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Helping the Community Achieve a Revitalized Downtown DeKalb

Storefront windows filled with colorful merchandise.  Fresh coats of gleaming white paint. Signs announcing the upcoming openings of new restaurants and shops. A buss of conversation along the sidewalks aobut the latest developments. The revitalization of downtown DeKalb is underway, and many signs of progress are readily apparent.

 

A New Era for Downtown DeKalb

There is much to celebrate in downtown DeKalb, from the fresh new perspectives of new business owners to the traditions of existing businesses that have become benchmarks of Dekalb hospitality and heritage.  At this moment in the city's history, downtown DeKalb is on the cusp of major development and enhancement.  Through the leadership and support of the late Mayor Frank Van Buer and the DeKalb City Council, a private consultant was engaged to facilitate a community-wide planning process.  Through their participation in a series of visioning and planning sessions, hundreds of Dekalb citizens, elected officials, and business leaders have demonstrated their belief in - and commitment to - a revitalized downtown.

 

A revitalized downtown will:

• Enhance the quality of life for area citizens
• Stimulate economic development by attracting new investment
• Increase the return on investment for current investors
• Help area businesses and attract and retain new talent
• Encourage patronage of local business, reducing the leakage of local dollars to neighboring communities

 

A comprehensive, aggressive and exciting plan is in place to re-establish downtown DeKalb as a dynamic center piece of the city.  The revitalization plan addresses all the elements needed to renew the downtown as a hub of economic, cultural, and recreational activity.  Re:New DeKalb, a non-profit organization led by a committed and energetic group of community volunteers, is working with local officials, business owners, developers, and many other community partners to implement the plan.

 

Re:New Dekalb needs your help to keep up the momentum!

The early successes evident in downtown DeKalb have come about as a result of a coordinated effort by people who care about downtown - business owners, city officials, and community volunteers. Beautification programs, promotions, special events, and many other activities have helped to improve the appearance, marketing , and visibility of the downtown. As Re:New DeKalb's focus has shifted to the implementation of the revitalization plan, more resources are needed to allow for the continuation of existing programs while adding significant new downtown business attraction and development activities.

 

Re:New DeKalb operates on an extremely modest budget witha small staff.  A fully engaged Board of Directors and a cadre of volunteers provide leadership, support, and manpower for the numerous activities of the organization.  But the new opportunities presented by the revitalization plan require a new level of local investment to make the plan a reality.  Your gift to Re:New DeKalb will help ensure the potential of the revitalization plan is realized.

 

Jennifer Groce, Executive Director
Re:New DeKalb
111 South Second Street, #201
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone - 815-748-7788
Fax - 815-748-7799