City of Peru ECONOMIC GROWTH While the City of Peru is small in population for LaSalle County at just under 9 percent of the county’s population, it is a vital economic resource to the county. In 2020 it generated approximately 35 percent of total retail sales. In 2021 more than $6.7 million of taxable sales occurred within the city. The city’s economic retail base continues to grow and in the last year it welcomed new businesses and saw the renovation and improvement of existing businesses. The City of Peru maintains a AA3 credit rating through Moody’s Investor Service, thanks to its strong economic indicators. Over the past 10 years the city has decreased its outstanding debt by $21 million. GREAT DESTINATION The city also welcomed two new residential subdivisions, the Pointe, which has sold out its available 18 lots and the Pohar’s Crossing Subdivision which includes 57 residential lots and a 3-lot commercial area located just north of Baker Lake. The City of Peru has one of the lowest property tax rates in the region. In August 2021 the Peru Police Department officially moved into their new location on North Peoria and Midtown Road. In the past two years the city has welcomed several new businesses, including Jeremiah Joes, Jimmy John’s, Dominos Pizza, AG Solutions, Mr. Sparkles Auto Spa, Wahlburgers and Fire on Fifth. Coming soon is the new Quick Trip
Police Station
Pistol Shrimp Travel Plaza set to open later this year. On the plans for 2022 are five new corporate/private hangers that will be constructed at the municipal airport and the city is awaiting final contracts from the Illinois Division of Aeronautics for the airport project to construct Phase 2 Taxiway Extension, completing the North-South runway parallel taxiway. There are also several capital improvement projects for 2022 to improve road-
ways and the St. John’s Phase 2 Water Main and Sewer Improvements. SPORTS & RECREATION The TBM Avengers Reunion & Salute to Veterans is set to take place May 20-21 at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru. This event features TBM Avengers as well as other World War II aircrafts on display, an air show on both days, live music and food and the ceremonial salute to veterans on Saturday. There will be plenty to love with the improvements for the Washington Park tennis and pickleball courts. The improvements include complete replacement of the tennis courts and the addition of four pickleball courts with a walking path. Plans are underway for this year’s summer highlight with Taste of the Valley, Aug. 4-6 at Centennial Park featuring food, crafts and a 5K race and entertainment. This summer the City of Peru will welcome baseball fans of the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, a collegiate summer baseball league that plays at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru. After last year’s inaugural season fans are excited to welcome the team back for the summer. Admission is free with bleacher seating and lawn space too.
A NewsTribune Publication | Business & Industrial Review | April 30, 2022 83
