SWOT Analysis

Modest population growth from 2010 to 2020 in a few communities

Slightly diversifying population

Full employment* in the majority of counties (24-month average)

Active civic, fraternal, and not-for-profit organizations

Volunteer, immigrant, and senior contributions to civic life

*Full employment can be represented by an unemployment rate that falls in between three and five percent

Most communities experienced population loss from 2010 to 2020

People in key community and worker roles near retirement (all sectors)

Small dating pool for younger persons

Uncontested elections

Median household income (MHI) of most counties below state and national medians

Stephenson County's MHI and poverty rate especially low (in tri-state area and six-county region, respectively)

Future of civic, social, fraternal, and not-for-profit funding as well as membership uncertain

Board vacancies and reduced volunteer availability

Tools and guides for assessing and responding to demographic trends (e.g., StatsAmerica, NERDE, and various agency publications)

People impacted by climate change relocating/considering relocation

Migration trends towards urban/suburban and high-amenity rural areas

Aging Baby Boomer demographic cohort

Congressional inaction on immigration coupled with limited local capacity to integrate new populations

Loss of high-quality local news outlets and lack of investigative reporting

Three in-region institutions of higher education (HCC, Morrison Tech, and SVCC)

Locally supported economic development organizations and chambers (mostly in larger communities)

Four established enterprise zones 

Adoption of C-PACE financing

Close proximity to major metros (like Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Rockford, the Quad Cities, and Dubuque)

Presence of I-39, I-88, and US 20

Presence of four Class I railroads and shortline rail (Rochelle, Jo-Carroll Depot)

Access to ports and terminals along the Mississippi River

Investment in municipal broadband (Rochelle and Rock Falls)

Particular site selector interest in the Rochelle area

Relatively affordable and reliable sources of energy

Recent commercial real estate development at older strip malls

Reorganization and reclassification of FCI Thomson to minimum security

Ample reuse potential at historic and brownfield sites

Minimal or no planning for business succession

Lack of capital improvement plans, comprehensive plans, and other basic community planning documents

Fewer work-from-home opportunities due to economic base

Seasonal nature of local tourism industry

Local food systems small compared to overall agricultural output

Longer distance to reach intermodal facilities

Slow implementation of traffic safety improvements to US 20

Sprawling subdivision development adjacent to municipalities

Limited labor availability

Slow redevelopment of sites identified for reuse

Slow approval of renewable energy interconnection agreements

Limited startups/startup funding

Insufficient tax revenue to maintain infrastructure and services

Under-performing tax increment financing districts

Local incentives not necessarily aligned with growth/decline best practices

New statewide incentives aimed at clean energy industries

National energy transition/electrification process

Site selection support via Intersect Illinois and LOIS 

State consortium supporting broadband improvements in primary education

Limited impact of federal Opportunity Zone program

Longevity of Byron and Quad Cities nuclear generating stations

Closure of NIU's Lorado Taft Field Campus

Impact of changing climate on industry (e.g., stress of warmer weather on winter tourism, types of crops that can be grown, drought reducing water availability)

Investments in central business districts (mostly in larger communities)

Improved fiber broadband access as well as ongoing investment (especially by regional providers) in rural areas

Park district investment in facilities (mostly in larger communities)

Availability of and continued support for cultural amenities (e.g., libraries, performing arts venues, art museums/galleries)

Predictable commute times

Established regional trail systems

Relatively affordable housing

Interest in developing local food systems

Quality local healthcare/public health services

Inadequate supply of various housing types

Exposure to lead, radon, and asbestos in older housing stock

Inaccessible buildings and facilities, including housing

Blighted and abandoned properties

Unreliable broadband/no fiber broadband in some communities and on many farms

No access to passenger or commuter rail

Inaccessible or insufficient local bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure

Lack of connections and destinations in regional trail systems

Limited mental health provider options

Insufficient childcare resources

Somewhat checkered history of historic preservation

Subpar public website usability (businesses and governments) 

New approaches to land use (urban infill, conservation subdivisions, updated single family zoning)

National programs encouraging road safety and active transportation

Loss of Affordable Connectivity Program for low income individuals

Boub v. Township of Wayne decision reducing the use of the bicycle trail signage

Abundance of state and local parks as well as protected natural areas

Public waterways that facilitate water-based recreation

Ample water supply relative to other regions

Clean air locally

Active land conservation efforts (e.g., Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, Natural Land Institute, Nature Conservancy)

Relatively stable geology 

Fewer types of extreme weather events

Plentiful access to land and electric distribution networks for solar and wind development

Water losses caused by aging municipal infrastructure

Decreasing groundwater levels in the Green River Lowlands

Hazardous dams that impede the movement of people and wildlife

Flooding and flash-flooding susceptibility throughout much of the region

Continued construction in established floodplains

Water/water reclamation infrastructure lacks capacity to handle large rainfall events

Karst geology makes water sources more susceptible to contamination

Water quality concerns (e.g., nitrates, radium, PFAS)

Failing septic systems, especially in unincorporated communities

Funding opportunities to restore tree canopies and preserve prairies, savannas, and forests

Funding opportunities from IDOT, USDOT, and FEMA for building resilient infrastructure and improving walkability

Opportunities to participate in annual state and federal appropriations processes

Energy efficiency incentives available at the utility, state, and federal level

Intensely wet springs and dry summers

Increasing number of extreme weather events 

Upstream impacts on flooding and air/water pollution

Interpretation of Illinois water law reduces access to navigable waters

IDNR lacks sufficient resources to substantially improve and maintain state parks