City of Highland Park Hosts Business Development Strategic Planning Focus Groups
Virtual meetings in October and November will offer opportunity for public input
October 26, 2021 – Building on its longstanding prioritization of a robust local economy composed of its nine business districts, the City of Highland Park is embarking on a comprehensive update to its business development strategic plan for 2022-2024. The plan will identify objectives and strategies to continue to strengthen Highland Park’s diverse business community and position the City for growth in the emerging post-pandemic economy.
Community members are invited to share their feedback and ideas at a series of focus groups held virtually via Zoom:
Property owners: Oct. 28 (4 – 5:30 PM); Nov. 1 (9 – 10:30 AM)
Restaurant owners & managers: Oct. 27 (2 – 3:30 PM); Nov. 4 (2 – 3:30 PM)
Office businesses: Nov. 1 (2 – 3:30 PM)
Service businesses: Nov. 2 (3:30 – 5:00 PM)
Retail businesses: Nov. 15 (2 – 3:30 PM)
Realtors: Nov. 10 (2 – 3:30 PM); Nov. 17 (9 – 10: 30 AM)
Residents: Nov. 9 (6:30 – 8:00 PM); Nov. 15 (6:30 – 8:00 PM)
Community members should visit cityhpil.com/focusgroups to register for a meeting; the Zoom link will be sent upon registration.
City staff will also attend the Ravinia Farmers Market on Wednesday, Oct. 27 (8 – 9:30 AM) to gather feedback from residents and vendors. Those who are unable to attend one of these sessions are invited to share their thoughts and feedback with the City Manager’s Office, at 847.926.1000 or cityhp@cityhpil.com.
“Our community has weathered the challenges of the last eighteen months with strong support for our local businesses,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “As we chart a course beyond the pandemic, we have the incredible opportunity to evaluate, recalibrate, and innovate. Every member of our community – residents, business owners, employees, property owners – is invested in the success of our local economy, and we all have a part to play in planning for the future and bringing those plans to life.”
In line with the existing business development strategic plan, the City is focused on business attraction and retention through ongoing conversations with property owners and developers, active marketing of available commercial properties, regular communication with business owners, business recognition programs, guidance for new business owners, and ongoing professional development. The City has invested heavily in marketing Highland Park’s unique dining, retail, and cultural offerings through the new Enjoy Highland Park campaign, bringing Highland Park’s business community to a wider regional audience. Highlights of the 2019-2021 business development strategic plan are available at cityhpil.com/business.
For more information regarding the business development strategic planning process, contact the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000 or cityhp@cityhpil.com. Find information about business development initiatives at cityhpil.com/business. Learn more about the Enjoy Highland Park campaign at enjoyhighlandpark.com.
###