensure our region is ready for growth.

Creating the right environment for housing development takes time, resources, and deep collaboration. City leaders are rising to the challenge, aligning policy with the needs of a rapidly growing community.

And it doesn’t stop there.

The Rockford Community Investment Fund (RCIF) is another innovative tool being used to increase the number of livable homes across our city. Launched in 2022 as a spinoff of the Rockford Local Development Corporation, RCIF provides critical lending options for developers who want to rehab aging or at-risk housing—properties that traditional financing might overlook.

By bringing these homes back to life, RCIF helps stabilize neighborhoods, protect property values, and give more families the opportunity to build a future in Rockford.

These efforts—paired with the city's long-range housing strategy—demonstrate the collective will of our public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build a Rockford where everyone can thrive.

Learn more:

Read about this week’s City Council decisions

Explore the Rockford Community Investment Fund

Safe, affordable, and efficient transportation is a cornerstone of a thriving community. While many of us rely on personal vehicles to navigate daily life, a strong public transit system ensures that everyone—regardless of income, age, or mobility—has access to the opportunities Rockford offers.

Last week, Governor JB Pritzker visited Rockford to celebrate a major step forward in public infrastructure: the expansion of the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) downtown bus station and garage. This transformative project, supported by the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, enhances the reach, reliability, and comfort of public transportation in our region.

RMTD plays a critical role in connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and community services. With this expansion, we move closer to a Rockford where mobility is not a barrier—but a bridge to opportunity.

Governor Pritzker’s visit reflects a broader commitment to investing in communities like ours, where forward-thinking infrastructure lays the foundation for long-term growth and equity.

Learn more about the project and its impact:

Rockford Register Star

WIFR Coverage

MyStateline Report