The City of Joliet hosted the first public workshop for the Comprehensive Plan on September 17, 2025, at the Joliet West High School cafeteria. An estimated 120 residents attended the in-person workshop, but city officials are encouraging more public input as the process continues.
“Attendance for the first workshop was great and the feedback provided was invaluable,” said Planning Director Jayne Bernhard. “We want to encourage those who could not attend to share their thoughts and input before the October 10 deadline.”
The workshop was designed to gather personal experiences of living and working in Joliet, as well as residents’ visions for the city’s future. Attendees toured five stations where they were asked to provide feedback on:
- Getting Around Joliet
- Living in Joliet
- Working in Joliet
- Having Fun in Joliet
- What I Like About Joliet
Feedback from the workshop will help shape the next phase of the Comprehensive Plan.
For those who were unable to attend, the workshop presentation materials are available at www.joliet.gov/comprehensiveplan.
Public comment will be accepted through October 10, 2025, and may be submitted via email to comprehensiveplan@joliet.gov.
The Comprehensive Plan will provide a framework for how Joliet can respond to current challenges, adapt to future needs, and pursue inclusive growth, sustainable development, and equitable prosperity over the next decade. It will address key areas such as economic development, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, natural resources, and infrastructure, while offering policy guidance to support the city’s long-term goals.
The planning process is expected to take approximately 18 months and will include robust engagement with residents—from youth to seniors, long-time residents to newcomers, and across all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Final adoption of the plan is anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027.
For more on the Comprehensive Plan project, including opportunities for community input and access to interim reports, visit www.joliet.gov/comprehensiveplan.
