Downtown Peoria

A weekend confrontation between Peoria Police officers trying to assist a gunshot victim and a crowd of more than 50 bystanders has led to multiple arrests, prompted a statement from the mayor, and drawn scrutiny from a civil rights organization.

A national gaming, entertainment and tech festival is coming to downtown Peoria beginning next year, with organizers expecting to attract tens of thousands of guests.

Coming off a record-breaking year, the Peoria Civic Center is bracing for a significant dropoff in 2026 amid industry challenges and a major improvement project planned for next summer.

Peoria City Council members are getting their first looks at the city staff's proposed two-year budget. The recommended spending plan has 2026 anticipated expenses of $301 million and projected revenues of $298 million.

The latest phase of renovations at Dozer Park is underway with the installation of a new playing surface. Work started Monday morning at the downtown stadium that has served as home to the Peoria Chiefs baseball team since 2022.

The Salvation Army is marking the start of construction on a new two-story men’s shelter in downtown Peoria, as fundraising efforts for the $30 million project continue.

A big weekend of dedications and celebrations is in store for public art lovers and activity seekers in downtown Peoria.

A new city-sponsored public art initiative aims to brighten up many of Peoria’s light posts and traffic cabinets. The “Banners and Boxes” beautification program features submissions from 21 local artists displayed throughout downtown, the Warehouse District and Sheridan Village.

The Distillery Labs innovation hub in downtown Peoria enters its second year looking to build on initial momentum. Executive director Doug Cruitt says the small business incubator remains committed to its mission of helping emerging entrepreneurs develop their ideas and bring them to reality.

Three companies have submitted redevelopment proposals to the City of Peoria for turning the Tower on Adams property into a mixed-use commercial and residential property. Meanwhile, the city also has entered into an agreement with the owners of the Riverview Plaza as a step toward getting the closed high-rise repaired.