City Manager Ghida S. Neukirch presented the City of Highland Park 2017 Work Plan early this year which identified major public facing initiatives, significant actions anticipated for Council consideration, and other substantial department projects centered around the City’s core priorities – Fiscal Stability, Public Safety, Infrastructure Investment and Community Vibrancy. The work plan is reviewed and updated on a regular basis, and reports are provided to the City Council on a quarterly basis. At the Monday, October 9 City Council Meeting, City Manager City Manager Neukirch presented a third-quarter update of more than 130 projects and initiatives that are outside of the City’s day-to-day operations.
“The City’s work plan is aggressive, yet achievable and is carried out by our professional and responsive staff. Our employees take great pride in their work and the service they provide to the public,” City Manager Ghida Neukirch said. “We look forward to continued progress and welcome public feedback on all matters pertaining to City service as the staff and the City Council work together to carry out every initiative in an effort to best serve residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Substantial progress has been made in achieving the goals defined in the 2017 Work Plan. Third quarter accomplishments included finalizing more than $14M in infrastructure investment in the community as outlined in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan; modification of the City’s Pedestrian Shopping Overlay District to stimulate business activity in the downtown district; supporting North Shore School District 112 on successfully completing their capital improvements at Edgewood Middle School and minimizing the impact of the improvements on neighboring properties; continued work on exploring the relocation of the City’s Senior Services to an appropriate location to meet the community’s 50+ population; completing the bike sharrows throughout the community in accordance with the City’s Bike/Walk Plan; and successful implementation of the Rain Barrel program.
The City’s major projects are primarily established in the preceding year based on input from the City Council, public, and staff. Initiatives and projects are organized by department and are available on the City’s website at www.cityhpil.com/workplan.
For more information, please contact City Manager Ghida Neukirch at 847.926.1000 or by email at cityhp@cityhpil.com.