Supporting Every Business, Big and Small: A Thriving Freeport Starts with Focused Leadership

We cannot move forward until we first acknowledge where the Miller administration has left us. For the past decade, our community has faced a series of challenges—declining population, rising crime rates, crumbling infrastructure, and a struggling housing market. These issues are the reality we must confront, and it’s essential that we clean our house before we expect others to invest in it. We need to build a strong foundation within our own community before we can attract the external investment and growth we desire.

As mayor, Joshua T. Atkinson will lead Freeport through these challenges with transparency, responsibility, and action. He understands that our priorities must begin with addressing these core issues—repairing and upgrading infrastructure, tackling crime head-on, and stabilizing the housing market. Only after we’ve strengthened our own community can we create a business environment that encourages investment, growth, and opportunity.

Joshua’s vision for Freeport is one of growth and prosperity. He is deeply committed to sustaining and expanding all of our current businesses, from the local corner store to larger employers in manufacturing, retail, and beyond. Joshua recognizes that a thriving business community is the backbone of a prosperous city. Under his leadership, Freeport will prioritize cutting through bureaucratic red tape, making it easier and faster for businesses to start, grow, and succeed.

But Joshua’s approach goes beyond just making Freeport an attractive place to do business—it’s about building meaningful, long-term partnerships with local, regional, and national industries. Whether it’s tech, manufacturing, or other sectors, Joshua will work tirelessly to understand their needs and position Freeport as a hub for innovation and growth. From improving workforce development to upgrading infrastructure, Joshua is ready to create an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.

As the largest city in Stephenson County, Freeport has untapped potential to lead the region in employment, development, and tourism. With Joshua T. Atkinson as mayor, we will harness that potential to create good-paying jobs, foster local entrepreneurship, and support a vibrant, diverse community that will draw residents and visitors alike.

Joshua Atkinson’s commitment to economic growth and business development will transform Freeport into a vibrant, forward-looking city. With his leadership, Freeport will become a model for growth, innovation, and opportunity—a place where businesses thrive, families prosper, and the community flourishes.

Let’s clean our house. Let’s build a Freeport we can all be proud of. Vote Joshua T. Atkinson for Mayor.