Dear Partners,

Are We Future Ready? Are we as individuals, and the organizations we work for, and the community we belong to ready for the new and emerging economy? While we cannot truly “know” the future, we do know of one constant, and that is "CHANGE”. Ready or Not . . Here It Comes!

Yes CHANGE is coming . . . . . and we can either bow-out or bring-it-about! Those who bow-out and give-up will be in a world-of-hurt. Those who bring-it-about and shape the future will be in a world-of-opportunity.

It’s exciting to learn that we are indeed preparing and positioning the City for economic prosperity. Below are some key initiatives/projects that will shape the future of Joliet in the coming decades:

• Comprehensive Plan – A guide on how we should adapt, respond, improve, and transform for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and equitable prosperity over the next ten years is in the works. A community engagement process will begin this year upon the hiring of a consultant.
• City Square Development & Chicago Street Reconstruction – The design work is proceeding in collaboration with City leaders to bring a vibrant gathering place to Downtown Joliet and reestablish the identity of Chicago Street as a destination corridor. These two projects are planned for completion by the end of 2025.
• Downtown Transit Oriented Development Study – We will explore housing and retail development opportunities within a 1/3 mile of the Gateway Transportation Center. Funding has been secured and stakeholders meeting are forthcoming.
• Downtown Joliet National Register Historic District – The designation of this district later this year will make available financial incentives to property owners or developers wishing to utilize state and federal historic tax credits for their redevelopment projects.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Plan – A plan to install up to twenty-four Charging Stations throughout the City was developed as part of a grant application. A notice of award is expected in October.
• Alternative Water Source Program – Joliet is teaming with local municipalities to form the Grand Prairie Water Commission and construct transmission and pumping facilities that will provide a sustainable and reliable Lake Michigan water supply by 2030 and support continued growth and development in the region.

As you can see from the project list above, the celestial stars are lining up to lead us towards a grand future. A future where growth, quality, and opportunity come together. Please join us in shaping the future.

Respectfully,

Cesar Suarez

Cesar J. Suarez

Economic Development Director

Joliet is Ready to Rock!

Joliet kicked off the summer with "Ready to Rock", an art installation project of twelve hand-painted guitar molds installed throughout Downtown Joliet. Each guitar was uniquely designed by a professional and regional artists and were made with vibrant colors and cultural themes. A ribbon cutting was held on June 1st at Joliet Junior College's City Center Campus. These "works-of-art" will be featured all summer long and auctioned in October with funds used for next year's street-art. Come visit Downtown Joliet to see these beautiful guitars and support our local businesses! Read More . .

Popus Gourmet Popcorn Awarded a Grant!

In April, Joliet's famous gourmet popcorn shop, Popus, was awarded a small business grant of $25,000 from M&M Bank. Businesses from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin were eligible to apply, and Popus was awarded one of the 30 awards out of 100's of applicants! Leanne and Walter Dean, owners of Popus, will use the funds to grow their business with the purchase of a new popcorn machine. Popus makes over 30 unique popcorn flavors and are especially known for their "Midwest Style" bag which is a mix of caramel and cheese flavors. Read More...

Economic Development Team attends ICSC Conference in Las Vegas

The Economic Development team attended the ICSC Annual Conference in Las Vegas from May 21^st to May 23^rd. The team heard from industry leaders, attended training sessions, and sought out retailers for Joliet. Councilman Hug and two staff members visited retailers at the vender fair to learn of their interest and recruit those seeking to locate in Joliet's vibrant and growing market. The team also visited Cullinan's booth and received the latest update on the Rock Run Collection development. Read More . . .

Chicago Street adds more Dining!

Yura Nuna, an authentic Korean restaurant, opened on June 1st at 221 N. Chicago Street in Downtown Joliet. Yura Nuna, formerly K-Ribs, has a new menu and focuses on healthier options and features rice bowls, bubble tea, smoothies, unique drinks, including vegan and vegetarian options. The new restaurant is named after the Kim family's daughter Yura, who is a recent culinary Joliet Junior College graduate and manager of the kitchen. Visit the Kim Family at Yura Nuna's downtown restaurant and their website. Read more . .

El Gallo de Acero Adds Flavor to Cass St.

El Gallo de Acero (The Steel Rooster) brings an authentic new cuisine to Joliet's east side. The restaurant grills or roasts its "never-frozen-chicken" on a six-foot long charcoal grill, and provides a variety of barbeque flavors and sides. Alex Sanchez opened the restaurant on April 9, at 351 E. Cass Street, next to his other business La Joliet Supermercado. El Gallo de Acero welcomed patrons at the opening by providing each family with a free half chicken dish with tortillas and salsa on Easter Sunday. Read More . . .

Discover Joliet! Go to VisitJoliet.com and learn what makes Joliet the City of Entertainment. Learn where to go to shop, dine, and have fun at Joliet's restaurants, entertainment venues, museums, art, sports, theaters, and casinos. Joliet is rich in history and full of destinations and unique events for you and your entire family throughout the year.