Highland Park, IL

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Business and Economic Development Advisory Group

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Historic Preservation

Sustainability Advisory Group

Police Pension Board

Firefighters Pension Board

Plan and Design Commission

General

Zoning Board of Appeals

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Transportation Advisory Group

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Historic Preservation

Human Relations Advisory Group

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Human Relations Advisory Group

Plan and Design Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Human Relations Advisory Group

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Human Relations Advisory Group

Plan and Design Commission

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Human Relations Advisory Group

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Human Relations Advisory Group

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Human Relations Advisory Group

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

The Plan and Design Commission will hold public hearings regarding zoning changes and special use permits. The body will discuss design reviews and variations for three specific property developments.

• Zoning Map Amendment and Planned Development for multi-family housing at 1696-1704 McGovern St. and 793 Laurel Ave.
• Design Review and Variations for an addition to the Bob O’Link Golf Club at 1120 Crofton Ave. N
• Special Use Permit for a towing and impound lot open storage yard at 1325 Park Ave. W

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss two specific property requests. The board will consider a permit for tree removal and a request for building variations.

• Request to remove 7 Heritage Trees at 700 Vine Ave (#TREE-2026-02846)
• Request for variations to exceed Floor Area Ratio and encroach into side yard setback at 910 Burton Ave (#VAR-2026-00077)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss housing policy and methods to incentivize the reduction of single-use bags. The meeting includes a closed session to set a price for a sale or lease.

• Closed session regarding setting price for sale/lease
• Housing Policy Review
• Incentivizing Reduction in Use of Single-Use Bags

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2027 proposed budget and vote on water rates for the 2027 calendar year. The meeting includes updates to development agreements and an ordinance regarding liquor license applications.

• Approval of Water Rates effective January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027
• Ordinance amending the 2026 Annual Budget based on 2027 budget process estimates
• First Amendment to Development Agreement with One Realty Group LLC (1632 Second St.)
• Second Amendment to Development Agreement with Walnut Street Group LLC (650 Walnut St.)
• Referral of a Variation Request to the Zoning Board of Appeals (1120 Crofton Ave N.)

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

The Highland Park Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will hold a special meeting on October 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave. The board is scheduled to determine post-offer elements for an entry-level police officer candidate and a firefighter/EMT II candidate. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, a closed session, and time for public comment on items not listed.

• Determination of post-offer elements for a Police Officer (Entry Level) candidate
• Determination of post-offer elements for a Firefighter / EMT II candidate
• Closed session scheduled
• Approval of minutes
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda

Historic Preservation

The Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission meets October 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall, 1707 St Johns Avenue, entirely in person with no virtual option. The agenda includes approval of the 9-10-26 regular minutes, a certificate of appropriateness for 1755 St Johns Avenue (Laurel Park Gardeners Memorial), and a resolution setting the commission's regular meeting schedule. Public comments may be emailed to Staff Liaison Maddy Markle or left by voicemail, with a 200-word limit for comments read into the record.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 1755 St Johns Avenue (Laurel Park Gardeners Memorial)
• Resolution setting the schedule of regular meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission
• Approval of the 9-10-26 regular HPC minutes
• Public comments limited to 200 words if read into the record
• Meeting held entirely in person; no virtual viewing or participation

General

A joint special meeting of the Place of Remembrance Working Group and the Cultural Arts Advisory Group will review submissions to the Port Clinton sculpture RFQ and discuss which finalists to invite to create proposals. The working group is guiding planning for a permanent memorial to those killed in the July 4, 2022 shooting, described in the agenda as a multi-year, trauma-informed process. The agenda also includes approval of July 20, 2026 working group minutes and a Place of Remembrance status update. No dollar amounts or contract awards appear in the agenda text.

• Review of Port Clinton sculpture RFQ submissions
• Discussion and possible recommendation on which finalists to invite to create proposals
• Approval of July 20, 2026 Place of Remembrance Working Group minutes
• Place of Remembrance status update
• Next meeting scheduled December 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Human Relations Advisory Group

The Human Relations Advisory Group of Highland Park is holding a regular meeting on October 8, 2026 at the Highland Park Police Department. The group is scheduled to discuss and approve its 2027 work plan, a 2027 meeting resolution, and plans for a 2027 MLK Day of Service and 2027 HP Awards. It will also approve minutes from its May 14 and August 13, 2026 meetings and hear public comments.

• Approval of minutes for the May 14, 2026 and August 13, 2026 regular meetings
• Discussion of a 2027 MLK Day of Service
• Discussion of 2027 HP Awards
• Approval of a 2027 meeting resolution
• Discussion and approval of the 2027 work plan

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

The Highland Park Housing Commission holds its regular meeting on October 7, 2026 at 6:30 pm in City Hall Council Chambers, meeting jointly with the Peers Housing Association, Ravinia Housing Association, and Sunset Woods Association. The agenda includes approval of September 2, 2026 minutes, payment of invoices, ratification of payments for the Ravinia annual report to the Illinois Secretary of State, and review of management and financial reports for the associations and the Housing Trust Fund. New business includes a resolution authorizing signers for a new Peers 6-month CD at First Bank Chicago, plus an Illinois Funds Investment Pool update and the FY-2027 work plan.

• Resolution authorizing signers for a new Peers 6-month CD at First Bank Chicago
• Omnibus vote on payment of invoices and ratification of payments for Ravinia's annual report to the Illinois Secretary of State
• Consideration of ERES Management Report and Financials, including a Peers pipe replacement update
• Sunset Woods Condominium Association Housing Commission liaison vote
• Illinois Funds Investment Pool update and FY-2027 Housing Commission work plan

Plan and Design Commission

The Highland Park Plan and Design Commission meets on October 6, 2026, at City Hall, 1707 St Johns Avenue. The main scheduled business is a public meeting for design review and variations for an addition onto the Bob O'Link Golf Club at 1120 Crofton Ave. N. The Commission will also consider its 2027 meeting resolution and work plan, hear an administrative design review update, and take business from the public.

• Public Meeting #DES-2026-00103: Design Review and Variations for an addition onto the Bob O'Link Golf Club, 1120 Crofton Ave. N
• Consideration of the 2027 Plan and Design Commission Meeting Resolution
• Consideration of the 2027 Plan and Design Commission Work Plan
• Information Item: Administrative Design Review Update
• Approval of minutes from the regular meeting on Sept. 15, 2026

The Commission approved the 2027 meeting resolution with amendments to remove April 6 and December 21. A design review for the Bob O’Link Golf Club was continued to a later date.

• Approved September 15, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Continued Bob O’Link Golf Club design review and variations to October 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved amended 2027 Meeting Resolution (unanimous)

Cultural Arts Advisory Group

Cultural Arts Advisory Group

The City of Highland Park Cultural Arts Advisory Group holds a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Pre-Session Conference Room at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue. The group will approve minutes from its July 14, 2026 meeting and take up new business on a 2027 meeting resolution and a 2027 workplan discussion. The agenda also includes a chair report and staff report. Residents may submit comments by email to staff liaison Communications Manager Amanda Bennett or speak during the meeting.

• Approval of minutes from the July 14, 2026 meeting
• New business: 2027 Meeting Resolution
• New business: 2027 Workplan Discussion
• Chair Report and Staff Report scheduled
• Public comments read into the record if received by 3:00 PM the day of the meeting, limited to 200 words

General

The Place of Remembrance Working Group and Cultural Arts Advisory Group hold a joint special meeting on Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue. The groups will review submissions to the Port Clinton sculpture RFQ and discuss and make a recommendation on which finalists to invite to create proposals. They will also hear a status update on the Place of Remembrance and consider approval of minutes from the July 20, 2026 working group meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

• Review of Port Clinton sculpture RFQ submissions
• Recommendation on finalists invited to create proposals
• Approval of July 20, 2026 Place of Remembrance Working Group minutes
• Place of Remembrance status update
• Next meeting set for December 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on three requests: a zoning variance to build a four-season room addition, and two permits to remove heritage trees. The board will also approve minutes from its September 17 meeting and take public comment.

• Variance #VAR-2026-00076: 27-ft rear addition at 280 Hastings Ave (R5 district)
• Tree removal #TREE-2026-02830: one 48-inch Bur Oak at 550 Skokie Ave
• Tree removal #TREE-2026-02846: 10 heritage trees at 700 Vine Ave (Exmoor Country Club)

City Council

The Highland Park City Council is meeting to consider several routine items, including approval of minutes, a warrant list, and an omnibus vote. The most consequential item is a public hearing and ordinance amending the zoning code regarding stormwater management, wetlands protection, and floodplain regulation. The council will also consider a resolution for a radio advertising campaign with iHeartMedia and a minor amendment to the Ravinia Festival Planned Development.

• Public hearing and ordinance amending zoning code for stormwater, wetlands, and floodplain regulation
• Resolution approving agreement with iHeartMedia for broadcast radio and digital streaming advertising
• Resolution ratifying minor amendment to Ravinia Festival Planned Development
• Warrant list and wire transfers from September 4-17, 2026
• Proclamations for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Banned Books Week

Committee of the Whole

The Highland Park Committee of the Whole will discuss three policy topics: energy stretch code pathways, a follow-up on affordable housing policy, and incentivizing reduced single-use bag use. No final decisions are expected; the meeting is for discussion only.

• Energy Stretch Code Pathway Considerations
• Affordable Housing Follow-up Policy Discussion
• Incentivizing Reduction in Use of Single-Use Bags

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will meet to approve several personnel processes. These include eligibility and promotional processes for police officers, sergeants, and fire lieutenants, as well as the FY2027 Work Plan.

• Approval of Police Officer (Entry Level) Eligibility Process
• Approval of Police Sergeant Promotional Process
• Approval of Fire Lieutenant Promotional Process
• Approval of FY2027 Work Plan
• Establishment of an Initial Eligibility List for Police Officer

The Board approved the 2027 work plan and authorized the City to begin recruitment for entry-level police officers and firefighters/EMTs. The Board also authorized promotional processes for police sergeants and fire lieutenants.

• Authorized entry-level Police Officer recruitment process (3-0)
• Authorized Firefighter/EMT recruitment process (3-0)
• Authorized Police Sergeant promotional process (3-0)
• Authorized Fire Lieutenant promotional process (3-0)
• Approved 2027 Board of Fire and Police Commissioners work plan (3-0)
• Approved August 14, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Tabled post-offer screening determination for a police candidate
• Established initial eligibility lists for entry-level and lateral police officers via consensus

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss a variance request for a property at 451 Broadview Ave. The petitioner seeks to exceed the allowable Floor Area Ratio for an addition. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes and public comment.

• Variance request #VAR-2026-00075 for 451 Broadview Ave to exceed Floor Area Ratio under Section 150.703.3
• Approval of draft minutes from 08/06/2026 meeting
• Business from the public

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a request to exceed the allowable Floor Area Ratio for a home addition. The project involves enclosing a rooftop deck to create 108 square feet of livable space. The board found that the standards for the variance were met.

• Approved variance for 108 sq.-ft. addition at 451 Broadview Avenue (5-0)
• Approved August 6, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

General

Transportation Advisory Group

The Transportation Advisory Group will meet to discuss and receive updates on several transportation projects, including the Bike Friendly Community Silver application, the US-41 Pedestrian Bridge, and the Lake Cook Path. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and updates from staff and advisors. Public comments will be heard.

• Update on Bike Friendly Community 'Silver' Project
• US-41 Pedestrian Bridge Project Next Steps
• Lake Cook Path - Skokie Valley Path to Chicago Botanic Garden Update
• North Highlands Sidewalk Connection Update (Krenn/Hyacinth/Western)
• Cross Walk Signage at Sheridan/Park Ave. Status

Plan and Design Commission

The Plan and Design Commission will hold a public hearing on two zoning map amendments to rezone properties from RM1A to RO, along with special use permits for concurrent preliminary and final planned developments and design review for multi-story multifamily developments at 1696-1704 McGovern St. and 793 Laurel Ave. The commission will also hold a pre-application meeting for properties at 506 Park Ave. and 513 Central Ave., and receive an update on administrative design review.

• Public hearing for zoning map amendment, special use permit, and design review for multifamily developments at 1696-1704 McGovern St. and 793 Laurel Ave.
• Pre-application meeting for 506 Park Ave. and 513 Central Ave.
• Information item: Administrative Design Review Update
• Approval of minutes from Sept. 1, 2026 regular meeting

The Commission approved the minutes from the September 1, 2026, meeting. A public hearing regarding multi-family developments at 1696-1704 McGovern St. and 793 Laurel Avenue was continued to October. The Commission also held a pre-application meeting for a proposed 6-story residential project at 506 Park Avenue and Central Avenue.

• Approved September 1, 2026, meeting minutes (3-0)
• Continued public hearing #PUD-2026-00083 & PUD-2026-00084 to October 20, 2026 (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Highland Park Committee of the Whole is meeting to review the proposed 2027 City revenue and capital improvement budget, and to conduct a budget review for the Place of Remembrance. The agenda also includes approval of the August 17, 2026 meeting minutes and a possible closed session. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion and review session.

• 2027 Proposed Budget for City Revenue and Capital Improvement
• Place of Remembrance Budget Review
• Approval of minutes from August 17, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting
• Closed session scheduled after other matters

The Highland Park Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from the August 17, 2026 meeting. The committee also discussed the Place of Remembrance budget and design elements, including water features and benches, alongside presentations regarding the 2027 proposed budget for city revenue and capital improvements.

• Approved minutes of the August 17, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Highland Park City Council will consider a series of ordinances and resolutions, including amendments to liquor license regulations and fees, an employee compensation plan for 2026, and several zoning changes. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, a warrant list, and proclamations. A closed session is scheduled to discuss property sales/leases and litigation.

• Ordinance amending Chapter 119 regarding liquor licenses
• Resolution amending annual fee resolution for liquor licenses
• Ordinance approving 2026 employee compensation plan
• Ordinance amending special use permit for conditional use at 2132 Green Bay Road
• Resolution approving plat of subdivision and special use permit for planned development at 147 Central Ave

The City Council approved an omnibus agenda covering liquor licenses, employee compensation, and public works contracts. Additionally, the Council voted to send a proposed subdivision and special use permit for 147 Central Avenue back to the Plan and Design Commission for full reconsideration.

• Approved August 17, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved warrant list and wire transfers (6-0)
• Approved omnibus agenda items 1-8 (6-0)
• Denied motion to continue 147 Central Ave items (3-3)
• Referred 147 Central Ave items to Plan and Design Commission (6-0)
• Entered closed session for property and litigation matters (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:24 PM

Sustainability Advisory Group

The Highland Park Sustainability Advisory Group is meeting to discuss and potentially approve its 2027 work plan and meeting dates, receive updates from working groups, and continue discussions on stretch codes. Public comments will be accepted via email, phone, or in person.

• Action item: 2027 Work Plan
• Action item: 2027 meeting dates
• Continued discussion: Stretch Codes
• Working groups update
• Approval of July 9, 2026 minutes

Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Ravinia Festival's Martin Theatre. The meeting also includes discussions on land-use incentives and a historic demolition tax.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for Martin Theatre at 418 Sheridan Road
• Discussion of land-use incentives for historic preservation
• Discussion of a historic demolition tax
• Administrative demolition review for 674 Saint Johns Avenue

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations at the Martin Theatre. The commission tabled discussions on historic preservation incentives and a proposed historic demolition tax.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for Martin Theatre renovations (4-0)
• Approved August 24, 2026 meeting minutes as amended (4-0)
• Tabled land-use incentives for historic preservation to query real-estate community (4-0)
• Tabled discussion on historic demolition tax (4-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a request for zoning variations. The petitioner, Michelle Peniak, is seeking to construct an addition that would exceed the allowable Floor Area Ratio at 451 Broadview Ave.

• Public hearing for #VAR-2026-00075 at 451 Broadview Ave
• Request for variations to Section 150.703.3 regarding Floor Area Ratio

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

The Highland Park Housing Commission will review management reports and financials for the Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods housing associations, as well as the Housing Trust Fund. The body will also vote on invoice payments and the ratification of Land Trust payments. Additionally, the Commission will approve the 2027 regular meeting schedule and discuss ongoing fund account management for the Peers Housing Association.

• Review of ERES Management Report and Financials for Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods
• Review of Sunset Woods Financials
• Review of Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Financials
• Omnibus vote on Payment of Invoices
• Ratification of Payments – Land Trust

Plan and Design Commission

The Plan and Design Commission will hold a public hearing to revise zoning regulations for the B2-RW: Roger Williams Commercial District Overlay Zone. The specific item addresses cellular telephone facilities without towers, allowing antennas up to 12 feet high but excluding satellite dishes. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and an administrative design review update.

• Public Hearing #ZTA-2026-00004 to revise definitions and regulations for the B2-RW: Roger Williams Commercial District Overlay Zone
• Regulations cover cellular telephone facilities without towers, including antennas to a maximum height of 12 feet
• Regulations explicitly exclude satellite dishes
• Approval of Plan and Design Commission Minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting

The Plan and Design Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council of a zoning amendment that would allow cellular telephone facilities without towers, up to 12 feet high, in the B2-RW Roger Williams Commercial District Overlay Zone. The amendment is intended to address inadequate cell-phone coverage in the area. No public comments were received on the proposal.

• Approved minutes of August 18, 2026 meeting (3-0, with 2 abstentions)
• Adopted findings of fact recommending approval of ZTA-2026-000041 to City Council (unanimous)