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City of Lake Forest, IL

The City of Lake ForestIllinois

Agendas & Minutes

Parks and Recreation

Service Request

Recycling, Refuse, and Yard Waste

Transparency Portal

Lake Forest Now Mobile App

City Employment

COVID-19 Information

News & Announcements

Electricity Aggregation Program Notices

You may have received a notice regarding enrollment in the City's municipal electric aggregation program.

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Early Voting at City Hall Begins March 20

Early Voting at City Hall for the April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election is March 20 through April 1.

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Keep Your Trees Healthy This Spring

The Forestry Section compiled a list of diseases and/or insects that could pose a threat to your landscape throughout the growing season so you know what to watch for.

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Election Sign Regulations

Election signs, commonly referred to as "lawn signs," may be displayed in advance of the upcoming April 4, 2023 election beginning on January 26, 2023 and continuing through Election Day.

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Construction to Begin on Deerpath Community Park Improvement Project

Construction on the Deerpath Community Park Improvement Project will begin the week of March 27 and last through mid-October.

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Spring Ward Meetings

Join your Aldermen to learn what's new in your neighborhood and what's happening in Lake Forest!

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2023-2024 Vehicle Stickers Available March 21

Vehicle stickers must be purchased by April 30 and displayed by May 1 to avoid a late fee and ordinance violation.

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Turf Field and Other Improvements Planned for Deerpath Community Park

At the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 21, City Council formally approved construction of synthetic turf athletic fields and additional park amenities at Deerpath Community Park.

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ComEd Tree Trimming

Over the next few months, ComEd will be performing vegetation management and tree pruning around Lake Forest.

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Spring Dialogue Newsletter

Find what's happening in Lake Forest in the City's Spring Dialogue newsletter!

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Support for Metra Reverse Commute Service

Metra has begun infrastructure work in the City of Lake Forest that will make possible the long-term operation of an enhanced reverse commute schedule.

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Central Business District Visioning Process and Poll Summary

A summary of input received through the Central Business District Visioning process and poll is now available.

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Fire Department Finds Tremendous Success in Cardiac-Arrest Saves

Over the last few months, Lake Forest first responders have completed three clinical cardiac saves.

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After 25 Years, the Sun Sets on The Wildlife Discovery Center

Watch a special message from Wildlife Discovery Center's Curator Rob Carmichael.

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Art Contest Opens for Idle-Free Community Signs

Lake Forest students are invited to submit artwork for "No Idling" signs throughout Lake Forest!

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Metra Upgrading Service on Milwaukee District North Line

Metra to upgrade service on four lines, including the Milwaukee District North line that runs through the West Lake Forest train station starting Dec. 12

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Comcast Construction Continues in Lake Forest

Expect internet outages in Lake Forest as Comcast upgrades its network.

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Winter Dialogue Newsletter

Find out what's happening in and around Lake Forest in the City's Winter Dialogue newsletter!

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Comprehensive Plan Update - Central Business District

The first phase of extensive public engagement opportunities is complete. Find the latest updates on LookingForwardLakeForest.org.

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Winter Storm Warning in Effect Dec. 22-24

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning starting Thursday, December 22 at 12 pm and ending Saturday, December 24 at 6 am.

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City's Popular Annual Financial Report Receives National Award

The City of Lake Forest's Fiscal Year 2021 Popular Annual Financial Report received an Government Finance Officers Association Award.

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Lake Forest Saturday Market Returns

Celebrate the holidays at a the Saturday Market on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10:30 am-2:30 pm in the Waukegan Road Business District!

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CROYA Annual Poinsettia Sale Through Nov. 16

Support CROYA's youth programs, youth scholarships, and senior awards by ordering poinsettias!

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Deerpath Road Closing Nov. 18

Deerpath Road will be completely closed between Ahwahnee Lane and Route 41 from Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 pm through Monday, Nov. 21 at 5 am while ComEd lifts their new bridge deck.

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Lake Forest Receives 2022 ICMA Program Excellence Award for Rethink Recycling Campaign

The City of Lake Forest's Rethink Recycling Campaign received the 2022 Community Sustainability Program Excellence Award from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association.

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Lake Forest Announces New Assistant City Manager

The City is pleased to announce the appointment of A. George Issakoo as the new Assistant City Manager.

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Deerpath Construction Activities Continue

More construction activity is ahead for the Deerpath Road corridor. All heavy construction is expected to be completed by mid-December 2022.

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MC2 Door to Door Sales Alert

Alert regarding door-to-door solicitors representing themselves as MC2 personnel

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Major Tie Project Along UP-North Line

Communities along the tracks will experience increased noise levels, including train horns, during work periods.

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East Skokie Drainage District Begins Skokie River Channel Improvements

The week of Monday, September 26, the East Skokie Drainage District will begin working on the second phase of the Skokie River Channel Improvements Project located between Westleigh Road and the Hickory Court pedestrian bridge.

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Think Local at the Pop-Up Shop

Support local nonprofit organizations at the Think Local Pop-Up Shop Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm.

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Forest Park Beach Sand Replenishment

The City of Lake Forest is replacing sand in the northernmost cell at Forest Park Beach. Sand replenishment will begin the week of Monday, October 17 and is expected to last two weeks (weather permitting).

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Lake Forest Police Department Creates Commemorative Breast Cancer Awareness Patch

Throughout the month of October, the Lake Forest Police Department will be accepting donations for the Posy Krehbiel Breast Care Center. For a $20 contribution, donors will receive a Commemorative Breast Cancer Awareness Patch.

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Design Engineering Continues for Synthetic Turf Fields at Deerpath Community Park

At the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 staff provided a status update on the Deerpath Park Synthetic Turf Field Project at the 50% design milestone.

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Union Pacific Railroad Crossing Repairs

In September, Union Pacific Freight will be repairing their railroad crossings at both Westleigh Road and Old Elm Road (just west of Route 41). No vehicles will be able to cross the railroad tracks while repairs are being made.

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Lake Forest Police Department Issues Positive Tickets for Youth

The Lake Forest Police Department recently reinstated their Positive Ticket Program to reward Lake Forest youth for positive behavior.

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Message from Mayor Pandaleon

Mayor George Pandaleon shares a message with Lake Forest residents in response to the shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July Parade.

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July 4th Festival and Fireworks Cancelled

Due to the shooting at the 4th of July Parade in Highland Park, the City of Lake Forest cancelled the Annual Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks out of an abundance of caution.

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New Splash Pad Opens at Townline Park

Construction of the new splash pad at Townline Park is complete! The splash pad is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.

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Lake Forest Police Department Welcomes Full-Time Social Worker

Lauren Perez joined the City as the Police Department's first full-time social worker.

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Swimming and Boating Safety Tips

It's important to remember water safety when at the beach and out on the water.

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2021 Annual Water Quality Report

The City of Lake Forest is pleased to present its Annual Water Quality Report for 2021 calendar year (January 1 to December 31, 2021).

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Invasive Plant Alert - Lesser Celandine

The City's Forestry Section urges residents to be aware of an invasive plant that is taking over local woodlands.

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Be Alert for Ruse Burglaries

The Lake Forest Police Department is encouraging residents to be alert and not let anyone you don't know into your home, including someone claiming to work for the City, utility service, or cable provider.

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City Opposes Increased Freight Traffic

The City of Lake Forest along with four neighboring communities have filed comments and requests for conditions to the Federal Transportation Board (STB) in opposition to increased freight traffic along the Metra Milwaukee North railroad tracks.

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Free Tree Seedlings for Arbor Day

Pick up Douglas Fir and Serbian Spruce tree seedlings at various parks around Lake Forest starting on Wednesday, April 20.

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Proposed FY23 Budget

The FY23 Comprehensive Fiscal Plan is available to view online and will be considered for approval by the City Council on Monday, April 18.

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Hydrant Flushing Begins

Water & Sewer staff have begun flushing the City's fire hydrants to remove accumulated sediment build-up.

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Celebrate Earth Month

Celebrate Earth Day 2022 in a series of events throughout the entire month of April!

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Display New Vehicle Stickers by May 9

Purchase your 2022-2023 vehicle sticker online or in the Lake Forest Now App today!

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Deerpath Road is Open!

While Deerpath Road is open to traffic, there will be intermittent lane closures on Deerpath Road with flaggers directing traffic between 9 am - 3 pm.

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Share Your #LakeForestLove

Celebrate Valentine's Day by using #LakeForestLove to share pictures of people, places, and things you love about Lake Forest.

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City Services Available Online

The easiest and safest way to conduct most business with the City is online or through the Lake Forest Now Mobile App.

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Search the New Online Records Portal

New portal offers easier access to historical public documents like agendas, minutes, and ordinances.

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Lake-Woodbine Bridge Public Information Meeting on Dec. 13

The City of Lake Forest is hosting a Public Information Meeting regarding the proposed replacement of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge.

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Visit the Lake Forest Station Pop-Up Shop

Gifts That Give Back: Lake Forest Station Pop-Up Shop Returns This Holiday Season.

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Contractual Tree Pruning Begins Nov. 15

Tree pruning is one of the most important components of maintaining a healthy urban forest. A contractor will begin pruning trees in parkways and public areas on Nov. 15.

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The NEW Winter Dialogue Newsletter

Check out the redesigned Dialogue newsletter to find what's happening in and around Lake Forest this winter!

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Fall Tree Care Tips

Now that it's officially fall, our Forestry Section has some tips to help you care for trees on your property!

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Deerpath Pump Station Construction Continues

The removal of the steel sheet pilings is now complete! As work continues on the Pump Station building site, there will be limited impacts to traffic on Deerpath and Awhahnee Lane.

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Parts of Bike Path Closed for Culvert Replacement

The Skokie Valley Bike Path just north of Old Elm Road will be closed Sept. 17-Oct. 12 while the Lake County Division of Transportation replaces a culvert.

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Lake Forest Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Assistant Finance Director Diane Hall and the City of Lake Forest recently received recognition for outstanding financial reporting.

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North Shore Gas Energy Efficiency Program Webinar

Join North Shore Gas for a free webinar on energy-saving tips in your home!

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Tree Trimming Work Begins Dec. 1

Over the next few months, the City's contractor and ComEd will be performing vegetation management and tree pruning around Lake Forest.

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Trick-or-Treat Hours

Trick-or-Treating hours in Lake Forest are on Monday, October 31 from 4-8 pm!

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Union Pacific-North Tie Project to Start

Union Pacific Railroad will embark on a major tie project beginning Tuesday, September 20 along a 45-mile stretch of the Union Pacific-North Line between Kenosha and Chicago.

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Lake Forest Receives Safe Route to Schools Grant

The City of Lake Forest was awarded a $140,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation's 2021 Safe Routes to School Program to help fund sidewalk construction in the Whispering Oaks Subdivision.

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Property Assessment Notices

Lake County has begun its annual process of mailing assessment notices (i.e., "Blue Cards") to all property owners.

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Free Residential Flood Debris Special Collection

The City is offering free flood debris special pickups from residential properties on Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29.

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Lake Forest Day Celebrations are Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, 2022

The Lake Forest Day is back with a 5K & Fun Run, Parade, Carnival, and more!

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Construction Ahead

Construction season has begun! Check out the Construction Project Map to see what's happening in your neighborhood.

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Apply for a Block Party Permit

A Block Party is a perfect opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other, have fun, and enjoy summer in Lake Forest!

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Apply for Mobile Food and Beverage Vendor Permit

Annual Mobile Food and Beverage Vendor permit applications are now available!

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Vacation House Watch List

As you get ready to head out of town for Spring Break, please consider placing your house on our Vacation House Watch List.

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Citizen Police Academy Returns Mar. 9

Lake Forest Police Department's Citizens Police Academy spring semester begins on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm!

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Deerpath Athletic Fields Community Workshop #2

The second Athletic Field Improvements Community Workshop was held virtually on Thursday, February 17

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Donate to Toys for Tots Through Dec. 17

The Lake Forest Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to collect new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots Program at the Public Safety Building (225 W Deerpath).

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Development News

The redevelopment of the First Midwest Bank site located on the southwest corner of Deerpath and Bank Lane will be discussed at a Plan Commission Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 10 at 6:30 pm.

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Illinois Mask Mandate Returns

Governor JB Pritzker announced that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces effective on Monday, August 30.

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Christmas Tree Collection

The City collects Christmas trees at the curb on regularly scheduled recycling days throughout the month of January.

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Looking Forward Lake Forest

Join the conversation about the Central Business District! Visit the project website, respond to the poll, add your comments to the map, and visit the Virtual Workshop by Tuesday, Jan. 3.

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Early Voting at City Hall

City Hall serves as an Early Voting site from June 13-25 for the June 28, 2022 General Primary Election.

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Summer Dialogue Newsletter

Read the Summer Dialogue newsletter to find what's happening in and around Lake Forest this season!

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Understanding Electricity Solicitations

You may have recently received solicitations from third party electric suppliers– here's what you need to know.

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Lake Forest Ranked #2 in the Country for Suburban and Urban Amenities

Lake Forest tops the list of top 100 suburbs for "city-like living."

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Athletic Field Improvements Community Workshop #2 Moved to Feb. 17

Join the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Board for an Athletic Field Improvements Community Workshop on Wednesday, February 17.

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Annual Financial Reporting Made Easy

The City boosts efforts to communicate financial data in an understandable format.

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Bond Refinancing Saves City $1.6 Million

The City of Lake Forest recently refinanced debt to save $1.6 million over the term of the bond issue.

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Recycling Interns Make a Big Impact

This summer, our trusty recycling interns helped Bart the Cart share his message of reducing recycling contamination.

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Virtual Fall Ward Meetings

In case you missed the Virtual Ward Meetings in October, the meeting recordings are available.

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Collect Cop Cards

While some children trade cards with images of famous athletes, the Lake Forest Police Department is adding Cop Cards to the mix!

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Metra to Upgrade Service on Milwaukee District North Line starting Dec. 12

Metra to Upgrade Service on Milwaukee District North Line through Lake Forest, among three other lines, starting Dec. 12

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Lake Forest Earns Triple Crown Designation

This designation

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Get Ready for #CityHallSelfie Day

Share selfies in front of City Hall and other City buildings on Monday, August 15 for #CityHallSelfie Day!

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Beach Tree or Bench Memorials

At this time, there is currently no more availability for Tree Memorials at Forest Park Beach. Also, until further notice, Bench Memorials are not available for any location.

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Go Native! Plant & Tree Sale

The City of Lake Forest and Lake Forest Open Lands' Native Plant & Tree Sale is on Saturday, May 21 - place your pre-orders today!

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Lake Forest Institute Postponed

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City Launches Electricity Aggregation Program

The City of Lake Forest is partnering with five other north shore communities to offer the State's largest municipal electricity aggregation program.

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Honoring LF/LB Vaccine Buddies

Known collectively as the LF/LB Vaccine Buddies, over 100 volunteers helped residents get access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

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Fall Native Plant Sale

Join the Forestry Section and Lake Forest Open Lands at their annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday, October 29 from 8 am – 1 pm.

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Tree Care Q&A

Mayor George Pandaleon sat down with City Forester Corey Wierema to talk about tree care and maintenance.

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Lake Forest Awarded for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The City of Lake Forest and Assistant Finance Director Diane Hall were recently presented with financial reporting awards.

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Spring Dialogue Newsletter

Check out the Spring Dialogue newsletter to find what's happening in and around Lake Forest this season!

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Lake Forest 101: Crash Course in Local Government Returns

Same mission, new name! The Lake Forest Institute, now known as Lake Forest 101: Crash Course in Local Government, is back!

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Forest Ave Parking Lot Resurfacing Begins Aug. 4

Construction activities begin with a partial lot closure on the Forest Avenue Parking Lot Resurfacing Project.

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Woodland Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Underway

The portion of Woodland Road underneath the bridge will be closed from Monday, August 8 through Friday, August 12 for installation of the new bridge.

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New Splash Pad Coming to Townline Park

Construction continues on a new splash pad at Townline Park.

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Lake-Woodbine Bridge Project Updates

On Feb. 16, the City hosted a Public Information Meeting regarding the proposed replacement of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge.

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Deerpath Sports Complex Survey

Share your priorities related to athletic field improvements at Deerpath Community Park.

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Fall Dialogue Newsletter

Find what's happening in Lake Forest this Fall in the Dialogue newsletter!

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Storm Updates

General information related to the severe storm that swept the area on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

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Bur Oak Blight Prevention

Bur Oak Blight (BOB) is a leaf blight disease that has caused damage to trees in Lake Forest. Learn how to prevent and identify bur oak blight.

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Two-lined Chestnut Borer Prevention

Two-lined chestnut borer activity has increased across Lake Forest. Learn more about how to identify this insect and prevent an infestation.

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StormTrap Installation Begins for Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Project

A portion of N. Western Avenue will be closed for 4-6 weeks while the street is being excavated and the StormTrap underground detention vault is installed.

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ComEd Bridge Work Continues

Expect intermittent lane closures on Deerpath Road while ComEd continues working on the bridge abutments.

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Budget in Brief

The Budget in Brief is an interactive and engaging way to learn more about the City's finances and budget priorities.

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Arbor Day 2022

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Comcast Outages Across Lake Forest

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Giving Back: Larry Temple Public Service Award

Life-long Lake Forest resident Maddie Bronson Dugan was selected as the 2022 Larry Temple Public Service Award recipient by the Public Service Award Committee.

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Apply For Mobile Food Vendor Permit

Food trucks and food carts must obtain a permit to participate in community events this summer.

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Old Elm Parking Lot Closed Through July 31

The Old Elm Parking Lot will be closed from July 21-31 while the existing pavement is replaced.

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Tips for Watering Trees in a Drought

While healthy trees can usually withstand dry weather, during a drought all trees benefit from supplemental watering.

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Lake Forest Day is Aug. 3 & 4, 2021

The Lake Forest Day returns with a 5K & Fun Run, Parade, Carnival, and more!

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Summer 2021 Dialogue Newsletter

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City of Lake Forest Approves FY22 Budget

The City of Lake Forest's FY22 Budget is now available for public view

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Renowned Author Tapped to Lead Local Blog

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More Info on the Invasive Species Plant- Lesser Celandine

For help identifying and eliminating the fig buttercup, please feel free to reach out to the City of Lake Forest Forestry Section for a property walk/consultation or for a list of professional landscape companies.

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Seedlings for Earth Day and Arbor Day

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Download Our New Mobile App!

We have launched a new mobile application that puts City Services and community information at your fingertips!

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COVID-19 Vaccine Information

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COVID-19 Community Vaccination Event April 18

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Local Business Grant Program Deadline: January 31, 2021

The City Council approved a Resolution to assist local businesses.

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Sign up for ENews

Get important information delivered to your Inbox.

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Keep Informed about COVID-19 Updates

Continuity of City Services, Operations and Community Support.

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Community Solar is Coming to Lake Forest

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Budget in Brief

See how the City's tradition of maintaining conservative financial practices has enabled the City Council and Staff to be able to deliberately plan for the future and weather storms like the current public health and financial crisis we are experiencing.

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Winter 2020-21 Dialogue Newsletter

The City's Dialogue newsletter is published quarterly and mailed to all residents and P.O. boxes.

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Recycling Education Campaign with Bart the Cart

Rethink Recycling in Lake Forest!

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City Operations Updates

Please check here for public facility status and current operations and protocols.

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Call 211 to Get Connected to Social Services

Anyone needing help can call 211 to get resources quickly.

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Get the Recycling App!

It's free and was developed by Green Minds of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff.

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Have You Registered for Smart911 Yet?

Lake Forest Improves 9-1-1 Services and Emergency Notification with Smart911.

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Information for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election

Candidates may submit nomination forms from December 14 through December 21.

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Lake Forest Station Pop-Up Opens

The first-of-its-kind shop opened at the East Lake Forest Train Station on Friday, November 27.

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Deerpath Streetscape Update

View the final report here!

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New Traffic Pattern In Effect on Deerpath

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Watch for Signs of Oak Wilt

Oak wilt, a serious fungal disease that affects oak trees, has been identified in Lake Forest. Learn how to prevent and identify oak wilt.

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Presidential Proclamation

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