===== PDF PAGE 7 ===== CITY OF WEST CHICAGO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 6 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Third Quarter Status Update MEETING DATE: 10/27/2026 STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD SIGNATURE ITEM SUMMARY: During the third quarter of 2026, the City continued advancing economic development initiatives focused on downtown revitalization, business support, infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and long-term investment. Key activities included progress on redevelopment opportunities, implementation of digital service improvements, coordination with businesses and community partners, and planning for future development. On September 8, 2026, the City Council approved the Mid-Year Realignment of the 2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan, as unanimously recommended by the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The attached Q3 update reflects the revised implementation schedules established through that realignment, including adjustments to account for project dependencies and available staff capacity. Key Highlights • Downtown Redevelopment: The City received 16 responses to the West Washington Street Site Concept Plan RFQ and advanced negotiations with the selected respondent. Negotiations also continued on the development agreement for the proposed High Street townhouse project. • Business Development and Support: Staff continued promoting business assistance programs, engaged with prospective downtown development projects, and hosted the September 22 downtown business meeting to discuss Small Business Saturday promotions and proposed food truck regulations. • Downtown Activation: The inaugural Mosaic Market concluded on August 20, with 10 of 12 scheduled market dates taking place. The City Council also approved the Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project design contract on August 17. • Digital Services and Communications: The City Council approved contracts with Granicus for the new City website and OpenGov for streamlined business application services. Three business e- newsletters were distributed during Q3, achieving an average open rate of 42%. • Community Engagement and Cultural Initiatives: Surveys were distributed to gather feedback on events, policies, and programming. The City and its community partners supported Mexican Independence Day festivities, while the Cultural Arts Commission continued offering activities at community events. • Infrastructure and Long-Term Planning: Infrastructure improvements continued on Western Avenue, Downs Drive, and Fenton Lane, with design work underway for Industrial Drive. The City also issued an RFP for the Targeted Housing Strategy & Market Positioning Analysis to help inform future housing and comprehensive planning efforts. The attached Q3 2026 Economic Development Work Plan Update provides a status report on initiatives advanced during the quarter, including their revised implementation timing following the City Council's approval of the mid-year realignment. ===== PDF PAGE 8 ===== ACTION PROPOSED: For information only. No action needed. Attachment: 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Q3 Status Update Matrix ===== PDF PAGE 9 ===== City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment: Q3 Status Update Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q3 Status Update Negotiations are ongoing regarding Revitalizing Advance Redevelopment & Continue promoting Downtown developments to construct 200+ 1.A.1 Ongoing Core BCR, CD development agreement terms for the Downtown Infill dwelling units in total proposed High Street townhouse project. Sixteen responses were received for the West BCR, CD, Downtown Revitalizing Advance Redevelopment & Conduct outreach and develop concept plan for the public use of the Washington Street Site Concept Plan RFQ. 1.A.2 2026 Core Revitalization 4th Quarter Downtown Infill West Washington Street Redevelopment Site Negotiations are ongoing with the selected Commission respondent. The Downtown Revitalization Commission BCR, CD, Downtown Revitalizing Advance Redevelopment & Amend zoning regulations in the B-1 District bulk requirements to allow recommended exploring a form-based code 1.A.5 2027 Core Revitalization 4th Quarter Downtown Infill greater height, density (perhaps bonuses for TOD), and intensity approach, which is included in the proposed Commission 2027 budget. Revitalizing Expand Downtown Attract new retailers and restaurants to downtown and support existing Program promotion continues through 1.B.1 Ongoing Core BCR Downtown Business & Retail Mix ones via the Retail & Restaurant Grant Program business outreach and quarterly meetings. One grant application was approved, and Revitalizing Expand Downtown Assist local entrepreneurs turning vacant buildings into businesses 1.B.2 Ongoing Core BCR reimbursement was issued for a previously Downtown Business & Retail Mix through the Downtown Investment Program approved project. The Q3 meeting was held on September 22. Host quarterly meetings with downtown businesses and property Revitalizing Expand Downtown Admin, BCR, CD, Police, Discussion included coordinated promotions 1.B.3 owners to share City updates, coordinate promotions, and obtain Ongoing Core Quarterly Downtown Business & Retail Mix PW for Small Business Saturday and feedback on feedback food truck regulations. Revitalizing Expand Downtown Discussions began regarding the 1.B.4 Support development of a downtown food hall Ongoing Core BCR Downtown Business & Retail Mix development of a downtown food hall. The Downtown Revitalization Commission Revitalizing Expand Downtown Support development of a small business incubator and accelerator 1.B.5 Ongoing Core BCR discussed considerations for retail incubator Downtown Business & Retail Mix space(s) space. Revitalizing Activate Downtown with Coordinate seasonal decorations and aesthetic enhancements to 1.C.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR, PW No activity this quarter. Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking create a cohesive Downtown experience Mosaic Market concluded its first season on Revitalizing Activate Downtown with Support development of summer Cultural Market & Food Truck weekly 1.C.2 2028 Supporting BCR, CD, Police, PW 2nd Quarter August 20 with 10 of the 12 market days Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking series occurring. 1 of 5 Council Approval of Realignment | 09/08/2026 ===== PDF PAGE 10 ===== City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment: Q3 Status Update Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q3 Status Update Food truck regulations were discussed with Revitalizing Activate Downtown with 1.C.6 Amend zoning regulations to allow greater use of food trucks 2026 Supporting BCR, CD 4th Quarter downtown business and property owners at Downtown Events, Arts & Placemaking the Q3 meeting. Enhance Mobility, The City Council approved the design Revitalizing Conduct outreach to design the Downtown Modernization & Connectivity & Public 1.D.2 2026 Core BCR, PW 4th Quarter contract on August 17, including the removal Downtown Beautification Project Realm of the water feature from Galena Plaza. Delivering All Council, Committee, and Plan Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service 2.A.1 Continue livestreaming City Council meetings Ongoing Supporting Admin Commission meetings are livestreamed and Transparent Delivery & Access posted online. Services Delivering Bilingual communications continue to Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service 2.A.2 Expand bilingual/multilingual communications across City channels Ongoing Supporting BCR expand across City platforms, with additional Transparent Delivery & Access capabilities planned for the new website. Services Delivering The City Council approved the Granicus Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service 2.A.3 Design and implement new official City website (.gov) 2027 Core BCR 3rd Quarter contract on September 8, and work on the Transparent Delivery & Access new website has begun. Services Delivering Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service Calendar and meeting records management 2.A.4 Improve City calendar and meeting records management systems 2027 Core Admin, BCR 3rd Quarter Transparent Delivery & Access are included in the new website. Services Delivering A contract with OpenGov was approved on Exceptional & Modernize Digital Service Implement consolidated online application process for business 2.A.5 2027 Core BCR 3rd Quarter September 21, which will include a Transparent Delivery & Access services streamlined business application process. Services Delivering Build Transparency & The annual open house was on March 18 in Exceptional & Admin, BCR, CD, Accountability Through 2.B.1 Host an annual open house to showcase City projects and services Ongoing Supporting April conjunction with the State of the City. This Transparent Finance, Police, PW Data & Communication item has been completed for 2026. Services Delivering Build Transparency & Mosaic Market, Community Events, and Exceptional & Expand feedback opportunities with online surveys throughout the Accountability Through 2.B.2 Ongoing Supporting BCR Manufacturing Summit surveys were Transparent year, including post-event surveys Data & Communication distributed. Services 2 of 5 Council Approval of Realignment | 09/08/2026 ===== PDF PAGE 11 ===== City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment: Q3 Status Update Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q3 Status Update Three business e-newsletters were Delivering Build Transparency & distributed, with an average open rate of Exceptional & Provide regular communication with the business community through Accountability Through 2.B.3 Ongoing Core BCR Monthly 42%. Further development of the Transparent social media, newsletters, and InWestChicago website Data & Communication InWestChicago website has been delayed Services due to competing project priorities. Delivering Strengthen Coordination & Coordination is ongoing for a quarterly Exceptional & Continue to engage other taxing jurisdictions and public agencies to Engagement Across the 2.C.1 Ongoing Supporting Admin, BCR, Finance community guide and shared community Transparent share costs of services, facilities, and programs Community calendar. Services Delivering The Q3 Community Engagement Roundtable Strengthen Coordination & Coordinate and invite all taxing bodies to attend an “Annual Exceptional & was convened on August 12 to identify Engagement Across the 2.C.2 Community Strategy Summit” to align priorities and explore shared Ongoing Supporting Admin, BCR Quarterly Transparent shared goals and opportunities to coordinate Community initiatives Services resources. Coordination with Healthy West Chicago Connecting the Expand Mobility & Physical Develop sidewalk and bicycle network to connect parks, outdoor continues to identify opportunities for 3.A.1 Ongoing Supporting CD, PW Community Connectivity spaces, and recreational facilities pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements. Community partners continue to support Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural Evaluate City-hosted or sponsored special events to ensure they community and cultural activities, including Community Expression Through Events 4.A.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR incorporate cultural initiatives at Mosaic Market and Mexican Independence Identity & Storytelling Day festivities. Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural The Mexican Independence Day parade was Community Expression Through Events 4.A.2 Feature one or two parades to celebrate community culture 2026 Core BCR, Police, PW well attended on September 13. Identity & Storytelling Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural BCR - Cultural Arts Self-guided walking tours were promoted at Community Expression Through Events 4.A.3 Develop a walking tour of history, culture, and art 2026 Supporting Commission & City 3rd Quarter Mosaic Market, Food Fest, and Mexican Identity & Storytelling Museum Independence Day festivities. Elevating Culture & Support Diverse Cultural The Cultural Arts Commission hosted Lotería BCR - Cultural Arts Community Expression Through Events 4.A.4 Strengthen signature events with live art, music, and artisan vendors Ongoing Supporting games at multiple Mosaic Market events and Commission Identity & Storytelling the Mexican Independence Day Festival. 3 of 5 Council Approval of Realignment | 09/08/2026 ===== PDF PAGE 12 ===== City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment: Q3 Status Update Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q3 Status Update The Mexican Independence Day festivities Elevating Culture & Champion Inclusive Partner with Casa Michoacán and Despertar Latino to promote cultural were successfully organized and supported Community Initiatives That Reflect 4.B.2 Ongoing Core BCR festivals and strengthen Latino heritage celebrations by Despertar Latino, Casa Michoacán, and Identity Cultural Richness other community organizations. Elevating Culture & Preserve & Enhance Continue to publicize and expand local incentives and grants for Community 4.C.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR, CD No activity this quarter. Historic & Cultural Assets preservation where feasible Identity Elevating Culture & The draft Historic Resources Survey was Preserve & Enhance Community 4.C.2 Survey selected properties to increase awareness of historical assets 2026 Supporting BCR - City Museum, CD 4th Quarter presented to the Historical Preservation Historic & Cultural Assets Identity Commission in July and is being finalized. Construction is ongoing on Western, Downs, Investing in Our Strengthen Physical 5.A.1 Replace and maintain infrastructure within industrial parks Ongoing Supporting PW and Fenton Lane. Design work is underway Future Infrastructure for the reconstruction of Industrial Drive. Investing in Our Strengthen Physical Continue maintenance and replacement of water and sanitary systems 5.A.2 Ongoing Supporting PW The water and sewer rate study is underway. Future Infrastructure to exceed standards Investing in Our Strengthen Physical Consider use of development incentives/public financing tools for The Council provided direction to evaluate 5.A.3 Ongoing Supporting BCR, Finance, PW Future Infrastructure roadway/infrastructure sustainable infrastructure funding options. Promote Sustainable & Staff continues to coordinate with two Investing in Our Strategic Economic 5.B.1 Actively recruit housing developers by partnering with landowners Ongoing Core BCR developers on proposed residential Future Development developments. Illinois Main Street presented on the impact Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Encourage occupancy of vacant commercial spaces through a vacant of vacant commercial storefronts in Strategic Economic 5.B.2 2026 Core BCR, CD 4th Quarter Future commercial storefront registry downtowns to the Downtown Revitalization Development Commission. Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Prepare and maintain an online inventory of available land and property Strategic Economic 5.B.4 2027 Core BCR 2nd Quarter Downtown property data has been compiled. Future for redevelopment 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 4th Quarter Not yet started. Future Development asset 4 of 5 Council Approval of Realignment | 09/08/2026 ===== PDF PAGE 13 ===== City of West Chicago 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Mid-Year Realignment: Q3 Status Update Priority Core or Participating Priority Initiative Alignment Projects/Policy Updates Activity Year Supporting Department / Entities Milestone Q3 Status Update Promote Sustainable & Investing in Our Review business registration and licensing regulations to support Strategic Economic 5.B.12 2027 Supporting Admin, BCR 1st Quarter Business regulations review continues. Future flexibility and industry shifts 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 2027 Core BCR, CD 2nd Quarter Not yet started. Future Development including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and expanded residential base to strengthen West Chicago’s business environment Expand Workforce Investing in Our Support manufacturing talent pipeline by participating in Greater Coordination is ongoing for participation in Readiness & Industry 5.C.1 Ongoing Supporting BCR Future Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP) the Manufacturing Summit. 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 activity this quarter. 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 No activity this quarter. Future needs Collaboration Expand Workforce Planning and partner coordination continued Investing in Our Host annual event with manufacturers to understand challenges and Readiness & Industry 5.C.6 Ongoing Supporting BCR October for the inaugural Manufacturing Summit Future connect to business development resources Collaboration scheduled for October 7. The City Council approved the mid-year realignment of the 2026–2028 Economic Investing in Our Ensure Resilient & Continue proactive evaluation of budget allocations to align with Development Work Plan and the 2027–2029 5.D.1 Ongoing Supporting Admin, Finance Future Adaptive Policies community-driven priorities Economic Development Work Plan on September 8. Both plans inform proposed budget priorities. Maintain flexibility in zoning and development codes to respond to The Council approved a 180-day moratorium Investing in Our Ensure Resilient & 5.D.2 emerging industries and evolving community needs, including the Ongoing Supporting CD on data centers and Battery Energy Storage Future Adaptive Policies potential addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Systems on July 20. The RFP for the Targeted Housing Strategy & Align land use, infrastructure, housing, and economic development Market Positioning Analysis was issued on Investing in Our Ensure Resilient & 5.D.4 policies with current community needs and future opportunities 2027 Core BCR, CD September 21. Findings will help inform Future Adaptive Policies through an update of the Comprehensive Plan housing strategies and the Comprehensive Plan update. 5 of 5 Council Approval of Realignment | 09/08/2026