Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), along with more than two dozen business and community stakeholders from throughout the region, recently gathered to share opportunities and challenges as part of a listening tour coordinated by Deputy Governor for Budget and Economy Andy Manar in coordination with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Illinois Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Elements of the Governor’s proposed budget priorities, specifically those related to economic development, infrastructure, and education and workforce reflect several high‑impact opportunities Southern Illinois stakeholders communicated during the listening tour session.
Strengthening Business Development and Job Creation
Investments in site readiness, strategic marketing, and business expansion will accelerate job creation and position communities to compete for new manufacturing, logistics, and technology projects. These resources will help move development‑ready sites more quickly from planning to project announcement—especially in regions with strong workforce and transportation assets like Southern Illinois.
Expanding Inland Port Capacity and Supply Chain Strength
Funding that supports port infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and designation tools such as Opportunity Zones or Foreign Trade Zones will enhance Illinois’ competitiveness in the national logistics network. With all five Southern Illinois Port Districts achieving Top 150 U.S. Ports status for the first time ever, strategic port investments will expand capacity for freight movement, strengthen agricultural and industrial supply chains, and attract new private and public investment to river and rail corridors to position our region’s inland ports as key economic drivers.
Advancing Power Generation and Energy Resilience
Southern Illinois, long defined by its coal mining heritage, is uniquely positioned to help shape the next chapter in energy generation. The region’s existing energy workforce, industrial infrastructure, and transmission assets create a strong foundation for diversification into renewables, advanced nuclear, and energy storage. By leveraging its strategic location, transportation networks, and power generation history, Southern Illinois can evolve from a coal-dependent region to a hub for next‑generation clean energy production, technology deployment, and grid resilience. Enabling regions like Southern Illinois with available land, infrastructure, and community readiness to participate in these projects will strengthen statewide energy resilience.
Scaling Workforce and Collaborative Education Models
Investments in vocational training, dual‑credit coursework, and modernized facilities will expand student access to career pathways in high‑demand sectors. Support for collaborative models including the expansion of Area Career Centers (ACC), especially those that connect small rural districts in Southern Illinois, will ensure that all high school students benefit from high‑quality instruction and workforce preparation. The consideration of additional ACCs is not just an education discussion; it’s a competitive economic conversation to position the Southern Illinois region, the state, and its talent to meet skilled workforce needs.
Conclusion
While budget discussions naturally involve diverse viewpoints, SI Now remains focused on advancing economic development strategies that directly benefit Southern Illinois, including business development, job creation, inland port advancement, power generation, and workforce preparation. Sustained commitment to targeted investments that drive growth, enhance regional competitiveness, and strengthen communities will accelerate ongoing projects and open new pathways for regions like Southern Illinois that are well‑positioned for expansion.
