If the Mayor of Naperville, Steve Chirico, had to sum up 2020 in one word, that would be “the linchpin”.
The way businesses and local residents were forced to focus on virtual environments when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Or how the city turned to provide local economic aid, exercise financial flexibility, and issue executive orders – all without curtailing services.
“Pivoting is what moves us forward,” said Chirico on Monday as he reflected on the community’s recent challenges, changes and achievements during his sixth state of the city speech.
With a strong foundation, Naperville was able to successfully weather the economic storm of the past 14 months.
The city ended 2020 in a $ 2 million surplus – thanks in part to government aid – compared to early estimates of a $ 18 million deficit. And although city guides made an early decision to cut costs, such as cutting the cost of capital by nearly $ 25 million, they were still able to support troubled businesses through grants and partnerships, Chirico said in the address that was practically delivered by the Naperville Chamber of Commerce was organized.
“It is this solid track record of responsible finance and abundance of opportunities that gave developers the confidence to continue investing in Naperville even during a pandemic,” he said.
The ongoing revitalization of East Ogden Avenue is a prime example, the mayor said, pointing to the “halo effect” of the city’s second Costco warehouse under construction on the Ogden Mall property. The store is slated to open this fall and has acted as a catalyst for nearby economic activity, he said.
Last month, residents moved to the Vantage Naperville Apartments on the former Regency Inn property next door – a previously “troubled” property that is now helping to balance Naperville’s housing needs with affordable options, Chirico said. A new boutique grocery store is expected to open soon on the shuttered Fair Oaks Ford property on Naper Boulevard and Ogden Avenue, the name of which has not been disclosed.
New developments and companies of various categories have popped up all over the city. Some major projects are in the works, such as the Lincoln at CityGate apartment complex and the recently approved Naper Commons.
In 2020, city officials managed 75 concept meetings on potential economic opportunities, more than in the previous two years, Chirico said.
Looking ahead, Naperville is embarking on a strategic planning process to “identify our city’s vision for the future and then take action,” said the mayor. Not only will the plan help with next year’s budget, it will also help elected officials make decisions related to sustainability, programming, cultural facilities and infrastructure, he said.
The city recently hired a diversity, justice and inclusion manager, Geneace Williams, to help drive new programs and policies related to these issues, Chirico said. And officials want to create a position as sustainability coordinator to implement initiatives to reduce the community’s ecological footprint – the goal of a task force proposed Sustainable Naperville 2036 plan.
A number of other projects are on the horizon, said Chirico. A Riverwalk 2031 master plan offers ideas for improving one of the city’s most valuable downtown amenities. A section of North Aurora Road is to be widened and improved over the next two years.
“If anything, the last year has reminded us that uncertainty is safe. But if we draw on the foundations that supported us in good times, we will have the stability we need in uncertain times,” said Chirico . “A community like Naperville is not just content with what was. It shows the region and the nation what we can become. We will not return.”
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