Macomb is home to Western Illinois University, which every year attracts thousands of young adults to study and prepare for careers. The city hopes it can also become attractive to those who have finished their careers.
To assist with that effort, the city has formed a Senior Livability Committee, which just held its first meeting.
"The task for this committee is to promote Macomb as the destination to live after retirement to the urban areas and even to our surrounding tri states areas as well," said Kristin Terry, Downtown Development Director and the city's liaison to the committee.
"We do have a lot to offer.”
Terry said research shared by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs shows seniors enjoy living in a town that has a university.
“Data shows how the older population likes to migrate in with the younger generation, and actually how much it plays into their life,” said Terry, who is serving as the committee’s interim chairperson.
The committee members include Kelsey Reeder, Director of Resident Services at Wesley Village; Robin Wike, Director of Bickford Cottage; Chris Merrett, Director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs; Dean Torreson, retired Macomb City Administrator; and three retired professors from WIU: Bill Maakestad, John Hallwas, and Nancy Crossman. Crossman currently serves as Executive Director of the Macomb Arts Center
Mayor Mike Inman is an ex-officio member.
