Andre Powell Fifth Ward Alderman DeKalb Illinois

08/27/2026

🚨 Safer Roads

Governor Pritzker signed a new legislation addressing electric bicycles. With electric bikes becoming more common this is something residents should be aware of.

Electric Bicyles can be a great option for transportation and recreation but increased speed also comes with increased risk. Understanding where they can be ridden, how they are classified, and the rules riders must follow is important for everybody.
I encourage residents who own an electric bike or are considering purchasing one for their children to familiarize themselves with the new Illinois requirements.

As these changes take effect I encourage you to pay attention to what they mean at the local level here in DeKalb. The goal should be to promote both safety and responsible use without unnecessarily limiting mobility and recreation.

08/25/2026

It’s always great to spend time with our neighbors in Sycamore. DeKalb and Sycamore may have a friendly rivalry but strong communities are built when we support one another and celebrate what’s happening throughout DeKalb County.

I had the opportunity to serve as a judge at the Sycamore Rib Fest alongside State Representative Jeff Keicher and Senator Dave Syverson. Not to mention I ran into Larry Bettag. Congratulations to Beach Avenue BBQ on taking home Best Ribs! The competition was tough but they were all great.

Thank you to the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce for putting together a phenomenal event.

08/24/2026

FYI

Corn Fest is almost here DeKalb!

If you’re heading downtown here’s the festival map to help you plan your visit.

Corn Fest is one of those weekends that brings a lot of people into the heart of our city (downtown) which is the 5th ward. While you’re downtown I encourage you to not only enjoy the festival but also take a few minutes to visit and support our local businesses as well as our festival vendors.

08/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to my 5th Ward meeting and took the time to have an open conversation with me.

As your representative I have a responsibility to continue looking for ways to improve how we engage with the public.

I do want to clarify one point from our discussion regarding City Council agendas and information. My desire to have additional time to review information should not be interpreted as criticism of City Manager Bill Nicklas or the work of our City staff. I think you all know by now that I’m pretty straightforward, regardless of who or what the conversation is about. They all have always been accessible to me and helpful when I need assistance, additional information or clarification. The discussion was exploring whether there are opportunities within our overall process to provide Council and the public more time not placing blame on any one individual.

I heard your concerns loud and clear, and I will continue asking more questions and engaging my fellow Council members and city staff on the concerns raised.

Most importantly, remember that I represent you best when you communicate with me. Social media can be a great tool for raising awareness but real engagement goes beyond a comment or a post. Bring your concerns to your representatives. Your voice has the greatest impact when it becomes part of the conversation. Effective communication requires participation from all of us.

Thank you again to everyone who came out and contributed to the conversation. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the 5th Ward and our entire DeKalb community.

DeKALB – Alderman Ward 5 Andre Powell supported DeKalb residents’ call for earlier delivery of information regarding city projects and city council ordinances at a 5th Ward meeting. The meeting occurred at 6 p.m. on Wednesday inside the River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive. City Council ...

08/22/2026

Today the FNBO Challenge winner is Mother Nature!
DeKalb & Sycamore showed up, but Mother Nature shut us down!

We’ll try it again 4pm tomorrow at DeKalb High School. Second game directly following around 6–6:30 PM

Come out and see who takes it home Spartans or Barbs!

08/16/2026

Here’s a few sights from Friday’s DDED Kickoff Celebration!

It was great walking through downtown Friday and seeing so many local artists, makers and vendors set up alongside our downtown businesses. Especially the live music!

Events like this give people another reason to walk our downtown, explore places they may not have visited before, meet local entrepreneurs and simply enjoy what DeKalb has to offer and get a better sense of what else our community would like to see downtown as we continue working toward a vibrant and thriving district.

08/11/2026

Downtown DeKalb (5th Ward) is kicking off something new!

This Friday August 14 from 4–8 PM come out for the Downtown DeKalb Entertainment District Kickoff Celebration!

While cocktails to go are one part of the event this is about much more than alcohol. It’s about bringing people downtown to shop, eat, explore, and support ALL of our downtown businesses.

Enjoy live music, artists, vendors, shopping, great food, and everything Downtown DeKalb has to offer.

The goal is simple, more people downtown and more opportunities for EVERY business to thrive.

📍 Downtown DeKalb Friday, August 14th 4–8 PM

08/06/2026

I’m looking forward to our upcoming 5th Ward Community Meeting and hearing directly from residents about the issues, concerns, and ideas that matter to you.

Have a topic you’d like discussed?
Please email me in advance at [email protected] with topics or questions you would like me to focus on during the meeting.

5th Ward specific issues will be prioritized but I’m also happy to discuss broader citywide topics as time permits.

I look forward to the conversation!

The public is invited to attend a 5th Ward meeting with Alderman Andre Powell to discuss local opportunities and issues within DeKalb.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at River Heights Golf Course, located at 1020 Sharon Drive. This will be an in-person meeting only. Attendees are welcome to record or livestream the proceedings.

Alderman Powell will offer opening remarks, and time will be allotted for citizen comment.

Please forward topics for discussion to [email protected]. These items will be presented at the meeting, and feedback will be shared when possible.

08/06/2026

Below is the agenda for the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday August 10th 2026.

I encourage residents to stay informed about the items coming before the Council and to reach out with any questions, concerns, or feedback you have regarding matters on the agenda.

07/31/2026

My thoughts remain with the family and loved ones affected by this week’s tragic incident. Prayers for everyone impacted during this incredibly difficult time.

Praise and gratitude to the DeKalb Police Department, DeKalb Fire Department, and the paramedics who responded under extremely difficult circumstances. Wishing the injured first responders a full and speedy recovery and praying for the continued healing and recovery of the young child.

As the investigation continues I encourage everyone to rely on information released by the DeKalb Police Department and to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time.

On July 29, 2026, at approximately 9:58pm, the DeKalb Police Department received a report of a missing adult male and one-year-old child after they failed to arrive at their intended destination. The male's vehicle was located submerged upside down in a creek in the 3100 block of S. First Street. Preliminary evidence indicates the vehicle left the roadway before entering the creek.
Officers immediately took action and worked together to lift the vehicle enough to remove the adult male and child. Life-saving measures were initiated without delay by Officers and DeKalb Fire Department Paramedics. Despite the officers and paramedics efforts, the adult male succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The one-year-old child was transported by air to a Chicago-area hospital and is currently reported to be in stable condition.
During the rescue efforts, four DeKalb Police officers sustained injuries. Three officers were treated at the scene for minor injuries, while one officer was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. All of the officers' injuries are non-life-threatening.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. No additional information is being released at this time out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation.
The DeKalb Police Department extends its thoughts and prayers to the family and all those affected by this tragic incident.
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If you witnessed this incident or have any information that can help with this investigation, please contact the DeKalb Police Department.
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