Important COVID-19 Community Updates
We appreciate the chance to bring you up to speed on what we are learning from local and regional sources every weekday or as necessary.
 Please dial 9-1-1 in case of emergencies only and call 847.234.2601 for non-emergencies.

Check the City's website for additional information and continue to send any inquiries to cityhall@cityoflakeforest.com . As Mayor Pandaleon continues to stress, residents should stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to leave the house and maintain physical distancing.

Many staff members are working remotely and will respond to you at the earliest opportunity.
A New Message from Mayor Pandaleon
Local Business Grant Program Approved
At its April 20 meeting, the City Council approved a Resolution adopting a 2020 Local Business Grant Program. You may view it here to check for eligibility and the process.

While the federal government has provided a number of stimulus programs to support economic sustainability, small businesses have been hit particularly hard by mandatory closures and safety measures. 

The City’s Local Business Grant Program is intended to demonstrate support for the Lake Forest business community. A particular emphasis is placed on the small businesses who may find the extended closures and restrictions pose an even greater challenge to recovery and sustainability. While it does not provide a significant source of funding to these businesses, it serves as a clear message that their presence in the community is valued and appreciated. 

It is important to remember that sales taxes generated by local businesses help to reduce the property tax burden and ensure that visitors to our City pay a share of the cost of services provided. 

The total cost of the proposed program will be funded from the operating budget surplus in the General Fund for the Fiscal Year ending on April 30, 2020. Grant payments will be based on sales generated by participating businesses for March 2020 through December 2020, encouraging these businesses to remain in our city. 

Please remember to shop and eat local!
Today is Earth Day - Celebrate Community!
In an effort to continue to promote the re-greening of Lake Forest while still practicing physical distancing, the City of Lake Forest Forestry section, in conjunction with Lake Forest Open Lands, offers an opportunity for residents to pick up FREE Balsam fir tree seedlings at the following locations to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22 and Arbor Day on Friday, April 24. 

The seedlings will be available starting on Tuesday, April 21 and refilled daily while supplies last. Distribution is based on the honor system. 

City of Lake Forest parking lot locations for pick up:
  • City Hall
  • West Park
  • South Park
  • Northcroft Park
  • Everett Park

Lake Forest Open Lands locations for pick up:
  • Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
  • Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve
  • West Skokie Nature Preserve
  • Everett Farm Nature Preserve
  • Skokie River Nature Preserve
  • Derwen Mawr Nature Preserve

For locations of Open Lands' nature preserves, check here .
Happy Earth Day from Green Minds of LF-LB
Green Minds created Green Circle, a virtual event to bring our communities together to share appreciation and thanks for local sustainability and environmental efforts. Please click on the button at the left to view a special video celebrating Earth Day's 50th Anniversary. Over 65 videos were submitted to create this final compilation.
Sanitation Services Enhancements Reminders
Please note that any additional refuse and yard waste needs to be placed at the curb the night before your pickup day. Regular refuse in trash cans needs to be out by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.

Yard Waste

  • Yard Waste Bags – Curbside collection of 8 bags maximum per collection day, no stickers, twice per week.
  • Brush – Curbside collection 8, 4-foot tied bundle, maximum per collection day, no stickers, twice per week.

Additional Refuse Items
Collection of bulk items or non-typical household garbage will be collected at the curb twice per week. There will be no charge for these additional items placed at the curb. A maximum of 2 cubic yards will be collected (equal to one refuse scooter full or the pick-up bed of a pick-up truck).

No concrete, bricks, railroad ties, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or hazardous materials will be accepted.

The City Council and City staff asks that residents follow these guidelines. Debris and yard waste created by contracting firms should still not be disposed of curbside.

These additional services will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and may change.

Please remember this is temporary. Once the COVID-19 conditions allow for the opening of the Compost Center, the City will once again require stickers be placed on yard waste bags / bundled brush and additional refuse items must be brought to the Compost Center or be scheduled for a curbside special pickup.

Any changes will be communicated via the City’s website, E-Newsletter and on Facebook. Thank you for your support! If you have questions, please contact Becky Pocasangre at 847.810.3543.
Complete the Census for the Family! Visit the City's website page for all the information.

The Census paper questionnaire was mailed on April 8 to anyone who has not yet responded. Please complete the questionnaire and return it or respond online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844.330.2020. Thank you for helping Lake Forest and Illinois achieve a Complete Count!
Lake County Interactive Map
The Lake County Health Department released an interactive map which shares the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each municipality. According to the LCHD website, it is best viewed on a computer. You can view the map here .
Local Resources
State/Federal Resources
The City of Lake Forest, Illinois | Website