ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — A new partnership could guide the revitalization of Rock Island's West End neighborhood.
The Martin Luther King Center and community members have been working on a revitalization plan focused on five goals: community engagement, improving financial success for residents, housing, economic growth and infrastructure.
At a Nov. 13 work session with Rock Island City Council, the initiative announced a partnership with the Omaha Empowerment Network, whose founder Willie Barney graduated from St. Ambrose University.
"We showed him everything that we've been doing, where we're at in the process, and that he also wants to partner with us going forward, to help ensure that we have the same change that they've been able to accomplish," West End revitalization committee member Avery Pearl said.
Pearl has been working closely with that network, hoping to bring Nebraska's success to Rock Island. "In North Omaha they have increased household incomes on average from $34,170 to $39,434," he said.
The committee hasn't announced any specific recommendations yet, but team members are hungry for change. Linda Sargent, who grew up in the neighborhood, is one of them. "There were all kinds of businesses in those neighborhoods. Bakeries, laundromats, and homes that were cared for, families that were united."
The revitalization team is looking to have final plans ready for city council by February 2024.
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