Region 1 Planning Council

🏘 Land Bank Auction & Open House! The next Land Bank Auction begins TOMORROW, September 12, with three properties up for sale. Open houses are being held for these properties. Plan to attend one or all! 3211 Parkside Ave - Thursday Sept. 12 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm 1404 25th St. - Friday, Sept. 13 from 9:00 - 10:30 am 904 18th Ave. - Friday, Sept. 13 from 9:00 - 10:30 am To bid on these properties, go to https://lnkd.in/ey5ss28f...

Housing, housing, housing. Our communities need more choices, and they have to be affordable. Local leaders, as you're developing those strategies, lean on Ron Clewer's expertise, presented directly to you at NorthCOG’s next workshop this Friday! Not only will he advise you how to inclusively close your locale’s housing gap, but in a way that enhances each neighborhood's unique dynamics. Filling the Housing Gap: Solutions and Strategies Friday, September 13 7:30 – 9:00 am Location: Region 1 Planning Council, 127 N Wyman St., Rockford Cost: $22 Register: https://lnkd.in/gkXhUMkZ Presenter: Ron Clewer Illinois Market President, Gorman & Company Networking begins at 7:30 am, with the 45-minute presentation starting at 8:00. Refreshments will be provided. This is the first in a series of workshops intended to educate elected officials on fundamental topics in government service. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and topics.

Parking: More than Just a Car's Spot Let's rethink parking! Tell us how by taking the Parking Strategies survey at https://lnkd.in/guwyEjRs. We're looking for your creative ideas for new uses for public parking, alternative land uses, and which of our parking facilities need an upgrade. The survey will be open through October 1. Your ideas will be part of the Parking Reimagined plan, which will be a playbook to enhance parking across the region to be more environmentally, economically, and socially friendly.

It was gratifying to work with Alignment Rockford and discover that parents are interacting positively with their youngest ones, which sets them up for continued success throughout their education. https://lnkd.in/ggRPpX_6 You can also view our explainer video at https://lnkd.in/gTwPCXQR

Rain gardens are beautiful and simple ways to preserve Winnebago County's natural water sources. We want to help you get started on creating your own! Homeowners in the Buckbee and South Fork Creek watersheds can receive a free consultation for rain garden planning. Olson Ecological Solutions will evaluate your property and provide you with: 1. The best location for a rain garden 2. Which plants to include 3. How big the garden should be To sign up for your consultation, fill out the form at https://lnkd.in/gZxMARms... Don't live in these watersheds? You can receive assistance too! Contact Katie Walsh at kwalshswcd@comcast.net with Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District to discuss.

Government leaders: Does it seem like every conversation lately circles back to housing? If you’re a government official involved in increasing housing, you need to attend NorthCOG’s next workshop. This session will arm you with proven strategies to inclusively close your locale’s housing gap, making sure solutions are equitable, affordable, and sustainable. Filling the Housing Gap: Solutions and Strategies Friday, September 13 7:30 – 9:00 am Location: Region 1 Planning Council, 127 N Wyman St., Rockford Cost: $22 Register: https://lnkd.in/gkXhUMkZ Presenter: Ron Clewer Illinois Market President, Gorman & Company Networking begins at 7:30 am, with the 45-minute presentation starting at 8:00. Refreshments will be provided. This is the first in a series of workshops intended to educate elected officials on fundamental topics in government service. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and topics. See you there!

The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) is evaluating the regional nonprofit landscape and would like your feedback. If you're the head of a nonprofit organization in Northern Illinois, please fill out the survey linked below to provide your thoughts on leadership, staffing, fundraising, financial sustainability, and trends. https://lnkd.in/gnR_J536 All responses are anonymous and the survey will be open through August 31. Please contact Pam Clark Reidenbach, CEO of NICNE, at pclark1@niu.edu.

☀ How can local leadership make solar development easier? Plan to attend a virtual event on August 13, co-hosted by Region 1 Planning Council and SolSmart, that will provide you with solar PV planning and zoning best practices and how to apply them to your community's unique needs. It is intended for those responsible for their municipality's ordinances, but all are welcome. The Nuts and Bolts of Solar Planning and Zoning DATE: August 13 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm COST: Free LOCATION: Zoom https://lnkd.in/e-TdB3cA... WHY: Discover how simple planning and zoning practices for solar PV installation can boost your local economy and welcome clean energy growth. Streamlining solar energy planning and zoning makes it easier to grow solar energy development, balanced with your community’s other development priorities. This session with provide communities with strategies for incorporating solar into plans, ordinances, and regulations.

SOLAR CONFERENCE & EXPO GOING ON NOW! The Conference features a strong lineup of expert speakers discussing everything from solar incentives to the climate change impact that renewable energy makes. There's also a lineup of solar companies and policy advocates ready to answer all your pressing questions at the Expo. Last minute planner? You're welcome anytime today! See us at Embassy Suites Rockford (Rockford, IL). gosolar815.com

☀️SOLAR EXPO TOMORROW! There's time to sign up for the first Solar Conference & Expo, hosted by Sustain Rockford. The event will feature industry experts explaining everything you need to know about solar energy, for any use. SOLAR CONFERENCE & EXPO Thursday, July 18 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Embassy Suites Rockford (Rockford, IL), 416 S. Main St. Register at https://lnkd.in/gER28bPN Lunch and parking are included. For an agenda and more details, see gosolar815.com