Freeport’s Department of Community and Economic Development: Established for Accountability, Hijacked for Outsourcing?

FREEPORT, IL – August 05, 2025

A key department of Freeport’s city government, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), was created to strengthen neighborhoods, stimulate economic growth, and protect public health. But after years under the leadership of Wayne Duckmann—and now with his quiet departure and controversial re-hiring as a consultant—residents are asking: Is this department still serving the people of Freeport, or just padding paychecks and shielding power behind closed doors?