East Peoria Mayor John Kahl said the state of the city is "one of confidence and promise."
The mayor highlighted several efforts in his first State of the City speech, including progress on the city's new $66 million wastewater treatment plant, steps to craft a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year, and updates on several developments on the docket this year, including the planned constrution of a new 111-room hotel behind Kohls, two mixed-use developments in the Levee District, and a new Panera drive-thru.
"I think East Peoria has done a phenomenal job of staying ahead of the curve at a time when I think the state of Illinois, as we all know, has its own set of challenges and we continue to lose both business and residents alike," Kahl said.
He said the city has remained "vigilant" both in retaining current businesses and residents and working to attract new ones.
Kahl said he's launching a community branding effort between several governmental entities, including the city, Fondulac Park District, Fondulac Public Library, and the city's school districts to help better promote good things happening in East Peoria.
He also pointed out the city's challenges. Many of them are shared by other municipalities, like worker's compensation, health insurance, and pension costs. He said he wants help on those issues.
Kahl gave his State of the City address before the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce at the Par-A-Dice Hotel on Friday.
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