Thursday, May 14, 2026

Dear River Forest residents, 


Thank you to everyone who attended Wednesday’s open house regarding the North Avenue Streetscape Project, a collaborative effort between River Forest and the Village of Elmwood Park. We had a great turnout of more than 40 residents who shared valuable feedback. To learn more about the project, click here. If you are interested in viewing the project plans, click here. To submit feedback on the project, send an email


Please save the date! I invite you to join me for our quarterly “Casual Conversation with the Village President” on Saturday, June 13, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Keystone Center. This informal gathering is designed to encourage open dialogue and community engagement. You can drop in any time and please bring any questions, feedback, or ideas regarding Village services and initiatives.


Lastly, you can also save the date for the Village’s annual Juneteenth Commemoration, held in partnership with the River Forest Public Library, on Wednesday, June 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. We hope you will join the community in recognizing the importance of this observance.


Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Leaf Blower Ordinance Starts Tomorrow

 (Click the graphic below to learn more)

Beginning Friday, May 15, the Village’s seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers officially takes effect. From May 15 through September 15 each year, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers - as well as fossil-fuel generators used to operate or charge them - is prohibited throughout the Village. Violations involving non-electric leaf blowers during this period may result in citations and fines up to $750 per offense.


The ordinance includes an incentive program that recognizes landscapers who commit to using electric equipment year-round as part of the Village’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Learn more here.

Property Assessment Appeals Open

River Forest Township is currently open for property assessment appeals through Tuesday, June 2. To assist residents, the Township Assessor’s Office is hosting a Community Outreach event in partnership with the Cook County Assessor’s Office. Assessor representatives will be available to answer questions about the triennial reassessment process and the appeal process. The event will take place on Monday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at the River Forest Civic Center. For more information, click here.

Cop On A Rooftop

Support a great cause and meet your local officers at “Cop on a Rooftop” Friday, May 15, from 5 a.m. to noon at Dunkin’ in Forest Park on Madison Street. Hosted by the Forest Park and River Forest police departments, this annual fundraiser benefits Special Olympics Illinois and helps support programs for individuals with disabilities across the State. Officers will be stationed on the rooftop collecting donations and raising awareness throughout the morning. Stop by for coffee, connect with local law enforcement, and help make a difference for Special Olympics athletes.

ALERT: Watch for Contractor Scams

Police have reported scammers posing as contractors to target residents with unsolicited offers for home improvement services, particularly for concrete repairs and hail damage work. Residents and businesses are encouraged to use caution, avoid high-pressure sales tactics and take time to verify contractor credentials before agreeing to any services.


Before beginning home or property improvement projects, residents should also check whether a building permit is required and review the Village’s list of approved and licensed contractors. These requirements help protect property owners and ensure all work meets local codes and safety standards.

Get Involved on Memorial Day

Join the River Forest community to honor our nation’s heroes at the 101st annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Iowa Street and Ashland Avenue and will conclude at Keystone Park, where the Honor Roll Ceremony, Community Picnic and Business Bash  will take place. Attendees can also enjoy live music, food trucks and exhibits from local and veteran-owned businesses. Residents are encouraged to recognize active-duty military members and veterans by submitting names for the Honor Roll by Monday, May 18. Businesses interested in participating in the Business Bash can register here.

Public Works Clears Storm Debris

Recent rising river levels have led to a significant buildup of tree branches and debris along the upstream side of the Lake Street Bridge, creating a potential log-jam risk and restricting water flow. To address the issue, Public Works coordinated with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the Illinois Department of Transportation to safely remove the debris, which will improve waterway flow capacity and minimize potential flooding and structural stress on the bridge. We appreciate the collaboration of our partner agencies and thank you to residents for your patience and understanding during this important maintenance operation.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Residents participating in the Village’s waste collection program can now schedule curbside pickup of household hazardous waste, at no additional cost. Please note: Requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 29. Residents will then be contacted by Lakeshore Recycling Systems with their scheduled collection date. This service is offered twice annually, with the next collection planned for October 2026. Please note that latex paint is not accepted. For a list of acceptable materials, click here. This convenient service helps to ensure that potentially harmful materials are disposed of safely and responsibly. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to help keep homes and the environment safe.

River Forest Business Spotlight

Each Elizabeth Faith wreath is handcrafted with the artistry and detail of a custom floral arrangement, making every piece truly unique. Designed and created to order, these personalized wreaths reflect the time, creativity, and craftsmanship that go into every arrangement. Because each one is custom made, orders are available exclusively by request. To learn more or place an order, send an email.



Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.

What's Happening in River Forest?

Visit the River Forest Community Calendar at rfhappenings.com
to find out, today!

Village of River Forest


400 Park Avenue

River Forest, Illinois 60305

708-366-8500


vrf.us

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