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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

               DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMISSION
                       AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY

ITEM TITLE:                               AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 4
Downtown Revitalization Vision & Mission Statements
                                           COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: 06-22-26

STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD, Business  SIGNATURE __________________________
& Community Relations Director


ITEM SUMMARY:
As part of its ongoing work to support downtown revitalization efforts, the Downtown Revitalization Com-
mission has conducted stakeholder outreach, completed a downtown walking tour, reviewed existing
planning documents, and facilitated discussions regarding downtown opportunities, challenges, and de-
sired outcomes.

Throughout these discussions, several recurring themes have emerged, including the desire for a more
vibrant and active downtown, increased business diversity, enhanced public spaces and gathering op-
portunities, greater community connections, preservation and celebration of West Chicago's unique
identity, and continued investment in redevelopment and economic growth.

Establishing a vision and mission statement can help provide a shared framework to guide future rec-
ommendations, prioritize initiatives, and evaluate opportunities related to downtown revitalization. The
vision statement is intended to describe the desired future state of Downtown West Chicago, while the
mission statement articulates the purpose and focus of revitalization efforts.

The proposed options were developed based on stakeholder feedback, Commission discussions, the
City's Strategic Priorities, the Economic Development Work Plan, and other planning and policy docu-
ments.

Option 1: Community & Place-Focused
Vision
A downtown where people gather, connect, and celebrate community in a vibrant and welcoming envi-
ronment that reflects the unique character of West Chicago.
Mission
To revitalize Downtown West Chicago by creating inviting public spaces, supporting local businesses,
celebrating culture and history, and fostering meaningful connections among residents, businesses,
and visitors.

Option 2: Economic Vitality & Investment-Focused
Vision
A thriving downtown that serves as the economic and cultural heart of West Chicago, attracting invest-
ment, supporting businesses, and creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Mission
To strengthen Downtown West Chicago through strategic redevelopment, business growth, housing
opportunities, infrastructure investment, and partnerships that support long-term economic vitality and
community prosperity.

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Option 3: Destination & Community Identity-Focused
Vision
A vibrant, welcoming, and authentic downtown where people gather, businesses thrive, investment
grows, and community pride is visible every day.
Mission
To revitalize Downtown West Chicago through strategic investment, business growth, placemaking,
cultural celebration, and community partnerships that create a dynamic destination reflecting the com-
munity's unique identity and serving as the heart of civic life.

Discussion
Each option reflects common themes identified through the Commission's work but places a different
emphasis on the desired outcomes of downtown revitalization.
    •  Option 1 prioritizes community gathering spaces, placemaking, and social connections.
    •  Option 2 prioritizes economic growth, redevelopment, and investment.
    •  Option 3 seeks to balance economic vitality, placemaking, culture, and community identity while
       positioning downtown as a destination.
The Commission may choose to endorse one of the proposed options, modify elements from multiple
options to create a preferred alternative, or provide additional direction for refinement and future con-
sideration.


REQUESTED ACTION:
Recommend the preferred framework to guide future downtown revitalization planning efforts.