2026 State of Municipality Event
The State of the Municipality event brings together the mayors of Kankakee County, along with residents, business owners, and local stakeholders, for an opportunity to share updates, discuss local challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration. This gathering serves as a platform for open dialogue, community connection, and the exchange of ideas that help support informed decision-making and strengthen the bonds among our cities and towns.
Highlights from 2025 State of Municipality
Bourbonnais Village Administrator Mike VanMill highlighted the success of The Grove—an urban renewal project born from a shared community vision and bold leadership. Once facing stagnant growth, Bourbonnais has transformed The Grove into a thriving regional attraction, hosting over 100 free community events in its first 15 months and 74 more planned for year two. The space features an ADA-accessible playground, award-winning landscaping, and all-season facilities that foster connection through major events like the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival and performances by the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. VanMill also noted strong residential growth, with a 126% increase in home sales and the village’s first new subdivision in 18 years, signaling a bright future for the community.
Bradley Mayor Watson reflected on the village’s transformation since overcoming a 2015 budget deficit. Early initiatives included consolidating services, which helped stabilize finances. The village began collecting a hotel tax that brought in $640,000 in its first year and implemented a successful 1% sales tax rebate program. Bradley’s bond rating improved from AA- to AA as investments fueled major projects such as the Retail Hub, Hotel Campus, new Village Community Center, upgraded parks, a new fire station, pickleball courts, and the thriving 315 Sports Complex. Mayor Watson also announced an exciting new water park project set to be revealed in November 2025.
Mayor Curtis highlighted Kankakee’s significant progress in public safety, finance, and economic development. Gun violence has dropped dramatically, with a 60% reduction in shots fired over five years and homicides down from 11 in 2021 to 3 in 2024, alongside 175 illegal guns removed from the streets. Financially, the city is in its strongest position in years, with full budget revenue, reduced expenses, a 22% lower tax rate since 2018, and a 61% increase in cash on hand. Major infrastructure and economic projects include over $200 million designated for road improvements, sewer upgrades, and development near exits 308 and 312, while commercial growth continues with new businesses, housing developments, and a grocery store on the east side. Community and recreational investments, such as the Riverfront Riverwalk and returning Regatta, underscore Kankakee’s rising profile as a vibrant and growing city.
Mayor Hodge of the Village of Hopkins Park and Pembroke Township shared exciting progress and development across the community.
Manteno Mayor Lamore and local leaders celebrated their welcoming community of 9,200 residents and its vibrant, beautiful downtown.
Mayor Sweeny highlighted Herscher’s progress and community spirit. The village’s 2021 self-funded beautification project involved 13 local businesses, with 11 completed and historic discoveries made during renovations.
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