New Strategic Plan for DuPage County Focuses on Community Services and Economic Development

In the past year, DuPage County Board members have collaborated to create a strategic plan that will guide legislation for the next decade. The plan was approved on Tuesday, highlighting the goals and priorities of both the board and the community for DuPage’s future.

Led by board member Sadia Covert, the Strategic Planning Committee focused on community services and economic development. Objectives include supporting local businesses, workforce development, and creating outreach programs for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. County Board Chair Deborah Conroy emphasized the importance of this plan in keeping DuPage County thriving and prosperous.

While the plan’s goals are not binding, they emphasize priorities such as community well-being, fiscal responsibility, a thriving economy, a safe community, environmental stewardship, and mobility. Debates within the board over specific language in the plan persisted until the last minute, with compromises made to address different perspectives.

Some of the smaller objectives outlined in the plan include reducing DuPage County’s landfill presence through composting and recycling as well as expanding bike and pedestrian pathways. Recent plans like the Solid Waste Management Plan and DuPage County Trails Plan are already paving the way for these improvements.

Community engagement was critical to developing this strategic plan. Forums, interviews, and over 1000 survey responses helped shape its priorities. Board member Cindy Cahill expressed gratitude for community input recognizing their role in ensuring that it reflects shared values and visions for DuPage County’s future.