Chris Koos

The mayor of Normal is answering criticism of the town council decision's to move ahead with the Uptown underpass project despite steep price increases and a larger town share of the $40.3 million cost.

The Uptown underpass project, first proposed 10 years ago, was approved Monday night by the Normal Town Council with a sunset provision on tax increases needed to complete financing.

To get the decade-old Uptown underpass project over the finish line will require increases in food and beverage and hotel-motel taxes. That staff recommendation emerged at a special town council meeting on Wednesday evening.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said another developer is interested in the Uptown site, but the town's existing TIF district is too short term.

The Town of Normal on Monday approved a new Records Management System ahead of McLean County government, and soon after the Bloomington City Council took the same action last month.

The Town of Normal is ratcheting up its rhetoric on the shared sales tax agreement the town and City of Bloomington have with McLean County government. And the county is pushing back hard.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said if the county board does not act on an amendment to pause sales tax sharing that lasts at least a year, it would chill conversation among the town, city, and county over potential changes to an intergovernmental agreement.

A new organization wants to improve the justice system experience for victims of crime in McLean County.

Normal has named Adam Nielsen as its 2025 Citizen of the Year. The retired Illinois Farm Bureau lobbyist, and former Normal Town Council member, is being honored for his advocacy for patients and families facing Alzheimer's disease.

Automobile seat maker Adient will open a facility in Normal to serve Rivian. The $8 million investment will create 75 new full-time jobs.