Kiran Velpula

A one-of-a-kind chemical processing company will move its operations from Nebraska to Peoria’s South Side after agreeing to a range of conditions to address economic and environmental concerns.

Spending to address homelessness, anti-violence measures, food insecurity and business development highlighted topics of discussion Tuesday as the Peoria City Council resumed its annual budget negotiations.

Dr. Kiran Velpula was appointed to the Peoria City Council in 2021. Now he’s running for the first time to keep his seat, as one of three incumbents among the 10 candidates vying for the five at-large seats in the April 4 consolidated election.

Dr. Kiran Velpula is the consensus choice to fill the vacant at-large seat on the Peoria City Council. Velpula was one of three finalists among two dozen applicants for the opening created by the election of Mayor Rita Ali. A vote on his appointment is planned for the next City Council meeting on June 22.