Town of Normal Strengths
2030 Committee- Alex Horvath and Joe Morrow
Contributors: Alex Horvath and Joe Morrow
Curt Swearingen, Bill Crutcher, Andy Kehl, Brian Galloway, Jenny
Snyder
Chris Bailey, Mike Kabbes, Janna Edge, Kathy Willerton, Chris Martinez,
Rich Clemmons, Tom Krause, Tom Shilgalis
Strength: Good Public Works
Description: Staff responsiveness, good garbage collection, snow removal, street maintenance, good water quality, visibility and presence of fire and police departments, recycling program, clean appearance
Strength: ISU
Description: Brings educational opportunities, entertainment, cultural and sports, diversity of faculty and students- they bring energy to community, facilities are an asset, summer camps, state and national exposure due to tournaments, University High School, Town and Gown cooperation
Strength: Educational Choices
Description: Public, parochial and laboratory primary and secondary schools, ISU, IWU, Heartland and Lincoln Colleges
Strength: Small Town Feel with Large Town Amenities
Description: Development of downtown, Normal Theater, stable neighborhoods, comfortable feel to the town, locally owned businesses, downtown character, relatively low tax rates given the service levels, variety of restaurant and shopping choices, housing options, good library system and internet access, being part of the Twin Cities allows access to more options
Strength: Safe Community
Description: Outstanding police and fire departments, presence of NPD in all areas (Orlando substation), bike patrols, neighborhood watch program, people feel comfortable walking in their neighborhoods, Town’s policies regarding appearance, etc., medical and EMS services, great place to raise a family
Strength: Transportation/access
Description: Three interstates, Amtrak service, great airport service, intercity bus service (including night ride program), close to major cities (Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis)
Strength: Business Climate
Description: Low unemployment, large number of local businesses, strong major employers, McLean County Chamber works to bring new businesses in, cooperation with Bloomington to attract and support new businesses
Strength: Citizens
Description: Educated, diverse, active in community, willing to volunteer, support many service clubs and charities, church going, family oriented
Strength: Special Events
Description: Sugar Creek Arts Festival, Special Olympics, State Tournaments, Corn Festival, Drum and Bugle Corps, softball tournaments, COUNTRY Youth Golf Tournament, state tournaments
Strength: Parks and Recreation
Description: Variety and number of activities, family friendly, Constitution Trail, Champion Fields softball complex, variety and quality of facilities and parks, pools and aquatic center, clean and well-kept, safe, golf courses
Strength: Forward Thinking
Description: 2030 Committee, planning processes are inclusive, cooperation between University and Town, planned development, water development, good planning efforts and cooperation with local, county and state elected officials