Economic Development

Delavan is committed to strengthening its local economy by supporting businesses, revitalizing its downtown, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

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Economic Development Partner

Hometown Consulting, a Community & Economic Development Consulting Group


The City of Delavan is happy to be partnering with Hometown Consulting (HTC) to assist with the Community & Economic Development needs of the City.

If you need assistance navigating what is needed to start a business in Delavan, reach out to HTC. 

Contact: Matt Fick, Vice-President & Principal Consultant mfick@hometownconsultants.com (309) 634-5138

Learn More: Hometown Consulting Website

Delavan Community Profile

Delavan, Illinois is a small, welcoming community of about 1,600 residents located in southern Tazewell County on the Illinois prairie. With its location near Interstate 155 and U.S. 122, Delavan is positioned to leverage access to larger Central Illinois markets such as Peoria, Bloomington, and Springfield, while retaining its close-knit, family-oriented identity.

Strategic Location & Access
 Infrastructure & Utilities
 Workforce & Education
 Business Climate & Incentives
 Downtown & Quality of Life
  • Centrally located in the heart of Illinois.
  • Direct access to Interstate 155 and U.S. Route 122.
  • Within 45 minutes of Peoria and Bloomington and about one hour from Springfield.
  • City-owned water and sewer utilities provide local control.
  • Ameren electric service.
  • Recent and ongoing investment in wells, lift station generators, and system upgrades to ensure long-term reliability.
  • Infrastructure planning tied to economic development and site readiness.
  • Access to a regional workforce in agriculture, manufacturing, health care, logistics, and trades.
  • Local K-12 school district with strong community involvement.
  • Proximity to community colleges and training institutions in the region.
  • Partnerships encouraged with schools and employers to support workforce readiness and youth engagement.
  • Local incentive tools including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), with expansion and façade assistance under consideration.
  • Proactive pursuit of state and federal infrastructure and development grants.
  • Business-friendly environment with responsive City leadership.
  • Emphasis on supporting independent and regional operators that fit Delavan’s market scale.
  • Walkable historic downtown centered on Locust Street with reinvestment opportunities.
  • Active effort to revitalize downtown through small-business recruitment, façade enhancement, and placemaking projects.
  • Family-oriented community identity and affordable cost of living.
  • Events and branding initiatives underway to strengthen Delavan as a small-town boutique and food destination.
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Economic Development Strategic Action Plan

The City of Delavan Economic Development Strategic Action Plan provides a clear, data-driven roadmap for strengthening Delavan’s local economy while preserving its small-town character. The plan assesses current strengths, challenges, and market conditions, then outlines targeted strategies focused on industrial site readiness, downtown revitalization along Locust Street, small business development and recruitment, branding and marketing, housing expansion, and community engagement. Emphasis is placed on retaining local spending, attracting independent and regional businesses that fit Delavan’s scale, leveraging tools such as TIF incentives and grants, and improving infrastructure readiness. A phased five-year implementation plan guides short-, mid-, and long-term actions to ensure progress is realistic, measurable, and aligned with community capacity, positioning Delavan for sustainable growth and long-term economic resilience.

 View and download Delavan Economic Development Strategic Action Plan.

GIS Economic Development & Available Properties Map Applications

The City of Delavan’s GIS Economic Development Map Application provides an interactive platform to support businesses and investors seeking to establish or expand within the Delavan Community. This tool offers layers of geographic data including but not limited to: parcel information, zoning, incentive districts, focus area building use and business listing information.

View GIS Map Full Screen

The City of Delavan's Available Properties Map Application provides a platform to view properties that are for sale or for lease within the city limits of Delavan. If you are interested in a listed property, please reach out to the listing agent under property listing. If an agent is not listed, then please reach out to Hometown Consulting or the City of Delavan.

View GIS Map Full Screen

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Start Your Business in Delavan

The City of Delavan Business Start-Up Guide is a practical, step-by-step resource designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the process of opening or expanding a business in Delavan. It outlines key requirements such as state and federal registrations, zoning compliance, permits, licensing, and certificates of occupancy, while also highlighting available tools like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and local, regional, and state business support contacts to help businesses get started successfully.

View and download Delavan Business Start-Up Guide 

Incentive Programs

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program

TIF is a tool used by the City to spur private investment in designated areas. It allows the City to reimburse developers and business owners for eligible project costs using the increased property tax revenue generated by their improvements. Delavan’s two TIF Districts include the downtown business, industrial, agricultural, and residential areas. View the TIF Map Layers in the GIS Application above. Check with the City to confirm eligibility. For more information regarding the TIF refer to the Business Start-Up Guide above and see page 5.

State and SBA Incentive Programs

Your business start-up may qualify for state or federal assistance. Visit the following links to learn more about potential incentive programs through the state through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO), and through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Learn About IDCEO - State Programs

Learn About SBA - Programs

Learn About Greater Peoria EDC - Taxes & Incentives