ABSTRACT
The greatest new area of economic development in the Champaign-Urbana civil community is just to the north, adjacent to 1-74 at the point where it connects with the north-south interstate that passes through the two cities. To succeed in the complex environment of Champaign County, professionals must accept certain limits to their mandate and devise programs accordingly. Joliet and Peoria are cities of river valleys. Champaign and Urbana sit high on the open prairie. In the years since this project began, the prairies have changed with the times, but not a great deal. The University remains the cornerstone of prosperity, but business and community leaders recognize that the cities must market themselves to attract economic development. Both cities and the county are faced with continuing demands for improved or new services, but have limited tax resources, due in part to community attitudes about taxation and the effect of taxation on competitiveness in attracting economic development.
