Land Bank

In late April, the Peoria City Council approved an ordinance formally proposing the Twin Towers Place Special Service Area. Tower residents petitioned the city to create the SSA to generate the estimated $2.5 million needed for repairs and renovations.

Peoria Community Development Director Joe Dulin wants to see new housing units built in Peoria's South Side and East Bluff neighborhoods.

The Down Payment Assistance Program launched Wednesday, and now qualified homebuyers can earn assistance of $5,000 or up to 10% of their home's purchase price. The program seeks to increase access to affordable housing, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Peoria City Council has approved an ordinance to establish a city-managed land bank, a tool that assistant director of community development Joe Dulin said directly addresses the issue of neighborhood blight.