COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Collaboration to Help Improve Derby Street in Pekin
Extension and U of I staff and students were involved in local planning study. Kathie Brown, Extension community and economic development educator collaborated with the City of Pekin, Hanson Engineering, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Urban and Regional Planning to conduct a planning study of Derby Street in Pekin. Teresa Anderson, a U of I master’s student was also instrumental in the process. The study looked at the Derby Street area’s needs, assets, and opportunities with an objective of planning better ways to serve residents, visitors, and businesses who use the street regularly. The planning process examined issues such as walkability, street beautification, parking needs, traffic calming, and safety. The goal is to improve the quality of life on Derby Street.
The community steering committee consisted of over 30 residents, government representatives, business owners, and others who are directly affected by activities on Derby Street. It is an excellent example of community collaboration and U of I campus engagement, coordinated by U of I Extension staff. Hanson Engineering and the City of Pekin provided exceptional support in creating this programming partnership, that established a solid foundation for community and student learning. This engagement work demonstrates how the University can be responsive to a critical community need. This programming cuts across the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service.
Strategic Program Planning to Strengthen STEAM Education STEAM experts and leaders join forces to better serve our local educators and citizens. In March, University of Illinois Extension, in collaboration with Illinois Informatics Institute and Champaign-Urbana Fab Lab convened a half day workshop at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum that brought together experts and leaders in science, Hosea Washington, Caterpillar engineer and FIRST Robotics team technology, engineering, arts, and coach, was one of 30 STEAM experts and leaders who came together to develop a plan to synergize efforts in STEAM education throughout the mathematics (STEAM) teaching and Central Illinois area. learning to share their ideas and recommendations for strengthening STEAM education throughout the Greater Peoria Developments stemming from this workshop Region. More than 30 individuals, representing a include: wide range of expertise, contributed to this plan. • regional STEAM events online calendar • online organizational database The goals set forth through this planning process • quarterly meetings to build awareness, include: build an engaged professional network promote collaboration, and implement goals focused on STEAM education, develop a social • monthy feature articles in iBi magazine marketing campaign highlighting the value of highlighting organizations engaged in STEAM STEAM, and expand volunteer engagement. education activities FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 8 YEAR IN REVIEW 2018
