Lake County Government News
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Officials Talk Economic Growth and Need for Housing
Hundreds of local business and civic leaders came together on May 1 for The Big Event, an annual gathering focused on keeping Lake County a strong, growing and vibrant place to live and work. This year’s key message was clear: to stay competitive and keep our economy growing, we need more housing.
Without enough housing, especially homes that working families can afford, it becomes harder for those workers to live here. That not only affects families, but also local businesses, schools and services that rely on a stable and nearby workforce. Leaders stressed that Lake County’s continued success depends on building more housing in the right places. Doing so will help support job creation, which will keep our communities thriving.
Partnering to Expand Housing in Lake County
To help fuel economic growth, Lake County and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), with support from Schreiber Philanthropy, are teaming up to expand affordable and accessible housing in Illinois’ third most populous county.
Schreiber Philanthropy, a charitable organization committed to supporting well-being and economic mobility in Chicagoland, awarded CMAP a grant to identify a menu of housing solutions to address the need for affordable housing in Lake County. Learn more
Deadline Extended to Give Your Feedback on Accessibility
Lake County seeks your input to improve access to public spaces, programs and services and ensure that we remain inclusive and accessible to all. Provide your feedback by taking the survey and using the interactive map.
Lake County is developing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Comprehensive Transition Plan to enhance accessibility across the community. Regular updates to this plan are essential to ensure compliance with ADA standards and to improve access to public spaces, programs and services.
The deadline has been extended to participate to June 1. Learn more
Transportation News
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Lake County’s 2025 Transportation Projects
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) recently announced its 2025 construction program that includes intersection improvements, new roundabouts, resurfacings, paths, sidewalks and more.
Watch this video to see what's planned for construction this year, which includes improvements at the Hunt Club Road and Washington Street intersection and the new Darrell Road roundabouts.
Share Transportation Challenges, Future Aspirations
Lake County residents are invited to contribute their transportation experiences to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) 2026 Regional Transportation Plan through this questionnaire.
Whether you travel by driving, rolling, walking, or taking public transit, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency of Planning wants to hear about transportation challenges and future aspirations for getting around northeastern Illinois.
CMAP will use this input to help us plan better transportation options as we work together to develop the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan, which we expect to be completed by October 2026. Stay informed about the plan by subscribing to CMAP’s transportation newsletter.
REAL ID Deadline is Here. Find Out If You Need It
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or ID card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. REAL ID cards have a star in the upper-right-hand corner-right corner.
Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require every person 18 years and older to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification like a valid U.S. passport to board a flight within the U.S. or enter a secure federal building.
Learn more about REAL ID from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
Health News
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Operation Drop Box Donation Drive Now Open
The Lake County Health Department, along with community partners, have launched Operation Dropbox donation drive to support local veterans. The month-long drive will run through May 31, taking place across Lake County at participating businesses, churches, and organizations.
All supplies donated to over 40 locations across the county will directly support local veterans in need.
Learn more about Operation Drop Box including the list of accepted items
View the list of drop-off locations
Sustainability News
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Let’s Talk Trees
Lake County is developing an Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan to set a vision and strategy for preserving and growing this county’s urban forest. We want to hear from you about your priorities and concerns when it comes to trees.
Share your thoughts by completing this survey. Your answers will remain anonymous and will be used only for research purposes. What you share will help guide future decisions, programs and planting efforts in the County.
English survey
Spanish survey
Hundreds of New Trees are Planted
Last week, the Zion-Benton Public Library and Villages of Gurnee and Port Barrington held tree planting events to celebrate the planting of native trees in their areas.
Through the Lake County Tree Planting Program, we are working in partnership with communities to strengthen our natural infrastructure, especially in areas where tree canopy is limited and stormwater management is a concern. The first round of the 2025 program is supporting the planting of hundreds of new trees across eight different communities.
Learn more about the Lake County Tree Planting Program
First Mobile Household Chemical Waste Collection of 2025
Join the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County for its first household chemical waste mobile event of the year from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 24 at the Mundelein Metra Station, 205 N Archer Ave. The event is free for Illinois residents, and appointments are required.
View accepted and materials not accepted
Schedule your appointment
Forest Preserves News
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Route 53 Land Talks Begin
The Lake County Forest Preserves has initiated talks with the State of Illinois to transfer 1,005 acres of land tied to the former Route 53 Corridor into its care.
“Our vision is to preserve this land as open space and eventually develop multi-use trails,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek said. “The trails are essential to improve connections in the southwest part of the county and link the Millennium Trail in the central region.” Learn More »
Native Plant Sale Weekend
Stock up on native flowers, grasses and forbs at our annual Native Plant Sale, held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Discover eco-friendly plants that support wildlife, conserve water and require less maintenance. Staff will be on hand to share tips for sustainable gardening. Inventory is limited. Shop early for the best selection. Read More »
Trail Safety Reminders
As warm weather draws more visitors outdoors, the Lake County Forest Preserves is reminding the public to prioritize safety while enjoying the trails. Motorized vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles and both electric and gas-powered dirt bikes, are not allowed in the forest preserves.
Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are allowed on trails where bicycles are permitted. Riders must follow posted speed limits or maintain a maximum of 20 mph where not posted. The Ranger Police will issue fines and citations to violators. Anyone who witnesses unauthorized motorized vehicles or unsafe riding is encouraged to call 847-529-4500 and report the location immediately. Learn More »
Education News
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Bringing Free Books to Children in Lake County
A new transformative initiative will provide free books to children from birth to age 5 through the launch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Lake County.
The Imagination Library mails free, high-quality books to children each month from birth to age 5, regardless of family income, fostering early literacy skills and a love of reading.
Celebrating the official launch was Dr. Michael Karner, Regional Superintendent of Schools, county officials and more who joined the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation in celebrating the power of early literacy and its impact on future academic success.
Learn more
Congratulations to Dr. Michael Karner
Dr. Michael Karner, Lake County’s Regional Superintendent of Schools, received the 2025 Talent Advancement Award at Lake County Partners Big Event. This annual award honors individuals who make significant contributions to strengthening the local talent pipeline.
Recognizing those in state and local levels who propel government towards the future, Dr. Karner also was honored as one of the recipients of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers Award.
Since stepping into his role in 2021, Dr. Karner has championed several initiatives centered on students, teachers and school staff. Highlights include launching the Virtual Schools Academy and introducing ReferralGPS, a free mental health service. He also led the creation of the Navig8Lake career awareness program and kick-started a variety of student engagement events across the region.
Emergency Management News
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Lake County Emergency Management Agency Honored
Chosen by peers from across the state, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has been recognized for setting the standard in emergency preparedness. The agency received the 2025 Emergency Management Agency of the Year award from the Illinois Emergency Services and Management Association (IESMA), a membership group comprised of emergency management professionals, private sector and first responders from across the state. Learn more
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Sheriff's Office News |
Honoring K9 Dax
K9 Dax was posthumously honored at the Illinois Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in Springfield for his incredible service and sacrifice. Deputy John Forlenza, K9 Dax’s handler, and Sheriff John D. Idleburg received the honor on Dax’s behalf.
Also present was K9 Lux, Dax’s son and Deputy Forlenza’s current partner, representing the enduring legacy of courage and dedication that Dax leaves behind. Lake County is grateful for Dax’s unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe, and we will never forget his service.
Record Amount of Drugs Seized in 2024
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funded task force, achieved a record-breaking year in 2024.
SIG opened 156 criminal investigations, leading to the arrest of 80 drug traffickers, gun traffickers and human traffickers. The team and their federal partners seized more than $24 million street value worth of trafficked drugs, over 130 illegally possessed firearms and 58 machine gun conversion devices—many of which were in the possession of convicted felons. Learn more
Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other 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 languages. The service is free and confidential.
Learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
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.
Watch this video as the Job Center team guides you through the virtual and onsite resources available to job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
Job Center On the Move
Meet with a Job Center representative for one-on-one support during a Job Center on the Move event at strategic locations throughout Lake County.
Connect with funding for training, develop or customize your resume, learn about growing businesses in your area, apply to Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) opportunities, explore paid work experience options or discuss your career transition. Learn more
Community Events & News
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Enjoy These Ideas for Fun This May
May is a busy month in Lake County, with warmer weather and spring events taking over calendars all month long. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to the top 10 things to do in May in Lake County.
Now through May 10, Visit Lake County is celebrating the power of tourism as part of the 42nd U.S. Travel Association's National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). Follow Visit Lake County on social media and their website as they highlight the impact of travel and tourism in Lake County.
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee 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 meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting
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