Vandalia Illinois Economic Development

10/08/2026

🌟 THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY STARTS WITH US! 🌟

Last night, we kicked off Session 1 of MAPPING the Future of Your Community lead by Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, and what an exciting opportunity to bring people together to help shape the future of Vandalia and Fayette County! Representing the city was Mayor Doug Knebel, City Administrator LaTisha Paslay, City Clerk Carla Huhn, Alderman Bret Brosman, Alderman Russ Stunkel and Director of Economic Development & Tourism Amber Daulbaugh.

Community members came together to identify our challenges, recognize our assets, share what we LOVE about our community, and discuss what we'd like to see changed, improved, or enhanced. It was an inspiring evening of meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and ideas for our future! ❤️

📣 JOIN US FOR SESSION 2!

Whether you attended Session 1 or are just hearing about MAPPING, you're invited to join us for the next conversation! You don't need to have participated in the first session to get involved. Your ideas and perspective are welcome! We especially encourage younger residents, young professionals, parents, and future community leaders to bring their perspectives and ideas to the conversation. If you are interested or have questions on how you can get involved, call Amber to RSVP, at City Hall, 618.283.1152.

📅 Wednesday, October 14
⏰ 5:30–8:30 PM
📍 Family YMCA of Fayette County

👏 Thank you to everyone who participated in Session 1! Let's keep the momentum going and bring even more voices into the conversation!

Your community. Your ideas. Our future. ❤️

MAPPING the Future of Your Community The MAPPING program was created in 1991 at the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, located at Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois. With initial support from the Office of the Lt. Governor and the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, the MAPPING program...

10/07/2026

It was a great morning hearing from our newest businesses, professional and community leaders Mayor Doug Knebel & Mayor Kim Baron from Saint Elmo at the Vandalia Country Club! Special thank you to our sponsors: Midland States Bank and The FNB Community Bank. Welcome to Vandalia and congratulations on your new role: Allied Capital Title Vandalia, Scooter's Coffee, Constitution Bank, Lapo Vandalia, Ironhood Fitness, LLC, The Bulk Plant Resale, Zoryana Mills Midland States Bank, Kelsey Hobbie, Ali Willenborg from The FNB Community Bank; Corey Woolard of OctoChem Inc., now Odyssey Logistics and Will Knebel of Hecht Chevrolet of Vandalia.

09/19/2026

9/21/2026: ALL BOIL ORDERS FOR THE CITY OF VANDALIA HAVE BEEN LIFTED!

EDITED 9/20/26: The city wide boil order has been lifted. HOWEVER, there is still one in effect for Jefferson Street from 5th to Riverview and 2nd street from Jefferson and North until further notice.

Due to ongoing work associated with a water main replacement project, the City of Vandalia is issuing a citywide boil order for all City of Vandalia water users.

We understand the inconvenience this may cause to our residents and businesses. However, the health and safety of every resident and visitor to our community remains our highest priority.

Additional information regarding the boil order and when it has been lifted will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

09/11/2026

EDITED Tuesday, September 15, 2026: BOIL ORDER HAS BEEN LIFTED

EDITED Saturday 11:20am: Due to labs not being open weekends, the required samples will be taken to the lab for testing Monday morning. With the time required for said labs to be tested, it will most likely be Tuesday before order can potentially be lifted. We will post here and on radio website when lifted.

EDITED 5:24pm: in addition to original area, the Boil Order also includes: Vandalia High School, Vandalia Elementary School, McDonald's, Dairy Queen, Sonic, Wendy's & Tonny's.

Due to a water main break, a boil order has been issued for City of Vandalia water customers until further notice in the following area: East of 8th Street from Interstate 70 to Vandalia Country Club. The City public works department is working diligently to get this matter taken care of. Please be mindful of the workers and barricades.

09/08/2026

🌿 LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY GEOTHERMAL IN VANDALIA!

The City of Vandalia is exploring a community geothermal system designed to lower energy costs, modernize our infrastructure, and provide reliable heating and cooling. Residents will have two opportunities this month to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback!

🌮 COMMUNITY SOCIAL AT Charters Patio

Join your neighbors and the project team for a complimentary taco bar and drinks while learning how community geothermal could benefit Vandalia.

📅 September 8, 9 & 10
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Charters Patio

🏠 NEIGHBORHOOD DOOR-TO-DOOR OUTREACH

Beginning this month, members of the local project team will visit homes in Vandalia residential areas to answer questions, explain the proposed system, and share project information.

Residents will also have an opportunity to complete a short, non-binding Letter of Interest to help the City better understand community interest and plan for future needs.

🔗 Learn more and receive project updates at VandaliaGeothermal.com

Your questions, ideas, and participation are important as we explore this potential investment in Vandalia’s future!

09/04/2026

Cages Bar & Grill has their 17th Annual Labor Day Bike Show benefiting the Shriners Hospital!

09/03/2026

🚧 2026 STREET & ALLEY OILING NOTICE 🚧

Weather permitting, the City of Vandalia Street Department will conduct its annual street and alley oiling from Tuesday, September 8 through Tuesday, September 15.

Work will include streets and alleys generally located between 8th Street and Kennedy Boulevard, from Randolph Street north, as well as Sunset Drive.

🗺️ Please review the map for specific locations:

🟧 Orange lines indicate streets
🟦 Blue lines indicate alleys

Signs and traffic-control devices will be placed in work areas. Please slow down, remain alert, and follow all posted directions. Do not drive around or through barricades or traffic-control devices. These measures protect both City employees and the public.

The City will be using a different type of rock than in previous years. Weather delays may extend the project or require additional workdays.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as our Street Department completes this important maintenance! Please share!

08/18/2026

What an exciting morning for economic development in Vandalia!

We are incredibly grateful that Vandalia was selected to host this important regional event. Thank you to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and its Regional Economic Development Team for choosing Vandalia to host today’s Southeast Region Business Development Roadshow at the Kaskaskia College Education Center!

The event brought together economic development professionals and community leaders to learn about:

New and updated state business development programs
Funding and grant opportunities coming in FY27
Technical assistance resources
Regional and statewide economic development successes
Progress on Illinois’ five-year economic development plan
Rural economic development challenges and opportunities

We appreciated hearing from representatives of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Illinois EDC, and USDA Rural Development. Their presentations provided valuable information and resources that will help communities like Vandalia support business growth, encourage investment, and create new economic opportunities.

There is tremendous momentum building across our region, and we are excited about what’s ahead for Vandalia!

08/06/2026

More exciting news for Vandalia’s future!

The City of Vandalia is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded an additional $2,368,867 through the State of Illinois’ Regional Site Readiness Program!

Announced today by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, this Capital Ready grant will support utility and roadway extensions serving 97 acres at the Vandalia Industrial Park.

This new award is in addition to the $3 million Regional Site Readiness grant Vandalia received in 2025 for road and water improvements at the same site—bringing the State’s total investment in this transformational project to more than $5.36 million!

These critical infrastructure improvements will help make the Vandalia Industrial Park shovel-ready, strengthen our ability to compete for industrial development, attract private investment, support business growth, and create new job opportunities.

We sincerely thank Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and our state and local partners for recognizing Vandalia’s potential and continuing to invest in our community’s future. We are incredibly excited about the momentum building in Vandalia and look forward to sharing more as this project moves forward!




Read today’s announcement:

Site Ready Illinois grants provide $35 million for 22 sites to spur infrastructure improvements, community renewal, and industrial economic development

06/29/2026

🇺🇸 Thank You to Sheldon Schulte Construction Inc.! 🇺🇸

The City of Vandalia would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Sheldon Schulte Construction Inc. for generously donating the time, equipment, and expertise needed to install two new flagpoles at the Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Vandalia.

With the help of some members of our City Street Department, they were able to complete the installation of the POW/MIA and United States Space Force flagpoles, ensuring that every branch of our nation's military is now proudly represented at the memorial.

Projects like this are only possible because of community-minded businesses and dedicated City employees who are willing to step up and give back. Their generosity and teamwork have helped enhance a place that honors the brave men and women who have served our country.

Please join us in thanking them for preserving a meaningful space where we recognize the sacrifices of our veterans.

Together, we continue to make Vandalia a community that remembers, honors, and serves. 🇺🇸❤️