its economy, investing in infrastructure, and embracing creative strategies to secure a bright future. For the 15,000 residents who call Macomb home, this translates into a community with a high quality of life and abundant opportunities. A LEGACY OF EDUCATION For more than a century, Western Illinois University has been an anchor of Macomb’s economy, shaping the city’s evolution. Mayor Michael Inman says the university thrived in the 1960s and 70s, with enrollment swelling to nearly 15,000 students at its peak.“Macomb was a bit of a boomtown,” he conveys. Although enrollment has declined over the last ten years, the university is taking proactive steps to strengthen its future. An example is the $130 million Center for the Performing Arts currently under construction, the first new building on campus in more than 40 years. “We believe that that’s going to be a driving force for the public, to view that this institution has a lot more years of life in it. Otherwise, why would the state be investing $130 million in a new building?” remarks Inman. In addition, the city benefits from the presence of Spoon River College, who have just completed a $18 million campus in the city, reporting increases in enrollment due to the demand for skilled training. “Technical jobs, the manufacturing sector, are now well-paying jobs and often require a certification process, not a full degree program,” says Inman. “Those people are getting into the workforce much faster and at good paying jobs.” STRENGTH IN MANUFACTURING While education has been a major economic driver in the city, Macomb has also cultivated a strong manufacturing base. NTN-Bower Corporation, formerly Federal-Mogul, has been part of Macomb since the 1960s. The company has invested heavily in its facility, including a $110 million expansion a decade ago. “They have a million square feet of production under their roof.Their biggest customers are John Deere and Caterpillar,” relays Inman. “With that expansion they brought some automotive 87 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 MACOMB, IL
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