Above / Considering the “Naperville Water Utilities” presentations during recent City Council meetings that focused on the Springbrook Water Reclamation Center, capital projects, asset evaluation and phosphorus engineering, this PN publisher is urging residents to pay attention to upcoming considerations that could impact the cost of living of every Naperville homeowner. Certainly, clean, fresh available water is top of mind. Help shape future possibilities by participating in this city’s next strategic plan. What core services are most important to you and your family?
Updated Post, May 28, 2021 / Earlier this week we happened to run into Director of Communications Linda LaCloche in Jaycees Park, carrying a stack of printed surveys she’d collected from Nichols Library. She reminded us of the City’s initiative to seek info for its strategic plan and we talked a little about the sidewalk signs in place to remind residents that now is the time to take the survey.
While the inclement weather may find you inside for the evening, perhaps you could check out the online survey and complete the questions you wish to answer. Note that paper copies are available at seven locations around town, including all three Naperville Public Libraries. Thank you.
Originally Posted, May 15, 2021 / Beginning this month, the Naperville community is asked to help shape what’s next for the City. A collaborative process will update Naperville’s Strategic Plan to maintain the City’s resiliency while preparing for opportunities and challenges. The three-year plan will provide strategic focus for the City’s programs, services and initiatives based on community priorities.
“Strategic planning is a best practice in local government and so important to focusing the efforts of elected officials and staff,” said Mayor Steve Chirico. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and face a changing future, having a strategic plan in place will help us to direct resources where they are needed most. A meaningful strategic plan will reflect the views of our community, making broad participation critical in the process. We urge everyone to participate.”
The strategic planning process encourages the community to share its top priorities for the City, which is critical for allocating financial resources and personnel to areas residents and businesses consider most important. Community members are asked to provide strategic plan input virtually for the safety of all. Participating in a short, online survey is the first opportunity.
(Editor’s Note: Every category offers a variety of choices. Folks who take the survey may choose up to three.)
Start now with the ‘NapervilleNext’ Survey
Community members are asked to share their vision for Naperville’s housing, economy, overall quality of life, and more with the NapervilleNext quick survey. The survey also asks about the experiences of living in Naperville. Do residents feel welcome and included? Do they have access to opportunities that allow them to thrive?
Get started at www.BridgetoPossibility.org
Visit www.BridgetoPossibility.org to get started. Paper copies of the survey also will be available starting the week of May 17 at the following locations:
· Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
· Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.
· Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.
· 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Rd.
· Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Dr.
· 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St.
· Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave.
Once the survey is completed, residents can visit www.BridgetoPossibility.org to learn more about important issues for Naperville. This online platform has several additional, engaging ways to participate, including online discussion forums and quick polls.
Registered users of www.BridgetoPossibility.org can also participate in Zoom community workshops. Register today to receive updates.
In the coming months, elected officials and City staff will participate in workshops to prepare a draft strategic plan informed by public input. A draft plan is expected for presentation this summer with its adoption planned in October.
The completed Naperville Strategic Plan will…
· Include strategies for City staff and elected officials,
· Provide measurable goals and actions, and
· Reflect the City’s commitment to its mission statement.
For more information about the Naperville Strategic Plan, visit www.BridgetoPossibility.org.
Editor’s Note / City Council meets first & third Tuesdays monthly
City Council meetings typically are held at 7PM on the first and third Tuesdays of every month in City Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Building, 400 S. Eagle Street. City Council workshops are held on other days. For the meeting schedule, agenda and how to watch on public access cable TV or streaming online, visit www.naperville.granicus.com.
City of Naperville Mission: “To provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.”
School District 203, School District 204 and the Naperville Park District are each separate governing bodies serving Naperville, each with their own mission statements, policies and budgets.