District Engagement: July

Around the District: Listening, Learning and Leading

This past month, our team has been on the move! We’ve engaged with residents, collaborated with community leaders and gathered input to guide our service in the district and our work in Springfield.

It was exciting to witness the opening of both Elmhurst Park District’s Canine Corner and Elmhurst Farmers Market’s new location and to be reminded that our district is community-focused and has something for everyone.

Meeting with board members of the Encore Center for Performing Arts over coffee to learn about their exciting plans to develop an accessible venue for theater, music, dance and comedy and to learn more about their vision to elevate the cultural vibrancy of our region was much appreciated.

We enjoyed building connections with constituents at Elmhurst French Market, Addison’s Rock N’ Wheels and through satellite office hours at Westmont Public Library.

An informative Juneteenth commemoration hosted by Elmhurst’s Faith United Methodist Church with a discussion led by Jamal Cole, founder of My Block My Hood My City, helped us gain perspective on the meaning of such an important holiday as well as ongoing challenges in achieving equity.

We also attended the DuPage County Industry Insight Series as well the 15th annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook breakfast where we learned about strengthening and building a resilient local workforce.

Addison Township convened a collaborative meeting which included leaders from School Districts 4 and 88, the Addison Police and Fire Departments, Addison Park District, and other local partners. The updates deepened our understanding of community services provided and challenges faced by residents and served to update us on the impressive progress of ongoing projects and programs on the north end of the district.

A visit to Takeda’s Round Lake manufacturing plant offered a close look at a major regional employer and its contributions to innovation and economic development.

We convened our youth and senior advisory groups, gathering participants’ ideas and feedback which will be vital to shaping future bills. The perspectives shared will help ensure the decisions we make reflect the needs of the constituents we serve.

In addition to event attendance and participation, we’ve been out canvassing in Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Westmont and Oak Brook to answer your questions and to hear from you. Keep an eye out for us as we continue!