By Carolyn Dryer | Peoria Times
Since taking office Jan. 7, Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat said she has been “diligently checking off her list of priorities” to balance the budget and launch initiatives aimed at creating jobs, preserving open space and increasing tourism.
Economic development is at the top of her to-do list. Carlat told an audience gathered for her first “State of the City” address in March that she wants to keep a laser focus on a few key industries, including medical technology, health care, higher education, bioscience and telecommunications.
As to what she has accomplished so far in that industry focus, Carlat said, “We’ve made some big progress in changing our avenues of attracting these types of businesses. We’ve had a working mayor (Bob Barrett), and now I’m a full-time mayor.”
