Freeport’s Department of Community & Economic Development:
Building a Better Future?
FREEPORT, IL – October 29, 2025
A New Director, a Big Job, and Even Bigger Expectations
The City of Freeport’s Department of Community & Economic Development (CED) is one of the most important — and powerful — branches of city government. Created in 1994, this department’s purpose is simple but vital: to grow Freeport responsibly, strengthen neighborhoods, attract business, protect the environment, and improve quality of life for residents.
When this department works well, neighborhoods thrive, businesses expand, and the city becomes cleaner, safer, and more attractive for investment. When it doesn’t, residents feel the impact — in blight, red tape, and missed opportunity.
What the Department Does
Under Chapter 250 of Freeport’s City Code, the department oversees five key areas:
Neighborhood Redevelopment – Restores housing, coordinates rehab grants, and supports stable neighborhoods.
Planning & Zoning – Manages land use, zoning changes, and long-term city planning.
Health & Environment – Handles garbage collection, recycling, nuisance enforcement, and environmental health.
Economic Development – Works with local and regional partners to help businesses expand, manage incentive programs like TIF districts, and apply for state and federal grants.
Building & Code Enforcement – Issues building permits, inspects properties, and enforces safety and housing standards.
These divisions together determine how Freeport grows — physically, economically, and environmentally. They also directly affect what residents see every day: how clean the streets are, whether buildings are safe, and whether local businesses stay or leave.
A New Director at the Helm
Last week, Gertrude Heimerdinger was officially sworn in as Freeport’s new Community & Economic Development Director, replacing longtime director Wayne Duckmann.
A Pearl City native with a background in architecture and city planning, Heimerdinger brings experience from Origin Design, a Dubuque-based architectural and engineering firm, where she helped develop municipal and commercial projects. She also previously worked for United Way of Northwest Illinois, giving her insight into local community needs.
Fighting4Freeport congratulates and welcomes Director Heimerdinger, and we sincerely hope she will focus on rebuilding the department’s reputation through transparency, accountability, and results.
Why This Department Matters
The Community & Economic Development Department doesn’t just issue permits or write reports — it is responsible for shaping Freeport’s future. Its staff decide how to balance development and preservation, where housing dollars go, how to enforce code violations, and how to attract jobs without overburdening taxpayers.
It manages programs that affect everyone:
Redevelopment projects in aging neighborhoods
Grant funding for business growth
Environmental cleanup and waste management
Land-use decisions that dictate where new housing or industry can locate
In short, this department decides whether Freeport’s growth is smart, fair, and sustainable — or just more of the same.
Fighting4Freeport Analysis: A Chance to Rebuild
This new leadership marks a clean slate for a department that has often been criticized for poor communication and inconsistent enforcement. If done right, Director Heimerdinger’s tenure could mark a turning point for City Hall — one that restores public trust and ensures development decisions are made with the people, not behind them.
The community will be watching closely to see whether this office can once again serve its intended purpose: protecting neighborhoods, promoting fairness, and creating opportunity for everyone in Freeport.
Contact Information
Gertrude Heimerdinger
Director of Community & Economic Development
📧 cddirector@cityoffreeport.org
📞 815-235-8221
