Patrick Urich

Following weeks of preparations, discussions and negotiations, the Peoria City Council on Tuesday approved a two-year spending plan in a matter of minutes.

Dunlap Community School District 323 plans to replace the Wilder-Waite Grade School on Peoria’s north side with a new, larger facility in anticipation of a need for greater capacity.

Peoria city leaders are on track to approve a two-year balanced budget by the end of the month — without previously recommended fee increases.

Peoria City Council members will consider a series of possible budget adjustments to close a $3 million gap in the city's proposed spending plan for 2026.

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.

A pair of action items connected to redevelopment projects in Peoria’s Warehouse District will be up for a vote at Tuesday’s city council meeting, including a move aimed at facilitating renovation of the historic former International Harvester buildings.

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.

Peoria’s existing large-scale plan to upgrade the Riverfront has a new feature, with the city and the Hengst Foundation in discussions to pursue an amphitheater project near the Murray Baker Bridge.

The City of Peoria is hoping to facilitate a large-scale residential development by acquiring the nearly 70-acre Exposition Gardens property on Northmoor Road.

A plan for one of two restaurant businesses in a shared Warehouse District storefront to serve alcohol has gained initial approval from the Peoria City Council. Whether the Love Shack hamburger shop gets a liquor license remains to be seen.