I’m excited to say hello and extend a warm greeting to all the incredible businesses here in Oak Park. As someone who’s passionate about supporting local businesses, I’m eager to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the ongoing success of our vibrant business community.

Oak Park is known for its unique charm, creative spirit, and strong sense of community — and our local businesses are at the heart of it all. Whether you're a long-standing establishment or a new entrepreneur planting roots, I'm here to support your growth and help navigate challenges along the way.

The Business Services Division serves as a one-stop-shop for businesses. We’re a centralized resource that provides comprehensive support, navigating business owners through the municipal process of obtaining the necessary licenses, permits and adhering to zoning requirements. While also administering the Village’s business assistance grant programs.

The Village's Office of Economic Vitality is currently assembling its full team, which will be announced soon. We will work in collaboration while that group's focus will be on leading Economic Vitality and Development for the Village including business retention, expansion and attraction, and real estate development in Oak Park.

I look forward to working together and building a strong, thriving business community in Oak Park.

Noemy Diaz
Administrative Officer
Development Services Department
Noemy.Diaz@oak-park.us

Two new grant programs, the Commercial Social Media Grant (C-SMG) and the Commercial Interior Improvement Project grant (C-IIP), are now live and accepting applications through the Village’s grant software, Amplifund. These two grants were designed for businesses located within the Hemingway District to help alleviate the potential impact of the planned Renew the Avenue streetscape project that is planned in the spring of 2026. The Commercial Social Media Grant can be used to bolster a business’s online presence and advertising, and the Commercial Interior Improvement Project grant can be used for interior improvements to first floor businesses located within the district. In addition, any business in the Hemingway District is now eligible for the Village’s Commercial Façade Improvement Program grant (C-FIP), including non-sales tax generating businesses. For more information about these opportunities, or to apply, click here.

You may have noticed significant work being done at the corner of South Boulevard and Ridgeland Avenue. This is through the efforts of Elements Architectural Group, the building owners, occupants and restoration experts behind this project. Owner William Scholtens gave an overview of some of the creative ways used to achieve a fully net zero building, highlighting things like smaller fridges, triple pain windows and solar panels on the roof. In addition to these sustainability efforts, original bricks from 1922 were reused along with terracotta and flashing. Scholtens said he hoped that with this project, more businesses in town will see the merit in restoring older buildings and recognize the different ways businesses can be more environmentally conscious when remodeling. Click here for a video tour of the new space.

Oak Park is experiencing a record-breaking outdoor dining season! With 40+ restaurants participating, there is certainly no shortage of beautiful places to enjoy the weather while having a delicious meal.  Whether you’re in search of something sweet to eat, a quick bite for lunch, a place to get a cup of coffee with friends, or somewhere to have dinner with the family, you will find outdoor dining options locally here in the Village. Click here to access a full list of establishments participating in this year’s outdoor dining program.

Get ready, Oak Park! The heart of summer is here, and the Village is bursting with exciting events that bring neighbors, families and friends together. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just discovering the charm of Oak Park, July and August are packed with can’t-miss experiences for all ages.

Love the arts? Immerse yourself in the vibrant creativity unfolding in the 2025 Sculpture Walk displayed throughout Downtown Oak Park and the Arts District. Let the Oak Park Sculpture Walk, organized by the Oak Park Area Arts Council, inspire you with bold creativity and opportunities for community connection. Share your favorite pieces, bring a friend, and see art come to life around every corner!