Transform Your Town into a Tourist Destination

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Dieterich, Illinois, faced a challenge familiar to many small towns – in the early '90s, a declining population threatening their school district. But instead of giving up, the community rallied to create a thriving future through the creative use of Tax Increment Financing, or T.I.F. Districts, for residential use.  This approach has paid big dividends over several decades.

Spearheaded by the Dieterich Community Development Corporation (DCDC) and the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs, a program called MAPPING was utilized to guide their strategic planning efforts. This initiative focused on attracting new residents through affordable housing options and strategic zoning that encouraged a healthy mix of residential and commercial development.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts were strategically used to reinvest funds into residential developments, which has grown the community by almost double since the early '90s.  This approach proved successful, attracting residents and businesses alike. One of the first success stories was the EJ Water Coop, (Our Story - E.J. Water Coop.) now the town's largest employer with over 100 employees.

Even challenges like the pandemic couldn't dampen Dieterich's spirit. Innovative initiatives like a home raffle helped maintain momentum even in the most uncertain of times.  The village contracted for and built a custom home, then raffled it off.  This event created a lot of awareness for the Harke subdivision, which had just been created.  Since that time, the subdivision has filled in, bringing new families and vibrancy to the town.  As a result of the growth they have generated, the Village of Dieterich recently opened their new community center, the Wright Family Center, which houses a new daycare facility and many other essential services and amenitites. 

Dieterich's story serves as an inspiration for small towns facing similar challenges. Dieterich has transformed its residential areas through collaboration, strategic planning, and a commitment to its citizens and secured a bright future.