Mission
The mission of the IRCTI is to advance economic prosperity while preserving the environmental integrity and resilience of the Illinois River region. IRCTI amplifies the voice of Illinois riverfront communities, supporting policies and initiatives that protect and preserve the economic and environmental sustainability of the Illinois River for present and future generations.
Purpose
- To promote sustainable economic development while ensuring the protection, preservation, and advancement of the Illinois River aquatic ecosystem;
- To collaborate with other regional, national, and global partners, to include but not limited to the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, working in the interest of the Illinois River Communities;
- To implement and advance existing mayoral initiatives along the Illinois River corridor;
- Call upon the State and Federal legislators to appropriate funds for the economic development and ecosystem management in the Illinois River Basin;
- To identify, evaluate, highlight and share information between riverfront communities about successful local initiatives that protect and restore the Illinois River ecosystem while encouraging the economic vitality of riverfront communities;
- Continue to meet, communicate and share ideas about the various issues the member cities are experiencing in order to advance the much-needed knowledge, understanding and solutions of said issues, with the goal of creating as expeditiously as possible, comprehensive regional solutions;
- Promote Interagency, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare in an equitable manner, without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems;
- Promote the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission and the Rural, Regional Partnership Port Concept along the Illinois River Corridor, to include the Green Marine Highway Initiative, and sponsorship of Marine Highway 55.
History
In 2024, the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission (IWPC) sponsored the formation of the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative (IRCTI) to strengthen the collective voice of communities within the IWPC region and increase access to funding opportunities for the Illinois River corridor.
Initially, 12 local governments from across the Illinois River came together to establish an influential and independent coalition to advocate for the region’s political and economic interests.
IRCTI plays a vital role in protecting and restoring the Illinois River as a natural system. The Illinois River watershed accounts for 46% of the state’s agricultural production, covers 44% of its land area, and is home to 90% of Illinois’ population. The initiative was created with a clear objective: to improve both the ecological health and economic vitality of the Illinois Waterway (ILWW) region.
The Illinois River is strategically located and serves as a vital link between two of North America’s greatest freshwater systems—the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. The formation of IRCTI received strong support from two well-established, mayor-led organizations: the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI). IRCTI fills a critical gap in regional collaboration and advocacy.
Through IRCTI, cities along the Illinois Waterway are empowered to take collective action for the river’s long-term prosperity and sustainability.
Support the communities along the Illinois River. Your contribution helps us advocate for those who live, work, and play along the river—strengthening local voices and driving positive change across the region.