Possibilities counter Elgin’s problems in mayor’s address
Elgin Mayor David Kaptain sees the city’s future as a transportation hub, a regional center for the arts and a sister city to communities throughout the world.
He described his vision for Elgin Tuesday in a State of the City address to members of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.
But he also explored the realities of the present.
“We’re a city that has the problems of a city,” Kaptain said, mentioning gang issues, poverty and homelessness.
“We need to address those issues and not deny that they exist but are part of what we are.”
Kaptain defended funding social services that help people beyond the city limits as the obligations of a larger community.
When it comes to the business climate today, he mentioned revenue from the Grand Victoria Casino coming in at about half of the level it was a decade ago. He said small businesses need help and mentoring to get started and stay afloat. And larger businesses thinking about moving to Elgin will see new treatment by the city council.
“Incentives as we’ve seen in the past are probably going to disappear,” Kaptain said.
Instead of cash payouts, the city will provide incentives through fee waivers and permitting considerations.
New taxes and fees will become a reality for residents and businesses alike as the council ushers in an era of more diversified revenue streams — adding electricity and natural gas taxes, a higher sales tax, a refuse fee and, in 2014, a stormwater utility fee.
But, while the state of the city may seem grim to some, Kaptain pointed to the city’s potential. He said transportation will make Elgin an important place, regionally. On the Randall Road corridor and I-90, Kaptain forecast rapid bus transit to Aurora, Chicago and O’Hare Airport.
Artspace, with its 55 artist rental units set to be completed next year, will heighten Elgin’s art reputation, already founded in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and theater organizations.
In a broadening economic development push, Elgin officials are looking at the growing economies in China and South America for new connections. Elgin has a strong relationship with Germany but would like to move beyond Europe.
Energy sustainability, as it has been for the last few years, will remain a central focus for city government. Kaptain talked about the potential of a Kimball Street dam to power city buildings and credits for businesses that build with sustainability in mind.
Overall, Kaptain’s message to chamber members was that times have changed. There are new challenges for Elgin today and new opportunities for tomorrow.
“Let’s not look backward and feel we need to do things like we did five years ago,” Kaptain said. “We need to change the way we do business, the way we do government. We’re in the process of doing it, it’s just going to take us time to get that done.”