For many families and businesses, Machesney Park, Ill., has become a community of choice – and Mayor Steve Johnson wants to keep it that way. Since stepping into the office in 2017, he’s shepherded several efforts to make the village more welcoming to visitors and potential residents.
After nearly a decade, those efforts are paying dividends. New housing is coming online. New businesses are arriving and existing businesses are expanding. Community resources are growing, and infrastructure is improving. And all of it in a village that levies no property tax upon its residents.
“We have manufacturing growth. We have retail growth. You’ll see more coming down the Illinois Route 173 corridor,” says Johnson. “My philosophy is to make sure we have a diversification of businesses. Let’s make sure there’s a choice for everyone.”
Beautification has been a top priority for Johnson. He’s spent years negotiating with state agencies to increase wayfinding signs on Interstate 90, outside Rock Cut State Park and along Illinois Route 251. Most recently, the village coordinated with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to improve the streetscape along North Second Street, adding stamped concrete, new curbs, light fixtures and banners commemorating local veterans. Johnson believes these touches make a serious first impression upon visitors…