top of page


Rock Island’s New Social Service Ordinance Threatens the Spirit of Our City
The Rock Island City Council has introduced a new Social Services License Ordinance that will reshape how our community responds to homelessness. At first glance, it may look like regulation, but beneath the legal language lies a shift in values that risks undermining the very character of Rock Island. You can read a copy of the ordinance here: Here are five reasons why this ordinance is deeply concerning. 1. Rock Island Will Become the Most Restrictive City in Illinois for
Sep 19, 20254 min read


Justice as Fairness: Building Unity Through Rawlsian Principles
John Rawls America finds itself in a period of deep polarization. Headlines lurch from one controversy to the next, while social media...
Sep 12, 20255 min read


Rock Island Redevelopment by ChatGPT: My More Conservative Neighbor's Version
As promised, I am going to release three different users' Chat GPT responses to the following prompt: PROMPT: You are an expert in urban...
Aug 12, 20255 min read


Rock Island Redevelopment by ChatGPT: Atticus's Version
As promised, I am going to release three different users Chat GPT responses to the following prompt: PROMPT: You are an expert in urban...
Aug 12, 20254 min read


Rock Island Redevelopment by ChatGPT: Annika's Version
As promised, I am going to release three different users' Chat GPT responses to the following prompt: PROMPT: You are an expert in urban...
Aug 12, 20256 min read


Rock Island's Many Parts: Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Community Work
The current formats available to community members to discuss collective issues often exacerbate division, fail to build community, and...
Aug 4, 20257 min read


Century Woods TIF
An article on the current state of the Century Woods TIF
Jul 15, 20254 min read


What is a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District — and How Does It Work?
Helping the public understand a TIF and the proposed TIF in Rock Island.
Jun 19, 20256 min read
The Rock Island Think Tank
🚀 Rock Island Needs You — and Your Best Ideas. We’re starting something new. Something rooted in connection, creativity, and community...
Jun 16, 20251 min read


HOW ROCK ISLAND'S GOVERNMENT WORKS
Learn more about how the city of Rock Island operates.
Jun 5, 20252 min read


Rock Island Line: A Community Podcast
Find out how podcast host, Annika O'Melia, chose the name Rock Island Line.
May 16, 20253 min read
bottom of page