The Village of Metamora is committed to cultivating a thriving and resilient local economy that supports both new investment and long-standing businesses. With a population of approximately 3,900, our community offers the perfect balance of small-town character and forward-looking opportunity.
Our Economic Development initiatives focus on attracting new businesses that align with the Village’s vision for sustainable growth, while also empowering small businesses to expand and prosper. We provide access to strategic resources, personalized guidance, and advanced GIS mapping tools that help businesses make informed location and development decisions.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking the ideal place to start or a company looking to grow, the Village of Metamora offers a supportive environment and a community eager to welcome innovation and investment. Together, we’re shaping a prosperous future for our residents and businesses alike.
Economic Development Coordinator
Katie Garber
kgarber@villageofmetamora.com
Text Place HolderNeed Description of what Katie does
Economic Development Partner
(Add HTC Logo: Hometown Consulting Black Logo, Transparent Background.png )
Sub-Title: Hometown Consulting, a Community & Economic development Consulting Group
Text: The Village of Metamora is happy to be partnering with Hometown Consulting (HTC) to assist with the Community & Economic Development and Administrative needs of the Village.
If you need assistance navigating what is needed to start a business in Metamora, reach out to HTC or the Economic Development Coordinator.
Hometown Consulting Contact: Cole McDaniel
Email: info@hometownconsulting.com
Phone: (309) 370 – 2865
(Add button titled: Learn More About HTC) Link to: https://www.hometownconsultants.com/)
Community Profile
The Village of Metamora offers a vibrant, family-friendly community centered around a historic Square with shops, dining, and gathering spaces. Residents enjoy events like Old Settlers Days, holiday celebrations, and outdoor concerts, along with safe neighborhoods, quality parks, and affordable housing—including new subdivisions. The Village provides reliable, low-cost utilities and is actively investing in infrastructure, including water system upgrades and plans for a new public safety building. Strong local schools, access to workforce training, and proactive leadership focused on planning and development make Metamora a great place to live, work, and thrive.
· Streets & sidewalks: ongoing surface maintenance and targeted accessibility upgrades.
· Water system: main replacement/engineering work; well & tower maintenance; lead-line testing; plant security; new flushing devices.
· Downtown vitality: active Square programming and maintenance; event management improvements reflecting frequent use.
· Water & sewer: Village-owned/operated.
· Electric: Ameren.
· Internet/phone/cable: MTCO (local fiber and services).
· Skilled regional workforce in agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and the trades; proximity to Peoria broadens opportunities.
· Anchoring employers: Snyder Village provides essential services and stable jobs.
· Labor force size: Peoria–Pekin (Peoria MSA) civilian labor force ~178,000 (2024, annual, NSA).
· Enterprise Zone expansion to attract private investment.
· 135-acre Village-owned site targeted for strategic development.
· Active MABA (Metamora Area Business Association) as a key asset for business networking, promotions, and events.
Planning for the Future
The Village of Metamora Comprehensive Plan (2014) serves as a 20-year guide for thoughtful growth, community investment, and quality-of-life enhancement. Created with extensive input from residents, business owners, and local leaders, the plan outlines goals and action steps across key areas including land use, housing, economic development, infrastructure, recreation, transportation, and public safety.
It emphasizes preserving Metamora’s historic character and small-town charm while encouraging new residential and commercial development that meets the needs of a growing population. The plan also highlights opportunities to strengthen downtown vitality, attract new businesses, improve local parks and connectivity, and maintain strong public services. By providing a clear framework for decision-making, the Comprehensive Plan helps ensure that Metamora continues to grow in a way that is sustainable, connected, and true to its community values.
GIS Economic Development Map Application
The Village of Metamora’s GIS Economic Development Map Application provides an interactive platform to support businesses and investors seeking to establish or expand within the Metamora Community. This tool offers layers of geographic data including but not limited to: parcel information, zoning, incentive districts, focus area building use and business listing information. By leveraging GIS technology, Metamora facilitates informed decision-making for entrepreneurs, developers, and stakeholders, ensuring efficient land use and strategic business placement.
(Add Iframe and place the above url in it)
Start Your Business in Metamora
The Village of Metamora Business Start-Up Guide provides an overview of how to establish and operate a business within the village. It touches on state and federal registration, local permitting and zoning approvals, and industry-specific licensing for food, liquor, or construction businesses.
The guide also outlines Enterprise Zone incentives—including sales-tax exemptions and property-tax abatements—to encourage investment and redevelopment. Finally, it lists key local, regional, and state contacts such as the Village Clerk’s office, Woodford County Health Department, the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, and Hometown Consulting to assist new business owners with planning, financing, and compliance support.
Start Your Business in Metamora: Incentive Programs
Enterprise Zone
An Enterprise Zone is a special area where the State of Illinois and the Village of Metamora can offer tax breaks and incentives to encourage business growth, new construction, and redevelopment. The Village is currently in the process of expanding the existing boundaries of the Enterprise Zone to include the areas shown on the map layer “Enterprise Zone” in the GIS Economic Development Map Application above.
How to qualify and apply for Enterprise Zone incentives will be announced at a later date. For more information regarding the Enterprise Zone refer to the Business Start-Up Guide above and see page 5; or reach out to Hometown Consulting or the Village Economic Development Coordinator.
County, State, and SBA Incentive Programs
Your business start-up may qualify for county, state or federal assistance. Visit the following links to learn more about potential incentive programs through Henry County, the state through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO), and through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
(Add button titled: Woodford County Revolving Loan Fund) Link to: Economic Development | Woodford County, IL
(Add button titled: IDCEO – State Programs) Link to: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity – Home
(Add button titled: SBA – Programs) Link to: Small Business Administration