Roads, water systems, stormwater facilities, sidewalks, streetlights, snow removal, and other basic infrastructure are among the city’s clearest responsibilities.
Rockford’s voter-approved 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax provides dedicated funding for road and infrastructure improvements. The city should protect that funding, make project decisions transparently, and concentrate on maintaining existing assets before deterioration makes repairs substantially more expensive.
Rockford’s voter-approved 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax provides dedicated funding for road and infrastructure improvements.
That funding should remain focused on infrastructure while project decisions are made transparently and with a long-term view.
Source: City of Rockford Infrastructure Project Information
The decision during former Mayor Larry Morrissey’s administration to seek voter approval for a dedicated sales tax offered an alternative to financing road work entirely through long-term borrowing and interest payments.
That approach demonstrated the value of dedicated funding and long-term planning.
Protect revenue dedicated to roads and infrastructure.
Publish clear project-selection criteria and multiyear improvement schedules.
Prioritize maintenance that prevents more expensive reconstruction later.
Coordinate road, water, sewer, utility, and private construction to reduce repeated excavation.
Limit unnecessary long-term borrowing.
Improve communication with residents and businesses affected by construction.
Ensure that neighborhood streets receive appropriate attention alongside major corridors.
Residents should be able to see where infrastructure money is being spent, why projects were selected, and when work is expected to be completed.
