Lake County Government News
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Coalition to Address Regional Housing Challenges
Lake County has launched a ground-breaking regional coalition that will begin an ambitious six-month initiative to expand housing options across all income levels. The Lake County Coalition for Housing will be made up municipal leaders, developers, employers and community advocates, ensuring strategies address market realities while honoring community values.
2024 Marks Record-Breaking Investment, Job Growth, Surge of Innovation
Lake County Partners has shared its 2024 Annual Report, a powerful snapshot of the growth, collaboration and innovation that defines Lake County as a national model for strategic growth.
Thanks to leadership and support, last year marked a year of historic progress, with $251 million in capital investment, 541 new jobs and 667 retained jobs directly resulting from our work.
Unincorporated Residents Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts
Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $273 a year on their flood insurance policies.
Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up to 20% savings on flood insurance premiums.
Sustainability News
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Mobile Household Chemical Waste Event Aug. 16
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will hold its next mobile Household Chemical Waste (HCW) collection from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Prairieview Elementary School, 103 E. Belvidere Road, Hainesville.
Common HCW products include cleaning products, oil-based paints/varnishes, flammable liquids, automotive products, and garden chemicals. When disposed of improperly, such as pouring them down the drain or disposing in the garbage, these products can contaminate the groundwater and harm the environment.
View the list of items that will be accepted and not accepted. This event is free for all Illinois residents, and appointments are required. Schedule your appointment.
Urban and Community Forestry Listening Session
Lake County is co-hosting an event with the Lake County Forest Preserves to share the progress of the Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan. Attendees are invited to share their thoughts on tree care, funding and how we can better support our communities. This event also will be an opportunity to provide feedback that will help guide future decisions, programs and planting efforts.
The listening session will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Road, North Chicago. Translation services will be available for Spanish speakers.
Attend Free Solar Power Hour
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), with the help of Lake County is hosting a free Solar Power Hour Webinar at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14 where you will learn how a group buy program can make solar more affordable through the Switch Together Chicagoland program.
Forest Preserves News
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Forest Preserves Join State Tree Task Force
Restoration Ecology Manager Matt Ueltzen has been appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker to a new 19-member task force focused on identifying and protecting Illinois’ most significant trees. The Illinois Legacy Tree Program Task Force met for the first time on July 23 and will develop a statewide framework to recognize trees with ecological, cultural or historical value.
Representing the Lake County Forest Preserves, Ueltzen joins experts from across the state. “It’s an honor to help shape how Illinois protects these living landmarks,” he said. The task force will meet quarterly and deliver a final report to the Illinois General Assembly by mid-2028. Read More »
54 Miles, One Day, One Trail
Last fall, Cook County resident Scott Drews ran the entire 54.5-mile Des Plaines River Trail in a single day—starting in River Grove and ending 12 hours later at Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth.
“I find nature meditative, and I’m a fan of the Forest Preserves,” he said. “They’re a precious gift.” He especially enjoyed the 31-mile stretch through Lake County, where the trail winds through prairies, woodlands and scenic preserves. Learn More »
Afrofest Returns Aug. 16
Celebrate African heritage through music, food and art at Afrofest from 12 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. This free, family-friendly event features live performances, including headliner Lloyd Stephens Band—plus gospel, spoken word, dance and more.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy food from local vendors. Admission and parking are free. Read More »
Free Museum General Admission
In honor of what would be Bess Bower Dunn’s 148th birthday, the Dunn Museum in Libertyville is offering free general admission from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.
Dunn, born in 1877, served Lake County for more than 60 years and became its first official historian. Her dedication to preserving local history lives on through her collection, now housed at the museum operated by the Forest Preserves.
Learn More »
Transportation News
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Robert McClory Bike Path Construction Begins
The Lake County Division of Transportation has begun construction on a project to improve the Robert McClory Bike Path.
This project will cover 12.3 miles of path to improve safety, accessibility and the overall experience for all users, whether they're biking, walking or running.
Stormwater Management News
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Sylvan Lake Dam Rebuilt for a Safer Future
After years of planning and collaboration, the Sylvan Lake Dam in Mundelein has been fully reconstructed to address critical infrastructure needs and protect local waterways and natural resources.
Watch this video as officials from the Fremont Township Highway Department, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, federal legislators and Lake County Board Members joined area residents to celebrate the completion of the newly rebuilt dam.
Digital Equity Coalition News
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Finish Summer Strong! Take a Basic Computer Skills Class
During August and early September, the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake, is offering a Basic Computer Skills Learn to Earn course as well as workshops on Gmail and Google Drive for eligible residents.
Residents who register and attend all sessions in the Basic Computer Skills Learn to Earn course may earn a laptop to take home.
The University Center is also offering Digital Navigator support sessions by walk-in or appointment. Residents can connect with Digital Navigators to receive individual technology and digital skills support.
Interested residents can email digitalnavigators@lakecountyil.gov or call Lake County’s Digital Navigators at 847-377-3442 to get more information and register for courses.
Learn more about the Digital Growth Initiative.
Education News
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Regional Office of Education Launches LakeEd
LakeEd, a publication produced by the Lake County Regional Office of Education (LCROE), will keep you informed about the state of education in Lake County. In the inaugural edition, read about:
- LCROE has collaborated with MagicSchool AI to provide districts access to MagicSchool's AI tools and provide cost-savings access to county schools.
- A partnership with ReferralGPS will break down barriers and expand access to behavioral health care across all 51 school districts.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launches, providing free books to children from birth to age 5.
- And more
Job News
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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County is instrumental in delivering services to job seekers via a wide range of programs and services to help you transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers. Upcoming events include:
- The Lake County Job Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the Round Lake Area Park District Sports Center. More than 40 area employers from various sectors will be there.
- Meet with a Job Center representative for one-on-one support at a Job Center On the Move event at locations across the county.
View the full Job Center newsletter to learn about other upcoming events.
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
Annual Report Highlights Efforts to Develop Workforce
The direct impact of the services the Job Center of Lake County provides is measured and reported on a regular basis. View the Program Year 2024 Annual Report to learn more about how the Job Center of Lake County is connecting job seekers and employers to fuel economic growth in Lake County.
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.
Community Events & News
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Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in August in Lake County
Whether chasing sunshine or making memories before fall, Lake County delivers something for everyone in August. Explore local road trips, vibrant festivals, outdoor concerts, family attractions and hidden gems across the region.
Check Visit Lake County’s Guide to the Top 10 Things to Do in August in Lake County and find the best ways to soak up the final stretch of summer.
See the Snapshots That Stole the Show
Thank you to all the residents and visitors who entered Visit Lake County’s fifth Let’s Snap Lake County Contest. Check this year’s honorable mention recipients and winners.
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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