CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive the Bicentennial Framework report and direct staff to initiate the selection of the 2031 Bicentennial Chairperson
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DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
SUBMITTED BY: Marcie Schatz, Assistant to the City Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
As part of the City of Naperville 2024-2025 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), a team of employees were charged with developing a framework document to guide City’s 2031 Bicentennial Celebration. The use of the term “framework” was intentional, serving as a flexible guide and resource document for those who will be planning, funding, and executing the celebration of the City’s bicentennial.
Over 18 months, the project team surveyed 20 benchmark municipalities, researched milestone celebrations, and interviewed ten local organizations. The responses from these research efforts were cataloged, analyzed, and used to guide the development of the framework document.
DISCUSSION:
The 2031 City of Naperville Bicentennial Framework document includes a variety of goals and objectives for the celebration including:
1. Historical reflection and education
2. Community engagement
3. Preserving and promoting local heritage/legacy planning
4. Civic pride
5. Future vision
6. Special commemorative projects and collaborations
7. Fiscal responsibility
8. Safety
A key insight gathered during the ELP research and interviews is to provide ample lead time to plan the celebration of such a significant milestone. Staff recommends that the City Council receive the attached framework document and initiate the process of selecting a 2031 Bicentennial Chairperson.
While the City is initiating the step of selecting a chairperson, the goal is that the Bicentennial Celebration is not government driven but instead embraces the “celebration of community by the community” spirit of previous Naperville milestones.
Chairperson Selection process
Staff recommends initiating the selection process for the 2031 Bicentennial Chairperson. This is a volunteer designation and the person selected will work across public, private, and non-profit organizations to lead the creation of an inclusive community-wide celebration of Naperville.
An ideal chairperson will be a proven leader who is organized, open-minded, can easily delegate, has a broad and diverse network of contacts, and who is passionate about the Naperville community.
Responsibilities of the Chairperson include:
1. Inspire others with a passion for Naperville’s history, community, and vision for the future and create interest in being part of the Bicentennial celebration.
2. Build a team of diverse community members to serve on, and lead, the celebration sub-committees.
3. Facilitate and lead committee meetings and discussions, ensuring effective and timely decision-making.
4. Organize differing ideas and build consensus.
5. Ensure transparent communications and outreach regarding planning to the City and community at large.
6. Develop and maintain schedules and plans, exercise flexibility when needed.
7. Understand fundraising and sponsorship needs for events, community projects, and other celebration activities.
Applicants must be a current resident of incorporated Naperville and cannot be a sitting elected government official.
This volunteer opportunity will be promoted and advertised by the City and will also leverage communication networks of community partners and organizations.
Interested candidates will complete a basic application with questions including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Why are you interested in serving in this volunteer role?
2. Provide 3-4 examples of your experience with volunteering or other initiatives that demonstrate your capability to serve in this role.
3. How many years have you been a resident of Naperville?
4. Provide three references.
5. Request to include a resume or cover letter.
Schedule
Jan 5, 2026 Application opens. City announces the search for 2031 Bicentennial Chair has begun
Feb 13, 2026 Applications due at 5:00 p.m.
Feb 16-27, 2026 Selection committee reviews applications
March 9- 20, 2026 Selection committee conducts interviews
April 2026 2031 Bicentennial Chair recommendation to the City Council for approval
Staff recommends the selection committee be comprised of one representative of the following:
1. Downtown Naperville Alliance
2. Naperville Chamber of Commerce
3. Naperville Park District
4. Naper Settlement
5. City Manager’s Office
6. Naperville Emerging Leaders Program
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with this approval. Any budget request from the City will be brought forward through future agenda items and budget processes.