Ross Black

Ross Black has a long history of work experience. Ross began their career in 1993 at the City of Peoria, Illinois, where they held various roles, including Acting Planning Director, Assistant Planning Director, Neighborhood Development Manager, Management Analyst, and Neighborhood Development Supervisor. In 2013, they were promoted to Community Development Director, City Zoning Administrator, City Plat Approving Officer, and City Building Official. In 2015, they began teaching part-time at Bradley University as an Instructor in the OLLI Program and an Adjunct Instructor. In 2021, they took on the role of Community Developer. Most recently, in 2022, they were appointed Director of Corporate Shared Services at Natural Fiber Welding.

Ross Black obtained a Master's degree in Political Science and Government from Illinois State University between 1990 and 1992. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Affairs from Knox College between 1986 and 1990. Ross also holds a number of certifications, including a Complete Streets Workshop from the Active Transportation Alliance (obtained in November 2019), an International Existing Building Code - Overview from Colorado Code Consulting, LLC (obtained in March 2015), an Economic Development Institute from The University of Oklahoma (obtained in December 2014), an EOC Operations & Planning for All Hazards from Texas A&M University (obtained in May 2014), an Economic Development Finance Programs from the International Economic Development Council (obtained in April 2013), a Principles and Practices of New Urbanism from The University of Miami (obtained in February 2013), a Business Retention and Expansion from the International Economic Development Council (obtained in November 2012), a Basic Economic Development Course from the International Economic Development Council (obtained in October 2012), an AICP Certified from the American Institute of Certified Planners (obtained in July 2012), a Certified Planner (AICP) from the American Planning Association (obtained in July 2012), a LEED Green Associate from GBCI (obtained in December 2011), a Freedom of Information Certification from the Illinois Attorney General's Office (obtained in January 2010), a Certified HOME Program Specialist - Administration from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (obtained in March 2009), an Urban Watershed Best Management Practices from the American Society of Civil Engineers (obtained in October 2001), a Community Organizing from NeighborWorks America (obtained in June 1998), a Weed and Seed for Neighborhood Safety from NeighborWorks America (obtained in June 1998), a Purchase, Rehab, and Sale from NeighborWorks America (obtained in May 1996), a CDBG Funding from NeighborWorks America (obtained in April 1996), a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies from NeighborWorks America (obtained in July 1994), and a Community Policing from Illinois Central College (obtained in June 1994).