JOLIET, IL — The City of Joliet is encouraging residents, business owners and community stakeholders to participate in a series of topic area workshops to help shape the City’s first Comprehensive Plan in more than 60 years. The Comprehensive Plan will guide how the city responds to the current environment, adapts to the future and plans for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and equitable prosperity over the next 10 years. The plan will address integral aspects of Joliet such as economic development, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, natural resources, and infrastructure through policy and program recommendations.
These topic area workshops offer community members an opportunity to learn where the City is at in the comprehensive planning process, explore specific focus areas in greater detail, and share input on proposed goals and objectives related to topics such as housing, transportation, economic development, land use, utilities and infrastructure. The workshops will be held at Joliet City Hall (150 W. Jefferson St.) in the Council Chambers on the second floor beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
• Utilities & Infrastructure | Jan. 8, 2026 | Register here
o Water, sewer, stormwater, energy, telecommunication systems
• Open Space & Environment | Jan. 14, 2026 | Register here
o Park access, river corridors, habitat protection, environmental hazards, green infrastructure
• Arts, Culture & Heritage | Jan. 21, 2026 | Register here
o Neighborhood character, historic preservation, cultural celebration, public art, events & festivals
• Economic Development | Jan. 26, 2026 | Register here
o Commercial corridors & areas, business, industry & job diversification, business support, workforce pathways
•Land Use & Future Development | Jan. 27, 2026 | Register here
o Character areas & neighborhoods, new development & design, reinvestment corridors, community assets
Pre-registration is encouraged for each workshop.
“As we plan for Joliet’s future, it’s critical that we hear directly from the people who live, work and invest in our city,” said Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “We need everyone’s help to craft this plan, and these workshops allow the community to help shape a Comprehensive Plan that reflects shared values, priorities and ambitions for our neighborhoods and economy. We have already held two topic area workshops on housing and transit/mobility and gleaned valuable insights from each of them.”
r more information on the City of Joliet’s Comprehensive Plan, including links to register for each workshop and ongoing opportunities for public input, visit joliet.gov/comprehensiveplan or email comprehensiveplan@joliet.gov.
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About the City of Joliet
The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit www.joliet.gov.
