Economic Development

The project, along South Galena Avenue across from Walmart between Keul and Bloody Gulch roads, has plans to include the construction of a dozen buildings.

The plan would include looking at transportation conditions and trends as well as workforce needs, engineering designs, and traffic routing and congestion.

During a 35th anniversary event for the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, area leaders said jobs and economic growth since 2020 far outpace trends dating back decades, due in part to county rebranding efforts and development in the city's south side.

More than 3 years in the making, the project went from an idea to a vision to a reality after working with developers, landowners, and state and local government officials, Mayor Li Arellano Jr. said.

The Gateway Project is a major development on 27 acres along South Galena Avenue across from Walmart between Keul and Bloody Gulch roads with plans to include the construction of a dozen buildings.

In about two weeks, the Hillcrest Shopping Center on DeKalb’s north side will be demolished, part of a yearslong plan by the city of DeKalb to rehabilitate the space which once housed businesses and residents alike.

When Kailey Rorer and her husband, Troy, co-owners of The Greenhouse in Sycamore, started designing the interior of their new business, she wanted the space to look comfortable and inviting. “Opening the store has been our dream," she said.

New property tax dollars would go toward developing the districts - such as for infrastructure improvements to accommodate new businesses.

The City Council approved annexation agreements across 657 acres after years of working with landowners and developers to open up new opportunities in South Dixon in the Interstate 88 corridor.

The company is investing at least $130 million and creating 100 to 150 jobs at the site.

One TIF district includes the western tributary of Fargo Creek, which has caused flooding issues for years, such as when a portion of Seventh Street collapsed in 2015.

The Opportunity Unbound branding initiative is designed to attract talented workers, young professionals and families to work and live in DeKalb County by creating awareness of our local amenities, attractions and communities.

The project is expected to create more than 600 jobs and $1 million a year in new tax revenue.

The Gateway project a major development on 27 acres along South Galena Avenue across from Walmart between Keul and Bloody Gulch roads in Dixon, will bring up to a dozen buildings, including a hotel, restaurant, gas station and retail space.

Redevelopment goals include capital improvements, site preparation, environmental remediation and stormwater management, redeveloping underused areas, streetscape and infrastructure improvements including utilities, and rehabbing existing buildings.