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Acres Of Park Green Space With 5 Playgrounds

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Mayor’s Welcome

Welcome to Geneseo,

As Mayor of Geneseo it is my pleasure to be the first to welcome you to our great city that so many people love to call home.  For me, it was important to include my family in my welcome photo because “family” is a    core principal in what makes Geneseo such a wonderful community.  Many residents and their families have made Geneseo their home for generations.  We look after our friends and neighbors because we are all one family; and that family is called Geneseo.  So, if you are a new citizen to Geneseo let me say thank you for choosing Geneseo as your new community, and “welcome to the family”.

Our Community is unique and has much to offer.  From our historic downtown with ample shops and dining experiences to our many parks and recreational venues, there is no shortage of things to explore while in Geneseo.  When exploring our beautiful city, I think you will quickly feel part of and be welcomed as family.

Take a drive around, experience our amenities and I think you will see why Geneseo is a family of one where people want to live, work and play.

Sincerely,

Mayor Sean A. Johnson

 

playground

Why Geneseo

Geneseo is conveniently located on Interstate 80 just 20 minutes by interstate highway to a major international airport. There are eleven major Midwest cities located within 250 miles of Geneseo, including Chicago. The Mississippi River is a short distance away and easily accessible by one of the three major interstates: Interstate 80; Interstate 280; and Interstate 74.

Geneseo is known for its beautifully restored Victorian homes on tree lined streets reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. A thriving retail business and colorful downtown, coupled with old-fashioned festivals, parades, a local theater group and ice cream socials complete the picture of life in Geneseo.

Richmond hill with flowers in Geneseo Countryside

Our Vision

The City of Geneseo unifies key stakeholders and collaborates to develop and drive sustainable growth, while maintaining our small town atmosphere. Together our work will focus on Geneseo being recognized as an inviting, welcoming community of choice for people to live, work, play and grow.

“Community of Choice:” Geneseo is viewed as providing sustainable and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, connectedness (technology), medical/healthcare services, recreational opportunities, shopping, restaurants, and a positive experience for all who live, work and play in Geneseo.

group with banner

Core Values

Integrity: We believe in honesty and transparency in all that we do.

Teamwork: We believe every person is a valued member that shall be treated with respect.

Commitment: We work hard to understand citizen and customer needs and strive to exceed their expectations.

Quality: We always strive for excellence and are committed to continuous improvement in all that we do.

Sustainability: We are committed to focusing on environmental, economic, and social initiatives for all members of our community.

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City of Geneseo, Illinois

City of Geneseo, Illinois

Geneseo, Illinois is a community of 6,500 people located 20 minutes East of the Quad Cities area. This is the City government official FB Page.

📸 PASSPORT PHOTO CONTEST: SITE #2! 📸

Ready to check another destination off your city passport? For our next stop, we are throwing it all the way back to the very roots of our community!📍

Site #2: The First Congregational Church
Did you know that the story of this historic spot actually starts back in 1836? The church congregation was organized by a group of anti-slavery colonists in New York before they even climbed into their Conestoga wagons to head out west. They braved a brutal winter journey to settle right here, eventually building this beautiful church as a beacon of justice and community.

Fun fact: When the current sanctuary building was dedicated in 1856, it was considered one of the finest church buildings west of Chicago! Today, it stands as a wonderful piece of our city's heritage and a perfect backdrop for your next contest entry.

How to Enter:

Head over to 101 W. Pearl St. Snap a creative picture of Site #2 (selfies, family shots, or artistic angles are all welcome!). For additional contest information and how to participate, please see the below link:

www.geneseocurrent.com/news-1/geneseo-america-250-passport-photo-contest
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📸 PASSPORT PHOTO CONTEST: SITE #2! 📸Ready to check another destination off your city passport? For our next stop, we are throwing it all the way back to the very roots of our community!📍 Site #2: The First Congregational Church Did you know that the story of this historic spot actually starts back in 1836? The church congregation was organized by a group of anti-slavery colonists in New York before they even climbed into their Conestoga wagons to head out west. They braved a brutal winter journey to settle right here, eventually building this beautiful church as a beacon of justice and community.  Fun fact: When the current sanctuary building was dedicated in 1856, it was considered one of the finest church buildings west of Chicago! Today, it stands as a wonderful piece of our citys heritage and a perfect backdrop for your next contest entry.How to Enter:Head over to 101 W. Pearl St. Snap a creative picture of Site #2 (selfies, family shots, or artistic angles are all welcome!). For additional contest information and how to participate, please see the below link:https://www.geneseocurrent.com/news-1/geneseo-america-250-passport-photo-contestImage attachment

80 YEARS OF SAFETY & SERVICE

Last night, the City of Geneseo honored a true community cornerstone! Mayor Johnson presented a special proclamation to Pinks' Bus Service, celebrating their incredible 80th anniversary of keeping our students safe on the road.

Founded in 1946 by George Pinks, this family business has been the heartbeat of our school runs for generations. Today, owner and president Beth Carton—alongside Sue Keegan, Nikki Smith, and their dedicated team of drivers—manages 29 daily routes across 260 square miles, safely transporting 1,750 students and logging a massive 450,000 miles a year!

From navigating harsh winter storms to supporting our athletes and students at every turn, their commitment to Geneseo’s youth has never wavered.

To honor this legacy, the Mayor officially declared May 26, 2026, as Pink's Bus Service Appreciation Day in Geneseo!

Please join us in thanking Beth, Sue, Nikki, and the entire Pinks’ crew for 80 years of dedication, care, and community spirit. Next time you see one of those yellow buses, give them a wave! 👋
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80 YEARS OF SAFETY & SERVICELast night, the City of Geneseo honored a true community cornerstone! Mayor Johnson presented a special proclamation to Pinks Bus Service, celebrating their incredible 80th anniversary of keeping our students safe on the road.Founded in 1946 by George Pinks, this family business has been the heartbeat of our school runs for generations. Today, owner and president Beth Carton—alongside Sue Keegan, Nikki Smith, and their dedicated team of drivers—manages 29 daily routes across 260 square miles, safely transporting 1,750 students and logging a massive 450,000 miles a year!From navigating harsh winter storms to supporting our athletes and students at every turn, their commitment to Geneseo’s youth has never wavered.To honor this legacy, the Mayor officially declared May 26, 2026, as Pinks Bus Service Appreciation Day in Geneseo!Please join us in thanking Beth, Sue, Nikki, and the entire Pinks’ crew for 80 years of dedication, care, and community spirit. Next time you see one of those yellow buses, give them a wave! 👋

This morning, the Geneseo Police Department saw firsthand just how important our Dementia Tracking Program is to our community.

On Sunday, an 83-year-old female was fitted with one of our tracking bracelets through the program. Early this morning, her husband woke up and discovered she was missing. Officers immediately responded and began utilizing the tracking equipment to locate her.
Within approximately 30 minutes of being notified, officers located her.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Geneseo Dementia Task Force and the Geneseo Foundation, whose funding helped make this life-saving program possible. This successful outcome is a direct reflection of what can happen when a community comes together to care for and protect one another.

Without the continued support from our community, programs like this would not be possible. Thank you to everyone who has believed in and supported this initiative.

If you would like more information about the Dementia Tracking Program, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Geneseo Police Department.
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Discover Geneseo

Small log over on one of the trails at Geneseo Prairie Park.

Visit Our Beautiful Parks

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Shop Our Downtown

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Enjoy Our Restaurants

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