First Term Accomplishments

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Andre established a monthly meeting series called "Coffee with Constituents," held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 AM at Panera Bread in Westlake Shopping Center, located in District 4. To date, over 40 meetings have been hosted, providing valuable opportunities for community engagement and information sharing between constituents, city staff, and myself.

In partnership with the Community Development Department, over $110,000 has been awarded to 28 neighborhood and homeowner associations in District 4 through the Neighborhood Mini Grant Program.

This program has funded a wide range of community-driven projects in District 4, including tree replacements, patio equipment installations, driveway resurfacing, speed feedback signs, new playground equipment, supplies for neighborhood gatherings, educational events, and upgrades to both public spaces and private streets. These initiatives enhance public spaces, improve neighborhood aesthetics, and increase safety, empowering residents and strengthening communities.

We have successfully completed major road improvement projects, including Glen Avenue, Orange Prairie Road, and Allen Road. Looking ahead, additional projects are underway and forthcoming, such as the improvement of Reservoir Boulevard.

District 4 continues to be one of Peoria’s premier economic drivers, experiencing steady growth through significant commercial and residential developments. 

In collaboration with our Economic Development Department, we have awarded 26 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants totaling over $323,000 to local businesses in District 4.

New businesses, including Starbucks, Mini Max Storage, Jiffy Lube, and Aqua Tots, have recently opened, while established properties such as Crumbl, Petco, and Academy Sports + Outdoors have made substantial investments and improvements. On the residential front, 21 new single-family homes have been constructed, and transformative multi-family projects like Willow Knolls Apartments and Summershade Apartments have further enhanced the district’s vibrancy. 

The Peoria Fire Department (PFD) successfully reopened Station 2 and approved overtime for the rescue squad, ensuring enhanced responsiveness and readiness.  The Peoria Fire Department was awarded a $5 million grant from the State of Illinois, advocated by Senator Dave Koehler, to demolish and rebuild Fire Station 16, located on Northmoor Road in District 4. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025.

In the Peoria Police Department, significant strides were made in expanding community policing initiatives, such as the "Walk & Talk" program, and in supporting the integration of technology like real-time crime data analysis and surveillance tools. Mental health resources were prioritized through a partnership with Carle Health’s Trillium Place. Additionally, a comprehensive process was undertaken to select a new Police Chief, leading to the appointment of an exceptional leader in Eric Echevarria.

Andre is actively involved in numerous boards, committees, and commissions across Peoria. During his first term, he served on the following:

• Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
• Peoria Promise Foundation
• Greater Peoria Mass Transit District/CityLink
•  Community Advisory Council for the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Children’s Hospital of Illinois 
• Police-Community Relations Advisory Committee
• Peoria Public Schools Foundation
• City/County of Peoria Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity
• Tri-County Urban League
• Greater Peoria Business Alliance
• Illinois Municipal League
• Pediatric Resource Center