City of Washington, Illinois

09/11/2026

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES: PEORIA STREET (BUS 24) RAILROAD BRIDGE

On Monday, September 14, Peoria Street (Business 24) will temporarily close at the railroad underpass just west of Washington Square while crews install new cross ties on the bridge.

Brief closures are expected between 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:30 p.m.

Each closure is expected to last 5–7 minutes, with 6–8 closures anticipated throughout the day.

Please plan for brief delays when traveling through this area.

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Link to full agenda for 9/14/26 Committee of the Whole Meeting:
https://www.ci.washington.il.us/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=3780
Link to meeting videos and livestream:
https://www.youtube.com//streams

09/10/2026

🏛️ Public Hearing & City Council Meeting Highlights for 9/8/26

🛍️ The City held a public hearing on the proposed Business Development District (BDD), which would establish a quarter-percent sales tax on eligible general merchandise within the district. The proposed BDD is estimated to generate approximately $700,000 annually for economic development and infrastructure projects within the district. The Council also discussed the proposed boundaries and approved the BDD on first reading, with a second reading expected at the next City Council meeting.

📋 The Council reviewed the City's 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, including updated vision and mission statements, organizational values, and priorities that will help guide the City's work over the next several years. Priorities discussed included the sewer trunk line project, 223 sale/development, Business 24 redevelopment, exploring ways to cut costs and reduce the tax burden, and evaluating future facility needs.

🏬 The Council approved a $50,000 Commercial Building and Property Improvement Grant for Cherry Tree Plaza for storefront improvements. The grant will be paid in two portions, with the second $25,000 contingent on securing a sales tax-generating tenant.

🚦 The Council approved the purchase of two speed feedback message trailers to support traffic safety efforts throughout the community.

📜 The Council approved a proclamation recognizing October 8, 2026, as Washington Historical Society Roots Celebration Day.

📄 As always, official meeting minutes and recordings will be available on YouTube and the City's website after they are finalized.

09/09/2026

You're invited to Let's Talk Washington! - Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 4 to 5pm at Sunny Side Street. 💙

We’d like to hear what’s on your mind! Join Mayor Lilija Stevens, City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh, Police Chief Jeff Stevens, and Alderperson John Blundy for an open conversation about our community.

All residents are welcome!

Address: 1964 Freedom Pkwy, Washington, IL 61571

09/08/2026

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for Sunday’s September 11 Remembrance Ceremony. Thank you to all who participated, volunteered, and contributed in so many ways to make the afternoon such a moving tribute.

A special thank you to September 11 Remembrance Ceremony Chairpersons Leri Slonneger and David Houseworth, along with the entire committee, for the tremendous amount of time and care that went into making this ceremony possible.

May we continue to remember the lives lost and honor the courage and sacrifice shown on September 11, 2001. Never forget.

09/04/2026

SEALCOATING NOTICE: September 11–25

Sealcoating (oil and chip) is scheduled for several City streets beginning Friday, September 11.

Work will begin on Pinetree Drive and Shellbark Court on Friday. Crews will then move to Eagle Avenue late Friday afternoon, after school dismissal, to complete chip seal work in that area.

A map outlining all roads scheduled for chip seal is provided below.

Dates are approximate and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Points to Remember:

💠 Roads will remain open during sealcoating, and residents will have access throughout the day. Brief delays may occur while work is taking place near your driveway. Please do not drive through fresh oil before the aggregate has been placed.

💠 Avoid making sharp turns with your vehicle while driving on the newly treated surface.

💠 Please remove any parked vehicles on or near the pavement between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

💠 If you have a special event or circumstance that may be affected by the work, such as a garage sale, party, or appointment, please contact R.A. Cullinan & Son at 309-925-2721 to discuss possible arrangements.

💠 Rain or equipment issues may delay work by a few business days.

💠 Loose rock should be expected for approximately two to four weeks following sealcoating. Please drive slowly during this time. Once the loose rock has been swept, the next treatment, fog seal, will be applied.

Thank you for your cooperation.

09/04/2026

Link to full agenda for 9/8/26 Public Hearing:
https://www.ci.washington.il.us/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=3778
Link to full agenda for 9/8/26 City Council Meeting:
https://www.ci.washington.il.us/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=3774
Link to meeting videos and livestream:
https://www.youtube.com//streams

09/04/2026

Good morning, Washington and happy Friday! 😄

City Hall will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, September 8.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

09/03/2026

The new historical marker at Candlewood Bridge is officially up!

Maybe make it a drive-by visit today and save the walk for when it cools down.💙