A Region Teeming with Natural Beauty and Balanced Growth

Blending community connection and strategic development to create a thriving future

In the heart of Illinois, Ogle County embodies an exemplary blend of community spirit and economic potential.

With its stunning landscapes, thriving arts scene, and abundant recreational opportunities, Ogle County is uniquely positioned to attract both businesses and residents seeking a balanced, high-quality lifestyle.

The county’s leadership is prioritizing infrastructure improvements and industrial growth to meet the needs of its evolving economy. So, expanding industrial zones, leveraging old assets for new opportunities, and investing in workforce development have become key strategies.

Ogle County is also enhancing its connectivity and accessibility, such as improved transportation routes, which will help further integrate it into the region’s economic fabric.

These efforts solidify the county’s reputation as a destination for businesses seeking skilled labor and strong community support.

Greater connectivity has resulted in more collaboration among the county’s towns and villages. This has been coupled with initiatives that encourage mutual learning and resource-sharing, whether for economic development or addressing local issues, which will strengthen the region’s resilience.

One initiative that the majority of the county is aligned with is the revitalization of downtown areas, upgrading sidewalks, and supporting small businesses. Leadership intends to provide a welcoming environment that attracts visitors and enriches residents’ lives.

With this intention in mind, the county continues to move forward and has already seen positive results. The current Ogle County is a region of thriving communities where businesses grow, families flourish, and residents enjoy the best of both urban accessibility and rural tranquility.

Its present is marked by hard work and communication, and its future is defined by opportunity, safety, and a deep sense of belonging.

A Growing County Appeal Post-Pandemic

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ogle County has seen an influx of new residents seeking a more relaxed and balanced lifestyle.

Hybrid and remote work models have made it possible for individuals to relocate to areas offering a higher quality of life, and Ogle County fits the bill perfectly.

The county is known for its rustic beauty, artistic heritage, and close-knit community spirit. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an abundance of bike paths, hiking trails, and waterways for fishing and boating.

“We’re very community and family-oriented. There are lots of volunteers, and everyone treats each other like their neighbor. A lot of people have come here, or were born here, and never left,” says Executive Director of the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation Charlene Coulombe.

The county’s amenities make it a perfect destination for staycations, allowing visitors and residents alike to escape the bustle of urban life without traveling far. In fact, many newcomers have turned their vacation homes into permanent residences, drawn by the county’s charm and accessibility.

When asked to identify what sets Ogle County apart, local leaders point to its central location and exceptional quality of life.

“We’re centrally located and have ease of access within an hour and a half to Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Quad Cities, yet you can still get away from the big city life,” says Economic Development Corporation Vice-President and Oregon City Manager Darin DeHaan, explaining that this unique positioning allows for the best of both worlds—access to urban amenities and the tranquility of small-town living.

Despite its quaint environment, Ogle County takes pride in its vibrant community life, which is marked by large-scale festivals and events that bring residents and visitors together.

From bustling farmers’ markets offering fresh produce and flowers to parades that draw tens of thousands, the county knows how to celebrate in style. Many of the county’s towns are home to large 7000+ acre farms that support the region.

Moreover, Ogle County’s farmers stand out for their authenticity and variety. Vendors offer everything from sweet corn and tomatoes to seasonal flowers and pumpkins, creating a colorful and inviting atmosphere.

The region’s artistic flair is equally compelling. “Ogle County is known for the arts; we became a location where a lot of Chicago artists came out to refresh their creative ideas, so now a lot of our communities have beautiful murals and outdoor spaces,” DeHaan says.

Most notably, the local foundry in Oregon forged the iconic Michael Jordan statue that graces the United Center in Chicago and a piece for the Vatican.

From stunning murals to outdoor sculptures, Ogle County’s creative pulse is evident everywhere. These artistic contributions underscore the county’s commitment to preserving and celebrating art in all its forms.

An Influx of Upgrades and Improvements

Of course, an inflow of new residents requires a 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 County Economic Development Corporation Randy Schoon.

As a strategy, downtown small business support has worked incredibly well for the county. It has resulted in the renovation and rehabilitation of older buildings to make room available for the mom-and-pop boutique-style businesses that now populate the county’s downtown corridors.

Additionally, the county is in the process of a river crop redevelopment. “A lot of our river communities are shifting from what used to be industrial sites along the river, and now we’re working to convert those into mixed-use sites,” DeHaan explains.

With this redevelopment, the county will be able to have both retail and residential spaces alongside its riverfront, and everything will be conveniently connected downtown via recreational walking paths.

Despite the shift on the riverfront, Ogle County’s infrastructure projects still focus on enhancing its industrial growth opportunities.

“One of the biggest things happening is that we were the home of a nuclear plant, and the county has rezoned large parcels around that for industrial development,” Schoon says.

The planned repurposing of the nuclear power plant’s vast 350-acre site is poised to attract manufacturing and industrial enterprises, leveraging the region’s skilled workforce and central access to larger metropolitan areas like Chicago and Milwaukee.

Collaboration as a Key to a Brighter Future

Ogle County’s success is deeply rooted in its collaborative spirit. Communities within the county work together to address challenges and share solutions, creating a network of mutual support.

The formation of the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation has been a pivotal step in fostering this collaboration.

“One of the best things that has happened by forming the Economic Development Corporation is that we all started talking to one another. It has been hugely positive and helps us all as a whole,” Schoon says, commenting that this level of collaboration is something that is commonly practiced by neighboring counties.

This cooperative approach extends to economic development initiatives, where the county’s communities unite to attract businesses and enhance regional growth.

By bringing stakeholders together, the corporation has created opportunities for dialogue and shared decision-making, enabling the county to tackle challenges collectively and efficiently. This rare level of cooperation speaks to the strength and unity of Ogle County’s communities.

As Ogle County looks to the future, its priorities include housing, retail, and workforce development. The county is also focused on expanding industrial areas to attract more manufacturing and industrial employers.

Local industries, such as E.D. Etnyre & Co. and Woods Equipment Company, are already benefiting from the region’s skilled workforce.

“We have a very skilled labor force… we have several large employers, and we’ve checked into their numbers and what was important to them regarding what makes us so special, and labor and work ethic was always their first response,” Coulombe explains.

The presence of these companies highlights the county’s ability to support diverse industries while maintaining its identity.

Additionally, investments in infrastructure, including new village halls, improved sidewalks, and affordable, accessible housing, are enhancing the county’s aesthetic appeal and economic functionality.

Ogle County is a shining example of how a community can balance growth with preserving its natural beauty and small-town charm.

Through collaboration, strategic planning, and a commitment to quality of life, the county is charting a course for a bright and sustainable future. Whether as a place to visit, work, or call home, Ogle County offers something truly special.

At a Glance

Who: Ogle County, Illinois
What: A community-focused region blending rural appeal with strategic development in infrastructure, education, and commerce.
Where: Located in northern Illinois
Website: https://www.oglecountyil.gov/