CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive the update on the Naperville 2027: Investing in Our Community Priorities Plan
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DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
SUBMITTED BY: Marcie Schatz, Assistant to the City Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
On June 18, 2024, the City Council approved the Naperville 2027: Investing in Our Community Priorities Plan (“Priorities Plan”) which outlined the five priority areas for the City to focus on over the next three to five years:
1. Utilities
2. Safety
3. Economy
4. Mobility
5. Natural Environment/Community Design
These areas, and the associated goals, were determined through the statistically significant community survey completed in 2023 and input from City leadership.
For each year of the Priorities Plan, staff will provide formal updates to the City Council in May and October.
DISCUSSION:
To provide the appropriate level of detail for each priority, staff will present on activities and goals of Safety, Economy and Mobility priorities at the May 6 City Council meeting.
The focus of the October 2025 presentation will be on Utilities and Natural Environment/Community Design but a brief update on these priorities is included in the table below:
|
Priority Area |
Status |
Overview |
|
Utilities Provide infrastructure, electric service and water/wastewater services that are reliable and safe. |
On track |
Electric • Energy consultant CES completed a report on options to fulfill energy and ancillary energy service requirements beyond 2035 • CES recommended contracting with IMEA for delivery of power and ancillary services beyond 2035 and that the City should look to exercise its option of Member Directed Resources in the new contract • PUAB held three public meetings in 2025 including presentations from CES, IMEA, NEST, and CJT Energy Law/The Power Bureau • PUAB discussed input and voted to concur with the CES recommendation • Staff continues to meet with stakeholders, research alternative options provided, and design a future presentation by CES to the City Council Water • Lead service lines continue to be replaced via the watermain replacement and lead service line replacement capital project (87 lines removed in 2024). • South Plant Grit/RAS project, influent pump station, and South Plant force-main underway • South plant upgrades out to bid • Grant application submitted for north plant improvements • 1.5% reduction in five-year rolling non-revenue water average • Continued investment in asset replacement and technology to identify leaks • Operational changes once leaks are identified |
|
Natural Environment/Community Design Ensure a well-designed community that values the natural environment. |
On track |
• Eagle Street Gateway under construction, substantial completion this year • 430 S. Washington bid after Washington Street bridge completion • Work continues on Riverwalk south extension design and streambank stabilization construction • Annual maintenance and restoration of selected Native Vegetation sites is ongoing • Continued advertisement of the Conservation@home partnership with the Conservation Foundation |
Priority Area: Safety
Provide a safe and secure community for all Naperville residents and businesses.
|
Goal |
Status |
Overview |
|
In order to maintain the highest quality public safety departments while in a nationwide hiring shortage, the City will identify opportunities to expand the recruitment pool and enhance the flexibility in the Police and Fire hiring process |
On track |
• Creation of a high school micro internship for marketing recruitment for public safety • Created pathway for Registered Nurses to become paramedics (50% of upcoming cadet class is RNs) • Review bordering states hiring practices • Reduced application age for police officers from 21 to 20 • Implemented quarterly interview calendar for BOFPC • Continue to evaluate BOFPC rules and regulations to improve hiring process |
|
In order to improve disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, the City will create a multi-year Emergency Management and implementation plan by June 30, 2025 |
On track |
• Plan development underway • Active engagement with department directors citywide on threat analysis, plan development, and scheduled exercise |
|
In order to increase community involvement, partnership and awareness in crime prevention and overall public safety, the City will provide at least eight public safety and community engagement opportunities annually. |
On track |
• Educating residents on how to limit their risk and make surroundings safer • Robust existing programs • Two programs were held this year: o Scams (February) o Traffic Safety (April) • At least three additional programs plus National Night Out, Open House, and Citizen Academies |
Priority Area: Economy
Promote development of the local economy and be a good steward of city tax revenues.
|
Goal |
Status |
Overview |
|
In order to maintain financial resilience and sustainability, the City will evaluate overall revenue diversification by December 31, 2026. |
On track |
• 2025-27 utility rate studies completed and implemented • Assessment of grocery tax and evaluation of revenue replacement options (FAB on April 28, 2025 and City Council on June 17, 2025) • Long term review of revenue diversification as part of 2026 budget process • Awaiting IDOT assessment of Motor Fuel Tax/Electric Vehicle revenues |
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In order to facilitate the development of the I-88 Corridor to best meet the needs of current and future Naperville residents, the City will provide support to I-88 corporate representatives, real estate development professionals, and the Naperville Development Partnership (NDP) in the creation and implementation of an I-88 Tollway Study. |
On track |
Business retention track: • Working with NDP and Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative to use new and available data to identify business that could relocate and create interventions for retention Business attraction track: • AECom hired to create economic development strategy to support corridor growth • Goals include leveraging innovation, science and technological strengths of corridor, identifying target clusters, supporting entrepreneurship, and maximizing redevelopment potential • Final strategy planned for completion in May |
Priority Area: Mobility
Residents can move about the community with ease in a variety of modes.
|
GoalStatusOverview |
|
|
|
In order to appropriately scale transit service in Naperville, the City will establish transit priorities, and advocate in upcoming regional transit reform and funding processes. |
On track |
• City engaged with regional councils of government, DuPage and Will County and collar county communities on legislative efforts • Tracking and engaging on legislation with an emphasis on governance, service levels, and funding • Hosted Senate transportation committee meeting |
|
In order to improve traffic flow on major streets, the City will complete an update to the Road Improvement Plan by December 31, 2025. |
On track |
• Public meeting held in January 2025 with more than 500 comments • Presented existing conditions and public feedback to TAB • Present recommendations to TAB in late summer/early fall |
|
In order to improve the ease of walking and travel by bicycle, the City will complete an update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan by December 31, 2026. |
On track |
• Consultant selection is underway • Build on feedback from Road Improvement Plan with additional public input in winter • Plan development 2026 |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Costs are project specific and included within current and future budget recommendations.