While celebrating their historic bicentennial, local leaders in Peoria County are shifting their gaze to the next 200.
Known as the Heart of Illinois, Peoria County sits at the center of a diverse region along the Illinois River, home to more than 180,000 residents and a mix of farmland, industry and urban centers. For generations, the region relied on agriculture and manufacturing. More recently, the community has pushed into healthcare, education and innovation, creating new opportunities and new questions about what comes next.
Beginning this fall, Peoria County leaders will work with a team led by Planning NEXT and including Ninigret Partners to create a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This roadmap will serve as a practical tool for shaping decisions on priorities like renewable energy, broadband access, public health, food security, and revitalization.
Residents, businesses, and organizations will be invited to share what’s working and what could change. The goal is to ensure the plan reflects the values and needs of people across the County.
Alongside community input, the plan will draw on a detailed analysis of land use, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. It will also address rural housing needs, urban–rural connections, funding alignment, and resiliency challenges such as floodplain management.
Community planning is more than drawing a map. It’s about creating a shared vision rooted in local values, informed by data, and shaped by the people who live and work here. As Peoria County marks 200 years, it’s only fitting that they are seizing this opportunity to honor the past while planning for the future.
