Economic Development: Turning Vision into Action

Economic development is about creating opportunities, strengthening businesses, and welcoming new ones. During my time as Mayor and President of DCEDC, I have focused on making DeKalb a place where businesses thrive and residents flourish.

• Retention: By partnering with Northern Illinois University and DeKalb CUSD #428, we’ve developed strategies to keep residents and businesses invested in our community through our work supporting and growing our small businesses, the backbone of DeKalb.
• Attraction: Through public/private partnerships, we’ve brought in major industry players like Meta (Facebook), Ferrara Candy, Amazon, and Kraft Heinz, while also championing small business growth. Our “culture of yes” has turned big ideas into reality.
• Results: The result? Historic, unprecedented economic growth. We’ve created jobs, expanded our tax base, and transformed DeKalb into a destination for innovation and opportunity.

Four years ago, I promised to work hard, listen, and lead with integrity. I believe I’ve kept those promises, but there’s still more to do. I’m asking for your support to keep this momentum going. Let’s continue to make DeKalb a community we’re proud to call home—together.

Direct Experience: Mayor of DeKalb | Former President, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation | Business Owner