Naperville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Naperville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Municipal parking regulations update
An update to Section 11-2B of the Municipal Code covering city parking lots and parking rules is on the table. Changes could affect how drivers use and pay for city-owned parking.
Everly Trace subdivision traffic controls
The board is considering recommending right-of-way controls and a 25 mph speed limit for the Everly Trace subdivision. These controls shape how the new neighborhood's streets connect to the city network and how fast traffic will move through it.
SECA Grant Program and Policy Revisions
A county grant covers up to $30,185.70 to replace five field news cameras for the community television station.
Curbside leaf collection services
A small change order tops up the curbside leaf collection contracts by about $17,000, keeping fall pickup on track.
2026 Street Resurfacing and Fire Station #4 Capital Improvements
A change order adds about $120,000 and 61 days to the Fire Station 4 renovation project, bringing the total to about $3 million.
2027-2031 Priorities Plan
The draft five-year priorities plan is up for its first council review, with a public comment window opening November 6. It will guide city spending and initiatives through 2031.
Citywide security camera and access control upgrade
Naperville is looking at a major multi-year contract to replace and upgrade security cameras and building access controls across city facilities. The council must choose between the full scope or a cheaper version that delays some cameras to future budget years.
Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission 2026 Annual Report
The commission's annual report compiles its work on human rights and fair housing matters in Naperville for 2026. Approval would finalize the official public record of the commission's activities this year.
Riverwalk South Extension & Hillside Gateway
The committee is starting to scope out the Riverwalk South Extension and Hillside Gateway projects, which will shape how the Riverwalk extends south and how people enter the area. The discussion covers what the projects should include and what they might cost before any construction decisions are made.
Downtown Parking Deck Sequencing and Funding
Downtown restaurants have paid a special tax since 2008 expecting a parking deck, but council won't decide until a parking study arrives in November. A cheaper surface lot option adds just 30 spaces.
Library budget and Sunday hours
The library wants an 8% levy increase after years of lean budgets, plus new 11-to-7 Sunday hours at all three buildings and an internship program for adults with disabilities.
Historic preservation staffing
Naperville Preservation asked whether the commission's annual report reached the state; staff confirmed the 2025 report went to Illinois SHPO in December.
Naper Settlement historic building assessment
The owner of the historic Kroehler Mansion did work without first getting commission sign-off, then asked to amend the approved certificate. The commission approved the changes but flagged that approvals should come before work begins.
Police Officer Candidate Evaluations
The board approved the hire of police officer candidate Ambrose and let him continue in the process. This means a new officer may soon join Naperville's police force.
Proposed 2027 Annual Budget and Capital Improvement Program
The proposed $724 million budget adds 9.375 employees focused on traffic engineering, code enforcement, forestry, FOIA legal work, and utilities. Eight of nine got informal support; the forestry supervisor is still up in the air.
Updates to the City of Naperville Debt Management Policy
The board will evaluate proposed changes to how the city manages its debt obligations and financial liabilities. Keeping these policies modern protects the city's credit rating and long-term financial health.
Electric Utility Performance and Rate Comparisons
The board was scheduled to review electric system reliability, capital projects, and rate comparisons with ComEd to ensure competitive and reliable service.
DuPage Water Commission Alternative Water Source Project
The board planned to learn about new regional water source initiatives that could impact Naperville's long-term water supply and infrastructure planning.
Utility Shut-off Procedures Review
The advisory board was scheduled to review how the city handles utility shut-offs for unpaid bills, which directly affects local residents facing financial hardship.
Certificate of Appropriateness for 235-239 S Washington St
The commission discussed a draft survey to gather resident feedback on the historic review process; it may become a 2027 special project.
Community Arts Program Discussion
The SECA Commission wants the rules for Community Arts grant applications updated before the CY27 funding cycle. A revised policy and procedures document will be drafted by staff and likely come back to the commission for review.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update
The plan's final draft arrives in about two weeks and comes to the September board meeting for public input, with a council vote targeted for late October or early November.
Residential Stormwater Drainage and Sump Pump Discharges
City officials and staff provided updates on storm recovery following severe winds and heavy rains, urging residents to clear storm drains.
Energy Policy, Sustainability, and Electric Utility Planning
Local builders and home building associations raised concerns that adopting new energy stretch codes alongside the 2024 ICC building code update would significantly increase construction costs without delivering proportional energy savings.
Towns at Naper Commons Residential Development
The council approved annexation amendments, PUD changes, and preliminary subdivision plats for NorthGate of Naperville, bringing 171 townhomes and a public park to a 25-acre site near Monarch Landing.
Naperville Ridge Forest and Wetland Preservation
Pulte Home Company withdrew its petition to develop a 32-acre mature oak forest and wetland near 75th Street, saving the green space for now after intense community opposition.
Regional Roadway Construction and Traffic Disruptions
The city approved multiple agreements and engineering contracts to advance the reconstruction of the 87th Street Bridge, including intergovernmental agreements with the Park District and IDOT funding.
Drug Sales Ban
Naperville is cracking down on local stores selling kratom, a synthetic drug with dangerous opioid-like effects. City enforcement is now fully active to keep this substance off store shelves and protect the community.
Neighborhood Traffic Enforcement and Speeding
Residents testified about chronic speeding and dangerous driving infractions at intersections like Charles Avenue and Gartner Road, requesting increased police patrols and traffic-calming infrastructure.
Firefighter/paramedic recruitment and promotions
The fire department reported 11 current openings and a possible September 21 academy start date, plus a veteran's points grace period ending July 30. The board approved two candidates to continue, denied three appeals, and tabled two decisions.
Utility Acquisition
Naperville is sounding the alarm that a potential sale of ComEd could mess with your monthly electric bill and take away local control. If you get power around here, your energy costs and grid oversight might soon be out of city hands.
Riverwalk Maintenance and Debris Removal
The river has repeatedly covered the lower walkways this summer, and caution signs are now posted at all lower-walk access points. Staff won't use caution tape for lower-walk-only flooding due to staffing costs.
Happy Hour Regulation and Time Restrictions
Naperville lifted its long-standing ban on happy hours to support local restaurants, establishing a local restriction that prohibits drink specials after 7:00 p.m. to balance business competitiveness with community safety.
Proposed Retail Ban on Kratom
Residents and medical professionals shared frightening stories about severe addiction and overdoses linked to kratom and synthetic 7-OH extracts like 'Feel Free.' The commission responded by unanimously recommending a complete retail ban.
Weston Ridge Apartments Transit-Oriented Development
A developer proposed transforming an underused commuter parking lot into a 65-unit micro-apartment building with accessible ground-floor entries and transit proximity.
Historic District Garage Height Variance
A homeowner at 151 N. Wright St. requested an 8-foot height variance to build a 26-foot detached garage that matches their historic home's cat-slide roofline.
Energy Market Plan
Naperville is considering a massive $39 million power market plan that could shake up your utility bills. Under this proposal, your electricity rates could be checked and adjusted every three months instead of staying predictable.
School Traffic Safety and Parking Congestion at Prairie Elementary
School drop-off backups are spilling into a mid-block crossing where kids walk, and parents are making U-turns in front of children. A new Hillside parking ban is coming, no-U-turn signs arrive before school starts, and a left-turn ban is still under study.
Safety at Charles Avenue and Gartner Road
Residents have documented speeding and drivers blowing through the four-way stop for years, including a May 27 crash that destroyed a mailbox. Marilyn Schweitzer is asking for more enforcement, year-round driver education, and engineering fixes like curb bump-outs.
River Bend Overnight Parking Exemptions
The city launched a public survey on overnight parking alternatives after the council sent the issue back through this board. Responses are open through September 18, with an October board discussion to follow.
Happy Hour Restrictions Amendment
Prompted by a restaurant executive's request, the commission agreed to discuss rolling back Naperville's long-standing ban on discounted drink happy hours to align with state rules.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety and Enforcement
Police logged 62 e-bike complaints in May, 40 in June, and 51 in July, with most riders involved between 13 and 16. Only two crashes caused significant injuries, and school-zone enforcement ramps up when classes resume.
Alternate Riverwalk bench design
State funding rules for the North Central College Riverwalk Park mean the current standard bench can't be used as-is. The committee picked the DuMor Model 490 as its preferred substitute, with the decision going to the full Riverwalk Commission on August 12.
Election
Naperville's city council race just got a lot more interesting with three fresh candidates, including two current school board members, throwing their hats in the ring. This new lineup could shake up how the city is run and change the direction of local policies.
Grocery Tax Elimination and Sales Tax Swap
Local caterers raised concerns that they were never notified about the food and beverage tax applied to catering operations, potentially putting local businesses at a disadvantage against outside caterers. Council directed staff to prepare a comprehensive report on the tax's application and history.
Beekeeping Ordinance Review
A resident raised concerns regarding a neighboring beekeeping operation close to property lines, prompting the council to direct staff to review municipal codes and comparable city regulations.
Aurora P25 radio signal issues and DFR program
Aurora is dealing with weaker P25 radio signal on its east side after Naperville's Motorola switch-over, aiming for full operation in September. Aurora is also pursuing a DFR program MOU with Kane County and rolling out Flock 911 — and will verify its Intrado payments covered only the right quarter.
Naperville Motorola radio system transition
Naperville's new Motorola radio system went live June 2, and the city is working toward standing up the RTIC by fall. DFR vendor demonstrations have been held and will be scored soon.
E911 surcharge fund reimbursements and transfers
The board directed roughly $5.8 million in 911 surcharge money back to Naperville and Aurora to cover emergency dispatch costs and capital needs. This is how the 911 fees on phone bills get turned into working emergency systems.
John Greene Commercial Redevelopment at 115 Aurora Avenue and 405 S. Main Street
John Greene Commercial is redeveloping two vacant downtown lots into a multi-tenant office building with parking and public streetscape improvements.