About Grow Decatur

Recognizing urgency, 
Grow Decatur is 
a collaborative development and growth initiative
 working to transform Decatur, Illinois 
into a robust community.

The Grow Decatur initiative was born out of a grassroots effort of a few concerned citizens. The process has been important, but slow. It takes a long time to transform a city. In our information-gathering period, we spoke with, and gathered survey results from, over 1,000 people, and conducted dozens of focus groups within our community. We wanted to make sure that this is a community project, and everyone has been welcomed to voice what they think is important. 

Grow Decatur knows that we are not alone. Innumerable organizations, businesses, and individuals are working on making our city a better place to live. It’s time to take Decatur to the next level – find our common goals and work together to achieve them. Grow Decatur is about coordination.  We are focused on keeping our eyes on the prize and using our resources wisely.  And it’s not about just getting 15‐20 influential people to address these issues. It’s about getting all of the people on the same page who can make a difference – the people who make real change. The people who have built a life in Decatur, go to work each day, own small businesses, teach our children, direct local charities and organizations, and vote in our elections. We need your help, your thoughts, and your time. 

Grow Decatur's job is not to do, but to help those who do.  We are here to make sure that barriers are broken down and real dialogue can begin. This group is not about power, but empowerment.  Grow Decatur is here to facilitate, to encourage, to stimulate, to remove barriers, and to help everyone collaborate.

Any big change begins with a single person.  Someone who stands up and expresses a desire for something different. Someone inspired, someone empowered, and someone tired of the status quo. That is the true goal of Grow Decatur. To inspire those who can, to do. And for those that cannot do alone, to be connected. There is a role for everyone. 

The topline goals of Grow Decatur are simple. First, we want to reverse the declining population. More people need to live here if we are going to see any success. Second, we want to increase the median income for all citizens in Decatur. Third, we want to lower the unemployment rate. And finally, we want to enhance the quality of life for those living in Decatur.