revamping of the infrastructure and facilities needed to support them. Naturally, one of Ogle County’s most significant priorities is upgrading infrastructure to support its expanding population and business needs. There is a rising need for housing for special needs residents and residents over 50; however, the county is already working on several solutions, and one of them is more unique than most. “We’re building a new subdivision for handicapped and disabled people,” Coulombe begins, referring to the developments being spearheaded by Village of Progress. “They’re going to start construction this year, and this will allow us to build duplexes where a special needs resident can live an independent life in one half of the house while their family member lives on the other side.” Downtown revitalization is an especially important focus for many of the county’s towns. It is seen as one of the key ways that the entire region can boost its overall economic yield. Therefore, Ogle County has several programs and incentives in place to encourage and sustain new businesses within its downtown areas. “One thing we do is we’ll pay up to $7600 in rent or lease payments for new retail businesses that come to our downtown, and that’s been very popular for entrepreneurs trying to get that first year under their belt as they try to adjust,” says President of the Ogle 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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