Region 1 Planning Council

10/26/2026

🛑Safety is always a central consideration in our plans. R1's four Safe Streets 4 All plans have laid out solutions leaders can take to prevent serious injuries and fatalities for everyone, regardless of their method of travel.

Because we believe even one death on our roadways is unacceptable.

There are plans for the Rockford region, Winnebago County, Boone County, and the City of Rockford. Read them on the R1 website at https://r1planning.org/planning/transportation/ (click on the Supportive Services tab, then Safety).

10/22/2026

YOUR IDEAS NEEDED!
The R1 Land Bank is seeking redevelopment proposals for these three properties. We're open to just about any creative, community-focused project, so send us your best ideas.

Initial reviews begin November 13.

Review details and submit your proposal at r1planning.org (click "Properties for Sale". Questions? Email [email protected] or call 815-319-4456.

Properties seeking proposals:
N. Alpine Rd., Loves Park - 0.43 acre lot
3555 Main St., Rockford - 1.22 acre restaurant with 6 parcels
4400 Auburn St., Rockford - 5.52 acre lot

10/20/2026

See what we've been up to in the last month!
• Launched an APEX Accelerator program
• Wrapped up Walktober - our first green commute event
• Opened the proposal period for WCCMHB core program funding
• Supporting the Earthrise815 Sustainability Conference

https://mailchi.mp/r1planning/r1octnewsletter-18150296

10/19/2026

AND NOW FOR THE WALKTOBER WINNERS!🎉
Walktober was a whirlwind week of non-motorized travel. With 52 participants - 17 of our own - it successfully raised awareness of ways we can reduce emissions, enjoy the natural world, and make greener transportation easier for everyone.

Congratulations to these five prize winners for trying something new with us!

Walktober will be bigger in 2027! Thank you again to participants and sponsors for a great inaugural event!

10/16/2026

🎉On October 15, the Rockford region's CEJA Contractor Incubator program graduated its biggest cohort yet. These 23 participants gave their business pitches, encompassing a wide range of sectors. Next-gen home inspections, smarter parking lots, green retail and service businesses: these entrepreneurs are ready to ignite their growth with clean energy.

Congratulations! Can't wait to see what you do next!

10/15/2026

WINNEBAGO, BOONE, STEPHENSON, MCHENRY, OGLE, DEKALB COUNTY BUSINESSES -
We're ready to get you on the road to growing your business. APEX Accelerator shows you how to navigate the world of government contracting - at no cost.

This could mean working with you to develop a capability statement, get special certifications, or connect with open leads.

Contact Brittany Allen to see how APEX Accelerator fits into your growth goals.
[email protected]
815-319-4453

The Region-1 Planning Council is launching a satellite office in Rockford to host the Illinois APEX Accelerator program. The initiative aims to support local small-business owners who are interested in pursuing government contract work.

10/12/2026

As the dust settles on , let's catch up. What did you notice? I'll go first:
1. We still have improvements to make for the city to be pedestrian/bike friendly. Just ensuring there are sidewalks would be a tremendous start.
2. Riding felt good, I noticed more of my surroundings, and got familiar with the neighborhoods around me.

Thank you to everyone who participated! This was as much a community-building event as it was a sustainability awareness event. See you in 2027!
~Amy Salamon (I'm pictured leaving work on the last day of Walktober)

Results and prize winner announcements are coming.

10/09/2026

We are open for referrals and ready to show local businesses how they can thrive in government contracting.

Thank you, Rock River Current for your dependable coverage.

A new program will help companies in northern Illinois compete for government contracts and bring more money back to the region.
📰Full story🔗⬇️

10/09/2026

Today, we formally announced that R1 is now offering APEX Accelerator services for local businesses. APEX Accelerator is a no-cost advising service that helps businesses increase their revenue by guiding them through the steps of government contracting, including getting connected with opportunities.

It fits nicely with R1's other services that bring the people, resources, and opportunities together for the good of the region.

"What we're doing is helping to make a complex marketplace a little less overwhelming for businesses who want to do more," said Brittany Allen, R1 APEX Accelerator Advisor (pictured).

TO LEARN MORE AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT:
Visit www.r1planning.org/apex
Contact Brittany at [email protected].

10/08/2026

FOOT POWER FRIDAY
A 15-20 minute walk to work is basically a free workout with zero emissions. And what’s more calming than a walk?