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Council President Kevin D. Levy says Beloit is "moving in the right direction," highlights crime, housing and homelessness work
Summary
At a State of the City address, Council President Kevin D. Levy highlighted a drop in crime, new and pending housing investments, $2 million in ARPA funding for transitional housing and the arrival of a casino, while urging continued work on community priorities.
Council President Kevin D. Levy delivered the City of Beloit’s annual State of the City address, telling residents and staff that the city is “moving in the right direction” while acknowledging further work remains.
Levy said overall crime fell by 7.3% and that the police department’s clearance rate has improved, which he attributed in part to a “3.5 increase in tips received by Crime Stoppers.” He also highlighted community policing and public safety outreach programs, including mentoring partnerships and demonstrations by police and fire personnel.
On housing, Levy outlined recent development and financing actions aimed at increasing supply and affordability. He said the city created eight new residential development contracts and established a TIF housing fund that provided $6,000,000 for affordable rental housing. He cited $363,000 allocated for downtown upper-floor housing grants, a $1,000,000 market-rate housing initiative, 47 parcels under contract for new housing and 48 housing units either added to the inventory or under contract to be built.
Levy described the city’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funding to address homelessness, saying the council committed $2,000,000 in ARPA funds for the “next steps family resiliency pro center,” intended to provide transitional housing, wraparound services and child care for people experiencing homelessness. He said nearly 2,300 people have been served through ARPA-funded homelessness services and prevention programs and that 231 people received overnight shelter via that funding.
Levy also noted local cultural milestones and economic development, including the commissioning of the USS Beloit, a PBS Wisconsin documentary about the city’s history, and the arrival of a casino, which he said staff helped bring to fruition.
Levy closed by thanking city staff and residents and urging continued collaboration to address remaining challenges in public safety, housing and community services.
