Wood River Mayor and City Manager Reflect on Projects and Exciting Year Ahead

Our Daily Show Interview! State of Wood River 2026: Mayor Stalcup & City Manager Palen

WOOD RIVER - Mayor Tom Stalcup and City Manager Steve Palen shared more about their plans for Wood River in the coming year.

In a recent appearance on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello, Stalcup and Palen said there is “a lot going on” in Wood River, including downtown development, new major projects, and infrastructure upgrades. They thanked the community for their patience through these projects and expressed their excitement to see them come to fruition.

“On the development front, downtown, I think we had six, eight, ten ribbon-cuttings last year, and we’re going to have some more this year,” Palen said. “We’ve got some big plans, hopefully, for downtown Wood River.”

Stalcup and Palen commended Kristen Burns, the Wood River Business Alliance, and the downtown businesses for their work to build up the region. They noted that without these business owners and their commitment to Wood River, they wouldn’t have the thriving downtown community they do.

“I think that we have a really good relationship with everybody,” Stalcup explained. “It was really easy to work for. Everybody was on the same page and focusing on the same aspect as far as building up downtown. So it’s really easy in a way, but it does take time and a lot of effort.”

Other areas of town are also seeing improvements. Stalcup thanked residents for remaining “really patient” with the sewer separation project on Wood River Avenue up through Edwardsville Road. They plan to repave this street in late spring after phase one of the sewer project is completed, with bids due in February.

The city is also looking into establishing a city center. This greenspace area would potentially have a stage, pavilion, games, seating and more. Palen and Stalcup are hopeful that this project will progress in the coming months.

Public Services Director Michael Velloff recently secured a $2.5 million grant to expand the Sixth Street and Ninth Street pond, which will bring over 200 homes out of the flood zone and save the city about $1,500 every year on flood insurance.

“We’re really looking forward to that,” Stalcup said. “That’s one of the projects that, when I became mayor, was on my table to do that.”

Stalcup and Palen also gave a special shoutout to Park and Rec Director Pat Minogue for his work with the Wood River Recreation Center, which is set to break even this year and has almost double the anticipated number of memberships.

They also thanked Police Chief Brad Wells for his “instrumental” work with the police department, economic development, and downtown revitalization.

“I think the world of all my department heads,” Palen said. “All my department heads have been fantastic. We’ve done more with less. We used to have actually another couple department heads years ago whenever I first started with the city, but we’ve kind of downsized a little bit and people have taken on more. It’s just worked out great.”

Stalcup echoed Palen, adding that the city’s staff and administration are caring, dedicated people. He is hopeful that, as the year progresses, they can continue to build up the City of Wood River and support its residents through fun, like their Independence Day celebration planned for July 3, 2026, and any challenges that may arise.

“It’s a great group,” Stalcup said. “I think everybody has the same mind-frame on how to move the city forward. We have a lot of discussions at the staff meetings. It’s really a good group.”

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