Energized by our rivers, our communities welcome those who seek a bigger life enriched by active adventures and vibrant downtown experiences.
Our region is blessed with abundant natural resources – woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and rivers – that, combined with our cityscapes, villages, and farms, create an exceptional visitor destination and highly livable communities.
For the past year, a team of strategists and stakeholders have been collaborating on the design of a new destination vision for our region. This builds on the transformational work of the past decade to further develop our waterways, greenspaces, sports facilities, main streets, and downtowns.
Imagine the Rock River as a unifying thread that draws visitors and residents to its shores. From South Beloit and Rockton, through downtown Rockford and past Chicago Rockford International Airport, the Rock flows with untapped opportunities for entertainment and recreation.
Blend in the Pecatonica River to the west, Sugar River to the north, and the Kishwaukee River to the east – as well as their many tributaries and creeks – and the waterways, conservation areas, and open fields of Winnebago and Boone counties are unmatched in their abundance and beauty. Where our rivers flow through our cities and villages, we can seek developments that give visitors and residents greater and easier access to the water. Imagine vibrant gathering places, intersecting bike trails, pedestrian walkways, docks, and landings. Imagine people flocking to our rivers to relax, rejuvenate, and recreate.
Discover how the Thrive2035 Plan will shape the Rockford region into a vibrant destination for both visitors and residents. Click the download button below to explore the vision, strategic goals, and initiatives driving growth and success in our area for years to come.
