Lake County Gazette

Mayor Rotering delivered the annual State of the City address at the Highland Park City Council meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025. The full speech can be viewed at cityhpil.com/agendacenter.

In her address, Mayor Rotering expressed gratitude towards her City Council colleagues Tony Blumberg, Barisa Bruckman, Annette Lidawer, Kim Stone, Yumi Ross, and Andrés Tapia. She emphasized their shared commitment to serving Highland Park despite occasional disagreements.

"Our varied perspectives reflect the strength of our democratic process," she said.

Mayor Rotering also praised City staff under the leadership of City Manager Ghida Neukirch and corporation counsel Steve Elrod for their dedication to making Highland Park a safer and healthier place.

"Their tireless work ensures our streets are safer, our environment healthier, " she noted.

The mayor highlighted five core priorities: fiscal stability, public safety, economic development, infrastructure investment, and environmental sustainability. These priorities guide all initiatives undertaken by the city.

"You will see these priorities reflected in every initiative we undertake this year," Mayor Rotering said.

For the 14th consecutive year, Highland Park adopted a balanced operating budget. Moody's reaffirmed its prestigious Aaa bond rating for the city—a distinction held by only 13 Illinois municipalities.

In 2024 alone, over $11 million was invested in Downtown Highland Park on projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and economic vitality. Notable improvements included reimagining Second Street with sidewalk bump-outs for outdoor dining and environmentally-friendly brick pavers.

"These enhancements are about more than aesthetics—they are also about increasing access to our businesses," Mayor Rotering explained.

The city expanded its economic incentives portfolio to support business attraction and retention. The first boutique incentive grant facilitated DeNucci's arrival last fall through a public-private partnership. Additionally, Amy Morton will bring The Barn Steakhouse to First St. in September through a limited boutique incentive program.

Highland Park hosted over 20,000 visitors at events such as Taste of Highland Park and Vintage Auto Show in Downtown areas throughout last year. In response to solidified environmental sustainability efforts guided by a Sustainability Strategic Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by45%by2030andachieving net zero by2035,thecityhiredafull-timestaffmembertodrive these efforts forward further .

A significant transformation saw former Highland Park Country Club become home now known as The Moraine featuring multiple activity rooms integrated technology movement room supporting additional exercise classes coming later spring dedicated new entrance enhancing accessibility Senior Center programs empowering seniors thrive providing updated community event space any age celebrate meet

Looking ahead digital accessibility being prioritized redesigned website horizon promising enhanced navigation interactive features ensuring residents easy access City government services facilities On behalf working group planning permanent place remembrance thank those shared insights planning process progressed location feedback past few months Thoughtful consideration important aspect invaluable continue provide opportunities connect feels comfortable

Mayor Rotering reminded residents about resources available through Resiliency Division short-term counseling case management among other services individuals impacted shooting resilienthpil org learn more Multilingual resource navigation service referrals available via Lake County program partners United Way Lake County

"The State always opportunity highlight successes marked past year chance recognize government community partners made work possible " said mayor Through quarterly meetings elected appointed officials governments serving roundtables clergy members regular social service partners continue share information amplify resources excellent synergistic service community Numerous occasions years reflected partnerships generosity people organizations lead Collaborative approach exemplifies value strong bonds promoting happiness quality life knit together hundreds thousands ways big small many engendered shared experiences facilitated partners

Recently outgoing U S Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy published Parting Prescription America [1] Message -key fulfillment- struck chord reflect makes truly special Facing unimaginable challenges witnessed strength compassion define mayor feel weight heard concerns frustrations hopes future begin committed working address issues fostering open conversations path forward

"Our varied perspectives reflect the strength of our democratic process," said Mayor Rotering..