===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 5 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Status Update MEETING DATE: 04/28/2026 STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD SIGNATURE ITEM SUMMARY: On November 3, 2025, the City Council approved the 2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan. This memo provides a first quarter (Q1) 2026 status update on implementation progress and highlights key areas of activity. Q1 2026 Summary Implementation is underway across all priority areas, with several initiatives in progress and others advancing toward upcoming milestones. Early efforts have focused on downtown redevelopment, business engagement, communication improvements, and program development. Key Highlights • Downtown Redevelopment: Ongoing discussions with developers for mixed-use and townhouse projects; RFQ/RFP in development for the West Washington Street site. • Business & Retail Activity: Continued promotion of incentive programs and engagement with downtown businesses and property owners. • Events & Activation: Mosaic Market scheduled to launch in June as part of downtown activation efforts. • Digital & Communication Improvements: New City website project advancing; Business Support Specialist hired to expand outreach and engagement. • Cultural & Community Initiatives: Expanded programming and planning for community events, including summer and cultural celebrations. • Infrastructure & Investment: Industrial area infrastructure projects underway; continued coordination on development and financing tools. • Policy & Regulatory Review: Business regulations review initiated, beginning with Chapter 9. The Commission’s input will continue to be important in helping guide priorities, identify opportunities to strengthen economic impact, and ensure alignment with the City’s goals for business growth and investment. ACTION PROPOSED: For information only. No action needed. Attachment: 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Q1 Status Update Matrix ===== PDF PAGE 5 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan 2026 Q1 Status Report Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q1 Status Update Staff is in discussions with multiple Revitalizing Advance Redevelopment & Continue promoting Downtown developments to construct 200+ 1.A.1 Ongoing Core BCR, CD developers for mixed-use and also Downtown Infill dwelling units in total townhouse developments in the downtown BCR, CD, Downtown RFQ/RFP is being drafted and project will be Revitalizing Advance Redevelopment & Conduct outreach and develop concept plan for the public use of the 1.A.2 2026 Core Revitalization 1st Quarter guided by the Downtown Revitalization Downtown Infill West Washington Street Redevelopment Site Commission Commission BCR, CD, Downtown Being discussed with the Downtown Revitalizing Advance Redevelopment & Amend zoning regulations in the B-1 District bulk requirements to allow 1.A.5 2026 Core Revitalization 2nd Quarter Revitalization Commission, which may Downtown Infill greater height, density (perhaps bonuses for TOD), and intensity Commission include form-based code The program is promoted at each quarterly Revitalizing Expand Downtown Attract new retailers and restaurants to downtown and support existing 1.B.1 Ongoing Core BCR downtown owners meeting and with new Downtown Business & Retail Mix ones via the Retail & Restaurant Grant Program retailers & restauranteurs in the downtown Revitalizing Expand Downtown Assist local entrepreneurs turning vacant buildings into businesses Interest by at least three property owners in 1.B.2 Ongoing Core BCR Downtown Business & Retail Mix through the Downtown Investment Program 2026 so far Q1 meeting held on March 26 and discussed Host quarterly meetings with downtown businesses and property Revitalizing Expand Downtown Admin, BCR, CD, Police, Downtown Modernization & Beautification 1.B.3 owners to share City updates, coordinate promotions, and obtain Ongoing Core Quarterly Downtown Business & Retail Mix PW Project and Mosaic Market along with feedback providing various updates Amend zoning regulations to expand downtown permitted uses to Being discussed with the Downtown Revitalizing Expand Downtown 1.B.6 include artisan manufacturing, arts & culture, child/elder care, medical 2026 Core BCR, CD 1st Quarter Revitalization Commission, which may Downtown Business & Retail Mix services, shared workspaces, and more include form-based code New Mosaic Market banners will be incorporated over the summer; no new Revitalizing Activate Downtown with Coordinate seasonal decorations and aesthetic enhancements to 1.C.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR, PW decorations are planned until 2027 with the Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking create a cohesive Downtown experience Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project construction Mosaic Market is set to launch on June 4 with Revitalizing Activate Downtown with Support development of summer Cultural Market & Food Truck weekly a Train theme; join us on Thursdays from 4pm- 1.C.2 2026 Supporting BCR, CD, Police, PW 2nd Quarter Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking series 7pm on Main Street for the market and family- friendly entertainment and activities 1 of 7 ===== PDF PAGE 6 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan 2026 Q1 Status Report Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q1 Status Update Revitalizing Activate Downtown with Identify City-owned properties Downtown for art showcases or murals BCR - Cultural Arts 1.C.3 2026 Supporting 3rd Quarter Not yet started Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking and connect with artists to activate Commission Revitalizing Activate Downtown with Evaluate regulations to activate public sidewalks (i.e. permit sidewalk 1.C.5 2026 Core BCR, CD 2nd Quarter Not yet started Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking sales and pop-up activities) Plan Commission reviewed proposed Revitalizing Activate Downtown with regulations to expand food truck allowances 1.C.6 Amend zoning regulations to allow greater use of food trucks 2026 Supporting BCR, CD 1st Quarter Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking on private property but continued the matter to obtain feedback from property owners Enhance Mobility, Revitalizing Improve signage for Downtown public parking lots and map locations Connectivity & Public 1.D.1 2026 Supporting BCR, PW 1st Quarter No update Downtown online Realm The contract with the design engineer was Enhance Mobility, Revitalizing Conduct outreach to design the Downtown Modernization & amended to expand the project scope and Connectivity & Public 1.D.2 2026 Core BCR, PW 1st Quarter Downtown Beautification Project engagement efforts. Additional outreach Realm efforts are to be determined. Delivering Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service 2.A.1 Continue livestreaming City Council meetings Ongoing Supporting Admin Ongoing Transparent Delivery & Access Services Delivering BCR's two new employees are bilingual and Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service 2.A.2 Expand bilingual/multilingual communications across City channels Ongoing Supporting BCR are working to improve communications Transparent Delivery & Access through various channels Services Project surveys were conducted and the Delivering scope is being drafted in an RFP. The next Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service step is to post the RFP, once finalized, and 2.A.3 Design and implement new official City website (.gov) 2026 Core BCR 1st Quarter Transparent Delivery & Access select a short-list of vendors to conduct Services demos for the internal working group leading this project 2 of 7 ===== PDF PAGE 7 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan 2026 Q1 Status Report Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q1 Status Update Delivering Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service Improvements are being incorporated into 2.A.4 Improve City calendar and meeting records management systems 2026 Core Admin, BCR 2nd Quarter Transparent Delivery & Access the new website Services Delivering 2026 - Direct mail only. A postcard Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service Add capabilities for direct mail, SMS/text updates, and WhatsApp highlighting West Chicago events. 2.A.6 2026 Supporting BCR 1st Quarter Transparent Delivery & Access groups Discussions have begun to add content to a Services shared program guide mailed to residents. Delivering Build Transparency & Exceptional & Admin, BCR, CD, The State of the City event hosted on March Accountability Through 2.B.1 Host an annual open house to showcase City projects and services Ongoing Supporting April Transparent Finance, Police, PW 18 featured City projects and services Data & Communication Services Delivering A survey was released to obtain feedback on Build Transparency & Exceptional & Expand feedback opportunities with online surveys throughout the the Digital Modernization Initiative to improve Accountability Through 2.B.2 2026 Supporting BCR Transparent year, including post-event surveys the City's website. A general customer Data & Communication Services service survey is being developed. Delivering Build Transparency & The Business Support Specialist has been Exceptional & Provide regular communication with the business community through Accountability Through 2.B.3 2026 Core BCR Monthly hired and this communication is expected to Transparent social media, newsletters, and InWestChicago website Data & Communication resume in Q2 Services Delivering Strengthen Coordination & Discussion has begun regarding a shared Exceptional & Continue to engage other taxing jurisdictions and public agencies to Engagement Across the 2.C.1 Ongoing Supporting Admin, BCR, Finance program guide to ensure that City Transparent share costs of services, facilities, and programs Community communication can be delivered by mail. Services Delivering Strengthen Coordination & Coordinate and invite all taxing bodies to attend an “Annual Exceptional & Engagement Across the 2.C.2 Community Strategy Summit” to align priorities and explore shared 2026 Supporting Admin, BCR 2nd Quarter Not yet started Transparent Community initiatives Services Connecting the Expand Mobility & Physical Develop sidewalk and bicycle network to connect parks, outdoor 3.A.1 Ongoing Supporting CD, PW No update Community Connectivity spaces, and recreational facilities Initial coordination is in conjunction with the Connecting the Expand Mobility & Physical Identify opportunities to provide wayfinding signage along trails to 3.A.2 2026 Core BCR, PW 1st Quarter Downtown Modernization & Beautification Community Connectivity connect users to community assets Project 3 of 7 ===== PDF PAGE 8 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan 2026 Q1 Status Report Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q1 Status Update Recruit volunteers to serve as City ambassadors to share stories and Connecting the Strengthen Community 3.B.1 connect residents and businesses with City resources that support 2026 Core BCR 2nd Quarter Not yet started Community Partnerships local investment and opportunity Expand partnerships with regional and local organizations to connect Connecting the Strengthen Community 3.B.2 residents to workforce and small business resources that grow the 2026 Core BCR 2nd Quarter Not yet started Community Partnerships local economy Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural The introduction of the Mosaic Market is Evaluate City-hosted or sponsored special events to ensure they Community Expression Through Events 4.A.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR intended to showcase diversity of culture in incorporate cultural initiatives Identity & Storytelling West Chicago A parade is scheduled for July 5 in celebration Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural of America 250. A second parade is Community Expression Through Events 4.A.2 Feature one or two parades to celebrate community culture 2026 Core BCR, Police, PW anticipated with the Mexican Independence Identity & Storytelling Day celebration in September Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural BCR - Cultural Arts Community Expression Through Events 4.A.3 Develop a walking tour of history, culture, and art 2026 Supporting Commission & City 3rd Quarter Not yet started Identity & Storytelling Museum A list of artists has been created. The Cultural Arts Commission will unveil the painted Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural fountain basin at Blooming Fest along with BCR - Cultural Arts Community Expression Through Events 4.A.4 Strengthen signature events with live art, music, and artisan vendors Ongoing Supporting Arteculture featuring en plen air painting on Commission Identity & Storytelling Turner Court also at Blooming Fest. The Mosaic Market will incorporate live art, music and entertainment. Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural BCR - Cultural Arts A list of artists has been developed to draw Community Expression Through Events 4.A.5 Expand music, dance, and performance events in public spaces Ongoing Supporting Commission from Identity & Storytelling Elevating Culture & Champion Inclusive Partner with Mexican Cultural Center DuPage to expand cultural An invitation to participate in the Mosaic Community Intiatives That Reflect 4.B.1 2026 Core BCR 3rd Quarter programming and cross-cultural partnerships Market has been extended Identity Cultural Richness Elevating Culture & Champion Inclusive Partner with Casa Michoacán and Despertar Latino to promote cultural The groups are partnering on the Mexican Community Intiatives That Reflect 4.B.2 2026 Core BCR 2nd Quarter festivals and strengthen Latino heritage celebrations Independence Day celebration Identity Cultural Richness 4 of 7 ===== PDF PAGE 9 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan 2026 Q1 Status Report Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q1 Status Update Elevating Culture & Preserve & Enhance Continue to publicize and expand local incentives and grants for Community 4.C.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR, CD No update Historic & Cultural Assets preservation where feasible Identity Elevating Culture & The Historic Resources Survey is nearly Preserve & Enhance Community 4.C.2 Survey selected properties to increase awareness of historical assets 2026 Supporting BCR - City Museum, CD 1st Quarter complete and is anticipated to be highlighted Historic & Cultural Assets Identity in May, Preservation Month Elevating Culture & Promote City Identity Create monthly business and community spotlight articles across City Community Through Branding & 4.D.1 2026 Supporting BCR 3rd Quarter Not yet started communications Identity Storytelling Elevating Culture & Promote City Identity Community Through Branding & 4.D.2 Create an online business directory to promote Shop Local 2026 Supporting BCR 2nd Quarter No update Identity Storytelling Reconstruction of Western, Downs, and Investing in Our Strengthen Physical 5.A.1 Replace and maintain infrastructure within industrial parks Ongoing Supporting PW Fenton Lane have begun or are beginning Future Infrastructure soon Investing in Our Strengthen Physical Continue maintenance and replacement of water and sanitary systems 5.A.2 Ongoing Supporting PW No update Future Infrastructure to exceed standards Investing in Our Strengthen Physical Consider use of development incentives/public financing tools for The City issued a General Obligation Bond to 5.A.3 Ongoing Supporting BCR, PW Future Infrastructure roadway/infrastructure begin construction Investing in Our Strengthen Physical Present concept plan for new elevated water tower at Prince Crossing 5.A.4 2026 Core BCR, PW 2nd Quarter The City is exploring funding options Future Infrastructure Rd and Washington St for public comment Promote Sustainable & Housing developers have expressed interest Investing in Our Strategic Economic 5.B.1 Actively recruit housing developers by partnering with landowners Ongoing Core BCR in a few properties but have not submitted Future Development drawings for permit The proposal was presented to the Economic Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Encourage occupancy of vacant commercial spaces through a vacant Development Commission in October and is Strategic Economic 5.B.2 2026 Core BCR, CD 1st Quarter Future commercial storefront registry awaiting review by the Downtown Development Revitalization Commission Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Attract new retailers to vacant spaces through Retail Lease Trac Strategic Economic 5.B.3 2026 Core BCR 3rd Quarter Not yet started Future subscription Development Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Prepare and maintain an online inventory of available land and property Strategic Economic 5.B.4 2026 Core BCR 2nd Quarter Not yet started Future for redevelopment Development 5 of 7 ===== PDF PAGE 10 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan 2026 Q1 Status Report Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q1 Status Update Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Conduct regular business surveys to identify risks for business Strategic Economic 5.B.5 2026 Core BCR 4th Quarter No update Future relocation or expansion Development Promote Sustainable & Host regular meetings with the DuPage Airport Authority (DAA) to Investing in Our Strategic Economic 5.B.6 update the IGA and develop a strategy to leverage the airport as an 2026 Core BCR Quarterly Not yet started Future Development asset Promote Sustainable & Coordinate quarterly workshops with partners on business Investing in Our Strategic Economic 5.B.7 development topics, including investment, funding opportunities, and 2026 Core BCR 3rd Quarter Not yet started Future Development budgeting techniques Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Review business registration and licensing regulations to support Currently under review by the Economic Strategic Economic 5.B.12 2026 Supporting Admin, BCR 2nd Quarter Future flexibility and industry shifts Development Commission Development Conduct a comprehensive review of multi-family housing regulations, Promote Sustainable & including the R-6 District near Downtown, to identify opportunities for Investing in Our Strategic Economic 5.B.13 zoning updates that support redevelopment, compact housing options, 2026 Core BCR, CD 3rd Quarter Not yet started Future Development and expanded residential base to strengthen West Chicago’s business environment Expand Workforce Investing in Our Support manufacturing talent pipeline by participating in Greater Readiness & Industry 5.C.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR Membership was renewed in January Future Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP) Collaboration Expand Workforce Investing in Our Partner with College of DuPage and local industries to develop Readiness & Industry 5.C.2 Ongoing Core BCR No update Future internship, apprenticeship, or train-to-hire programs Collaboration Expand Workforce Investing in Our Regularly gather data on evolving education and workforce training Readiness & Industry 5.C.3 Ongoing Supporting BCR Not yet started Future needs Collaboration Expand Workforce Investing in Our Explore partnership with Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce to Readiness & Industry 5.C.4 2026 Core BCR 2nd Quarter Not yet started Future provide direct workforce development support for manufacturers Collaboration Expand Workforce Investing in Our Partner with Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Readiness & Industry 5.C.5 2026 Core BCR 3rd Quarter Not yet started Future provide targeted business and workforce support Collaboration Expand Workforce Investing in Our Host annual event with manufacturers to understand challenges and Readiness & Industry 5.C.6 2026 Supporting BCR October Not yet started Future connect to business development resources Collaboration 6 of 7 ===== PDF PAGE 11 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan 2026 Q1 Status Report Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q1 Status Update Investing in Our Ensure Resilient & Continue proactive evaluation of budget allocations to align with 5.D.1 Ongoing Supporting Admin, Finance No update Future Adaptive Policies community-driven priorities Investing in Our Ensure Resilient & Maintain flexibility in zoning and development codes to respond to 5.D.2 Ongoing Supporting CD No update Future Adaptive Policies emerging industries and evolving community needs The first regulations to be reviewed are the Investing in Our Ensure Resilient & Review regulations for modern practices, enforceability, and 5.D.3 2026 Supporting Admin, BCR, CD Business Regulations, which are currently Future Adaptive Policies community priorities under review 7 of 7