The city of DeKalb is on the upswing after great economic improvements last year, said DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen.

DeKalb has seen significant growth and recovery in the past year. The city has more money in the reserves, businesses are lining up for spaces in town and Povlsen said the city is on the way up.

“We are starting to see retail increase in the city, and we are becoming more and more attractive to businesses,” Povlsen said. “Our store fronts are full, and we are in the midst of a financial turnaround.”

Such a turnaround could be due to NIU’s involvement in the community.

“DeKalb is in a way recession-proof because of NIU,” said 6th Ward Aldermam Dave Baker. “We have rebounded much better than many other cities without any university.”

Likewise, 5th Ward Alderman Ron Naylor said he is looking forward to a positive year.

Povlsen said the city has not overbuilt homes, and community members can expect slow, well-planned growth. “New developments will be looked at deliberately,” Povlsen said.

Participation and involvement in the city is a great way for students to have an affect on the city, Baker said.

“Students should spend money in DeKalb, and buy things in town that they may usually buy back home,” Baker said. “The money DeKalb can raise from students would be reinvested in the city and further benefit the entire community.”

Besides being a major source of revenue for DeKalb, NIU is also a source of great pride and positivity, Povlsen said.

“NIU’s football team made the school, and all of DeKalb proud this year,” Povlsen said. “Similarly, the rededication of Cole Hall shows that even in the eye of negativity and adversity, DeKalb and NIU are resilient.”

Povlsen spoke positively about the city’s overall quality and diversity.

“My favorite thing about DeKalb is the cultural and intellectual diversity, which allows for an excellent community to reside in and raise children,” Povlsen said. “We have a small town feel, a small town sense of security and comfort, mixed with a big town set of opportunities for development, culture and entertainment.”