Planning and Development Committee Meeting - October 26, 2026

Meeting date: October 26, 2026, 5:30 PM Location: Rockford City Hall, Second Floor Agenda Item: Information only – RAVE City Presentation

The Rockford Planning and Development Committee convened on Monday, October 26, 2026. The meeting featured public comments on a range of topics and a presentation from the Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment (RAVE) organization. No formal votes were taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First public speaker (name not clearly identified): Shared updates about initiatives at Camp Grant (monument at roundabout, monument at Edward Park), a Black History Month program for schools involving photo contests with cash escrow accounts ($1,000 for high schools, $500 for middle and elementary schools), and a Juneteenth photo competition. The speaker also urged citizens to vote in the upcoming election.
• Jeff Chile (President, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District): Requested that the Forest Preserve District be formally included as a stakeholder in the city’s data center development process. He emphasized that the proposed development area is adjacent to Kilbuck Forest Preserves and that environmental impacts (stormwater, water quality, noise) must be considered before final decisions. He expressed support for economic development but stressed the need for responsible planning that includes natural resource experts.
• Denzel Winter (community member): Expressed anger and grief over recent traffic fatalities involving a 61-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy on bicycles. He called for improved street safety for children and pedestrians, asking the council how many more deaths must occur before action is taken.
• Susan Goldberg (attorney, 36 years): Opposed the proposed data center regulations, calling them premature, deficient, and inadequate. She argued that city staff had not fulfilled the requirements of the moratorium ordinance (sections 5 and 6) to solicit input from environmental experts and the public, and that the regulations were being rushed despite three months remaining in the moratorium. She also noted that Monarch has never successfully developed a data center and that the public overwhelmingly opposes the project.
• The chair later acknowledged that Prophet Youssef had signed up to speak on the data center item but was inadvertently missed; the committee expressed regret for the oversight.

Discussion Items

RAVE City Presentation: Bobby Holsworth (RAVE Board Chair) and Gretchen Gilmore (General Manager, Legends Global) presented the annual report for the BMO Center, Coronado Theater, and Rockford IceHogs.

• Financial update: RAVE reported a net profit of $104,000 for the past year, which was allocated to the capital reserve. Operating income declined about 10% due to economic conditions and competition.
• All-Star Classic: The 2025 HL All-Star Classic in Rockford was the first in the Midwest in 25 years, drew sold-out crowds, and delivered an estimated $1.2 million economic impact.
• Capital projects: Extensive upgrades at the Coronado Theater (over 3,000 new LED bulbs, planned centennial celebration in October 2026); new LED dasher boards at BMO Center (one of only four full sets in the U.S.)., funded partly by Athletica); cooling tower replacement; ongoing concrete restoration at BMO Center.
• Competition: Gretchen Gilmore noted that Hard Rock’s different business model (using a marketing fund to purchase acts) has drawn away shows that RAVE helped build, citing the example of Joe Coy. The casino’s host community agreement includes a $100,000 annual set-aside to offset impacts on RAVE.
• Safety and graduations: This year’s high school graduations at BMO Center had no security incidents after increased measures (ticketing limits, no-hat policy) and strong police presence.
• Future plans: A 20-year capital plan exists for BMO Center; a five-year capital plan for the Coronado was requested by Alderman Macias and will be developed.
• Davis Park: RAVE will focus on ticketed concerts at the new park while Go Rockford handles festivals.

Aldermanic Questions:

• Alderman Macias inquired about capital reserves and plans; she was told BMO Center has $200,000–$500,000 in its reserve and that Friends of the Coronado and the city jointly prioritize Coronado projects. She requested a five-year capital plan for the Coronado.
• Alderman Prentice asked about Dasher board financing (came at 25% of typical cost via Athletica partnership) and graduation security (improved this year with no incidents).
• Alderman Toomberg (Chair) commended board leadership and staff for turning RAVE from a loss-making to a profitable operation.
• Alderman Salgato noted a 331% decrease in direct event income (attributed to accounting treatments) and the 10% drop in net operating income due to economic pressures and competition from Hard Rock and soon Beloit. He praised premium ticket sales growth (38–48% increase) and encouraged continued marketing and use of Legends Global’s national booking expertise.

Key Outcomes

• The committee received the RAVE annual report for information only; no vote was taken.
• Alderman Macias requested a written five-year capital improvement plan for the Coronado Theater, which was committed to by management.
• Several aldermen affirmed support for RAVE’s work and expressed confidence in the organization’s direction.
• Data center regulation was not on the formal agenda but was raised by multiple speakers; the committee chair noted that Prophet Youssef’s speaking slot had been missed and apologized.