Naperville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Naperville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Police and firefighter hiring decisions
The board moved several candidates through the final stages of hiring for the Naperville police and fire departments, approving three police hires and denying several firefighter candidates. These decisions affect staffing levels for emergency services in the city.
Naperville Due Process and Municipal Property Ordinance
Residents and advocacy groups urged the city to adopt an ordinance preventing city-owned property from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement and affirming constitutional rights. Council members debated the city's legal authority and requested a comprehensive staff report on historical orders and communication options.
Downtown Public Safety and Teen Takeover Response
Police Chief Arres updated the council on a planned 'teen takeover' event on June 1, noting that proactive policing and a zero-tolerance approach resulted in nine arrests and helped keep downtown safe.
Tobacco Violation Enforcement and Fine Structure
Following high underage sales failure rates, the commission discussed updating municipal tobacco fines and adding stricter suspension terms so repeat offenders treat compliance seriously.