DeKalb Mayor John Rey delivered his second "State of the City" address Tuesday. His focus was the future of the city and the role of Northern Illinois University. He says he continues to work with NIU President Doug Baker's leadership team to find ways to make DeKalb more attractive to prospective students and residents.
"I know the agricultural base from which we come. I know the asset and the benefit that the university represents in our local community. My thought was led to focusing on that legacy, but also realizing we are in the 21st century, we need to change the model. We need to attract business and industry and residents to our community and shopping districts."
City Manager Anne Marie Gaura says DeKalb faces several fiscal challenges.
For example, the TIF districts will expire in the next several years. Gaura also says there is limited funding for capital projects, and she cautions there is no dedicated revenue source for paying off long term debt. Gaura says the city's pension obligations are not fully supported by property taxes.
The city is working on a ten year strategic plan and looking at a master plan for the water system as well as a possible city hall renovation.
One area where the city and university have shared interest is on Greek Row. The city will spend $19,000 for street lighting in that area.
Another connection is for emergency services. The university is giving the city $275,000 toward the purchase of a used ladder fire truck that can be used between the city and university.
NIU President Doug Baker says his focus remains on student enrollment and retention. He says it's important for students to get "plugged in" to DeKalb instead of going home every weekend.
"We've provided a better orientation program this year. We are looking at how that's working. The first day is important, the first week is important, and on through the semester."
Baker mentioned Camp Power, a summer program in the University Village apartment complex near NIU. Each week, volunteers provide lunches, mentoring, and activities to keep young kids in that area out of trouble during the summer.
