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City Council | 06.15.2026
Published: Jun 15, 2026
Croya Reports Record Participation and Program Success, Names Essay Contest Winner
Todd Nihigian, manager of Croya, presented an update on the organization's activities, highlighting a successful year with over 400 programs and approximately 10,000 participants, exceeding their typical goal of 350-375 programs. After-school drop-in hours saw around 3,000 student attendances. Nihigian announced Kendall McCclary, a graduating senior from Woodlands Academy, as the winner of the Marggo Martino essay contest. The presentation included details about various social programs, summer events, and community service projects undertaken by Croya, as well as a significant increase in fundraising and successful grant applications from the Gringanger Foundation and Fred B. Snite Foundation. Croya also welcomed back a full-time Croya service and leadership staff member after a 16-year absence.
Lake Forest City Council Reviews Strategic Plan Progress and Future Initiatives Across Departments
The city presented its annual update on the 2025-2030 strategic plan, outlining progress from the previous fiscal year and planned initiatives for the upcoming year. Key accomplishments in fiscal year 2026 included the finance department issuing $19 million in bonds for police renovation while maintaining a AAA bond rating, transitioning parking permits to an electronic system, and improving credit card merchant accounts for the golf course and recreation facilities. For fiscal year 2027, initiatives include moving financial software to a cloud-based platform, conducting a comprehensive water system study, and reviewing purchasing policies. Public works completed infrastructure projects and design studies, realigned CBD parking, and is working on storm sewer and intersection enhancements. The police department launched an interactive crime map, secured several grants (recruitment/retention, DUI/seatbelt enforcement, retail theft cameras, drone equipment), and is now fully staffed after streamlining its hiring process. Future police plans include moving to a new building, working towards accreditation, and increasing parking enforcement. The fire department is transitioning to 11 personnel per shift, streamlined hiring, placed a new ambulance in service, and plans to place a new fire engine in service. Recreation saw high participation with over 9,000 registrants, expanded youth engagement through Croya's peer training program, and saw growth at Dickinson Hall Senior Center. Facility improvements included water bottle filling stations. Future recreation plans involve enhancing the beach concession experience, expanding Independence Day festivities, and updating the parks and recreation master plan. Community development focuses on preserving character through reviewing development petitions and public buildings, and upcoming initiatives include implementing BSNA cloud permitting software and updating lighting guidelines. Economic vitality remains strong in both residential and business districts, with demand for housing and businesses, and efforts to activate the Bank Lane corridor. Office market is also strong locally despite national trends. Communications efforts in FY26 included hosting engagement events, increasing newsletter subscribers, and producing more video content. Future plans include promoting engagement for the parks and rec master plan and updating the rec website.
Lake Forest Announces Extensive Independence Day Weekend Celebration for America's 250th Anniversary
The city of Lake Forest is preparing for its Independence Day weekend celebration, which will also commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The event lineup includes 'Bites on Bank' Food Festival on Thursday, July 2nd, traditional fireworks on Saturday, July 4th, an ice cream event at the beach (weather permitting) on Sunday, and an event at Elawa on Friday. Vendors at the beach are also planning a barbecue event. The city council acknowledged the work of the committee that organized these events and encouraged residents to enjoy them.
Lake Forest Council Approves Key Contracts and Vehicle/Equipment Purchases
As part of the omnibus vote, the council approved several procurement items: a two-year contract extension with Lake Forest Bank and Trust for banking services through June 30, 2028; a one-year contract extension with Open Gov for transparency and open data software; the purchase of replacement police department vehicles from Kaiser Ford for $94,000; the purchase of a replacement front-load sanitation truck chassis from Trans Chicago Truck Group and body from McQueen Group for a total of $526,594 (including a $50,000 trade-in of a current vehicle); the purchase of a street section aboard replacement for $49,000 from Street Smart Rentals LLC; and the purchase of a replacement city fuel management system from Stenstrom Petroleum Services for $58,600.
Lake Forest Council Reviews Zoning, Building, and Historic Preservation Recommendations
The council considered recommendations from the Building Review Board for new homes at 1241 Kaiser Lane, 1135 Windhaven Court, 320 Majestic Oak Court, and 255 West Deer Path, presenting the first reading of the ordinances. Additionally, recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals for properties at 437 North Green Bay Road, 200 North Ridge Road, and 301 Children Drive were presented for first reading and potential final approval. Finally, recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission regarding building scale variances for 437 North Green Bay Road and 161 North Sheridan Road were also presented for first reading and potential final approval. These items are part of the omnibus vote.
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