OUR STORY
Founders of AltonWorks, residents Jayne and John Simmons, believe in rebuilding communities in ways that catalyze other redevelopment, spark transformational change, and create optimum social impact.
“At AltonWorks, we believe that innovation is foundational to transformational change, and it underpins our overall strategy,” explained AltonWorks CEO John Simmons.
“Each area of economic development that we are focused on overlaps and sustains the others by creating communities of people who support each other. I’m convinced, with the right investments combined with a big, can-do attitude, Alton can become a bright light of innovation, opportunity and equity for this entire region.”
AltonWorks is driven by the belief that a strong downtown is the foundation of a thriving city. We aspire to serve as a catalyst to reposition Alton as a 21st century national model for social equity, economic mobility, and overall livability. We believe through meaningful partnerships, self-determination, hard work, and an inclusive process, we can demonstrate how informed planning, collective impact, and leveraged private public investment in a strategically located community like Alton can lift the entire region.
OUR VISION
WELCOMING
HEALTHY
LIVABLE
AN INCLUSIVE
COMMUNITY
OF PURPOSE
A NEXT CENTURY CITY
OUR VALUES
COURAGE
PIONEERING
FREEDOM
DIVERSITY, INCLUSIVITY
DETERMINATION
SUSTAINABILITY
ADVENTURE
DARING & GRIT
OPTIMISM
HOPE & BELONGING
A PLACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
HEALTHY & PURPOSEFUL
CATALYSTS FOR A REIMAGINED ALTON
Alton residents and community boosters Jayne and John Simmons have joined forces with a group of local big dreamers, thinkers, and doers to reimagine the future of downtown Alton.
Our hope is that by catalyzing the AltonWorks strategic plan, others will assume their leadership roles in concert with AltonWorks in helping to foster the vision and engage others in making Alton a vibrant hub for downstate Illinois and a livable, inclusive, welcoming city for all who choose to live, work and play here.
“We believe Alton has all the qualities that people want in a community. Many people I’ve spoken to see the potential of downtown Alton and understand that a strong downtown is the foundation of a strong community. With the abundance of natural assets within and surrounding the city, we believe Alton is perfectly positioned for a renaissance.”
– John Simmons
“John and I love Alton. We believe Alton is the perfect-sized city to remake one building, one park, one street and one opportunity at a time. By focusing on downtown Alton, we hope to improve the lifestyle of everyone in Alton.”
– Jayne Simmons
THE WORK BEHIND THE VISION
“Sometimes it just takes a small group of big dreamers, thinkers, and doers to inspire extraordinary progress. That’s exactly what is happening in Alton, Illinois.”
– John Simmons
It takes more than big dreams and buying a few buildings to transform an entire city. While that’s an important start, it also takes years to gain the support of citizens as well as the local, regional, national, and business & government partnerships to revitalize a city that has been in decline for decades.
AltonWorks has a comprehensive plan in place to transform downtown Alton. We wanted to share that plan in a way that makes the vision come to life.
Click here for more about the AltonWorks’ aspirations for downtown Alton and how we can create an inclusive, prosperous and welcoming community and here for our call to action.