Controversy Over Residency Requirements for City Leadership
Freeport, IL - April 18, 2025
A growing divide has emerged in Freeport as the city considers changing a local ordinance that requires senior-level city staff—including department directors and the chiefs of police and fire—to live within the city limits. The proposal to amend the rule has not only split the city council but has also ignited passionate responses from community members.
The ordinance, implemented during the early days of Mayor Jodi Miller’s administration, was originally meant to ensure city leaders were personally invested in the community they serve. However, it was recently revealed that the Mayor has not upheld the ordinance herself, raising concerns among residents about fairness and leadership accountability.
The residency rule currently applies to about 15 top city positions. Of those, five individuals are currently living outside Freeport in contradiction to the policy.
City Manager Rob Boyer has advocated for changing the ordinance, describing it as “outdated” despite being less than ten years old. He has argued that Freeport lacks qualified candidates within city limits and that loosening the residency rule would broaden the talent pool, ultimately benefiting the city by allowing better hires.
Former Police Chief Matthew Summers emotionally supported the proposed change and shared that during his time living within Freeport, he often felt picked on by members of the public. His experience was cited as an example of the challenges local leaders can face when forced to live among those they serve.
On the other side of the debate, opponents argue that allowing city leaders to live outside of Freeport undermines the very idea of public service. Many believe taxpayer-funded salaries—often close to or above six figures—should remain within the community, contributing to the local economy and property tax base. They see the ordinance as a way to ensure that decision-makers are fully integrated in the community and have firsthand experience with the issues residents face.
While the city council continues to weigh the decision, Mayor Miller has remained noticeably quiet about her own failure to follow the ordinance. When challenged, she has suggested that the council’s desire on promoting internally contributed to the issue.
The broader debate reflects deeper questions about the nature of civic leadership—whether physical presence in a community is necessary to serve it effectively, or whether qualifications and performance should take precedence over residency.
The council is expected to vote on the proposed change at the upcoming meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025. Residents on both sides of the issue are preparing to make their voices heard, knowing the outcome could significantly impact how Freeport is governed in the years ahead.
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