Ameren Illinois and Partners Launch Initiative to Boost Site Development for Economic Growth

Accelerating Economic Growth: The Ameren Site Acceleration Program

Ameren Illinois, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC), and local economic development partners have announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at enhancing site readiness for business development in economically disadvantaged areas. This initiative, known as the Ameren Site Acceleration Program (ASAP), is designed to prepare prime sites for expansion, ultimately fostering economic growth and job creation in the region.

Kristol Simms, the Vice President of Economic Development for Ameren Illinois, emphasized the importance of proactive economic development in today's competitive landscape. Simms stated, "Economic development is highly competitive and the winners cannot afford to be reactive. We're pleased to make this investment to accelerate preparation of marketable assets in our region. By performing site due diligence on the front end, we'll remove barriers to development and fast track the location process for businesses that want to expand and grow in downstate Illinois."

The ASAP initiative plans to conduct due diligence studies, create conceptual site plans, and perform targeted industry analyses for several key properties within Ameren’s downstate service area. Preparing these sites involves comprehensive engineering analysis to ensure that potential businesses can build their facilities and begin operations efficiently. The ultimate goal of ASAP is to make these properties more 'shovel ready,' which should significantly shorten the timeline for businesses looking to establish themselves in the area.

In addition to engineering assessments, the program will also focus on identifying compatible industries suited for these properties based on existing utility capacities and community attributes. The Ameren Illinois team, together with Illinois EDC and regional economic partners, will actively market these newly prepared sites to site location consultants and corporate real estate executives, further enhancing the appeal of Illinois as a prime destination for business investment.

Christy George, President and CEO of the Illinois EDC, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to driving new investments and job opportunities in Illinois. "A strong inventory of modern, development-ready sites shortens timelines, reduces risk for investors, and strengthens Illinois' ability to compete for major corporate expansions—keeping the state at the forefront of business attraction and economic opportunity," George commented.

The pilot program will initially concentrate on three specific properties located in Champaign, Decatur, and Ottawa, each selected from the Illinois EDC's comprehensive real estate database. This database serves as a vital tool for businesses in search of suitable locations for expansion or relocation.

Champaign's Mayor, Deborah Frank Feinen, expressed pride in the city’s selection for the pilot program, noting, "Through this initiative, Ameren Illinois is empowering communities with the planning needed to make more sites ready for investment. We look forward to collaborating with our regional partners to support this significant effort, which will have a lasting impact on our community's economic competitiveness."

Moreover, the program will focus on accelerating site development in communities that are eligible for equity investment. These areas are defined as those disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and economic vulnerability. This aligns with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which prioritizes job training, clean energy development, and economic opportunities in historically underserved communities.

Nicole Bateman, President of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur Macon County, stated, "Partnering with Ameren Illinois to initiate the ASAP at Commerce Park will accelerate our efforts to attract businesses to the site. Being site-ready puts Decatur in a leading position for job growth and enhances the visibility of this important industrial site."

The studies required for site preparation are set to commence in January 2026. Ottawa’s Mayor, Robert Hasty, also highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to prepare for development, stating that participation in this program will enable the city to attract meaningful investments and job opportunities that will foster long-term growth.

In conclusion, the Ameren Site Acceleration Program is a testament to the collaborative efforts being made to spur economic development in Illinois. By preparing sites in advance and targeting specific industries for location, this initiative promises to enhance the economic vitality of local communities while also paving the way for sustainable growth in the future.