Andre Powell Fifth Ward Alderman DeKalb Illinois

04/02/2026

Fyi

Here is the link to the section of the City’s website where residents can sign up to receive notifications when agendas for the City Council or any of its boards, commissions, or committees are posted.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/list.aspx .

10/05/2025

One hour left!!! Make sure to stop by the Back Alley Market. Tons of amazing vendors, great food, and a lively atmosphere. Support small businesses and enjoy the vibes.

12/02/2025

Fifth Ward Neighbors and Friends,

As soon as weather permits my focus will be on creating neighborhood gatherings. While our occasional Ward meetings will continue I believe that connecting with neighbors on a more personal level will help us enhance the effectiveness and engagement of meetings.

Not everyone can or chooses to attend Ward meetings so let's make it easier for everyone to participate by bringing gatherings to our neighborhoods. These meetings will serve as informal meet and greets providing a time for you to voice concerns or compliments without my other city counterparts. We'll gather preliminary information throughout the neighborhoods which will help structure more focused Ward meetings where I'll invite the necessary counterparts.

I'm looking for enthusiastic volunteers from each neighborhood within our Ward to help establish a presence and build contacts in their areas. If you're passionate about creating a closer knit community I'd love for you to join me in this effort. Im also open to ideas if you have any creative thoughts.

There are three things I really want to stress:

1. We have to work together for me to be effective in working for you.

2. There may be times when we need to agree to disagree and it's possible that my fellow council members may not always align with my perspective. While I represent the entire 5th Ward I hold only one vote which does not constitute a consensus.

3. We will undoubtedly face more challenges ahead making it imperative that we maintain a working relationship and keep an open line of respectful communication.

With kind regards,
Andre Powell Fifth Ward Alderman


Email: [email protected]

25/12/2024

As we gather with family and friends during this joyous season, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the past year and the hope that the New Year brings.

I will be out until next year 😆 , so I guess I’ll just say Happy New Year now! May your holiday be filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of community. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Alderman. Together we can continue to make the 5th Ward and the entire city of DeKalb a wonderful place to live, work, and celebrate.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Warm regards,
Alderman Andre Powell

03/12/2024

This is great for the city of DeKalb!

DeKalb is serving as a leader in efforts to lower property taxes by passing a levy that will reduce out-of-pocket payments to the City by $100.

The City Council voted unanimously Nov. 25 to approve a property tax levy that will lower the City’s tax rate by nearly 22 percent in a single year. This is being done by using the new revenue from the large industrial projects south of the tollway to drive down the rate and how much existing property owners pay to the City.

Under the approved levy, the owner of a home with an equalized assessed value of around $137,000 will pay about $102 less to the City next year.

This year’s drop in the tax rate is on top of annual reductions in the City’s rate since 2018. Additionally, Mayor Cohen Barnes has been holding property tax summits encouraging all taxing bodies to put the historic growth happening in the City to work for the taxpayers.

“We’re seeing a lot of people getting on board with this new kind of philosophy of governing,” said Barnes.

The City’s aggregate levy also includes the tax levy for the DeKalb Public Library. This portion is set by the library board and cannot be adjusted by the City Council. Since initial discussions, the library board has revised its levy. With this revision, it is estimated individual property owners will see no increase in taxes paid to the library.

Read more community news in the December e-News: conta.cc/4i4JVFr

28/11/2024

🍂🦃 Happy Thanksgiving, DeKalb!🦃🍂

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this special day I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support and dedication to our community make DeKalb a wonderful place to live and thrive.

Today, let's take a moment to appreciate the blessings we share and the strength of our community. Together we continue to build a brighter future for all. Thank you for your trust and for the opportunity to serve you as your alderman.

Wishing you a joyful, safe, and memorable Thanksgiving!

22/11/2024

We have a few cheerleaders in our ward doing a fundraiser to go to Nationals in Orlando. They are having a fundraiser selling popcorn that ends tomorrow. If anyone is willing and able to support in the form of purchase and/or sharing the link it will be very much appreciated. Here is the link.

Click here to buy ultra-premium popcorn and 50% of your purchase benefits this fundraiser.

30/08/2024

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing constituents of the 5th Ward! Your voices were heard loud and clear. I really appreciate your warm welcome, trust, and faith in me. I also want to give a shoutout to the City of DeKalb staff for the support, updates, and open dialogue. I am excited to bridge the gap and build a strong working relationship with all of you. Working together will always be in the best interests of the city of DeKalb.

15/08/2024

I’m excited to announce our upcoming ward meeting. It will take place in two weeks. I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of formally meeting yet. Your input is invaluable so I encourage you to reach out to me beforehand if there’s anything specific you’d like to discuss. Remember our community thrives when we come together, support one another, and work towards common goals. Let’s make this meeting a meaningful and productive gathering. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

The public is invited to a 5th Ward meeting with Alderman Andre Powell to discuss opportunities and issues within DeKalb.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 615 N. First Street. The meeting will be held in person only. Those attending are welcome to record and/or live stream the meeting.

Alderman Powell will provide opening remarks from 5:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and then be joined by City Manager Bill Nicklas and City Engineer Zac Gill to support a discussion of Ward 5 projects and other activities. Time will be allotted for citizen comment.

Please forward any other topics for discussion to andre.powell@cityofdekalb.

07/07/2024

Today, I had the privilege of attending an open house in the historic Ellwood neighborhood which is a vital part of the 5th Ward. Meeting the wonderful community members was an honor, and I’m excited to immerse myself in this neighborhood and learn more. Thank you for the hospitality and insight.