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April 26, 2023

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is April 23-29, 2023. NCVRW provides a chance to honor crime victims and survivors, recognize the professionals and volunteers who provide critical services to victims of crime, raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and services, and promote policies and practices that help prevent future victimization.

The importance of this week cannot be overstated, especially considering the devastating impact that shootings and other violent crimes have on individuals, families, and communities. The 2023 theme is ‘Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.’ The theme calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported.

We must never forget that behind every crime is a victim. They have been left with physical and emotional scars. These individuals have shown us the true meaning of determination and inspired us to use their experience to be the change we want to see in the world where everyone feels safe and protected. To each victim, we offer our care and our unwavering support.

Our support for victims is more than advocacy and activism. Victims have experienced unthinkable traumatic and devastating crimes and are left to grapple with the aftermath. This week, we also recognize the critical role of the professionals and volunteers who help victims. Their dedication to their work, providing support and services, is truly an act of selflessness. Thank you to each team member in Highland Park and all our partners for your unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and compassion. 

Nancy R. Rotering

Mayor, City of Highland Park, IL

At the Monday, April 24 City Council meeting, Mayor Rotering and City Council recognized outgoing Councilmembers Holleman and Stolberg for their years of dedicated service to Highland Park. Following the last meeting of the current Council, on May 8, 2023, Councilmembers-elect Hoobler and Ross will be sworn in, and the first meeting of the new Council will be convened.

City Council recognized May as Jewish American Heritage Month, a celebration of Jewish American heritage and achievements; Bike Month, noting a series of upcoming cycling-related events in May; and Historic Preservation Month, honoring the 40th anniversary of the City's Historic Preservation program.

City Manager Ghida Neukirch provided an update on plans for July 4, 2023, reviewing the event schedule and emphasizing ways in which the slate of events is intended to allow community members the opportunity to engage with any or all of the activities according to their own comfort level, consistent with the trauma-informed approach recommended by the Department of Justice - Office of Victims of Crime. Learn more about plans for July 4, 2023.

City Council approved agreements pertaining to public infrastructure projects and security services for special events. City Council supported the drafting of approval documents for the redevelopment of Ravinia School, to be considered for formal approval next month.

During the meeting of the Committee of the Whole, City Council reviewed an update pertaining to the ongoing implementation of the Central Business District Streetscape Improvements Plan. Sample furniture will be featured in an upcoming issue of eNews so members of the public may review.

The City of Highland Park is pleased to recognize the 2023 Highland Park Awards recipients this Thursday, April 27, at 7:00 PM at the Highland Park High School Auditorium. Presented annually, the Arts, Environmental, Humanitarian, and Character Counts Pillar Awards recognize those who have made positive, sustained and impactful contributions to the community. In addition, the ceremony will include the introduction of the City's new poet laureate.

The ceremony will be open to the public and livestreamed on the City's YouTube channel; a recording of the event will be available on the City's website the following day.

Join us for the City's annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. This year's event will be held in-person (not drive-thru) at the Ravinia Festival West Parking Lot (301 Ravinia Park Road; entrance off Green Bay Road). The event will feature exhibits, demos and giveaways to brighten up your home and garden this spring, including:

• Plant and seed giveaways.
• A Touch-A-Truck exhibit.
• Document shredding (≤ 4 boxes/ household)
• A tree planting demonstration and Q&A with an arborist.
• A "meet and greet" with birds of prey in Illinois.
• Bicycle recycling and more!

Thank you to the City's event supporters: Advanced Tree Care, Bartlett Tree Experts, ComEd, Davey Tree Experts Company, Habitat Highland Park, Lakeshore Recycling Systems, Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education, Park District of Highland Park, Ravinia Festival, SWALCO and Working Bikes.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 Student Commissioners! Through the City's Student Commissioner Program, outstanding Highland Park High School juniors and seniors volunteer their time to serve on one of the City's advisory groups, boards, or commissions. The Class of 2023 includes 11 graduating seniors. Mayor Nancy Rotering and City Council shared their appreciation for their contributions during the past year at the Monday, April 24 City Council meeting, recognizing all students by name. Students who were not able to attend the meeting will receive their certificates in the mail.

On Tuesday, May 2, the Plan and Design Commission will hold a public hearing to evaluate and recommend to the City Council whether and to what extent the Zoning Code should be amended to prohibit, or otherwise regulate, the use of property for Tobacco Shops, and for other principal and accessory uses for the sale or use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, smoking, vaping and all related paraphernalia intended for smoking or vaping of any kind regardless of products, including, but not limited to, kratom, delta9, and other similar products, in the various zoning districts of Highland Park, and specifically as well as such other regulations as may be necessary, important, or beneficial to the City and its residents.

Feedback from residents, business owners, property owners, and other stakeholders is important. Individuals may attend the public hearing of the Plan and Design Commission on Tuesday, May 2, at 7:00 PM at City Hall (1707 St. Johns Ave.) to share comments during the meeting. Comments may also be shared with City staff and the Plan and Design Commission in advance of the meeting via email to planning@cityhpil.com.

The Highland Park High School Class of 2025 invites senior adults ages 50+ to join them for a night at the prom. The student hosts are planning an enchanting evening of glitter and gold while dressing up ready to serve, dance, and entertain.

Participants will enjoy a fabulous evening filled with a buffet dinner, a sweet table, dancing, and entertainment. The HPHS DJ Club will provide music, and some of the high school’s most talented artists will perform.

The prom will take place on Saturday, May 6 from 5:00-7:30 PM at the Highland Park Country Club (1201 Park Avenue W.); tickets are $10. Call 847.432.8110 to register by Friday, April 28.

The City of Highland Park is now accepting applications for the following roles:

• Community Development
• Plan Examiner/Inspector
• Public Works
• Civil Engineer
• Forestry Worker (Seasonal)
• Maintenance Worker (Seasonal)

For full job postings and to apply, please visit the City's career page at cityhpil.com/careers. Contact the City's Human Resources Division at 847.926.1013 with questions.