Will County Gazette

The City of Joliet has invited residents to provide feedback on its Comprehensive Plan following the first public workshop held on September 17, 2025. The event took place at Joliet West High School and drew about 120 attendees.

Planning Director Jayne Bernhard commented on the community’s involvement: “Attendance for the first workshop was great and the feedback provided was invaluable. We want to encourage those who could not attend to share their thoughts and input before the October 10 deadline.”

During the workshop, participants were asked to share their experiences and ideas regarding several aspects of life in Joliet, including transportation, housing, employment, recreation, and what they appreciate about the city. The input collected will inform the next phase of planning.

Residents who missed the event can review presentation materials and submit comments online at www.joliet.gov/comprehensiveplan until October 10, 2025. Feedback may also be sent by email to comprehensiveplan@joliet.gov.

The Comprehensive Plan aims to guide Joliet’s response to current challenges while preparing for future growth over the next decade. It will address economic development, transportation systems, housing needs, natural resources management, infrastructure improvements, and policy recommendations supporting long-term goals.

City officials have outlined an approximately 18-month planning process that includes broad engagement with residents from diverse backgrounds. Adoption of the final plan is expected by late 2026 or early 2027.

Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in Illinois, about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. According to the 2020 census data available at https://www.joliet.gov, it is Illinois’ third largest city with a population of more than 150,000 people.

For ongoing updates about the Comprehensive Plan project or opportunities for community involvement, residents are encouraged to visit www.joliet.gov/comprehensiveplan.