September 25, 2025
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Dear Neighbors, |
As we turn the colorful corner from summer to fall, I hope this finds you, your neighbors and family out enjoying our milder weather.
Lately, though, my neighbors and I have been having perplexing discussions on the soaring costs of homes and rents. Where do you go if you want to find a "starter" or mid-priced home? What if you’re retired, desire to stay in Lake County and want to downsize? Do you have to leave the county or state? I know two couples who even left the U.S. to find an attainable retirement home.
Hands down, next to healthcare, one of my top concerns is housing affordability. Far too many families are struggling to pay rent and mortgages. Ideally, those who work in Lake County should be able to afford decent housing here.
In partnership with our non-profits, business community and building/planning department, we’ve recently launched a Coalition called Housing Lake. We’re engaging a wide variety of stakeholders to discuss potential solutions to create attainable housing. Since this problem is complex, there is no single approach that will work. That's why we’re listening to bankers, municipal officials and business leaders to pool ideas and try new approaches.
The key to building a consensus on housing is creating a shared vision. What will work in Lake County? What obstacles do we face? Here are some useful facts from a study commissioned by Lake County Partners, our economic development organization:
- Housing prices increased at a faster pace than income over the past four years. The number of homes selling for less than $400,000 fell substantially while the share that sold for more than $500,000 almost doubled. Rent increases also exceeded the rate of income growth and inflation.
- Countywide, 44,000 owners and 29,000 renters are living in unaffordable housing. While low-income households are most cost-burdened, a sizable number of households with incomes of $75,000-100,000 are paying more than 30% of their income for housing.
- Supply is not keeping up with housing demand. Between 2018 and 2022, new residential development averaged only 1,200 units per year, well below the near- and long-term household projections. This will result in a significant shortage over time.
- The projected increase in the number of senior households with incomes above $50,000 and households under age 65 with incomes over $100,000 will generate demand for 17,700 market-rate owner and renter units. Given the existing shortage of affordable rental units in the county, there is demand for 7,900 units for seniors and families.
I’m excited to be involved in the coalition’s work. I’ve proposed that we consider “green” modular housing that can be assembled on site with little waste and hardwired to conserve and produce electricity. This new way of homebuilding can create jobs while being environmentally responsible. We also should eye “accessory dwelling units” that can be built over garages or behind homes. (We used to call them “granny flats.”) We should also consider incentives such as tax credits and zoning variances. Everything is on the table. The idea is to create more quality dwellings that a majority of our residents can afford.
We have several more meetings coming up, which will lead to a final report early next year. I know I will be going to Washington and Springfield next year to promote legislation that will help make Lake County housing more attainable. In the interim, I’d like to hear your thoughts on this subject!
Forest Preserve News
Do you like mariachis, spicy food and family-friendly fun. Then mark your calendars for our Festival De Cultura, Comida y Vida. It will be held Sunday, Sept. 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake. There will be kids’s games, food trucks and lots of live music.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of music, dance, food and community. Highlights include performances by Diferente Frecuencia, cultural showcases, bilingual activities for all ages and authentic food vendors. Local partners will also be on site with resources and support for families.
 As always, it’s my honor to serve you. If you need immediate county services, please call 2-1-1. The national suicide prevention hotline is 9-8-8. You can reach me at my email JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be Well,
Lake County Government News
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Provide Your Feedback on ADA Comprehensive Transition Plan
Lake County recently hosted a public meeting to share progress on its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Comprehensive Transition Plan. The goal of the plan is to enhance accessibility across County programs, services, activities, public buildings and pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks, crosswalks and curb ramps within the public rights-of-way. Watch the opening presentation from the meeting to learn more about the implementation of the plan.
Your feedback will help shape the plan, ensuring that Lake County remains inclusive and accessible to all:
Please consider sharing this information with friends, family and community members, particularly individuals with lived experience of disability, who may wish to provide input.
Your feedback is greatly valued. If you have questions or additional feedback, please contact RuthAnne Hall, ADA/504 Coordinator, at adacoordinator@lakecountyil.gov.
For more information about Lake County and the ADA, visit Lake County's website.
Transportation News
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Help Shape the Next 25 Years of Transportation
Lake County is planning for the future of transportation through Envision 2050, a new Long Range Transportation Plan that will guide how decisions and projects are prioritized. We’re asking residents to take a survey and share what matters most to them.
Take the survey
Sustainability News
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Reuse-O-Rama Sept. 27
Bring your items to be reused, recycled or donated at the next Reuse-O-Rama, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Riverwoods Village Hall, 300 Portwine Road. This is a free event for all residents. View items that will be accepted.
Forest Preserves News
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Hands-on Program Builds Skills, Improves Preserves
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a paid, hands-on program in the Lake County Forest Preserves for high school and college students, had a successful summer season with 26 participants. Over two months, five crews spread wood chips at off-leash dog areas, collected and planted seeds at the in Grayslake, replaced split-rail fences and cleared invasive species such as buckthorn, garlic mustard and sweet clover. Learn More »
Growing Strong Together
When people unite around a shared love of nature, incredible things happen. Thanks to donors, volunteers, staff, board members and neighbors, the Preservation Foundation, our charitable partner, is helping make your forest preserves healthier, stronger and more resilient.
Explore the 2024 Annual Report to see the impact of this support, shaping every acre for today and the future. Read More »
Digital Growth Initiative News
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Celebrate Digital Inclusion Week
Digital Inclusion Week, which is coming Oct. 6 to 10 brings communities across the U.S. together to help residents connect to affordable internet, no-cost or low-cost digital devices and classes to improve online skills. This year’s theme, Community-Driven Digital Futures, highlights the work of local community leaders developing creative and innovative ideas for addressing digital needs.
Get involved this Digital Inclusion Week and explore Lake County events and other events across the country on the NDIA website.
Veteran News
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Share Your Story. Join the Annual Veterans History Project
Registration is now open for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Annual Veterans History Project. Veterans will be interviewed by volunteer lawyers regarding their wartime experiences. These oral histories will be recorded and transcribed by court reporters and then archived in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
Once archived, these first-hand accounts of American war Veterans will be accessible online to serve as an inspiration for future generations. Registration is open until Oct. 28.
County Clerk's Office News
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Voter Engagement Survey Results
Thank you to those who took the Lake County Voter Engagement Survey. From how voters learn about drop box and polling locations to the challenges they may experience on Election Day, your input helps guide the Lake County Clerk’s Office to strengthen voter services, improve communication and ensure smooth, accessible elections for all in Lake County.
State's Attorney's Office News
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Gun Violence Prevention Initiative Town Hall Tour
Join the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) as they host a series of town-hall style meetings across the County. The next town hall will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Waukegan Public Library.
Learn about who we are, our mission and the programs and services offered to Lake County residents. Provide feedback, ask questions and engage with the GVPI so that we may continue to serve Lake County effectively.
Job News
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Job Center 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.
Building a Talent Pipeline
Lake County Workforce Development administers a Work, Earn, and Learn (WEL) Program to provide hands-on experience in various industries. Through a recent partnership, three interns had an opportunity to participate in a six-month internship, gaining training in customer service, transaction management, time management and community engagement.
Learn more about the WEL Program
Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
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.
Community Events and News
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See Spots That Frame the Beauty of Autumn
Whether you’re snapping selfies with friends, capturing family memories or curating your Instagram feed, there’s no shortage of spots in Lake County to frame the beauty of autumn. Take a look at Visit Lake County’s list of 20 Lake County locations showcasing autumn's kaleidoscope.
Watch All 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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