STERLING – Area towns are looking to combine forces to acquire and improve abandoned properties.

At a joint meeting Tuesday, the Sterling, Morrison and Fulton city councils will consider joining with the Rock Island Economic Growth Corp. to seek money for housing as part of the Northwestern Illinois Housing Coalition. Rock Island, Moline and East Moline also are expected to take part.

“This is an attempt to bring dollars to the region,” said Brian Hollenback, president of the Rock Island group. “We’re mobilizing and being prepared.”