DARI awards Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø for investing in the community

In recognition of its dedication to community growth and reinvestment, Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø received a 2026 High Five for Community Development and Reinvestment award from the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI).

DARI cited Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s leadership in forming a collaboration with the City of Rock Island, businesses and citizens to spur mixed-use retail, residential and neighborhood improvements in the Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Hill District.

Formally known as the Hilltop Community Development Corporation (CDC), this initiative aims to create a vibrant, thriving place to serve Rock Island residents and Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø students.

¡°Established just last year, the Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Hilltop CDC is already making a meaningful impact,¡± said Liz Tallman, DARI vice president of development services. ¡°Revitalization efforts are underway in the Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Hill area, beginning with the redevelopment of the former Curry Out property into a mixed-use space that will support both business activity and new housing.¡±

Tallman also noted the CDC¡¯s hiring of Jerry Lack as its executive director. A lifelong resident of the Quad Cities, Lack brings decades of experience in economic development, labor leadership and public service.

Kirk Anderson '93, Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s chief financial officer, is the CDC's board president. He accepted the award at DARI¡¯s annual meeting.

¡°This recognition reflects the care and collaboration that have shaped the Hilltop CDC from the start,¡± Anderson said. ¡°Our focus has been on doing the fundamentals well, building the right partnerships, making thoughtful investments and creating a framework that can support sustainable neighborhood growth over time.

¡°We¡¯re proud of the early progress and committed to continuing the work in a way that serves both the Hilltop community and Rock Island¡¯s long-term vitality.¡±

The CDC and the hire of its executive director advance a key priority of Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s Bold & Boundless strategic plan, to ¡°connect through partnership¡± by investing in adjacent neighborhoods and building prosperity in Rock Island. 

¡°We appreciate DARI¡¯s recognition and the partnership behind it,¡± said Andrea Talentino, president of the college. ¡°This recognition signals that the early steps we¡¯ve taken together matter, and it strengthens our resolve to keep investing thoughtfully and working alongside our neighbors to support a thriving Hilltop.¡±