ZION Development

05/20/2026

Interested in a sign? Want to promote housing in the City of Rockford? DM Ron Clewer with your address and we will make sure you get a sign or signs. Be sure to state which (or both) signs you want. May is National Fair Housing Month!

Attention YIMBYs - The PlatFORM Group has officially launched its promotion of the campaign to spotlight its video series* and bring added attention to the need to build. Build what? Housing of course!

As part of the campaign, the PlatFORM Group has these great signs to offer you (FREE) to place in your yard as a means to promote housing. If you would like one (Home not for sale or Every family deserves a home), or one of each, and you live here in City of Rockford, please DM me with your address and I will make sure you get it/them. Supplies are limited so please hurry.

The bottom of the sign has a QR code that brings interested parties to the video. *1st video in the comments - please share far and wide.

Also, we need 10 brave souls who don't mind a video camera over their shoulder as you place the sign in your yard. The video will help release the 2nd video in early June. Video won't capture your face or your home address, just placement.

I look forward to your messages and getting your sign(s) to you!

04/15/2026

Many thanks to all who came out today to the Zion discussion on affordable housing in our community! Don't forget to join us in advocacy at Rockford Area YIMBY!

Ron Clewer, Chief Executive Officer of Zion Development, led a discussion on the critical shortage of affordable housing for low- and middle-income families during Katie’s Cup’s monthly…

03/18/2026

Please take the community survey for the 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint!

This survey is part of the public outreach for a statewide housing plan, led by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The purpose of this survey is to help the planning team further understand the housing and development needs of your community.

It takes only about 5 minutes!

This survey is part of the public outreach for a statewide housing plan, led by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The purpose of this survey is to help the planning team further understand the housing needs of your community. This survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete....

03/17/2026

Many thanks to the PlatFORM Group for their work on housing advocacy! Check out this video - the fist of six that talks about our housing needs in the City of Rockford.

The Housing Gap: What's Missing and Why It MattersRockford stands at a pivotal moment. After decades of economic transition, our city is experiencing renewed...

02/23/2026

While there are some abnormalities in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Rockford report, the intent and areas of focus are important, especially the last - micromanagement.

A study was done a few years back, commissioned by the National Low Income Housing Coalition that showed about 40% of multifamily costs came from various levels of government interventions and requirements. In real numbers, where average affordable units are near $400K per unit in Illinois, $160k of that price is driven to cover those government related costs.

Check out the report here:

Shared with Dropbox

02/15/2026

What a great day at Zion Lutheran Church with the installation of Ron Clewer as the new CEO/Managing Director for Zion Development Corp. Many thanks to Pastor and the folks of for their hosting! Looking forward to Ron serving Zion, PlatFORM Group, Neighbors, and many years of community development work together.

02/13/2026

On Sunday, February 15th, Ron Clewer will be installed at the 9:15am worship service at Zion Lutheran Church as the new CEO and Managing Director of ZION Development. He will lead a forum after worship called Forum: Affordable Housing with Ron Clewer and all are welcome to attend both worship and the forum.

As a ministry extension of Zion Lutheran Church, we will gather to celebrate the community impact of Zion Development as an extension of the ministry of the church. We will gather to celebrate that ZION Development was started by Zion Lutheran Church in 1982. ZION Development has been blessed with various Directors who have stewarded the gifts of God from the church, the community, various governmental entities and the greater Christian church. We will gather to thank God for Ron Clewer, the new CEO and Managing Director of ZION Development. Ron has been called into this new role of responsibility, and we are here to support his efforts.

06/19/2025

ZION Development is accepting applications and resumes for the full-time position of the Executive Director. Zion Development is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming Rockford, Illinois, by fostering thriving communities in the Midtown neighborhoods and beyond. Inspired by God's love, we respond to the need for affordable housing for seniors and people coming out of homelessness, believing that safe, stable homes are the foundation for a sense of belonging for individuals to flourish in community. If you are interested in receiving a job description or filling out an application and resume, please contact Board Chair Pastor Michael Thomas at [email protected] or call 815-558-3169 for more information.

02/15/2025

View Robert Campbell's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/09/2025

Friends of Bob Campbell and Zion Development,

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Bob Campbell, Executive Director of Zion Development for ten years, passed away this afternoon surrounded by his family. Bob had been hospitalized since Thursday with a respiratory infection that started earlier this week. Bob’s faith in God's grace led him into a life of caring for his family and community. He will be dearly missed. Arrangements are being made with Olson Funeral Home. Please keep his family in your prayers.