Year in Review
2023
Dear neighbors,
As we look forward to the year ahead, it’s worth pausing for just a moment to reflect on all that our community accomplished and experienced together in 2023. That’s why I’m delighted to present our Year In Review.
In the report below, you’ll see dazzling fireworks at Skokie’s first Independence Day Celebration since 2019.
You’ll see progress towards the Village’s sustainability goals, with the launch of nine free (and very popular) compost drop-off sites.
You’ll see a mother and father’s radiant smiles after two Skokie police officers saved their young child’s life.
You’ll see new businesses opening their doors and exciting changes coming to Westfield Old Orchard.
You’ll see the Village’s commitment to financial responsibility, extending our historic property tax freeze for the 33rd consecutive year.
You’ll see our dedication to best-in-class municipal services, with awards for fire services, civic technology, solar energy, and the “triple crown” of financial reporting.
You’ll see our diverse community coming together at the downtown trick-or-treat, farmers’ market, and our first-ever Village-wide garage sale.
But above all, you’ll see that the spirit of Skokie is alive and well. Thank you for being a part of our wonderful, vibrant community in 2023 and the years to come.
Sincerely,
George Van Dusen
Mayor, Village of Skokie
January
Green Alley Program Awarded
February
Composting Up,
Landfill Waste Down
In February, the Village launched five free
compost drop-off sites, expanding the program to nine locations over the course of the year in partnership with Skokie Park District and Niles Township Government.
Together with the curbside “orange bucket” program, Skokie composting programs diverted 199 tons (398,000 pounds) of food scraps from the landfill in 2023, preventing the equivalent of 175 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
March
Getting the Lead Out
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky presented Mayor Van Dusen with a $2 million check to support the Village’s Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) program. The funds will aid with the removal of public and private lead services from the water distribution system over the next several decades.
April
Preventing Hate Crimes
The Human Relations Commission and Skokie Police Department announced plans to track bias and hate-related incidents to guide deployment of resources and programs.
Explore Skokie
CMAP Recognizes Mayor’s Work
A Visionary Leader
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) awarded Mayor George Van Dusen its Visionary Leader Award, recognizing his tireless efforts to improve access to transit, diversify Skokie’s economy, and institute sustainable policies throughout his 40 years of public service.
May
Reducing Landfill Waste
In May, the Village transitioned to once-a-week refuse collection, making progress towards the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goal of reducing landfill waste by 10 percent by 2030.
Preserving Housing Diversity
The Village Board adopted five affordable housing goals and several actions recommended by the Plan Commission.
Representing Our
Past, Present, Future
Following a yearlong review, which included outreach to Native communities and extensive research, the Village initiated a process to design a new Village seal. A Village committee is in the process of selecting an artist to develop design concepts for a new seal.
June
Life, Partnership, Excellence and Respect
The Skokie Police Department completed a collaborative community review and update of its mission and values statement.
Skokie PD to the Rescue
The quick actions of Skokie Police officers Alfonzo Hernandez and Rogelio Cantu saved a young child in cardiac distress. Watch the ABC7 Chicago story.
July
New Beginnings
Skokie celebrated the opening of a number of new businesses, including Skokie International Market, Will’s Place, Qahwah House, and Smoothie King. The owners of Hyde Park’s Ascione Bistro announced exciting plans to open a new concept at the Highpoint at 8000 North on the corner of Oakton and Lincoln. Construction is underway.
Impact Behavioral Health Partners cut the ribbon on a brand new 16-unit housing facility on Floral Avenue for those with mental health challenges.
Getting Grant Support
The Village received a Powering Safe Communities grant to support the installation of Skokie’s first accessible EV charging station, and the Skokie Police Department received a $245,000 grant to reimburse it for expenses related to its body-worn and squad car camera technology.
Responding to Resident Concerns
The Village Board voted to restrict new stand-alone tobacco and vape shops in response to resident complaints about an escalating number of vape shops within the community.
August
Best in Class
The Skokie Fire Department maintained its prestigious ISO Class 1 certification, placing it in the top one percent of all fire departments nationwide. Six new fire recruits joined the department’s ranks, with three positions supported by a $1.2 million FEMA SAFER grant over the next three years.
Implementing Voter Referendums
The Village kicked off a comprehensive public engagement process to inform implementation of three electoral referendums impacting Skokie Village Board elections approved by voters in 2022. The implementation plan was adopted by the Village Board in December.
Making Plans for Main Street
The Village Board approved a study to help guide the future redevelopment of the Main Street Commercial Corridor, between Crawford and Kildare Avenues.
Business of Year
Strong Brew
The Consumer Affairs Commission recognized Soul Good Coffee as the 2023 Skokie Business of the Year, with Take Flight Spirts, Charcoal Oven, and Qahwah House receiving honorable mention.
September
Ramping Up Rodent Control Efforts
As suburbs throughout Chicagoland reported an increase in rat activity after recent mild winters, Skokie piloted a new rodent control device that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to deprive rat burrows of oxygen and hired two additional part-time environmental health workers to enhance its response to rodent reports.
Future Firefighters
The Skokie Fire Department launched its Fire Explorer Program, introducing 12 youth to fire service career opportunities.
Patriotic Pup
After coming into possession of an abandoned dog on Independence Day, Skokie Police saw potential in the pup, which they aptly named “America,” and sent her to be trained as an official comfort dog.
Improving Public Services through Innovation
Skokie received two national awards from the Center for Digital Government and CivicPlus, which recognized its innovative use of technology to make government services more accessible, convenient and efficient.
October
Increasing Shade
The Village was awarded a $327,000 grant to plant trees in disadvantaged areas of Skokie. More than 1,000 trees will be planted over the next five years, helping the Village meet its Environmental Sustainability Plan goal of increasing tree canopy coverage.
Harnessing Sun
The Village received SolSmart Gold designation for encouraging solar energy at the local level, while also launching a solar-powered street light pilot program.
Exciting Changes at Westfield Old Orchard
Three new businesses (Arhaus, Puttshack and ZARA) are set to open in the former Lord & Taylor space in 2024 as part of the property’s transformational redevelopment. The announcement followed the Village Board’s designation of the area as an official business district.
Beautifying Skokie Trails
Volunteers from the Skokie Beautification & Improvement Commission, GO GREEN Skokie, and Xylem Water Solutions of Morton Grove helped Skokie Public Works transform 1,800 square feet of turf into a native garden, planting 600 plugs along the Skokie Valley Trail.
November
A Colorful Addition
The Public Arts Advisory Committee commissioned a new mural at Sketchbook Brewery by local artist Jay Ryan.
Fiscal Responsibility
The Village Board extended the Village’s historic property tax freeze for the 33rd consecutive year. The Village’s share of an average property tax bill has decreased from 16 percent in 1990 to less than 6 percent today.
The Triple Crown
For the first time, the Village received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) prestigious Triple Crown – the highest finance award given to municipalities – recognizing transparency and excellence in financial reporting and budget presentation. Skokie is one of only 400 municipalities nationwide to receive the award.
December
Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready
Skokie was among the first 12 Illinois communities designated as ‘EV Ready’ by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd.
Holiday Pick-Me-Up
The Village organized several successful holiday campaigns to support local businesses and organizations, including highlighting local businesses as part of the “What a Gift” campaign and caffeinating residents through the Start Your Day in Skokie Coffee Mug campaign. Proceeds from Start Your Day campaign benefitted the Skokie Community Foundation.
New Blue
Jesse Barnes was appointed as Skokie’s new chief of police following the retirement of Chief Brian Baker. Earlier in the year, Denise Franklin was appointed as deputy chief.
Events
Festival of Cultures. The Village’s cultural diversity was celebrated at the annual two-day event at Oakton Park. Visitors were treated to demonstrations and interactive displays from thirty different cultures.
Reduce, reuse…resell! The Village held its first-ever community-wide garage sale in June, with more than 250 homes participating.
Beautifying Skokie. The Village’s Beautification and Improvement Commission recognized 23 Skokie property owners for their beautiful and sustainable landscaping.
A beloved celebration returns.
Skokie’s renowned Independence Day parade and fireworks returned after a three-year hiatus.
Backlot Bash. The Village’s popular three-day street festival featured music from Blessid Union of Souls, the popular Backlot Dash 5K, the traditional pancake breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley and, of course, tons of rides!
Farm to Table.
As it has since 1975, Sundays in Skokie meant gathering with other community members for coffee, conversation and farm-fresh produce at the Skokie Farmer’s Market in the Village Hall parking lot.
A scary good time. Thousands of little ghosts and goblins descended on Downtown Skokie for the annual Downtown Skokie Trick-or-Treat, presented by the Village of Skokie and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Ghosted.
The Village’s Fine Arts Commission hosted a storytelling event at Take Flight Spirits as part of Arts & Humanities Month.
Boomers and Beyond. The Village’s Commission on Family Services organized a well-attended resource fair for older adults.
Fighting flu.
The Village’s Health and Human Services Department hosted two flu shot clinics at Oakton Park, providing free vaccinations to more than 1,300 community members.
Celebrating the holidays.
The Village brought the holidays to Downtown Skokie by hosting the inaugural Downtown Skokie Cookie Walk and opening the Skokie Holiday Giftorium. Proceeds from the Cookie Walk benefitted the Skokie Community Foundation.
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