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Welcome to the Lake Forest Office of Economic Development 

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Invest in Lake Forest! 
Shop and conduct business locally to: create jobs for residents; generate sales tax dollars; keep dollars in the local economy; sustain vibrant, walkable town centers that are environmentally friendly; maintain Lake Forest's diversity and distinctive character; and help businesses build a healthy, sustainable community and contribute to local charities and non-profits.

The Office of Economic Development is located in City Hall at 220 East Deerpath Road. Office hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Economic Development mission is to enhance the economic vitality of Lake Forest and maintain its outstanding quality of life through the retention and expansion of existing businesses, as well as the attraction of new businesses to the Community.

The City of Lake Forest:  Overview

With a population of more than 20,000, Lake Forest is one of the largest communities on the North Shore and in Lake County, Illinois. Located 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, Lake Forest business owners enjoy easy access to major interstate highways, O'Hare International Airport and Waukegan Executive Airports and passenger railroad systems. Lake Forest is a major business center with several national and multi-national corporate headquarters located within or adjacent to the city limits. From the quaint shops in the historic downtown to the major corporations off of bustling I-94, Lake Forest is home to several of Chicagoland's most popular retailers and a wide assortment of four-star and casual dining establishments. Major area private employers include Abbott, Hospira, Tenneco, Trustmark, Brunswick, Pactiv, Grainger, the Chicago Bears, and the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.                                            

The City of Lake Forest: History and Preservation

Founded in 1861, Lake Forest is physically distinctive because of its picturesque street plan with streets laid out in an organic manner that takes into account many natural features including the ravines and lake bluffs. Lake Forest is historically significant for the many notable families who chose to make their permanent or summer homes here. By World War I, the list of property owners in Lake Forest read like a Who's Who of the rich and famous in Chicago. In addition, Lake Forest is noted for the quality and character of its architecture, residential, commercial, and institutional structures.

Doing Business in Lake Forest

The City of Lake Forest welcomes your business and is committed to helping your business prosper. The following offers you information on the strengths of Lake Forest’s diverse economic base and gives you a complete overview of our commitment to retail and office development. The City of Lake Forest is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and the Illinois Development Council (IDC).  Our profile is available on the State of Illinois's Department of Economic Commerce & Opportunity (DCEO. Please e-mail Susan Kelsey, Economic Development Coordinator, or call her at 847-810-3681 should you have any questions or comments.