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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE:
Downtown Revitalization
Vision & Guiding Framework
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
   ______7.C______
COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: N/A
COUNCIL AGENDA DATE:    September 8, 2026
STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD
& John Sterrett
SIGNATURE  __________________________
ITEM SUMMARY:
The Downtown Revitalization Commission (DRC) was established as a temporary advisory commis-
sion to support and promote renewed downtown revitalization efforts. One of the Commission's re-
sponsibilities is to evaluate ideas and recommendations contained in the Comprehensive Plan and
other relevant planning documents and prioritize strategies that remain feasible and have the poten-
tial to positively impact the downtown.
During its initial meetings, the DRC focused on developing a common understanding of existing City
plans, initiatives, and conditions affecting the downtown before identifying new priorities. Commis-
sioners were introduced to the City's Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and Economic Develop-
ment Work Plan, as well as concepts and opportunities identified by the Mayor for the future of the
downtown. The Commission also reviewed the City's existing downtown boundaries, related boards
and commissions, and tools available to support revitalization.
As part of this work, Commissioners reviewed implementation recommendations from the Compre-
hensive Plan related to the downtown and evaluated whether those recommendations remained rel-
evant based on current conditions and initiatives. Commissioners then considered which recommen-
dations were feasible to advance and ranked them based on their potential impact. The Commis-
sioners also reached out to a wide range of stakeholders throughout the community to obtain input
about current challenges and opportunities for future downtown efforts.
Through these discussions, recurring themes emerged across existing plans, current City initiatives,
and the opportunities and challenges identified by the Commission. Rather than developing another
list of individual projects, the DRC used these themes to establish a broader vision and set of priori-
ties that could provide a consistent framework for evaluating both existing initiatives and future op-
portunities. The resulting framework is being forwarded to the City Council for its consideration and
action.
DRC RECOMMENDATION
At its June 22, 2026 meeting, the DRC unanimously (8-0) recommended City Council approval of the
following Downtown Revitalization Vision & Guiding Framework:
Vision
Downtown West Chicago is a vibrant, authentic destination where people gather, businesses thrive,
investment grows, and community pride is visible every day.
Guiding Priorities

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1. Place & Gathering – Create welcoming, safe, activated public spaces that draw people
downtown throughout the day and evening. Examples include:
•
Public Spaces
•
Events
•
Third Spaces (where people spend time publicly)
•
Safety (equitable and inviting)
2. Business Vitality – Attract and retain diverse businesses, reduce vacancies, and lower barri-
ers for local entrepreneurs. Examples include:
•
Retail Recruitment
•
Retail & Restaurant Grant Program
•
Downtown Investment Program
•
Business Support
3. Investment & Redevelopment – Direct public and private investment toward vacant, un-
derutilized, and high-opportunity properties. Examples include:
•
Vacant Properties, including City-owned properties
•
Housing
•
West Washington Street Site
•
Redevelopment Incentives
4. Infrastructure & Access – Improve sidewalks, lighting, parking, connectivity, and the rela-
tionship between Main Street, Washington Street, and Turner Court. Examples include:
•
Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project
•
Parking
•
Wayfinding/Signage
•
Trail Connectivity
5. Identity & Inclusion – Celebrate the authentic character of West Chicago and ensure the
downtown reflects and welcomes all residents. Examples include:
•
Culture
•
History
•
Public Art
•
Community Identity
Alignment Test
The DRC also developed the following two-part test to help determine whether future initiatives align
with the framework:
1. Does this advance at least one priority without meaningfully working against the others? And
2. Does it move us closer to a downtown where people gather, businesses thrive, investment
grows, and community pride is visible?
The framework is intended to provide a common direction for downtown revitalization rather than es-
tablish a new list of approved projects. The examples identified under each priority illustrate the
types of initiatives that may advance the framework and are not intended to represent approval or
funding of those individual initiatives. Projects and programs would continue to follow their applicable
planning, budget, procurement, and approval processes.
If approved, the framework will provide a common reference point for the DRC's continued work and
a consistent lens for considering future downtown projects, programs, policies, investments, and re-
development opportunities.

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ACTIONS PROPOSED:
Approve the Downtown Revitalization Vision & Guiding Framework as recommended by the Down-
town Revitalization Commission.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
This item did not go to a Committee.