From the
	EDITOR'S DESK . . . .

Peoria, Illinois — 1989 All American City

Hard-hit in the early 80s by recession spurred principally by decline in local heavy industry, Peoria was characterized by diminished volunteerism, unemployment, stressed social services, and a general feeling of "gloom and doom." Beginning in 1985 under new, dynamic political leadership, Peoria began to reverse course through FORWARD PEORIA, a strictly voluntary effort credited with securing $2 million in local business-development funds and $300 million in state and federal funds for local projects. Other efforts include the formation of an area Healthcare Services Committee which will combine the resources of the three area hospitals and a medical school to improve the quality and availability of local health-care services. •

June 1989 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 3