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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE:
Mid-Year Realignment of the 2026-2028
Economic Development Work Plan
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
   _____7.D._____
COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: N/A
COUNCIL AGENDA DATE:    September 8, 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
following a unanimous recommendation from the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The
Work Plan established an ambitious three-year agenda intended to advance economic development
through redevelopment, business support, infrastructure, community connectivity, cultural identity,
workforce development, and other initiatives that contribute to West Chicago's ability to attract and
retain businesses, investment, residents, employees, and visitors. The Work Plan also provides the
basis for identifying economic development priorities that may require funding or other City re-
sources through the annual budget process.
The Work Plan was developed with the expectation that it would be reviewed regularly and adjusted
as implementation progressed. The first half of 2026 provided an opportunity to better understand
the timing, dependencies, and staff resources associated with carrying out the initiatives identified in
the plan.
Implementation confirmed that several of the Work Plan's larger initiatives require substantial and
sustained staff involvement while occurring alongside ongoing departmental responsibilities. The first
half of 2026 also included significant opportunities and activities requiring staff resources beyond
what was anticipated when the Work Plan was developed, including coordination of the Union Pa-
cific Big Boy visit and July 5th parade. In addition, implementation of planned initiatives such as the
inaugural Mosaic Market required a significant commitment of staff resources.
Taken together, the ambitious scope of the original Work Plan, the level of effort required to advance
major projects, and additional demands that emerged during the year demonstrated the need to es-
tablish a more achievable sequence of work. The proposed mid-year realignment concentrates avail-
able resources on priority initiatives, recognizes dependencies among projects, and adjusts imple-
mentation schedules where appropriate. This realignment also provides a more realistic basis for
identifying resource needs and developing budget recommendations for initiatives anticipated to ad-
vance during the next fiscal year.
EDC DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATION
Scope of the Economic Development Work Plan
During its review, the EDC also considered a concern that some initiatives included in the Work Plan
may not traditionally be viewed as economic development activities. The Commission discussed the
broader relationship between economic development and initiatives involving infrastructure, commu-
nity connectivity, cultural identity, communications, placemaking, and other factors that influence the
City's ability to attract and retain investment, businesses, residents, employees, and visitors.
J ,.
I

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The EDC affirmed that the initiatives included in the Work Plan support economic development ob-
jectives and are appropriately connected to the City's economic development efforts. At the same
time, the Commission recognized that the City Council may prefer that certain supporting initiatives
be managed or tracked through other City planning documents rather than through the Economic
Development Work Plan. Accordingly, the Council may consider removing or repositioning individual
initiatives without necessarily concluding that those activities do not contribute to economic develop-
ment.
Mid-Year Realignment
The proposed realignment does not represent a change in the City's overall economic development
direction. Instead, it focuses available staff capacity on initiatives that are currently positioned to ad-
vance, coordinates projects with related implementation schedules, and adjusts the timing of activi-
ties that depend on other work being completed first.
Implementation during the first half of 2026 confirmed several initiatives as continuing priorities, in-
cluding downtown redevelopment, the Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project, redevelop-
ment of the West Washington Street properties, modernization of business regulations, implementa-
tion of the new City website and digital services, housing development, and business attraction and
marketing efforts.
The mid-year realignment generally reflects the following adjustments:
•
Concentrating staff resources on major initiatives already underway, particularly projects
with established timelines, outside partners, contractual obligations, or significant redevelop-
ment implications.
•
Sequencing related initiatives so that foundational work is completed before dependent ac-
tivities begin, rather than advancing multiple interconnected projects simultaneously.
•
Coordinating downtown initiatives with the Downtown Modernization & Beautification Pro-
ject and anticipated 2027 construction.
•
Aligning business development activities with the Business Regulations Review and devel-
opment of tools such as the business directory and available-property inventory.
•
Coordinating digital initiatives with implementation of the new City website and other tech-
nology improvements to avoid duplicative work.
•
Adjusting the timing of selected initiatives where staff capacity, technology, redevelopment
activity, or completion of related projects limits the City's ability to effectively advance the work
at this time.
As reflected in the attached realignment, several initiatives have been rescheduled to later years to
account for project dependencies and available staff capacity, while initiatives already underway or
tied to established implementation schedules remain prioritized for 2026 and 2027. This approach
maintains progress on near-term priorities while preserving longer-term initiatives for implementation
as capacity and project conditions allow.
At its August 20, 2026 Special Meeting, the EDC reviewed the proposed mid-year realignment of the
2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan. The Commission discussed implementation during
the first half of the year, including project dependencies, competing priorities, and staff capacity, and
reviewed proposed adjustments to the timing and sequencing of initiatives.
Following its review and discussion, the Commission voted unanimously (5–0) to recommend City
Council approval of the mid-year realignment of the 2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan.

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Approval of the Work Plan does not appropriate funding or authorize expenditures for individual initi-
atives. Funding requests associated with the Work Plan remain subject to the City's annual budget
process and applicable City Council approval.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE 2027–2029 WORK PLAN
The mid-year realignment addresses implementation of the City's currently adopted 2026–2028 Eco-
nomic Development Work Plan and provides a more realistic framework for the initiatives already un-
derway. The separate proposed 2027–2029 Economic Development Work Plan builds upon this im-
plementation experience by carrying forward ongoing priorities, further refining project sequencing,
and incorporating new initiatives recommended by the EDC for the next three-year period.
ACTIONS PROPOSED:
Approve the mid-year realignment of the 2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan, as recom-
mended by the Economic Development Commission.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
This item did not go to a Committee.
Attachment: 2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan – Mid-Year Realignment

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City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Revitalizing
Downtown
Advance Redevelopment &
Infill
1.A.1
Continue promoting Downtown developments to construct 200+
dwelling units in total
Ongoing
Core
BCR, CD
Development agreement is being prepared
for a proposed downtown townhouse project
Revitalizing
Downtown
Advance Redevelopment &
Infill
1.A.2
Conduct outreach and develop concept plan for the public use of the
West Washington Street Redevelopment Site
2026
Core
BCR, CD, Downtown
Revitalization
Commission
4th Quarter
Responses to the RFQ due on August 28.
Project kick-off anticipated in late November
Revitalizing
Downtown
Advance Redevelopment &
Infill
1.A.3
Demolish deteriorated City-owned structures that are unsafe and
beyond reasonable repair
2027
Supporting
CD
Continuation of existing program
Revitalizing
Downtown
Advance Redevelopment &
Infill
1.A.4
Survey City-owned properties, upon demolition
2027
Supporting
BCR, CD, PW
To prepare for eventual redevelopment
Revitalizing
Downtown
Advance Redevelopment &
Infill
1.A.5
Amend zoning regulations in the B-1 District bulk requirements to allow
greater height, density (perhaps bonuses for TOD), and intensity
2027
Core
BCR, CD, Downtown
Revitalization
Commission
4th Quarter
Downtown Revitalization Commission
recommended exploring a form-based code
approach
Revitalizing
Downtown
Expand Downtown
Business & Retail Mix
1.B.1
Attract new retailers and restaurants to downtown and support existing
ones via the Retail & Restaurant Grant Program
Ongoing
Core
BCR
Program promotion continues through
business outreach and quarterly meetings
Revitalizing
Downtown
Expand Downtown
Business & Retail Mix
1.B.2
Assist local entrepreneurs turning vacant buildings into businesses
through the Downtown Investment Program
Ongoing
Core
BCR
One application approved; one additional
application submitted
Revitalizing
Downtown
Expand Downtown
Business & Retail Mix
1.B.3
Host quarterly meetings with downtown businesses and property
owners to share City updates, coordinate promotions, and obtain
feedback
Ongoing
Core
Admin, BCR, CD, Police,
PW
Quarterly
Revitalizing
Downtown
Expand Downtown
Business & Retail Mix
1.B.4
Support development of a downtown food hall
Ongoing
Core
BCR
Revitalizing
Downtown
Expand Downtown
Business & Retail Mix
1.B.5
Support development of a small business incubator and accelerator
space(s)
Ongoing
Core
BCR
Revitalizing
Downtown
Expand Downtown
Business & Retail Mix
1.B.6
Amend zoning regulations to expand downtown permitted uses to
include artisan manufacturing, arts & culture, child/elder care,
medical services, shared workspaces, and more
2027
Core
BCR, CD
1st Quarter
Revitalizing
Downtown
Expand Downtown
Business & Retail Mix
1.B.7
Nurture home-based businesses to grow into commercial locations
through business registration
2027
Core
BCR
1st Quarter
Consider as part of the new business
regulations & to support marketplace
vendors
Revitalizing
Downtown
Activate Downtown with
Events, Arts & Placemaking 1.C.1
Coordinate seasonal decorations and aesthetic enhancements to
create a cohesive Downtown experience
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR, PW
Will need to evaluate banner opportunities if
new light poles are installed in 2027
Revitalizing
Downtown
Activate Downtown with
Events, Arts & Placemaking 1.C.2
Support development of summer Cultural Market & Food Truck weekly
series
2028
Supporting
BCR, CD, Police, PW
2nd Quarter
Mosaic Market launched successfully in
2026. Anticipate consideration of expanded
food truck regulations in late 2026;
anticipate putting implementation on hold
due to downtown construction in 2027
1 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026

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City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Revitalizing
Downtown
Activate Downtown with
Events, Arts & Placemaking 1.C.3
Identify City-owned properties Downtown for art showcases or murals
and connect with artists to activate
2027
Supporting
BCR - Cultural Arts
Commission
2nd Quarter In conjunction with the Downtown
Modernization & Beautification Project
Revitalizing
Downtown
Activate Downtown with
Events, Arts & Placemaking 1.C.4
Schedule monthly pop-up performances and entertainment in
Downtown during the summer to activate the streetscape
2028
Supporting
BCR
1st Quarter
Upon completion of the Downtown
Modernization & Beautification Project
Revitalizing
Downtown
Activate Downtown with
Events, Arts & Placemaking 1.C.5
Evaluate regulations to activate public sidewalks (i.e. permit sidewalk
sales and pop-up activities)
2027
Core
BCR, CD
2nd Quarter
Revitalizing
Downtown
Activate Downtown with
Events, Arts & Placemaking 1.C.6
Amend zoning regulations to allow greater use of food trucks
2026
Supporting
BCR, CD
4th Quarter
Food truck regulations remain under review
Revitalizing
Downtown
Enhance Mobility,
Connectivity & Public
Realm
1.D.1
Improve signage for Downtown public parking lots and map locations
online
2027
Supporting
BCR, PW
3rd Quarter
In conjunction with the Downtown
Modernization & Beautification Project
Revitalizing
Downtown
Enhance Mobility,
Connectivity & Public
Realm
1.D.2
Conduct outreach to design the Downtown Modernization &
Beautification Project
2026
Core
BCR, PW
4th Quarter
Revitalizing
Downtown
Enhance Mobility,
Connectivity & Public
Realm
1.D.3
Construct improvements for the Downtown Modernization &
Beautification Project
2027
Core
PW
4th Quarter
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.1
Continue livestreaming City Council meetings
Ongoing
Supporting
Admin
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.2
Expand bilingual/multilingual communications across City channels
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR
Bilingual communications continue to
expand across City platforms, including on
the new website
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.3
Design and implement new official City website (.gov)
2027
Core
BCR
3rd Quarter
Contract anticipated to be approved in 3rd
quarter 2026; Project anticipated to be
completed during 3rd quarter 2027
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.4
Improve City calendar and meeting records management systems
2027
Core
Admin, BCR
3rd Quarter
Calendar and meeting records management
options are under review for inclusion as part
of a public engagement platform and/or new
website
2 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026

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City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.5
Implement consolidated online application process for business
services
2027
Core
BCR
3rd Quarter
Upon completion of the updated business
regulations and implementation of new ERP,
if approved
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.6
Add capabilities for direct mail, SMS/text updates, and WhatsApp
groups
2027
Supporting
BCR
1st Quarter
2026 - Direct mail relaunched. An event
calendar was published in the spring Library
Program Guide that was mailed to residents.
The Quarterly City Bulletins are now available
to be mailed to those who opt-in. SMS/text
updates to be incorporated into the new
website
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.7
Evaluate establishing a City informational app (digital help desk) to
provide information and allow issue reporting (service request system)
2028
Core
BCR, IT
1st Quarter
Upon implementation of new ERP, if
approved, or the new website
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Modernize Digital Service
Delivery & Access
2.A.8
Create a digital help desk and service request system
2029
Supporting
IT
Pending outcome of study
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Build Transparency &
Accountability Through
Data & Communication
2.B.1
Host an annual open house to showcase City projects and services
Ongoing
Supporting
Admin, BCR, CD,
Finance, Police, PW
April
This item is complete for 2026
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Build Transparency &
Accountability Through
Data & Communication
2.B.2
Expand feedback opportunities with online surveys throughout the
year, including post-event surveys
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Build Transparency &
Accountability Through
Data & Communication
2.B.3
Provide regular communication with the business community through
social media, newsletters, and InWestChicago website
Ongoing
Core
BCR
Monthly
Business e-newsletters resumed;
InWestChicago website development
continues
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Build Transparency &
Accountability Through
Data & Communication
2.B.4
Review and adjust fees associated with business services to ensure
fairness, competitiveness, and alignment with service costs
2027
Core
Admin, BCR, Finance
2nd Quarter Upon completion of review and updating of
business regulations (5.B.12)
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Strengthen Coordination &
Engagement Across the
Community
2.C.1
Continue to engage other taxing jurisdictions and public agencies to
share costs of services, facilities, and programs
Ongoing
Supporting
Admin, BCR, Finance
Discussion has begun for a shared
community calendar and potential mailed
community guide
3 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026

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City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Delivering
Exceptional &
Transparent
Services
Strengthen Coordination &
Engagement Across the
Community
2.C.2
Coordinate and invite all taxing bodies to attend an “Annual
Community Strategy Summit” to align priorities and explore shared
initiatives
Ongoing
Supporting
Admin, BCR
Quarterly
Community Engagement Roundtable
launched in July 2026 to strengthen
partnerships
Connecting the
Community
Expand Mobility & Physical
Connectivity
3.A.1
Develop sidewalk and bicycle network to connect parks, outdoor
spaces, and recreational facilities
Ongoing
Supporting
CD, PW
The City has partnered with Healthy West
Chicago to identify capital improvement and
signage opportunities
Connecting the
Community
Expand Mobility & Physical
Connectivity
3.A.2
Identify opportunities to provide wayfinding signage along trails to
connect users to community assets
2027
Core
BCR, PW
1st Quarter
Wayfinding opportunities are being evaluated
as part of the Downtown Modernization &
Beautification Project
Connecting the
Community
Expand Mobility & Physical
Connectivity
3.A.3
Evaluate sidewalk and trail connectivity and street lighting coverage to
assess priorities for improvements to public safety and community
appearance
2027
Supporting
PW
Connecting the
Community
Expand Mobility & Physical
Connectivity
3.A.4
Evaluate opportunities to install pedestrian safety and traffic calming
techniques at Neltnor Boulevard and Washington Street & Main Street
intersections, including wayfinding signage
2028
Supporting
BCR, PW
3rd Quarter
Connecting the
Community
Expand Mobility & Physical
Connectivity
3.A.5
Integrate resilience and safety into transportation planning to ensure
equitable mobility access across all neighborhoods
2028
Supporting
CD, PW
Upon completion of the Comprehensive Plan
update
Connecting the
Community
Strengthen Community
Partnerships
3.B.1
Recruit volunteers to serve as City ambassadors to share stories and
connect residents and businesses with City resources that support
local investment and opportunity
2027
Core
BCR
2nd Quarter
Connecting the
Community
Strengthen Community
Partnerships
3.B.2
Expand partnerships with regional and local organizations to connect
residents to workforce and small business resources that grow the
local economy
2028
Core
BCR
2nd Quarter
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Support Diverse Cultural
Expression Through Events
& Storytelling
4.A.1
Evaluate City-hosted or sponsored special events to ensure they
incorporate cultural initiatives
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR
Community partners are coordinating efforts
to align community and cultural events
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Support Diverse Cultural
Expression Through Events
& Storytelling
4.A.2
Feature one or two parades to celebrate community culture
2026
Core
BCR, Police, PW
America 250 Parade held on July 5 with MID
Parade scheduled for September 13
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Support Diverse Cultural
Expression Through Events
& Storytelling
4.A.3
Develop a walking tour of history, culture, and art
2026
Supporting
BCR - Cultural Arts
Commission & City
Museum
3rd Quarter
Continue expanding the walking tours to
encourage continued exploration of the
community
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Support Diverse Cultural
Expression Through Events
& Storytelling
4.A.4
Strengthen signature events with live art, music, and artisan vendors
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR - Cultural Arts
Commission
4 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026

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City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Support Diverse Cultural
Expression Through Events
& Storytelling
4.A.5
Expand music, dance, and performance events in public spaces
2028
Supporting
BCR - Cultural Arts
Commission
1st Quarter
Live music and entertainment areas are
being incorporated into the Downtown
Modernization & Beautification Project
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Champion Inclusive
Initiatives That Reflect
Cultural Richness
4.B.1
Partner with Mexican Cultural Center DuPage to expand cultural
programming and cross-cultural partnerships
2027
Core
BCR
3rd Quarter
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Champion Inclusive
Initiatives That Reflect
Cultural Richness
4.B.2
Partner with Casa Michoacán and Despertar Latino to promote cultural
festivals and strengthen Latino heritage celebrations
Ongoing
Core
BCR
Partners are coordinating the Mexican
Independence Day celebration
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Preserve & Enhance
Historic & Cultural Assets
4.C.1
Continue to publicize and expand local incentives and grants for
preservation where feasible
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR, CD
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Preserve & Enhance
Historic & Cultural Assets
4.C.2
Survey selected properties to increase awareness of historical assets
2026
Supporting
BCR - City Museum, CD
4th Quarter
Draft Historic Resources Survey presented to
Historical Preservation Commission for
review on July 28
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Preserve & Enhance
Historic & Cultural Assets
4.C.3
Prepare design drawings for the adaptive reuse of the Washington
Street Train Depot
2028
Supporting
CD
2nd Quarter Contingent on the West Washington Street
Concept Plan; may begin in 2027
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Preserve & Enhance
Historic & Cultural Assets
4.C.4
Review and update design guidelines specifically for historic properties
within the Turner Junction Historic District
2028
Core
CD
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Promote City Identity
Through Branding &
Storytelling
4.D.1
Create monthly business and community spotlight articles across City
communications
2027
Supporting
BCR
3rd Quarter
Business community spotlight articles have
been posted, as applicable (e.g. St. Andrews
100th Anniversary)
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Promote City Identity
Through Branding &
Storytelling
4.D.2
Create an online business directory to promote Shop Local
2027
Supporting
BCR
4th Quarter
Restaurant list developed for the Big Boy
event. Business Directory is being developed
for the InWestChicago website
Elevating Culture &
Community
Identity
Promote City Identity
Through Branding &
Storytelling
4.D.3
Develop a dining and shopping guide as part of a Shop Local program
2028
Supporting
BCR
1st Quarter
Investing in Our
Future
Strengthen Physical
Infrastructure
5.A.1
Replace and maintain infrastructure within industrial parks
Ongoing
Supporting
PW
Western, Downs, and Fenton Lane are under
construction in 2026; Industrial Drive will be
reconstructed in 2027
Investing in Our
Future
Strengthen Physical
Infrastructure
5.A.2
Continue maintenance and replacement of water and sanitary systems
to exceed standards
Ongoing
Supporting
PW
Water and sanitary rate study is underway
Investing in Our
Future
Strengthen Physical
Infrastructure
5.A.3
Consider use of development incentives/public financing tools for
roadway/infrastructure
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR, Finance, PW
The City issued a General Obligation Bond to
fund roadway improvements in the industrial
parks in 2026; a subsequent bond issuance
is anticipated for 2027 construction
5 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026

===== PDF PAGE 47 =====

City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Investing in Our
Future
Strengthen Physical
Infrastructure
5.A.4
Present concept plan for new elevated water tower at Prince Crossing
Road and Washington Street for public comment
2027
Core
BCR, PW
2nd Quarter Loan application was not approved in 2026
so the project is on hold, pending funding
Investing in Our
Future
Strengthen Physical
Infrastructure
5.A.5
Construct elevated water tower at Prince Crossing Road and
Washington Street
2028
Core
PW
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.1
Actively recruit housing developers by partnering with landowners
Ongoing
Core
BCR
One housing development is ready for permit
issuance; three others are under review
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.2
Encourage occupancy of vacant commercial spaces through a vacant
commercial storefront registry
2026
Core
BCR, CD
4th Quarter
Downtown Revitalization Commission review
is anticipated in late 2026
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.3
Attract new retailers to vacant spaces through Retail Lease Trac
subscription
2027
Core
BCR
3rd Quarter
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.4
Prepare and maintain an online inventory of available land and property
for redevelopment
2027
Core
BCR
2nd Quarter Property inventory development for the
downtown has begun
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.5
Conduct regular business surveys to identify risks for business
relocation or expansion
2027
Core
BCR
4th Quarter
The optional survey with the Business
Registration Renewal will continue until a
public engagement platform is implemented
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.6
Host regular meetings with the DuPage Airport Authority (DAA) to
update the IGA and develop a strategy to leverage the airport as an
asset
2026
Core
BCR
4th Quarter
Initial term expired on 01/01/2026;
agreement automatically extended for
successive 25-year terms unless terminated
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.7
Coordinate quarterly workshops with partners on business
development topics, including investment, funding opportunities, and
budgeting techniques
2028
Core
BCR
1st Quarter
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.8
Coordinate regional business owner meetings by geography
2027
Core
BCR
Quarterly
Quarterly meetings, with one meeting held
annually in each geographic business area:
Roosevelt Road Corridor, North Avenue
Corridor, DuPage Business Center, and
Industrial Park
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.9
Connect small businesses to capital opportunities (CDFIs, banks,
microfinance)
2027
Core
BCR
2nd Quarter
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.10
Coordinate matchmaking events between entrepreneurs & local
investors
2028
Core
BCR
4th Quarter
6 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026

===== PDF PAGE 48 =====

City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.11
Create and maintain a community job board as a one-stop shop for
employment within the City
2027
Core
BCR
4th Quarter
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.12
Review business registration and licensing regulations to support
flexibility and industry shifts
2027
Supporting
Admin, BCR
1st Quarter
Business regulations review is underway
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.13
Conduct a comprehensive review of multi-family housing regulations,
including the R-6 District near Downtown, to identify opportunities for
zoning updates that support redevelopment, compact housing options
including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and expanded residential
base to strengthen West Chicago’s business environment
2027
Core
BCR, CD
2nd Quarter Upon completion of a housing analysis
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.14
Evaluate parking minimums, particularly on Roosevelt Road, to identify
opportunities for outlot development on existing sites
2029
Supporting
CD
Investing in Our
Future
Promote Sustainable &
Strategic Economic
Development
5.B.15
Consider zoning map amendments for key properties to align with the
Future Land Use Map
2028
Supporting
CD
Upon completion of the updated
Comprehensive Plan
Investing in Our
Future
Expand Workforce
Readiness & Industry
Collaboration
5.C.1
Support manufacturing talent pipeline by participating in Greater
Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP)
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR
Current partnership level is Leader Sponsor
Investing in Our
Future
Expand Workforce
Readiness & Industry
Collaboration
5.C.2
Partner with College of DuPage and local industries to develop
internship, apprenticeship, or train-to-hire programs
Ongoing
Core
BCR
Investing in Our
Future
Expand Workforce
Readiness & Industry
Collaboration
5.C.3
Regularly gather data on evolving education and workforce training
needs
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR
Evaluate annually
Investing in Our
Future
Expand Workforce
Readiness & Industry
Collaboration
5.C.4
Explore partnership with Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce to
provide direct workforce development support for manufacturers
2027
Core
BCR
2nd Quarter
Investing in Our
Future
Expand Workforce
Readiness & Industry
Collaboration
5.C.5
Partner with Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to
provide targeted business and workforce support
2028
Core
BCR
3rd Quarter
Investing in Our
Future
Expand Workforce
Readiness & Industry
Collaboration
5.C.6
Host annual event with manufacturers to understand challenges and
connect to business development resources
Ongoing
Supporting
BCR
October
Planning is underway for 2026
Investing in Our
Future
Ensure Resilient &
Adaptive Policies
5.D.1
Continue proactive evaluation of budget allocations to align with
community-driven priorities
Ongoing
Supporting
Admin, Finance
2027 budget preparation has begun
Investing in Our
Future
Ensure Resilient &
Adaptive Policies
5.D.2
Maintain flexibility in zoning and development codes to respond to
emerging industries and evolving community needs, including the
potential addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Ongoing
Supporting
CD
7 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026

===== PDF PAGE 49 =====

City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment
Priority
Initiative
Priority
Alignment
Projects/Policy Updates
Activity Year
Core or
Supporting
Participating
Department / Entities
Milestone
Remarks
Investing in Our
Future
Ensure Resilient &
Adaptive Policies
5.D.3
Review regulations for modern practices, enforceability, and
community priorities
2027
Supporting
Admin, BCR, CD
1st Quarter
Business regulations review continues with
interdepartmental coordination
Investing in Our
Future
Ensure Resilient &
Adaptive Policies
5.D.4
Align land use, infrastructure, housing, and economic development
policies with current community needs and future opportunities
through an update of the Comprehensive Plan
2027
Core
BCR, CD
8 of 8
EDC Recommendation | 08/20/2026