Burress Seeks Second Term as Pekin Mayor with Roads and City Finances in Focus (Pekin, IL) — Pekin Mayor Mary Burress announced Nov. 6 that she will seek reelection, pointing to infrastructure investment, business development and efforts to clear a backlog of financial audits as the foundation of her campaign.
Burress, first elected in 2023, said another term would allow her to continue work on the city’s roads and finances while pursuing additional housing and private investment.
“When I made the decision to run four years ago, I did so because I wanted to give back to this community that has given so much to me over the years,” Burress said in her announcement.
A former Tazewell County treasurer, Burress won a three-way mayoral race in April 2023, defeating two sitting City Council members.
Her reelection announcement emphasized both visible construction projects and administrative work that receives less public attention.
Among the infrastructure efforts she highlighted were a $71 million capital improvement plan and a $2.88 million grant for Broadway improvements. Pekin’s fiscal 2025 annual report identifies the capital plan as a five-year program of infrastructure improvements.
Burress also cited the Court Street reconstruction and revitalization project, which she said received a 2026 Project of the Year award from the American Public Works Association.
On economic development, she pointed to retail openings at East Court Village, a new Chipotle and additional retailers near Menards. Her announcement also listed EPIC Medical, Ambient Fuels and an expansion by Excalibur Seasonings among the developments she considers evidence of Pekin’s ability to attract investment.
Financial oversight was another central part of her case for reelection. Burress said the city expects to have six external audits completed by January, with a seventh to follow, as it works toward bringing its financial reporting current.
The city’s finance website currently lists annual audit reports through fiscal 2025.
“This work isn’t always the most visible to residents, but it is some of the most important work we can do,” Burress said. “It means greater accountability, better financial oversight, and a stronger foundation for the future.”
Looking ahead, Burress said her priorities include continued infrastructure improvements, encouraging housing construction, recruiting businesses and supporting existing employers. She also called for regional planning and cooperation across the community.
The announcement set out those broad priorities but did not provide detailed spending proposals or timelines for additional projects.
“Taxpayers deserve to know their money is being managed responsibly,” Burress said. “We have made progress, but we must finish the job.”
Burress Seeks Second Term as Pekin Mayor with Roads and City Finances in Focus
