Galesburg council advances possible southwest TIF district

By Talbot Fisher    May 19, 2026

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Possible expansion of tax increment financing districts and redevelopment efforts in southwest Galesburg highlighted Monday night’s Galesburg City Council meeting.

The council approved a $34,500 professional services agreement with PGAV Planners LLC for consulting regarding a possible Tax Increment Financing district, located in the South Henderson Street area.

The creation of the proposed TIF district, which includes the sites of the former Butler Manufacturing Co., current Midstate Manufacturing Co. and surrounding properties, would freeze the assessed value of the properties in that district for local taxing purposes. Taxes generated from increases in assessed value would be placed into a special fund designated for redevelopment within the area.

If the plan to create the district moves forward, the process is expected to take four to six months.

Also approved Monday evening:

• The city will apply for additional Illinois Housing Development Authority Strong Communities Program grant funding to help demolish dilapidated residential properties. Since 2020, the city has received $737,000 through the program.
• Cedar Creek Hall, 571 E. North St., requested removal of its Class A-1 liquor license and instead plans to use special-event liquor licenses as needed.
• Brandt Construction Co. received a $556,350.65 bid award for pavement, curb and sidewalk repairs along portions of Simmons, Broad and Cedar streets.
• The council rejected a $319,989.36 bid from Brandt Construction Co. for work near BNSF railroad crossings because proposed changes to the project are being considered.

During the city manager’s report section of the meeting, City Manager Eric Hanson credited volunteers who have planted 75 trees in the city during the past three weeks, calling it an act “whose impact will be felt for years to come.”

He also recognized recent fundraising efforts by the Galesburg Police Department for the Special Olympics during the Cop on a Rooftop event.

Hanson also noted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $5 million emergency room expansion at OSF St. Mary Medical Center and recognized National Public Works Week.

Council comments

• Angelica Mangieri, 1st Ward, noted the upcoming Orchard Bicycle Cruise fundraiser by CommunityGro on June 23.
• Wendell Hunigan, 2nd Ward, spoke about a recent discussion with Knox College students and reflected on both the economic progress and continuing challenges in Galesburg since the closing of Maytag.
• Chuck Reynolds, 3rd Ward, congratulated Andy Gibbons on his retirement from Knox College after 35 years.
• Dwight White, 4th Ward, said he hopes the proposed TIF district will help revitalize southwest Galesburg and also recognized the recent awarding of student scholarships.
• Heather Acerra, 5th Ward, noted the mobile blood drive at the Galesburg Public Library on May 19 and the library’s underground railroad exhibit. She also spoke about attending the recent Cooke School Park reception, saying the community turnout “makes me feel so good about our community.”
• Greg Saul, 6th Ward, noted he recently attended the Food Truck Friday event and also recognized the passing of former Galesburg Alderman Bill Hayes, who he said encouraged him to become an alderman.
• Steve Cheesman, 7th Ward, noted the passing of city employee Dave Pruett, who he called “an outstanding human being.” He also noted the recent awarding of the newest batch of the George Washington Gale Scholars and the work of city staff on the annual city report.
• Mayor Peter Schwartzman also recognized Dave Pruett. Schwartzman also spoke about a recent meeting at the Galesburg Rescue Mission, where he met a number of people helped by the facility. Schwartzman also noted the upcoming Memorial Day Parade in downtown Galesburg.