The Ferrara Packing/Distribution Center located along Gurler Road is currently undergoing roof and site work. Ferrara continues to work on the parking lot and access drives by building curbs and other necessary prep work. The distribution center is anticipated to open in early 2021 and the packing center will be opening shortly after in the spring of 2021.

Mortenson Construction Company has been working hard in preparation to begin building the Facebook Data Center. The Data Center will be located on Route 23 and Gurler Road. The Data Center sits on 505 acres that is estimated to be a 907,700 square foot facility when complete.

Every year the most occurrences of college housing fires happen in September and October. In fact, from 2000 – 2018, 132 students have died in 92 fatal fires on college campuses, Greek housing, and privately owned off-campus housing nearby campus. Of the total 92 fatal fires, 79 of the fatal fires occurred in off-campus housing, with a total of 113 victims.

The City has just begun the FY2021 Budget process. In order to remain transparent and keep residents informed of the process, City Council voted on July 27 for the following budget schedule:

This past March, the DeKalb Police Department announced they would start a body camera pilot program to increase the transparency and accountability of DeKalb Police Officers. At this time, the Police Department has piloted two of the three body cameras that were selected for the pilot program. Select officers wore the body cameras to test the capabilities and controls while responding to police calls. The department is currently testing the final body camera. For each vendor, the department is collecting officer and administration feedback on the camera, software, and storage.

In addition, the Police Department distributed an online survey during May to collect citizen feedback. The survey was the department's first step in understanding the community, its knowledge of body camera systems, and public opinions on body cameras. The survey was closed in early July and staff is currently reviewing the responses. One initial observation from the public survey were concerns regarding the department’s body camera policy. The department has posted the policy on the City website here. This policy covers multiple things including training, recording retention, privacy expectations, and when to turn off/on the body-worn camera.

Census enumerators can be easily identified by a valid government ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date on the badge. To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public may contact their regional census center to speak with a Census Bureau representative at 630-288-9200

To count yourself in the Census today, respond online at 2020census.gov, or call 844-330-2020.

Receive important notifications from the City by signing up for ALERT DeKalb. Text, email, and phone messages are used to alert the public to emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic disruptions.

Users can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67283 to report criminal or suspicious activity and quality of life concerns.

Even though the weather outside is still quite hot, now is the perfect time to think about your heating system before the chilly weather arrives. When examining your current heating equipment, if it shows that you need an upgrade, make sure you contact the Building & Code Division (815-748-2070) to inquire if a building permit is required. All HVAC contractors must be registered with the City to ensure your contractor is insured for safety purposes. Furnaces and boilers can introduce dangers into your home if not properly sized and installed. Be sure to seek multiple bids from contractors who are registered with the City of DeKalb, and display your orange Building Permit Placard so it is visible from the street.

The Building & Code Division is here to help ensure the work in and around your home is completed according to safety standards and building codes. The Building & Code Division is available for any questions you have and maintains a list of registered/ insured contractors that you can view here.

Please note that due to ongoing COVID-19 health concerns, meetings are subject to cancellation. Check the City of DeKalb's Agenda Center for the most up to date information.

The DeKalb Public Library is offering virtual and in person programs and events for children and adults of all ages. Some of the events this month are Outdoor Story Time at Huntley Park, LEGO Club Zoom, and The Great DeKalbian Nailed it Bake-off. Check out their website for details.

Registration is open for the 40th Annual DeKalb Corn Classic that will take place virtually this year. To participate in this event, all you have to do is track your run with the RaceJoy App on your phone, and run anytime from September 19-27 on the courses that are marked in DeKalb, which can be found here. To register, and for more information, you can find web page here.

DeKalb Farmers' Market 

Van Buer Plaza, Every Thursday, 

10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Stroll downtown and try some fresh baked bread, locally grown produce, coffee, flowers, food trucks, and art. You do not want to miss this event. Most weeks have music sponsored by the Egyptian Theatre. More information can be found on the Chamber's website.

Tapa La Luna is hosting the Local Flavors Benefit on September 20, which will provide 100% of donations back to DCCG programs. The boxed meal pick-up will be from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., and the online program will be from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. The price for this event will be $50 per person. Purchase your tickets now so you can enjoy great food, music, and conversation! Ticket sales will be available only online, and they are found here.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce has decided to reschedule their DeKalb County Community Expo event to October 1, from 3:00 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center Parking Lot. This will be a community event with a variety of businesses, restaurants, and non-profits, and a great way to learn what they have to offer for DeKalb County residents!

The Mutt Strut is a dog-friendly 5K run/walk-a-thon benefiting over 3,200 animals cared for each year at Tails Humane Society. You can run/walk your 5K anytime between September 6-13 and log your time/distance using the Walk for a Dog app ( or another fitness app of your choice). Participants will receive a t-shirt, and dogs will receive a bandanna! For more information check out the website.

The Egyptian Theatre invites you to come join them for the events they will be putting on in September! For more information and tickets, please visit the Egyptian Theatre website.

DeKalb Hometown Hero banners have returned to downtown to acknowledge some of our local veterans. To register for a banner, request an application from the DeKalb American Legion. You will be notified if your application is approved and a $100 fee will be required.

City Hall          

Monday - Friday  

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    

City Clerk 815-748-2095 

City Manager's Office 815-748-2090

Community Development Department 815-748-2070

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102

Finance Department 815-748-2000

Fire/Police Emergency 911

Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460

Mayor's Office 815-748-2099

Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400

Public Works Department 815-748-2040