When talking about passion for the Wood Dale community, nowhere is it more prevalent than within the Wood Dale City Council. Members of the Council are driven by a desire to improve the City in all that they do. And through the Council’s direction, the City has undertaken many projects over the past few years that reach out and strengthen community ties.

Recently, the City adopted a new comprehensive plan. After two years of development, this living document will inform future policy, land-use and community enhancement decisions. Numerous community outreach efforts were conducted to obtain feedback. Hundreds of ideas were shared by residents through meetings, stakeholder interviews, workshops, polls and open houses. Now complete, the plan will address the needs and goals of the entire Wood Dale community: connecting citizens, building community capacity, embracing Wood Dale’s small-town charm, keeping focus on diversity within the community, and protecting land values. The plan will help City planners set design guidelines, designate land use and establish a sense of identity for the City.

Additionally, Wood Dale offers a facade improvement program that provides financial assistance for exterior building and site improvements of eligible properties to enhance form, function and design within the City of Wood Dale. Specifically, the intent is to reimburse applicants for eligible expenses that contribute to the physical, economic, social and aesthetic well-being of the City. Furthermore, the City has established tax increment financing districts to encourage redevelopment of properties.

In addition to its planning, City Council has undertaken multiple projects throughout the year to enhance the visage of Wood Dale. A new clock tower was recently completed at the northwest corner of Wood Dale and Irving Park roads. This tower and surrounding garden will serve as a new focal point for the City, welcoming visitors to the area. The project was completed thanks, in part, to $490,000 in grants provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.

Special events are also a key component of the City’s outreach efforts within the community. The annual four-day Prairie Fest extravaganza takes place mid-summer and offers a carnival, food vendors, live music and fun for the entire family. In the winter, Wood Dale boasts one of the most well-attended and unique tree lighting ceremonies in the western suburbs thanks to the inclusion of not only a holiday lights display, but also a full fireworks show in December. Throughout the year, additional smaller-scale events take place, including the Public Works Open House, a showcase for residents to learn about the functions of the Public Works department, as well as the annual Wood Dale Night Out presented by the Police Department.

Wood Dale Police play a special role within the community. By building and fostering strong relationships with the people who live and work in the area, the Wood Dale Police Department continuously sees low crime statistics. The Department also makes sure to develop relationships with students through the local school districts in order to educate them and teach them that police are there to help and protect them.

"Our officers not only strive to enforce the law but also to build meaningful connections with each and every member of our community. We are here to listen, support, and work together to address your concerns and enhance the quality of life for all," says Wood Dale Police Chief Chris Zito.

Throughout the Wood Dale Community, the City has taken steps to reach its citizens, develop programs and events to bring the community together, and enhance both business and the aesthetics of the City in order to make Wood Dale a place its residents can be proud of.