FREEPORT — The Greater Freeport Partnership (GFP) is a recipient of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant as released by the corporation on Tuesday, June 17. The $50,000 grant will be utilized to transform a vacant lot in the retail district into a multi-functional pocket park driving retail and dining visitation, upper-story residential development, and promoting downtown as the place to be.
“The Greater Freeport Partnership is building momentum with property owners, businesses, and developers to re-imagine the spaces in downtown Freeport and what is attainable when we activate all floors available for commercial and residential use,” said Andrea Schultz Winter, executive director of the Greater Freeport Partnership. “The pocket park is an integral piece of this work as we create spaces where residents and visitors can see themselves spending time and enjoying their environment. We are thrilled to implement this project as a catalyst for more great things to come.”
The pocket park will be located at 15 W. Stephenson St. in the vacant lot currently owned by the City of Freeport.
“Getting the opportunity to further beautify Freeport is something we never take for granted. We are extremely grateful to be awarded these funds from T-Mobile to bring new life to our Downtown. For our residents, we know that this addition of a park will get them excited to explore the City, mingle, and enjoy what Freeport has to offer,” said Jodi Miller, mayor of the City of Freeport.
Freeport’s application was selected among 991 applications to be awarded in Q1-2025. Twenty-five communities are selected each quarter for five years to receive funds for local development projects to revitalize communities. Other communities selected this quarter include Carbondale, Ill.; Mapleton, Minn.; Viroqua, Wis.; and Kirkville, Missouri.
“With Hometown Grants helping over 2.4 million people so far, the program continues to deliver on our commitment to small towns and rural communities,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group. “Whether it’s powering smart classrooms, restoring main streets or enhancing public spaces, we’re helping communities build a stronger, more connected future — and there’s so much more ahead.”
T-Mobile teams up with Main Street America — a nonprofit organization that works to advance shared prosperity, create resilient economies and improve quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation — to bring Hometown Grants to life.
“Small towns are continually shaping the conversation around what community-driven change looks like, and the T-Mobile Hometown Grants program is helping amplify their impact,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “This kind of investment empowers local leaders to turn their long-held visions into tangible, lasting change.”
Grant applications are reviewed based on their level of detail, community impact, feasibility and other considerations. For more information about T-Mobile’s commitment to small towns, visit www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants.
