December 4, 2025
As the fall season unfolds, we are excited to share the many programs, events, and opportunities happening across our region. From career development workshops and workforce initiatives to community revitalization efforts and special seasonal events, there is so much to look forward to this October. Whether you’re exploring new career paths, seeking ways to get involved, or simply celebrating the season with us, we invite you to stay connected and engaged through these updates.
Check out this link to keep up with the events this month: Events | Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
Empowering Your Career Journey
As we transition into the fall season, numerous Career and Job Fairs filled with exciting opportunities are on the horizon. Stay tuned to our website and social media platforms for comprehensive details on these invaluable events.
Our Wednesday Job Club, held from 3 to 4 p.m., serves as a valuable resource for improving your resume writing, application skills, and supervised job searches. This program is free and open to all, providing an opportunity to take a step towards a brighter future.
Our workforce staff provide Workforce Fundamentals which is a training workshop on the first and third Fridays of each month at 10 a.m. This training is designed for individuals seeking to acquire or enhance their workforce skills.
Follow the link to contact our workforce staff.
Workforce Development | Two Rivers Regional Council
Community Growth in Action
Revolving Loan Fund Program
We have launched a new Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) designed to support regional businesses and foster community development. The fund will offer accessible capital to help local enterprises grow and succeed.
Two Rivers Land Bank Authority (TRLBA)
The TRLBA continues to make significant progress in acquiring, managing, and repurposing vacant, abandoned, and foreclosed properties. This work supports the goals of IHDA’s Strong Communities Grant (Adams County) and the broader TRLBA service area. We also look to expand to a larger demographic area.
Recent Success:
Several parcels in Quincy and Jacksonville have been sold, contributing to the revitalization of key neighborhoods.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Development of a CEDS is underway to strategically position the region for future economic and community development funding. We are finalizing an application for short-term planning funds from the EDA and are awaiting further guidance.
Rental Housing Support Program
The program continues to grow steadily, with a consistent increase in new client participation. We have also been awarded a grant naming us as the administrative lead—further expanding our role and impact.
Regional Engagement & Grant Strategy
We are actively engaging with counties and boards across the TRRC region to identify and prepare for upcoming grant opportunities. These strategic conversations are vital for advancing key regional initiatives.
Regional Development in Focus: Laying the Groundwork for Growth
Momentum continues to build across the region as TRRC prepares to roll out several transformative initiatives. At the forefront is our Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)—a major resource designed to boost local business growth and fuel community development. As we enter the final phase of preparation, the RLF is positioned to provide flexible, accessible capital to regional entrepreneurs and small business owners. This program is expected to become a cornerstone of our economic support strategy, and its launch is just around the corner.
In other areas of regional progress, our Community Development team remains hard at work on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a long-term planning tool that will open the door to key funding opportunities. We’ve submitted a request for short-term planning support through the Economic Development Administration and are awaiting final guidance to move forward.
The Rental Housing Support Program continues to grow steadily, with more clients enrolling each month. With TRRC now serving as the administrative lead—thanks to a newly awarded grant—we’re positioned to expand services and deliver support more efficiently than ever.
Additionally, we’re continuing strategic conversations with local governments and stakeholders across the TRRC region. These regional engagement efforts are critical to identifying high-impact funding sources that align with the needs and priorities of our communities.
Each of these initiatives represents a step toward a more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future for our region. Stay tuned for more as we prepare to launch the Revolving Loan Fund and bring these plans to life.
LIHEAP Season is Upon Us
The LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) opens Oct 1st for income eligible households that have a household member with one of the following requirements:
- 60 yrs or older
- Disabled and are receiving Social Security disability benefits or Veterans disability benefits
- Children under 5
- Disconnected or have a current disconnect notice
Households can call October 1st or after to schedule an appointment.
November 1st -All other income eligible households (call Nov 1st or after for first available appointment)
Please call to make an appointment. TRRC serves 4 counties, please call the office located in the county you live in to schedule your appointment:
- Adams County 217-224-8171
- Brown County 217-773-3141
- Pike County 217-285-5425
- Schuyler County 217-322-6916
Please bring the following to your appointment:
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of past 30-day gross income for everyone living in the residence 18 yrs or older
- Copy of current gas and electric bill
- Link card if you receive one
Contractor Opportunities Available
We are currently welcoming new contractors to join us in our efforts to strengthen communities across the region. Contractors must be insured and carry RRP certification, and we encourage those interested to reach out and learn more about upcoming opportunities. We are especially eager to expand our work with multi-family properties—two units or more—in all four counties we serve. Partnering with us not only supports local development but also contributes to providing safe, quality housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for the future.
Give us a call: (217) 718-6395
Visit our website: Weatherization | Two Rivers Regional Council | Quincy IL
Celebrating Manufacturing Month
October is Manufacturing Month, and we are excited to highlight the many opportunities available in the skilled trades through the WIOA program. From welding and CNC operation to computer-aided design, there are numerous pathways for individuals seeking rewarding careers in manufacturing. We encourage anyone interested to connect with one of our Career & Employment Specialists to learn more about available training and resources.
Check us out by visiting our website: WIOA | Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
New Series Alert: The Deep Dive
New series alert! We are so excited to announce our new series on YouTube: The Deep Dive. This series will highlight the programs we offer here at TRRC and the people that are here to serve you! Our first episode will be airing soon, highlighting our LIHEAP department. Visit the link below to check it out!
