City of West Chicago, Illinois

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DU-COMM Launches New Tornado Siren System for Faster Alerts

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DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU-COMM) Logo

DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU-COMM) announced the following in a press release issued on April 30, 2025.

DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU-COMM) is pleased to announce the official launch of its new Fulton automated tornado siren system, scheduled to go live on May 1, 2025. This upgrade marks a significant advancement in public safety technology for communities served by DU-COMM.

The new automated system enables real-time activation of outdoor warning sirens directly from the National Weather Service, ensuring faster, more consistent alerts during tornado warnings. The system is designed to reduce manual steps in activation, minimize response time, and enhance reliability- ultimately helping to save lives.

“The transition to automation enhances DU-COMM’s mission of providing efficient and timely emergency communications,” said Executive Director Jessica Robb. “By leveraging the Fulton system, we are strengthening our severe weather response and giving our communities the fastest possible warning when every second counts.”

Key features of the new system include:

  • Automated activation based on NWS tornado warnings
  • Geographic targeting of sirens to affected areas
  • Improved speed and accuracy of alerts
  • Redundancy and monitoring capabilities to ensure system reliability

About DU-COMM

DU-COMM is a unit of local government formed under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act (5 ILCS 220) by its member municipalities and Fire districts. DU-COMM is a 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) responsible for radio communications and dispatch of police, fire, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) for forty-five (45) member agencies. DU-COMM’s annual budget is approximately 20.5 million dollars. Learn more about the organization at https://www.ducomm.org/about/.

Resource Now Available on the City Website for Lead Service Line Replacement Project

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The City of West Chicago’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project is a long-term initiative aimed at identifying and replacing water service lines confirmed or suspected to contain lead. This project is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and is mandated by the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, which requires municipalities to inventory all service lines annually and replace any affected lines by 2042.

As of the 2025 inventory, the City has identified a total of 6,577 service lines, with 784 (12%) of those lines potentially affected by lead.

To coincide with the release of the 2025 Lead Service Line Inventory and the updated Lead Service Line Replacement Plan (from April 2025), the City has launched a new resource page. This page serves as a central hub for project updates, important documents, and general information about the initiative.

The resource page includes links to project updates, the most current inventory and replacement plan, and a section where residents can submit questions about the project. It is fully translatable into multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all residents, and the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Plan is available in both English and Spanish. For guidance on how to translate pages on the City’s website, please refer to the following graphic.

As this long-term initiative progresses, the City is committed to keeping residents informed with regular updates. These updates will continue to be shared through the City’s primary communications channels, with the resource page serving as the main hub for all information. In addition to the resource page and future updates, the City encourages residents to contact the Public Works Department with specific questions or concerns about the project.

View the Lead Service Line Replacement Project Resource

Call for Community Organization to Coordinate the 2025 West Chicago Mexican Independence Day Festival

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The City of West Chicago has proudly hosted the Mexican Independence Day Festival for many years, celebrating the rich heritage and cultural traditions that are such an important part of our community. Since 2015, the event has been organized by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, which has helped elevate the festival into a signature celebration of music, food, art, and community spirit.

After nearly a decade of leading the coordination of this beloved event, the Mexican Cultural Center has announced it will step away from its organizing role to focus on its expanding public art and cultural programs throughout DuPage County.

“While we will be passing the torch for the Mexican Independence Day celebration, our connection to West Chicago and our commitment to its cultural vibrancy remain steadfast. We will continue to serve our community through our gallery art installations, programs for our schools, artist residencies at our 103 W. Washington St. space, and our ongoing public art endeavors in DuPage County. We are excited to see the innovative spirit a new team will bring to this beloved annual event,”
— Fernando Ramirez, President & Founder, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage

The City of West Chicago is now seeking a community organization to coordinate the 2025 Mexican Independence Day Festival, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025.

The City has budgeted for a one-day event and will provide City services to support operations on the day of the festival. This is a unique opportunity for a local organization to continue a proud tradition and infuse it with fresh ideas and energy. The festival typically features music, food, vendors, a large piñata, and other activities, which draws residents and visitors from across the region.

If your organization is interested in helping celebrate West Chicago’s vibrant Mexican heritage and playing a leading role in this longstanding community tradition, please contact Nicolette Stefan, Special Events Coordinator, at nstefan@westchicago.org no later than May 16, 2025.

Help us carry this tradition forward and ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.

$2 Million State Grant Accelerates Downtown West Chicago’s Revitalization Momentum 

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The City of West Chicago is proud to announce it has been selected to receive a $2 million Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) grant through the State of Illinois. This funding will support the construction, repair, and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs, improve quality of life, and stimulate economic activity in downtown West Chicago. The project will include: 

  • Aesthetic Improvements. Wayfinding signage, planter beds, festoon lighting, and new street furniture will create a more inviting and visually appealing environment for residents, visitors, and local businesses. 
  • Safety Upgrades. The project will replace brick paver sidewalks, make ADA-compliant enhancements, install decorative stamped crosswalks, upgrade street lighting, and resurface pavement to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. 
  • Service Enhancements. Modernization of the infrastructure will include upsizing water mains, replacing lead service lines, sanitary sewer lining, and stormwater management improvements, which will support future growth and development. 

Building on Strategic Planning for a Brighter Future 

The Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets project aligns with the City’s long-term vision as outlined in the West Chicago Forward Comprehensive Plan and the Central-Main Street Revitalization Plan Update, both of which prioritize the revitalization of downtown as a thriving, accessible hub. These improvements will strengthen physical and visual connections throughout downtown, linking key community destinations such as the Metra station, Illinois Prairie Path, City Hall, and the West Chicago Public Library. Enhanced wayfinding signage, unified streetscape elements, and accessible infrastructure will improve walkability and create a more welcoming environment for residents, commuters, and visitors alike. 

“This grant award is a game-changer for West Chicago,” said Director of Business & Community Relations, Kelley Chrisse. “Our downtown is rich in history and character, and this project will preserve its charm while creating new opportunities for growth. These improvements will make downtown more attractive and accessible, ultimately encouraging private investment and fostering economic vitality.” 

This grant builds on recent City efforts, including the Downtown Investment Program and the Retail & Restaurant Grant Program, which support local businesses and promote continued investment. The enhancements made possible through this new funding will continue the momentum of these earlier initiatives and help realize the City's vision for downtown.  

As the City moves forward with this transformative project, residents and businesses will have opportunities to share feedback and help shape the future of downtown West Chicago. These improvements will enhance the district’s appeal, attract new investment, and support continued economic growth—ensuring that downtown remains a dynamic destination for generations to come. 

2025 Consolidated Election: Official Results & City Council Swearing-In Details

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The DuPage County Election Division reports the following official results from the April 1, 2025, Consolidated General Election. Elected City Council members are scheduled to be sworn in on Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m. during the West Chicago City Council meeting.

Voters elected the following representatives to the West Chicago City Council:

  • Mayor: Daniel Bovey
  • Ward 1 Alderman: Julieta Alcántar-Garcia
  • Ward 2 Alderman: Heather Brown
  • Ward 3 Alderman: Denise Carreto-Muñoz
  • Ward 4 Alderman: Sandy Dimas
  • Ward 5 Alderman: Christopher Swiatek
  • Ward 6 Alderman: Carlos Aviña Soto
  • Ward 7 Alderman: Matthew Myers

At the City Council meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, outgoing Mayor Ruben Pineda along with Aldermen Lori Chassee (Ward 1), Christine Dettmann (Ward 3), Jeanne Short (Ward 6), and John Banas (Ward 7) were honored with Proclamations from the City recognizing their years of service to the community. The community can view the Proclamations in the Agenda Packet from the April 21st City Council meeting.

The Consolidated General Election also included elections for several other taxing bodies. For additional official results, visit www.dupageresults.com and select "2025 Consolidated."

About West Chicago Governance
The City of West Chicago operates under an Aldermanic form of government. The City is divided into seven wards, each represented by two elected Aldermen, for a total of fourteen members on the City Council. The Mayor, who is also elected, presides over City Council meetings, while the City Council serves as the legislative and policy-making body.

Elections are staggered to ensure continuity in representation. One Alderman from each ward is elected during the general municipal election held concurrently with the Mayor’s election. The second Alderman from each ward is elected during the next general municipal election. The Mayor and all Aldermen serve four-year terms.

View more information about the West Chicago City Council online at westchicago.org/electedofficials.