Sycamore officials say a code‑named manufacturing prospect known as Project Balsam is eyeing the city, potentially bringing about $6.5 million in capital investment and roughly 20 jobs if it lands here. For now, though, the proposal is still in the “maybe” column while county economic development leaders and state site‑selection teams work through a formal request‑for‑information process.
The update came during the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Community Address, held in the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Freight Room at 475 DeKalb Avenue. County economic leaders told attendees that Project Balsam is part of a statewide request‑for‑information effort that could translate into about $6.5 million in capital spending and an estimated 20 jobs. They also revealed they are “courting” a separate manufacturing prospect that, if it chooses Sycamore Prairie Business Park, could bring roughly 60 jobs to the city, according to the Daily Chronicle.
County pitches Sycamore for industry
Economic development leaders say Sycamore’s open sites, utility capacity and local workforce put it in the running for small‑to‑mid‑sized manufacturers. The county’s job is to help those prospects figure out where, and whether, they fit. As outlined by DCEDC, the agency markets rail access, utilities and shovel‑ready parcels to companies that request information, and it fields RFIs on behalf of communities like Sycamore. Staff told the audience that the county’s real advantages are positioning, speed and existing infrastructure, and that those tools can make Sycamore competitive but never guarantee a deal.
What leaders say about taxes and trade‑offs
City Manager Michael Hall reminded the crowd that, in his view, “cities don’t create development, we position ourselves to be ready when opportunity arises.” He also pointed out that most of a typical Sycamore property tax bill does not go to City Hall. Hall’s presentation showed more than 63% of the 2025 property tax bill went to Sycamore schools, while about 6.63% went to the city itself, figures reported by the Daily Chronicle. Officials said any incentive package used to land a manufacturer would be weighed against potential pressure on water, sewer and roads, along with how much new sales or property tax revenue could realistically offset those added costs.
Next steps and what to watch
For now, Project Balsam and any other industrial prospect remain hypothetical. Public officials say the RFI and site‑selection windows will unfold over the coming months, and any agreement would still need standard municipal approvals. City leaders and DCEDC said they plan to bring specific incentive proposals to the city council only after a tenant and site are nailed down, leaving residents and taxpayers to watch whether smaller industrial wins end up translating into noticeable relief for homeowners.
