$860,000 Debt Reduction and 20% Decrease in Violent Crime: Peoria Mayor Rita Ali’s 2023 State of the City Address Highlights

According to the 25 News, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali recently shared positive news about the city’s progress and financial stability in her State of the City address. She highlighted six main goals: improving daily life, making neighborhoods safer, developing downtown areas, helping businesses grow, strengthening city infrastructure, and promoting diversity and fairness for all. Rita Ali proudly noted that Peoria hasn’t raised property taxes and has reduced its debt by $860,000. However, she admitted that dealing with youth violence and crime has been the toughest part of her job. To address this, the city is increasing police efforts with more patrols and new technology like drones and cameras to keep streets secure. These efforts have led to fewer shootings and murders compared to last year.

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$860,000 Debt Reduction and 20% Decrease in Violent Crime: Peoria Mayor Rita Ali’s 2023 State of the City Address Highlights(PHOTO: WEEK | 25 News Now)

Rita Ali also focused on boosting downtown Peoria, mentioning five projects that will add 512 new homes and over 57,500 square feet of new stores and offices. She highlighted three new funding districts aimed at revitalizing neglected parts of the city. In her commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion, Ali mentioned a $75,000 grant to support an LGBTQ+ clinic and community center, emphasizing Peoria’s role as a welcoming place. She also pointed out progress in diversifying the police force, with 41 new officers hired last year, including many women and minorities. Mayor Rita Ali ended her speech on an optimistic note, looking forward to a brighter future for Peoria.

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