City Council Approves Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $6.9M Lena Project
May 20, 2025
On May 19, 2025, the Freeport City Council approved Ordinance No. 2025-28, expanding the Northwest Illinois Certified Enterprise Zone by 104.39 acres. This move supports a $6.9 million facility expansion by Savencia Fromage & Dairy in Lena, Illinois—part of a global shift in production that will create 42 new jobs locally.
The ordinance passed following a motion by Alderman Parker to suspend the rules, seconded by Alderman Shadle, and received full support from Alderpeople Shadle, Sellers, Parker, Klemm, and Johnson.
Regional Economic Boost
The expansion adds territory to a six-jurisdiction enterprise zone that includes Freeport, Stephenson County, Jo Daviess County, East Dubuque, Hanover, and Lena. With this addition, the zone increases from 13.5017 to 13.6648 square miles, well under the state’s 20-square-mile cap.
Savencia’s Diamond Project will shift production of a specialty cheese from France to Lena, expanding its current facility and workforce. Construction is expected to begin this summer and will prioritize local contractors and vendors.
Freeport Connection
Although the facility is in Lena, a large portion of Savencia’s workforce lives in Freeport. City officials noted the project's potential to deliver economic benefits directly to the local labor force and businesses.
Next Steps
The expansion must be approved by all six partner governments before it is certified by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). City Clerk Dovie Anderson will submit the ordinance to the Zone Administrator Gary Quinn for inclusion in the joint application.
If any portion of the added land overlaps with a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, those properties will not qualify for Enterprise Zone tax abatements.
Final Note
With room still available in the Enterprise Zone, Freeport remains positioned to support future job-creating projects through regional cooperation.
— Fighting4Freeport
