January 29, 2026
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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you well and warm. Despite the weather, we’ve been working hard to provide essential county services, environmental protection and healthcare.
Our annual legislative breakfast two weeks ago was a roaring success. Working with our partners at the Lake County Municipal League, we presented our 2026 state and federal legislative agenda. These are items that we’d like to see passed into law by Springfield and Washington. As chair of the County Board’s Legislative Committee, I was thrilled to see a record crowd in attendance.
What’s in our agenda this year? We’re asking that legislators help us with funding attainable housing, healthcare, composting/recycling and holding state Property Tax Appeal Board hearings here in Lake County instead of Springfield. View the County's FY2026 Legislative Agenda. If you have any questions about our agenda, please email me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Two local items of interest include funding the state’s Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program to ensure clean water in our recreational lakes and removing toxic coal ash ponds from the shuttered NRG coal-fired power plant site in Waukegan. Those superfund sites are too close to Lake Michigan, which is our primary drinking-water source. We're also looking to expand composting, recycling and keeping kitchen waste out of landfills.
Even though Springfield has a shorter session this year, we’ve already reached out to our Lake County delegation and our local representatives, State Rep. Laura Faver-Dias and Sen. Mary Edly-Allen for help in passing our priority items. We’ll also be visiting Capitol Hill in Washington later next month.
 Efforts to Address Attainable Housing
On the housing front, I was excited to attend the penultimate meeting of our Lake County Coalition for Housing earlier in the month. We’re engaging business and non-profit stakeholders from around Lake County to make housing attainable for everyone. Our last meeting will be Feb. 11.
Visit the Lake County Coalition for Housing website to learn more about their efforts to create actionable strategies to increase attainable housing production in Lake County. I was heartened to see many friends from Grayslake and Round Lake in attendance. We will draft a final report within the next few months.
Want to Warm Your Tummy?
The Lake County Flavor Festival, supported by our partner agency Visit Lake County, is on throughout the county from Feb. 1 to 28. Sip, savor and celebrate the thousands of unique beverages, dishes and delectables found in our brew pubs and restaurants. I was excited to attend the festival’s kick-off this week at the College of Lake County’s (CLC) Prairie Restaurant at the Brae Loch Golf Club. Prizes will be awarded throughout February. Check the Lake County Flavor Festival website for more details and participating venues.
And special thanks to CLC, which offers career pathways in the culinary arts and hospitality services. Nathan DuPont, a manager at the Prairie Restaurant at Brae Loch and graduate of the culinary arts program, says professional chefs and teachers bring some 150 total years of experience to the college's offerings. You can learn everything from baking to hospitality management and earn college credit. DuPont said he graduated from CLC debt free and is now finishing a four-year degree. By the way, the food and service at Prairie Restaurant are excellent. They are a superb partner with the Lake County Forest Preserves, providing a first-rate learning and training environment.
Forest Preserve News
Staff at the Forest Preserves received a letter from the Waukegan Port District asking the forest preserve to concur that a proposed runaway improvement at Waukegan Airport will have a “de minimus,” or very little effect, on the adjacent Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve.
The port district is requesting that the Forest Preserves sell them approximately one-quarter acre of public property to improve their runway, in addition to approving 18 acres of avigation easements. Forest Preserves Executive Director Ty Kovach said staff is preparing for a tree inventory of the parcel at the port district’s request. It’s not known, however, whether the Federal Aviation Administration will require a comprehensive environmental assessment.
Although we’re still in the dead of winter, the Native Seed Nursery in Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake is gearing up for the growing season. Last year, the Native Seed Nursery, led by Nursery Program Manager Kelly Burdick, grew 94 species for restoration projects across your preserves. Eight of those species are on the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species.
Thanks to our hard-working staff and many volunteers for supporting the Forest Preserves' mission to enhance our county’s abundant biodiversity.
 A Last Note
Finally, in deepest sympathy, we condemn the unwarranted violence in Minneapolis and the senseless and brutal fatal shootings that occurred during a recent immigration enforcement action.
My colleagues and I are calling for a transparent, independent investigation into these killings and de-escalation of overly aggressive “surges” that are occurring across the country and have impacted Lake County. We are always working towards peaceful and professional interactions by federal and local authorities that respect everyone’s constitutional and human rights. We continue to work with our justice partners including the Lake County State's Attorney's Office and non-profit partners such as Mano a Mano. We all want our communities to be safe, but we don’t want Lake County residents to be afraid to leave their homes.
It's my honor to serve you. If you have immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. The national suicide prevention hotline is 9-8-8. I’m happy to speak to any community group. You can reach me at jwasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be well,
Lake County Government News
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Leaders Discuss Legislative Initiatives at Annual Breakfast
Lake County recently partnered with the Lake County Municipal League in hosting our annual legislative breakfast, in which we met with elected federal and state officials and local municipalities to discuss shared issues, new initiatives and policy opportunities.
This event is an opportunity for the County to address legislation it supports and funding opportunities for its capital priorities. These priorities will improve public safety, reduce traffic congestion, enhance water and sewer service and address other important local issues. Learn more about Lake County’s legislative priorities by viewing the 2026 Legislative Program.
Public Wi-Fi Access Coming to Downtown Waukegan
Lake County and the City of Waukegan have approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to provide free, high-speed public Wi-Fi to Waukegan’s downtown corridor. The project is Lake County’s first municipal public Wi-Fi partnership.
Using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Lake County will construct the network this spring and be responsible for maintenance through December 31, 2026. After this date, the network will be owned and operated by the City of Waukegan.
Use the Warming Center Finder to Get Relief from the Cold
As the temperatures drop, residents who do not have access to heat can utilize a warming center. View our Warming Center Finder to find a warm place you or someone you know can go. Before going, please call in advance to confirm availability and hours.
Forest Preserves News
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Profiles in Excellence Returns for Black History Month
Origin stories come to life through performance and storytelling at the 43rd annual Profiles in Excellence event, set for 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago.
Held in recognition of Black History Month, the free program for all ages features playwright and educator Ted Williams III and highlights from the musical 1619: The Journey of a People. The event will also honor two Waukegan residents, Frank Pettis and Leila Glover for their lasting contributions to the community. Learn More »
$600,000 Grant to Boost Gurnee Preserve
The Lake County Forest Preserves received a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program. Funding will improve access at Lake Carina Forest Preserve in Gurnee.
The project will upgrade parking, trails and restrooms. It also includes a new ADA-compliant parking lot, accessible trails to the lake and fishing pier, a kayak and small-boat launch and a new overlook. Learn More »
Grant Woods Expansion Approved
The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of about 0.82 acres to expand Grant Woods Forest Preserve.
The $37,000 acquisition along Route 59 supports long-term conservation and improves the continuity of the preserve. Local leaders and residents said the small addition will strengthen an already valued natural area. Read More »
Stormwater Management News
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Save the Date for HOA Workshop and Vendor Expo
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is excited to host the 2026 Homeowners Association (HOA) Workshop and Vendor Expo on Wednesday, February 25 at the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake. This will be a hybrid event.
Vendor Expo: starts at 3:30 p.m. and is available to in-person attendees only
HOA Workshop Presentations: start at 5:30 p.m. and is available to attend in-person or via Zoom
This event is for HOAs and property owners who are responsible for maintaining detention ponds, wetlands, natural areas, and other drainage infrastructure to learn how to best care for these areas. The Vendor Expo will include maintenance, engineering, and ecological consulting companies who will provide educational information. The HOA Workshop presentations will feature knowledgeable speakers and experts to share more. Grants and funding opportunities will also be discussed.
This event will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance should contact Sharene Gould Dulabaum at sgoulddulabaum@lakecountyil.gov at least one week prior to the event.
Register for the in-person HOA Vendor Expo and Workshop
Register for the online HOA Workshop
Visit SMC’s HOA Workshop web page for more information
Job News
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Explore Education Careers at Job Fair Feb. 28
The fifth annual Lake County Educator Job Fair will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Feb. 28. Participants can explore teaching and non-teaching education careers while meeting with multiple hiring districts in one location.
The job fair will be at a new location this year, the Lake County Regional Office of Education, 1905 W. Field Court, Lake Forest.
Register to attend
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.
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.
Learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
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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