November 22, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this newsletter finds you well. Thank you to the voters of Lake County for overwhelmingly supporting your Forest Preserves in the effort to protect and restore open space. Please read below for more information on that and other initiatives, including the passage of our Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
Have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Adopts $659 Million Budget
The Lake County Board approved a $659 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget at its meeting on November 12. The operating funds, which support most government services, are balanced at $386.2 million.
The budget funds Lake County's services, including transportation and infrastructure, health services, courts and public safety. The budget includes several new initiatives that advance Lake County’s six strategic priorities. The budget allocates resources to open Lake County’s newest building, the Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) facility, in 2025.
Learn more about the adopted FY2025 budget.
Construction Advances at Regional Operations and Communications Facility
The new, 37,000-square-foot Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility in Libertyville is on track to open in 2025. Construction is progressing, with crews scheduled to work through winter to prepare the building for operations.
This state-of-the-art facility will house three key agencies: LakeComm, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency and the Joint Emergency Telephone System Board. Learn more about the ROC
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Transportation News
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Lake County Launches Countywide Safety Action Plan
As part of the Safe Travel for All initiative, the Lake County Division of Transportation is developing a safety action plan to identify specific challenges and practical solutions to improve safety for all roadway users in our community. But data only gives half the picture – your help is needed to identify traffic locations in need of attention, including areas with pedestrian and bike traffic.
Anyone who lives, works, or travels in Lake County is encouraged to participate in the plan by providing input on the interactive Safety Hotspots Map, signing up email updates and attending in-person events.
An event is scheduled at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5. Learn more
Pace’s Future Can be Shaped with Your Feedback. Take The Survey
As travel patterns continue to evolve, Pace is rethinking its network to meet the changing needs of suburban communities. Pace seeks your feedback by taking this online survey and help shape the future of transit in your area.
The Pace ReVision project is designed to create a more accessible, equitable, and productive transit system across our region. By reimagining service routes, schedules, and On Demand options, this study could lead to significant service updates, starting as early as 2026. Learn more about the ReVision project.
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Sustainability News
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Bird-Friendly Building Design Is Unveiled at Central Permit Facility
Lake County officials recently gathered to celebrate the bird-friendly enhancements at the Lake County Central Permit Facility in Libertyville to mitigate bird strikes against glass windows.
Proven bird-friendly modifications were added to the building, including a dot pattern applied to the windows on the front of the facility and paracord hung four inches apart on the south side of the building. The Central Permit Facility is now the first Lake County government building outfitted with a bird-friendly building design.
Watch this video to learn more about these enhancements.
Campaign Strives to Boost Recycling in Northeastern Illinois
The Environmental Protection Agency recently joined the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to announce a $2 million grant to support the Chicago Metro Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) campaign, which aims to increase the collection of recyclable materials and decrease contamination of the recycling stream in hundreds of communities in northeastern Illinois.
The grant was made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided the largest EPA investment in recycling in more than 30 years.
The Chicago Metro REO Campaign will begin with a baseline study of recycling rates in municipalities in Lake, Cook, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and Will counties and aims to boost per-capita recycling tonnage by 15%. The campaign will conduct an inclusive education and outreach campaign to reach diverse and disadvantaged communities. Learn more about this outreach program.
Forest Preserve News
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Referendum Passes
Thank you, Lake County voters. Nature wins. The referendum on the ballot to increase funding for your forest preserves passed with overwhelming support.
We’re ready to restore additional habitats, buy and protect more land, build important trail connections, improve water and air quality and reduce flooding. Learn more
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Cuba Marsh to Expand
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a 9.4-acre property it has sought for 36 years. The land, located on Cuba Road east of Ela Road, will be acquired for $725,000 to expand Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Deer Park.
"This property aligns perfectly with our mission to protect wildlife habitats, preserve wetlands, prairies and woodlands and expand our existing preserves," said Executive Director Ty Kovach. "In 1988, we bought 110 acres that wraps around this parcel and have been waiting for the chance to secure this land.” Read More »
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Partners Win Top Honors
Wintrust Financial Corporation earned the Best Friend of Illinois Parks–Large Business award, while Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods was honored with the Arts in the Park award. IAPD, a nonprofit organization, supports park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, municipal parks, recreation and special recreation agencies through service, research and education. Learn More »
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GivingTuesday Approaching
The Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves is joining the global GivingTuesday initiative, standing with millions worldwide in a celebration of generosity on December 3. This GivingTuesday, the Foundation aims to spark a wave of generosity that will cultivate a future of healthy landscapes in Lake County with restored and preserved natural lands, waters and cultural treasures.
Your Lake County forest preserves are always working for you. Wide-open green spaces do so much to promote physical and emotional well-being.
Learn More »
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Health News
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Dispose Your Prescription Drugs Properly. Find A Box Near You
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose.
Lake County urges you to properly dispose of unused drugs to save lives and the environment. There are permanent prescription drug disposal boxes across the county where you can properly dispose of old and unneeded medications safely and anonymously. Find a collection box near you
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Stormwater Management News
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Second Round of $30 Million to Fund 16 SMC Projects
The Lake County Board has approved a resolution accepting a second grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for $30 million for regional stormwater projects.
This is part of the overall $122 million state appropriation Lake County is to receive to address critical issues related to stormwater across Lake County. The second grant will fund projects to be completed from November 1, 2024, through October 31, 2026. Learn more about projects that will be funded through the DCEO grant.
Veteran News
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Lake County Holds 2024 Veterans History Project
Lake County held their thirteenth annual Veteran's History Project at the Lake County Courthouse. The Veterans History Project gathers the oral histories of Veterans. The transcripts are then archived at the Library of Congress, making accessible the personal accounts of American Veterans for future generations to hear.
Watch this video to learn more about this year’s Veterans History Project
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Sheriff's Office News
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Revive Lake County Provides Skills to Reenter Labor Force
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced a group of inmates recently graduated from the Revive Lake County program. This five-workshop series, offered by the Job Center of Lake County, provides justice-impacted individuals with essential skills to succeed in the labor force.
Participants receive training and employment assistance, career planning, resume workshops, foundational and workplace skills, employability skills and more. Every participant who completed all five workshops earned a certificate endorsed by the Job Center of Lake County and Lake County Workforce Development. By investing in their education and vocational training, we empower them to make positive changes and prepare them for success upon release.
Learn more about the Job Center of Lake County, including services they provide for specific populations including justice-involved individuals.
Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
Lake County’s one-stop shop for help is 211, connecting people to a wide range of resources by phone, text and online.
Expert navigators guide people to the best available resources for mental health and healthcare services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, supplemental food programs, housing and shelter, employment and education support, financial assistance, volunteer opportunities and more.
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Take a virtual tour to learn about the services the Job Center provides, and view the full Job Center calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
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Community News and Events
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Lake County Illuminates the Night through the Holiday Season
Check Visit Lake County’s guide to the county’s most enchanting light displays from charming tree lighting ceremonies casting a cozy glow across town squares to breathtaking light installations that transform gardens into magical landscapes. Let the holiday sparkle begin!
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Watch County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail.
View the current meeting schedule. All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website.
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