LaSalle County: Past Development Efforts

Prior to the 1994 plan, LaSalle County had not completed many projects relating to the economic development effort. The LaSalle County Soil and Water Conservation Service conducted an “Urban Water Quality” workshop to provide information on erosion control and storm water management. Siting requirements for the LaSalle County Landfill were also completed.

The LaSalle County 1994 OEDP outlined many new goals and objectives for the county. Overall goals for the county included planning coordination, development areas identification, protection of sensitive lands, and the establishment of a Community Development Corporation (CDC).

Since the 1994 plan, LaSalle County’s efforts for economic development have greatly increased. The county has established itself as a redevelopment district with the plan’s completion, and they have established their own CDC. Efforts from regional agencies for economic development such as the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, and the Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce continue to improve the economic status of the county and surrounding areas. (Streator Chamber, Ottawa Chamber) Local chambers, tourism committees, marketing programs, revolving loan funds, and Tax Increment Financing have also worked to bring economic development to the county.

In 1998 LaSalle County completed their first Comprehensive Plan including an extensive study of current land use and proposed future land use throughout the county. They adopted their first countywide zoning in the spring of 2005.

The LaSalle County Development Connection started in the last few years and is an organization that markets LaSalle County as a place to come do business. This organization is made up of representatives from community economic development groups, chambers of commerce, labor organizations, utility companies and other regional organizations.