ABOUT TRANSFORM ROCKFORD
ABOUT TRANSFORM ROCKFORD
Transforming Our Region From Within
When you make the list of “Most Miserable Cities in the U.S.,” you have two options – you can accept the label and continue living in misery, or you can step up and decide to change. Rockfordians chose the latter, and Transform Rockford was born, a movement designed to rally and guide all of us living in the Rockford region to see Rockford in a new light – one of opportunity, innovation and desirability. This community-driven, grassroots movement was formed to be more than a cheerleader. It began as a catalyst for real change, and as a source for our community members to share their ideas and implement them in order to improve the social and economic well-being of our region. Transform Rockford gives residents a way to get inspired, become engaged, and to see the good, the bad and the great of Rockford and help shape a Community Transformation plan that makes a real difference. And it’s working. Our community-wide goal is to become a “Top Community by 2025” and thanks to the commitment, dedication and creativity of our fellow community members, we are on our way.
Transforming Our Region From Within
When you make the list of “Most Miserable Cities in the U.S.,” you have two options – you can accept the label and continue living in misery, or you can step up and decide to change. Rockfordians chose the latter, and Transform Rockford was born, a movement designed to rally and guide all of us living in the Rockford region to see Rockford in a new light – one of opportunity, innovation and desirability. This community-driven, grassroots movement was formed to be more than a cheerleader. It began as a catalyst for real change, and as a source for our community members to share their ideas and implement them in order to improve the social and economic well-being of our region. Transform Rockford gives residents a way to get inspired, become engaged, and to see the good, the bad and the great of Rockford and help shape a Community Transformation plan that makes a real difference. And it’s working. Our community-wide goal is to become a “Top Community by 2025” and thanks to the commitment, dedication and creativity of our fellow community members, we are on our way.
Mission
To facilitate the Rockford Region’s transformation into a Top 25 community.
How We Facilitate
- Fostering a climate that reflects our shared values, and
- Ensuring that the execution of the strategic plan developed by the community results in the improvement of social and economic well being of our community and its residents.
Mission
To facilitate the creation and implementation of a strategic plan by the community for the purposes of dramatically improving the social and economic well-being of the community and its residents.
The Journey
first community meeting at the Coronado Theater, where the
“brutal facts” of Rockford are laid out. Attendees join in a call
to action for improving the living and working conditions in our
region. The Transform Rockford movement is born.
13
community. More than 3,000 people from all over the region participate
and share their thoughts and dreams on what a transformed region
looks like. Following these discussions, the Transform Rockford Vision
Drafting team reflects on what the community has to say and drafts our
community’s vision, “to become a Top 25 Community by 2025.”
14
the work of identifying detailed strategies for each spoke.
After rigorous research and benchmarking, strategies are
developed and the community is invited to provide feedback.
15
input sessions. Twelve input sessions are held with residents
providing feedback on strategies and ideas for projects. In
November, the Community Transformation Plan is presented
to the community. It includes the 14 impact statements and
their respective strategies, project ideas, the community vision
and shared values.
16
Plan is revised and finalized. Project teams are formed and work
begins throughout our community. Standout projects include:
17
leading to NIU Engineering @ Rock Valley College
The Ready to Learn partnership with Transform Rockford,
Alignment Rockford, Rockford Public Schools and Erikson
Institute kicks off.
18
transformation to continue.
19
The Journey
for Transform Rockford’s first community
meeting at the Coronado Theater, where
the “brutal facts” of Rockford are laid out.
Attendees join in a call to action for
improving the living and working conditions
in our region. The Transform Rockford
movement is born.
gather opinions from the community. More
than 3,000 people from all over the region
participate and share their thoughts and
dreams on what a transformed region looks
like. Following these discussions, the
Transform Rockford Vision Drafting team
reflects on what the community has to say
and drafts our community’s vision, “to
become a Top 25 Community by 2025.”
volunteers begin the work of identifying
detailed strategies for each spoke. After
rigorous research and benchmarking,
strategies are developed and the community
is invited to provide feedback.
through community input sessions. Twelve
input sessions are held with residents
providing feedback on strategies and ideas
for projects. In November, the Community
Transformation Plan is presented to the
community. It includes the 14 impact
statements and their respective strategies,
project ideas, the community vision
and shared values.
Community Transformation Plan is
revised and finalized. Project teams are
formed and work begins throughout our
community. Standout projects include:
Mapping project
leading to NIU Engineering
@ Rock Valley College
workin the community. The Ready to Learn
partnership with Transform Rockford,
Alignment Rockford, Rockford Public
Schools and Erikson Institute kicks off.
participation for transformation
to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Steering Committee
Steering Committee
Roberta Holzwarth
Holmstrom & Kennedy
The people and opportunity to be involved, do interesting work, and have fun here have made coming home to Rockford one of my best decisions.
Christie Jarrett
Chair, Stenstrom
LoRayne Logan
Vice Chair, Workplace Staff & Search
I love Rockford because of the multitude of ways in which people can connect. The community is large enough to be interesting and enjoyable yet small enough for residents to have good friendships and a sense of community.
Ben Bernsten
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois
Jim Keeling
Hinshaw & Culbertson
Paul Logli
United Way of Rock River Valley
Daniel Saavedra
Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects
I love Rockford because it’s a city that finally understood that maintaining our traditions, but at the same time, having a progressive attitude are the magnets needed to attract businesses and achieve a great affordable quality of life!
Theresa Kegley
Movement Fitness
Rockford has the abundance of a city, yet the community of a small town. This is where we chose to learn, play, work and worship. I am proud to call Rockford home for myself, my family, and our business.
Leon Smith
Rockford public Library
Honorable K. Patrick Yarbrough
Retired 17th Judicial Court, Associate Judge
Terry Voskuil
Woodward
Ron Clewer
Gorman & Company
Lesly Couper
Workplace
Staff
Staff
Spitaman (Spitty) Tata
PROGRAM MANAGER
Cira Bennett
Great Neighborhood's Program Director
Strategic Support Team
Contact Us
Contact Us
Your voice matters! If you have a question, comment or idea, share it here.
Phone Number
815.977.5840
Email
admin@transformrockford.org
Work Hours
Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm
Address
303 N Main, Suite 110
Rockford, IL 61101