The Rockford City Council approved a development agreement with Rockford Brake Manufacturing to support the restart of operations at the former Gunite facility at 302 Peoples Ave., according to a community announcement.
The facility is expected to create 150 jobs, restore local production of Gunite brake drums and continue a legacy of American manufacturing in Rockford.
In addition to the development agreement, several other items were approved by City Council committees and are expected to be up for approval at the next council meeting.
Ward-based community event grant program approved
The Codes and Regulation Committee approved a grant program to support ward-based community events in all 14 Rockford wards. The program, launched in 2022, has funded 216 events to date and aims to strengthen neighborhood connections, encourage innovative use of spaces and support local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful to receive $60,000 annually
The Planning and Development Committee approved a request from Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful for $60,000 annually to support its environmental education, recycling, electronics collection and community cleanup programming for 2026 through 2028.
Awaken Foundation to provide on-the-job training
The Finance and Personnel Committee approved an agreement with the Awaken Foundation to provide on-the-job training for graduates of its pre-apprenticeship program within the city’s Weatherization Program. The agreement is expected to have no financial impact on the city.
Illinois Housing Development Authority grant increased by $549,000
The Finance and Personnel Committee approved the acceptance of an additional $549,000 from the Illinois Housing Development Authority Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair program. The grant, which now totals $3,049,000, is expected to rehabilitate approximately eight more income-eligible, owner-occupied homes.
Madison Street Corridor project to receive $2 million grant
The Finance and Personnel Committee approved the acceptance of a $2 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support Phase 2 of the Madison Street Corridor project. The grant is expected to fully fund water main replacement and leverage infrastructure sales tax dollars for the required match.
Family Peace Center renovation project approved
The Finance and Personnel Committee approved funding to support architectural design and construction oversight for the renovation of the city-owned building at 214 N. Church St. to accommodate the expanded Family Peace Center…