The following will summarize the key points of the 2008 State of the City Address, which may be found here in its entirety: 2008 State of the City Address - PDF- 838k)

Our spirits crave some good news at a time when so many are feeling the effects of a turbulent market and an uncertain world. Through thoughtful assessment, creative planning and fiscally responsible decision-making, West Chicago is riding the storm and steering its own destiny.

An aggressive Economic Development Program has resulted in us welcoming 30 new businesses, celebrating the successful expansions of three existing businesses and a major renovation of another.

Noteworthy new developments include Kipling Woods, a mixed use development consisting of commercial and townhomes, Springbrook Market, the NIU Proton Therapy and Cancer Treatment Center and improved site development at the southwest corner of Route 59 and Main Street.

Amazing things happen when people work together for the common good. Here are just a few examples:

• Two key pieces of legislation were approved by the State – one resulted in a $1.6 million sales tax refund from the Dupage County Water Commission that will help stabilize water rates, and the other extended the duration of the City’s Downtown TIF District another 12 years
• Completion of the Central Main Street Redevelopment Plan
• Completion of a space needs assessment and site location analysis for a new City Hall
• The re-accreditation of the Police Department and the hiring of a new Police Chief and command staff
• Urban coyote education
• The hiring of a new Youth Coordinator
• Steady progress on the reconstruction of Hawthorne Lane
• The privatization of the wastewater treatment plant operations
• Adoption of a system of administrative adjudication of municipal code violations
• A redesigned City website and City newsletter
• A gateway/wayfinding signage masterplan initiative
• A First-Time Homebuyer Program