Kankakee County to Host NAACP 88th State Conference

The NAACP Illinois State Conference will host its 88th Annual Convention from Friday, September 26, 2025, through Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Quality Inn & Suites in Bradley, Illinois. This year’s theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” is inspired by the timeless message of Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and will guide a weekend of workshops, discussions, and events focused on advancing civil rights and social justice across Illinois.

The IMPACT Award honors the accomplishments of an individual, business or organization that has propelled sustainable growth and progress within the community. Through decades of innovation, investment and service, Francis Smith (Smitty) has significantly shaped the economic landscape of the region in driving progress, attracting business, involvement in various organizations and overall dedication to Kankakee County.

The River Edge Redevelopment Zone Program (RERZ) helps revive and redevelop properties adjacent to rivers in Illinois. RERZ provides several incentives authorized by State law, including sales tax exemption and property tax abatement. Other incentives are claimed on your Illinois Income Tax filing forms.

The Kankakee Regional Land Bank Authority (KRLBA) completed their first acquisition and sale of a distressed property in Kankakee. The multi-unit property at 831 S. Washington Ave was acquired by the KRLBA through a deed in lieu of foreclosure. KRLBA abated taxes and released a request for proposal to find a qualified buyer to rehabilitate the property.

Project increases access to clean and renewable energy, creates savings for customers

Cities in the River Edge Redevelopment Zone are eligible for the Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which provides a state income-tax credit equal to 25% of a project’s qualified expenditures to owners of certified historic structures.

The Kankakee River Watershed Conference held in March, 2023 discussed how local communities and statewide efforts are working to ensure the area’s greatest asset is protected. Key topics including water quantity and quality, biodiversity, nutrients and agriculture, river recreation, watershed initiatives, and sand and sediment were discussed.

The need for additional and affordable housing in Kankakee County is critical to the population, growth, and economic development of the community. Results from a residential housing analysis administered by Tracy Cross & Associates, Inc. found the opportunity for new residential development over the next several years in Kankakee County is viewed as STRONG.

From cost of living, to a push for renewable energy, to why we don’t yet have a Portillo’s in Kankakee County, Angela Morrey dives deep into what economic development is and what it means for our area.

Live, work, play and build in Kankakee County. That was the overwhelming theme at the Mayor’s Breakfast hosted by the Kankakee Iroquois Ford Association of Realtors.