Reviving Hope in Venice, Illinois
6 Oct 2025
News
Venice, Illinois, a once-thriving industrial town, has struggled for decades with job losses, population decline, and the closure of its only school and grocery store. Now, local leader Ed Hightower is leading a revitalization effort that includes building a new school, grocery store, medical clinic, and affordable housing—supported by state funding and his own investment.
The initiative aims to restore access to basic services and renew community pride, offering a model for other small towns seeking recovery. For residents, it represents a long-awaited sign of hope and a reason to believe in Venice’s future again.
Once left behind, an Illinois town finds hope in a new school and grocery store
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