Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Meeting - September 2, 2026

The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) met on September 2, 2026, to review the updated project timeline for the City of Joliet Comprehensive Plan, finalize plans for Community Workshop #3, and discuss outreach strategies. The committee approved the previous meeting minutes, received staff updates, and heard public comment on funding and implementation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (July 1, 2026): Moved by Nora Gruenberg, seconded by Hugh O'Hara. The motion carried unanimously (11 ayes, with 5 members absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resident Comment on Plan Funding and Timeline: A resident expressed concern that the process has focused on goals and outreach but has not addressed how the recommended actions will be paid for or when the plan will be implemented. Mayor Terry D'Arcy responded by noting ongoing discussions with large developers, zoning changes encouraging vertical development, and Joliet's status as the fastest-growing county in Illinois with significant job growth, indicating housing demand and investment potential.

Discussion Items

• Comprehensive Plan Project Timeline (TMP-10239): Planning Director Jayne Bernhard presented the updated schedule, highlighting key milestones through early 2027:

  • Mid-September: Meetings with city council members to gather feedback on the future land use map.
  • Late September: Draft plan sent for internal staff review and posted to the city's website by September 30.
  • October 7: CPAC meeting to review the draft plan (extended to three hours with lunch provided).
  • October 20: City council status update and promotion of the final workshop.
  • October 29 (5:00–7:30 PM): Community Workshop #3 at Joliet West High School.
  • October 30: Draft plan posted for official public comment (four-week period through November 29).
  • November 4: CPAC meeting for draft plan recap and implementation plan discussion.
  • December: CPAC meeting to review the implementation plan.
  • January 6, 2027: Final plan adoption review by CPAC.
  • January 14 or 21: Public hearing before the Plan Commission.
  • February 2: Goal for City Council adoption.
  • February 3: Wrap-up CPAC meeting.
  • Committee members discussed the future land use map (color-coded with subsets for different areas) and its integration with zoning changes, including downtown height regulations.

• Community Workshop #3 (TMP-10240): Consultant Katrina Balog (Muse) presented the proposed workshop content and communication/outreach strategy.

  • Workshop Activities: Four stations: (1) Character area map feedback using annotated maps and drone images, (2) Future land use map input comparing existing and proposed land uses, (3) Partnership wall to identify organizations and individuals who can help implement the plan (with five boards focused on housing, transportation, etc.), (4) Draft plan review with comment cards and QR codes.
  • Online Engagement: The committee approved an online component to adapt in-person activities for broader participation, similar to the previous workshop. The online platform will collect survey responses privately (not a public forum).
  • Outreach Strategy: Physical mailers near character areas, postcards for committee members to distribute, social media posts, email blasts, presentations to neighborhood councils and community organizations, and partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, City Center Partnership, and African American Business Association. Committee members recommended adding Joliet Herald News, WHAM radio, and other local outlets.
  • Turnout Expectations: Approximately 100 in-person attendees expected; previous online engagement drew over 160 responses.
  • Partnership Wall Clarification: The wall aims to generate new partner ideas and community ownership, not merely list existing partners. Examples provided were preliminary; committee members suggested including organizations like the Illinois Housing Development Authority, University of St. Francis, and realtor groups.

• Staff Reports:

  • Jayne Bernhard announced that the Urban 3 (Economics of Community Design) final report is now available on the city's website in two formats (horizontal and vertical layout). The report is foundational for the draft plan's recommended actions and future land use map.
  • Wendell Martin emphasized the importance of community members watching the Urban 3 presentation or reading the report before Workshop #3. Councilman Cesar Cardenas suggested creating a one-page executive summary of the Urban 3 conclusions in layman's terms. Staff agreed to produce this summary.

• Member Comments:

  • Boise Walker inquired about the status of the Joliet Area African American History Context Study. Bernhard responded that it is still in draft form, with a goal of a public presentation in November 2026 or February 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the July 1, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Approved the updated project timeline as presented, subject to change.
• Approved the online engagement component for Community Workshop #3.
• Endorsed the outreach strategy, with suggestions to expand media outlets and produce a one-page Urban 3 summary.
• Next Steps: Staff will create the one-page Urban 3 summary, finalize workshop materials, and begin promotional outreach in September. The draft plan will be posted by September 30. The next CPAC meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2026 (extended format).