(Editor’s note: Opinion pieces are published for discussions purposes only)
By Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat | Peoria Times
When the City of Peoria incorporated in 1954, our city spanned 1.2 square miles and only 1,925 residents called Peoria home. In the past 63 years, we have experienced tremendous growth and we are now the proud home to more than 171,000 residents, spanning 178 square miles.
Every person is part of the unique character that makes up our great City and each of us has a story. With such a large community and so many residents, it can be difficult to know the people and the families who live and work alongside us. There are those who carry the rich history and heritage of the lands that we call home, and others who are emerging and molding Peoria’s future.
