Here’s to a 2026 filled with freedom, critical thinking and family activities with time devoted to our community’s rich history and how local streets connect, named to honor our nation’s founders such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin.
Other downtown streets recognize statesmen such as Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren and Daniel Webster, prominent players during the period when Naperville began development in the early 1830s; while many street signs throughout the community pay tribute to local farm families for their contributions to growth and development.
What’s more, School District 203 has recognized John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, James Madison and George Washington by naming all four of its junior high schools to honor U.S. Presidents. (Kennedy Jr. High School is located in Lisle.)
Hometowns matter. Whether Naperville has been your hometown since childhood or one of several hometowns where you’ve lived, worked or enjoyed being an adult, this community has been growing since the arrival of Captain Joseph Naper and his family in 1831.
Local issues matter for Naperville
1. Park District Referendum & Primary Election
The Naperville Park District will ask voters in the March 17, 2026, election if they support $120 million in new bond funding. The loans would allow the district to build an activity center with an indoor pool at Frontier Sports Complex, plus acquire new land for more trails. All seven members of the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners voted “yes” to put the question on the ballot. Voters are encouraged to seek complete details and ongoing costs to use the facilities proposed on the bond referendum. The referendum vote will be featured on the Primary Ballot.
The Illinois Primary is set for March 17 to elect hopefuls to be placed on the Midterm General Election Ballot (Nov. 3, 2026) to serve Naperville in DuPage County, Will County, Springfield and Washington, D.C. Watch for news of fundraising as well as “meet and greet” events featuring candidates. Every election matters.
2. Riverwalk Updates
Exchange Club Memories Fountain in Fredenhagen Park has been rehabilitated and is expected to begin flowing again this spring at the gateway to North Central College where the Riverwalk extends toward Hillside Road. Construction of a park along the DuPage River next to Burger King at 430 S. Washington St., on property owned by North Central College, is expected to begin this year. A southern extension of the Riverwalk from Hillside Road to Martin Avenue is planned to connect with Endeavor Health Edward Hospital, likely to begin early in 2027.
During the final Riverwalk Commission meeting of 2025, Commissioner John Cuff received kudos for his six years serving the commission as the Riverwalk Foundation representative. Jeff Martin, who serves as VP on the Foundation, will fill Cuff’s seat for the next three-year term.
The City and Naperville Park District also are set to explore developments proposed via the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan. The Riverwalk Foundation will continue identifying enhancement projects that qualify for private funding.
3. New Superintendent Selected for Indian Prairie 204
This year will be a period of transition in Indian Prairie School District 204. After five years, Dr. Adrian Talley will leave the district when his contract expires on June 30. Last month the school board appointed Dr. John Price, currently superintendent of North Chicago District 187, to be its new superintendent beginning July 1. The public is invited to meet Dr. Price at a special reception at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora, from 4:30 to 5:30PM on Thurs., Jan. 15, 2026.
4. Block 59 Attractions
New restaurants, stores, entertainment and the ice rink are open at Block 59, but more is planned and coming soon at the corner of Aurora Avenue and Route 59. For more information, visit www.block59.com.
5. Housing Developments
With approvals granted last year, several new neighborhoods are set to offer new housing opportunities throughout Naperville. For instance, on the City’s northeast side, the Residences at Naper and Plank will bring 90 rental rowhouses and townhouses. Charleston Place, now under construction along Aurora Avenue, will feature 30 houses targeted toward seniors in the central part of the City, just west of downtown. And consider Everly Trace featuring 68 townhouses and rowhouses, as well as the Reserves of Saddle Creek with 14 single-family homes, both set to be built in the southern part of Naperville.
6. NPD Mental Health Team
The Naperville Police Department will introduce a new six-officer especially trained unit called the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT) that will respond to mental health-related emergencies. The new unit will be funded with $1.1 million allocated in this year’s budget by the Naperville City Council.
7. IMEA Approval or Disapproval
Discussions continue regarding affordable electric rates.
8. Data Center Near I-88
After the vote of approval by the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), residents continue to voice their concerns and opinions during City Council meetings before the final vote.
9. Volunteer!
The Serendipity Shop that benefits Little Friends, Inc., seeks volunteers at its convenient location near Hobby Lobby. Loaves & Fishes Community Services also welcomes volunteers.
10. Pay Attention to Local Matters!
Pay attention to how folks serve public bodies such as Naperville City Council, District 203 and District 204 Boards of Education and the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners. All City Council and board meetings are open to the public.
Also, become familiar with elected officials who serve Naperville. A comprehensive list is linked on the homepage at www.positivelynaperville.com.
Find plenty to do in Naperville!
