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Over the last year, the Village made significant progress in many ways, including maintaining a balanced budget, holding the line on property taxes, economic development and business growth, sustainability, and new ways to be engaged with the Village - in addition to events aimed at bringing the community together.
Fiscal Responsibility: The Village once again achieved a balanced budget and received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for budget transparency and excellence. The Village Board also ensured that property taxes remained well below allowed increases by government agencies.
Public Safety: The Fire Department provided CPR training to more than 100 residents, and the Police Department continued to host quarterly Community Safety meetings - providing public safety updates and education, and encouraging community involvement to help prevent crime. We continue to be 100% staffed in both departments thanks, in part, to our Board of Fire and Police Commission who volunteer their time to help make our community safe. The Washington Boulevard project also kicked off with a well-attended open house to share planned safety updates and improvements for pedestrians and cyclists from Thatcher to Lathrop avenues.
Business Growth and Economic Development: River Forest welcomed 27 new businesses, including First Watch restaurant on Lake Street, and many catering and food service companies at Hub Kitchen on North Avenue. Investments were also made at two major businesses; Whole Foods is continuing with their planned expansion - expected to be completed later this year, and Jewel Food Store completed an interior renovation - both to better serve the community.
Sustainability: River Forest earned the EV Ready Gold Community Designation, which recognized an ongoing commitment to protecting the environment through planned EV Charging stations for 2026 that will be funded in part by more than $680,000 in grants and rebates applied for by Village staff. The Public Works Department received the Water Ambassador Gold Designation Award for ongoing efforts to educate residents about the importance of water quality.
Staying Connected: The Neighborhood Dialogue Series events, created to encourage open, meaningful conversations between residents and Village officials, received the prestigious Golden Trumpet Award for Community Relations from the Publicity Club of Chicago. This recognition complements the Village’s quarterly Casual Conversation with the Village President, which offers residents another informal opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about Village services. The next Casual Conversation will take place Saturday, March 14, from 9–10:30 a.m. at the River Forest Public Library, so please mark your calendar!
Community Events: Village-sponsored events included the first ever Senior BBQ, Bingo, and Ice Cream Social to ensure our older adults stay connected to the community and with each other. Another new event was the Business Bash, in partnership with the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, that was held on Memorial Day to promote local businesses. Additionally, the Village again was a host community for the Tour de Proviso, alongside Forest Park and Oak Park. This event aims to celebrate regional collaboration, and encourage community spirit and connections.
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