A comprehensive plan is a document that establishes recommendations and guidelines for future growth. Comprehensive plans often address areas such as economic development, land use and development, housing, transportation and infrastructure, and parks and open space. The plan is guided by the community’s shared vision that can be implemented to achieve goals over a time horizon of approximately 20 years. The West Chicago Forward Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed and recommended by the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals and adopted by the City Council.

The last time West Chicago undertook a comprehensive plan was in 1995, and a lot has changed in those 25 or 26 years. West Chicago Forward will help the City and residents of today set the stage for the future vision of West Chicago tomorrow.

In 2016, the City of West Chicago completed the West Chicago Strategic Plan, which made recommendations in the specific areas of economic development, community image, intergovernmental partnerships, and celebrating diversity. The West Chicago Forward Comprehensive Plan will be informed by that strategic plan, and support its recommendations where appropriate, but it will take an even broader view. By analyzing community health, land use and development, housing, transportation and infrastructure, parks and open space, and more, West Chicago Forward will help us answer big questions that will help us stay successful into 2042 and beyond—How can we attract new residents? What are the business and economic opportunities that await?

We’re glad you asked! Please visit our participate page to find out more about events that will happen over the course of 2021. You can also tell your friends, neighbors, and other community members all about West Chicago Forward and how they can participate too.

You can also find us and tag us on social media to help spread the word. #westchicagoforward