Elgin, Illinois

Basic Facts: Elgin is a northwestern suburb of Chicago located roughly 40 mi (64 km) northwest of Chicago on the Fox River. Most of Elgin lies within Kane County, Illinois, with a portion in Cook County, Illinois. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 108,188, making it the eighth-largest city in Illinois and the 241st largest city in the United States.

Elgin ranks as one of the fastest growing cities in Illinois. In June 2005, the Chicago Tribune quoted Elgin Mayor Ed Schock saying that Elgin will in 40 years be the second largest city in Illinois. The city’s Far West Development Strategy calls for the construction of 14,000 homes on agricultural land west of Randall Road, which has become a major retail corridor connecting the Fox Valley. Elgin’s downtown area has also attracted developer interest. Three large residential projects will be completed in the downtown by 2007, at a total cost of more than $100 million. The Gail Borden Public Library moved into a new $30 million 460,000 volume-capacity building in October 2003. Other recent projects include the city’s $41 million recreational center, the Centre of Elgin.

Demographic: The racial makeup of the city was 70.49% White, 6.80% African American, 0.40% Native American, 3.88% Asian, 0.06%Pacific Islander, 15.39% from other races, and 2.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 34.32% of the population. A significant portion of Elgin’s Asian population is of Laotian origin.

Prayer Points:

-Pray for the economic development of downtown Elgin. The downtown heart of the city has been struggling to keep businesses open and thriving. Despite several attempts for revitialization, the downtown area still lies dormant with potential for growth, activity and life. We speak LIFE to downtown Elgin!

-Pray for unity and racial reconciliation. Elgin is largely still segregated between whites, hispanics, blacks and other minorities. This has led to a fear that has prohibited progress in the city. There must be humility and openness to work together to see the community become the city on a hill she should be.

-Pray for the youth of the city. Violence, drugs and gangs are all issues that prey on our young people. Pray for youth leaders to raise up and take their place in the community to disciple young people into their future. Pray that God would raise up spiritual mothers and fathers to nurture them.

-Pray for the education system. District U46 has one of the worst reputations in the region. There has been corruption in the school board in the past which has broken the trust of the people and left a huge financial deficit in the city.

-Pray for gamblers. Elgin Crown Victoria is a riverboat casino in the heart of downtown. Although they contribute lots of money to the city for development, it seems the money is being siphoned from people who are sorta taken advantage of. Everyone knows that gambling is an addiction that affects families, communities and generations to come.