City news
Volunteer to Reimagine Downtown
The City of West Chicago is seeking community members to serve on the newly created Downtown Revitalization Commission. This temporary advisory body will play a vital role in guiding the City’s renewed efforts to strengthen, activate, and reimagine our historic downtown.
About the Commission
The Downtown Revitalization Commission was established in August 2025 to bring together a diverse group of voices-including residents, business leaders, nonprofit stakeholders, City staff, and elected officials-to collaborate on strategies for downtown growth. The overarching goal of this commission is to advise and promote initiatives to revitalize the downtown area.
Specifically, the commission’s projects will include:
- Overseeing the development of a concept plan for the West Washington Street site, working with a professional consultant and ensuring meaningful community input;
- Evaluating ideas from the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other planning documents to prioritize actionable strategies; and
- Reviewing zoning and land use regulations within the downtown district and recommending updates to support revitalization goals.
Commitment
Appointments are for a one-year term. The commission will meet monthly, with additional meetings scheduled as needed.
How to Apply
Community members interested in serving on the Downtown Revitalization Commission are encouraged to apply. This is a unique opportunity to share your ideas, experience, and passion to help shape the future of Downtown West Chicago. To apply, complete the application form available online, select “Other,” and enter “Downtown Revitalization Commission.” Applications may be submitted by email to info@westchicago.org or dropped off at City Hall, attention: Valeria Perez. Appointments will be made by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council, at an upcoming meeting. For questions, please contact Kelley Chrisse, Business & Community Relations Director, at 630-818-3331 or kchrisse@westchicago.org.