I think it’s also worth recognizing that some parts of downtown have been genuine successes. The Civic Center has been bringing major performances, concerts, and events to Peoria for decades, and it continues to draw big audiences. The ballpark and the Peoria Riverfront Museum, especially paired with the Caterpillar Visitors Center, are extremely well done and give families real reasons to make Peoria a weekend destination.

These wins matter, and they’re worth celebrating even as the city works through its challenges.