The availability and affordability of housing for professionals, new home buyers, and young
adults should be a major economic development initiative, says Freeport Mayor Jodi Miller.
The two-term mayor argues its time the city pursues the development of housing that people
want and can afford.

“One of the challenges I hear in Freeport a lot,” says Mayor Miller, “is the difficulty people have
in finding the apartment or home that is right for them. Though the cost of living in Freeport is
still low compared to other communities in our area, the availability of finding that perfect
place to live can be challenging.”

Mayor Miller believes it’s time for the city to begin to explore the development of a housing
strategy that addresses the city’s need for a variety of housing options. She envisions a housing
plan that addresses the development of new housing, upper floor living spaces in Freeport’s
downtown, the renovation of older homes, and the activation of empty city lots for affordable,
single-family infill housing.

“Freeport needs to be a community where everyone can find a great place to live at a price
point that is affordable,” says Mayor Miller. “That starts with us planning our work and then
working that plan.”

Existing infrastructure throughout the city and recent upgrades to the city’s utilities and
infrastructure should the city accommodate more housing and residents.
“Freeport has several areas where the infrastructure to support additional residential
development already exists,” says Mayor Miller. “Our older neighborhoods, downtown, and
other pockets throughout Freeport are already being serviced by our utilities. We should take
advantage of that.”
 

Mayor Miller points to the city’s participation in the Regional 1 Planning Council and Illinois
Main Street as steps in the right direction.