City Manager Ghida Neukirch presented the City of Highland Park 2018 Work Plan early this year, which identified major public-facing initiatives, significant actions anticipated for Council consideration, and other substantial department projects centered on 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, April 23 City Council Meeting, City Manager City Manager Neukirch presented a first 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 2018 Work Plan. First quarter accomplishments include the hiring of a new Fire Chief and Police Chief, increased community engagement through neighborhood meetings and increased events like Coffee with a Cop, and improved comprehensive financial reporting processes. The City continues to collaborate with government partners and has planned emergency preparedness tabletops and rapid response exercises with the Highland Park Public Library and School Districts 112 and 113. The City also worked with Sister Governments to draft and review an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Briergate Tax Increment Finance District The City is finalizing notable planned developments such as the Audi Exchange redevelopment, Capital Senior Housing, and Target renovation and has completed a Design Review Guide to allow for an improved design review process. The City also prioritizes infrastructure, and, as such, has more than $10 million in infrastructure improvements planned in the year 2018.
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.