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As Northwest Illinois’ economic development district and regional planning organization, BHRC engages in community and economic development, natural resources conservation, and planning in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties.  Located in the Driftless Area, its prairie foothills, and adjacent to the Mississippi River in the tri-state area, we seek to improve the quality of life for communities and individuals.

Latest News

A new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy data portal is now available.  Visit data.blackhawkhills.com for interactive information about the six counties, including comparisons to other economic development districts.  Additionally, see our new asset mapping site at mapping.blackhawkhills.com, which includes information about municipal planning areas, place-based incentives, economic distress, and transportation infrastructure.

2024 BHRC Board Meetings

BHRC’s 2024 board meetings will be held on the following dates: January 22 at 6 pm (agenda; note: in-person meeting portion cancelled)March 25 at 6 pm (agenda)May 27 at 6 pm (agenda)July 22 at 6 pm (agenda)September 23 at 6 pm (agenda)November 25 at 6 pm (agenda) Please contact the office for meeting locations. The …

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Upper Mississippi River Ports Website is Live

Bi-State Regional Commission (BHRC) – with the support of BHRC and other regional planning organizations in Illinois and Iowa – has published its Upper Mississippi River Ports (UMRP) website, featuring public and private ports and terminals throughout the area. The asset identification and mapping process behind the UMRP will be helpful in focusing future investments …

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Planning Work to Begin in the Rochelle-Steward-Lee County Area

BHRC has entered into a contract with WSP to support planning in the Steward and Caron Roads Industrial Corridor. The effort is funded by the US Economic Development Administration, Lee County, Lee-Ogle Enterprise Zone, and BHRC. Contact info [at] blackhawkhills.com with questions.

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2023 BHRC Board Meetings

BHRC’s 2023 board meetings will be held at 6 pm on the following dates: January 23 at 6 pm (postponed until February)March 27 at 6 pmMay 22 at 6 pm (includes annual meeting)July 24 at 6 pmSeptember 25 at 6 pmNovember 27 at 6 pm Please contact the office for meeting locations. The means to …

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