ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Igniting Growth: Antioch's Vision for Economic Development

The Village of Antioch understands that a vibrant and resilient community is built on a strong economic foundation. That's why we've established a comprehensive economic development strategy, anchored by our recently adopted Antioch Economic Development Plan and the formation of the dedicated Antioch Economic Development Task Force.


Our approach is rooted in understanding our community. We begin by thoroughly analyzing Antioch's existing demographics and psychographics—like population, median household incomes, and educational levels—alongside current economic and market trends. Understanding your market and demographic profile is the critical first step in creating an intelligent economic development plan. This data, combined with strategic connections to key retailers, forms the bedrock of a successful economic development strategy.

What Businesses Look For

When considering a new location, commercial users prioritize several key factors:


Antioch boasts an impressive trade area of approximately 100,000 people, extending into parts of Wisconsin and areas to our south and west. This encompasses roughly 39,000 households with a healthy median household income of $93,000. Importantly, our trade area still offers vacant land and is recognized as a growing market, setting us apart from more mature areas to the south.



Our Economic Development Anchors

This will continue to serve as our premier commercial corridor. Staff has pinpointed new commercial nodes along Route 173 with strong potential to attract new retail development.

Designed to attract new light industrial users, this state-of-the-art business park is approved for 2,000,000 square feet. It currently features a 500,000-square-foot light industrial building, with another 514,000-square-foot building already approved. Additionally, the Village is actively working on the redevelopment of the Anita Business Park.

With its unique historical character and central role as home to important civic institutions, Downtown Antioch offers numerous opportunities to attract unique small businesses, including restaurants and niche retail. As envisioned by our Economic Development Plan, Staff is diligently working on a long-term revitalization plan that reflects current market trends, with a major goal of attracting new businesses that will increase foot traffic and visitor engagement.

Expanding our existing auto dealerships remains a primary goal. The dealerships on Route 173 are vital generators of sales tax for the Village. We recently purchased property along Route 173 with the potential to attract another dealership, and Kunes Ford is currently constructing a new dealership on their site.

Strategic Partnerships for Success

A critical component of Antioch's Economic Development Plan is forging the right partnerships. We've collaborated with leading national economic development consultants to deeply understand our market. 

Here's a summary of our active efforts through these valuable partnerships:


Gruen & Gruen Associates: We continue our work with this nationally recognized economic development firm, following up on their extensive market analysis of our trade area. They assist Staff in formulating robust Economic Development Incentive Agreements. Their market analysis provides an extensive breakdown of our existing market, along with projections for future retail demand.


Business Districts, Inc.: Over the past year, the Village has been working with Downtown businesses to foster a Main Street community. As part of this effort, we recently retained Business Districts, Inc., a leading Downtown Economic Development firm, to develop a Strategic Plan for Downtown Antioch. This new plan will identify specific steps to revitalize the Downtown, with major goals including concrete recommendations on how to increase foot traffic and recruit new businesses.

Kim Biederman

Economic Development Inquiry Contact

Kim Biederman
Business Liaison Specialist
Phone: 224-788-4422
Email: kbiederman@antioch.il.gov

Partnering for Success: Business Services in Antioch

The Village of Antioch is more than just a great place to do business – it's a community dedicated to your success. Whether you're looking to launch a new venture, expand an existing one, or simply need information, we are here to assist your business every step of the way. Our mission is to make it as easy as possible for your business to thrive in the vibrant Village of Antioch.


We're committed to fostering economic development and orderly growth, strengthening our retail sales tax base, and continuously enhancing the exceptional quality of life our residents enjoy. Through strategic planning, programs, and policies, we aim to cultivate a dynamic, social, and active community where both existing and new businesses can flourish.

Your Resources for Growth

We encourage you to take advantage of the following resources designed to support your business.

Staff is also here to personally guide you through the Village’s approval processes for new business endeavors and expansions. 


Please feel free to email Kim Biederman, Business Liaison Specialist at kbiederman@antioch.il.gov or contact her directly at 224-788-4422

We look forward to partnering with you to build a prosperous future in Antioch!