'Conversations' will let residents have a say about Elgin's future

Got a suggestion on how to make Elgin better?

Want to have a say in Elgin's future?

City leaders are inviting residents to a series of "Community Conversations" beginning Thursday night and running through Aug. 4 to help the city with its long-term strategic plan.

"What we're trying to do is frame it in such a way that we want their input to improve their neighborhoods," said Sue Olafson, city spokeswoman. "We want to get at what kind of services they value most."

The city has had layoffs, early retirement, trimmed back festivals and July 4 fireworks to help make ends meet without raising taxes or dipping into reserves.

With revenues from sales tax and the casino on the decline, city leaders are putting together a strategic plan and taking a hard look at what services and programs they can and can't provide.

The sessions will be attended by department heads and some council members.

"There's a lot of people who are not going to come to a city council meeting," Elgin Mayor Ed Schock said. "This type of outreach is important."

The meetings run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are planned for:

• Thursday at The National Bank, 3151 Route 20, at the corner of Nesler Road and Route 20.

• Tuesday at Provena St. Joseph Hospital Auditorium, 77 N. Airlite St.

• July 20 at the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, 355 Dundee Ave.

• July 27 at Elgin Art Showcase, 8th Floor of the Professional Building, 164 Division St.

• Aug. 4, at the Elgin Recreation Center, 1080 E. Chicago St.

Spanish translation will be available at the meetings Tuesday and Aug. 4.

A sign language interpreter will be available upon request. For more information, e-mail strategicplan@cityofelgin.org or call (847) 214-5861.