City of Highland Park, Illinois - Government

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City of Highland Park, Illinois - Government Located on Lake Michigan, the City of Highland Park occupies a land area of 12.25 square miles and serves a population of 29,763 residents. Johns Ave.

City Hall is located at 1707 St. Incorporated in 1869 with a population of 500, Highland Park has grown to be a thriving community of 29,763 residents. Highland Park is a community diverse in its population and abundant in its educational, recreational and business opportunities. Twenty-three miles north of the Chicago's Loop, the City is nestled along five miles of beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront. The City has operated under the council-manager form of government since 1955. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in a seven-member Council composed of a Mayor and six council members elected on an at-large basis for four-year, staggered terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager, Treasurer, City Clerk and Corporation Counsel. The City’s professional staff is led by the City Manager and includes department directors and employees across a full-service organization including, Police, Fire, Finance, Community Development, and Public Works.

Do you know someone who has made a difference in Highland Park over the past year? Consider nominating a deserving neigh...
10/15/2026

Do you know someone who has made a difference in Highland Park over the past year? Consider nominating a deserving neighbor, colleague, friend, or organization for a City of Highland Park award! The City is accepting nominations for the Arts Award, Environmental Award, Humanitarian Award, and the Character Counts Pillar Awards through December 31. Learn more and submit a nomination at www.cityhpil.com/awards.

Additionally, nominations are open for the Historic Preservation awards, recognizing projects that preserve, conserve, and protect structures and landscapes of historic significance in Highland Park. Learn more at cityhpil.com/hpc.

And calling all photographers! The City's annual photography contest is now open, accepting entries in four categories (Arts & Architecture; Daily Life; Environmental; Food Photography) and the Student Contest. Learn more at cityhpil.com/photocontest.

Every year on October 14, we celebrate Sister Cities Day! The City was proud to recognize Highland Park, Illinois, Siste...
10/14/2026

Every year on October 14, we celebrate Sister Cities Day! The City was proud to recognize Highland Park, Illinois, Sister Cities Foundation at yesterday's City Council meeting. HPCF volunteers are dedicated and passionate stewards of Highland Park's relationship with our three Sister Cities: Modena, Italy, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Yerucham, Israel. From the arts to robotics, HPSCF initiatives contribute to a more connected and collaborative global future.

Congratulations to the winners of our summer FIFA Write to Win contest! After receiving a special shipment of commemorat...
10/14/2026

Congratulations to the winners of our summer FIFA Write to Win contest! After receiving a special shipment of commemorative soccer balls in partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors, community members of all ages were invited to submit a letter about what they love about Highland Park - or a poem about kindness. We were so impressed by all the entries we received - from letters about favorite spots like Park District of Highland Park, Highland Park Public Library, and Bergiesports to poems about treating each other (and our neighborhoods) with kindness and respect. Winners were recognized at tonight's City Council meeting and presented with a certificate signed by Mayor Nancy Rotering as well as their soccer ball. Browse through the gallery to read our winning entries!

On Wednesday, October 14, the City’s contractor will be performing manhole rehabilitation and lining on three structures...
10/13/2026

On Wednesday, October 14, the City’s contractor will be performing manhole rehabilitation and lining on three structures close to the St. Johns Ave. and Laurel Ave. intersection. Beginning at 8:00 AM, a detour will be in place on northbound St. Johns Ave. between Hazel and Laurel Ave.

Northbound traffic on St. Johns will detour east on Hazel Ave., north on Linden Ave., west on Prospect Ave., southwest on Laurel Ave., and back to St. Johns Ave., as indicated on the map. The detour is expected to be in place until 1:00 PM.

Please drive with caution while crews are working.

Help support State Senator Julie Morrison's holiday donation drive to provide children in foster care with books and paj...
10/12/2026

Help support State Senator Julie Morrison's holiday donation drive to provide children in foster care with books and pajamas this winter! Drop off donations of new pajamas and books for kids from birth to age 12, now through Nov. 15 at City Hall (1707 St. Johns Ave.) Donations will benefit children served by CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.) For more information, visit SenatorJulieMorrison.com/SweetDreams.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Everyone plays a role in creating a community where everyone is met with ...
10/09/2026

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Everyone plays a role in creating a community where everyone is met with kindness and compassion. With 20% of middle and high school students reporting experiencing bullying in some form, it is more important than ever to call out bullying behaviors and promote a culture where everyone feels supported, and no one feels alone.

On Friday, October 9, The Art Center celebrated the installation of a new mural that speaks to this vision. "You Are Not Alone" was created by artist Tanner Woodford specifically for this highly visible location at The Art Center. Commissioned by Highland Park business owner Chris Falcon and his nonprofit organization Take No Bullying, the work's vibrant and impactful message will remind us all that we live and work in a welcoming community.

During the dedication, Mayor Nancy Rotering shared a Proclamation on the City's behalf that highlights the message of this work and reinforces that bullying is not tolerated in Highland Park.

The annual Faith & Blue Weekend, a national initiative encouraging deeper engagement between police and faith communitie...
10/07/2026

The annual Faith & Blue Weekend, a national initiative encouraging deeper engagement between police and faith communities, is fast approaching! This Saturday, October 10, Highland Park police officers will be accepting food donations between 10 AM and 2 PM at the Highland Park Jewel-Osco (1600 Deerfield Rd.). Donations will benefit the Moraine Township Food Pantry. The City of Highland Park Police Department has reached out to previous Faith & Blue partner congregations to invite them to participate in this event, but all community members are invited to participate by donating shelf-stable items to the food drive. To see a list of most-needed items, visit morainetownship.org.

Chief elected and administrative professionals from the Park District of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112,...
10/07/2026

Chief elected and administrative professionals from the Park District of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112, Township High School District 113, Highland Park Public Library, Moraine Township, the City of Highwood and North Shore Water Reclamation District meet quarterly to identify ways to collaborate. These intergovernmental meetings are an opportunity to talk informally, share ideas and concerns, and explore ways to continue working together to support our residents, businesses, and visitors. The City greatly appreciates our strong relationships with our sister governments!

Yesterday was a big day for the Highland Park Fire Department as we celebrated the retirement of Lt. Matt Stanley (and h...
10/06/2026

Yesterday was a big day for the Highland Park Fire Department as we celebrated the retirement of Lt. Matt Stanley (and his four-legged partner, Dexter) and the promotion of Lt. Kevin Best! Many thanks to Lt. Stanley for 26 years of outstanding service to our community and his many contributions to the Fire Department throughout his tenure.

Lt. Best steps in to this leadership role with a distinguished record of service, including recognition for lifesaving actions in May, 2025 for which he was honored alongside other Police, Fire, and Endeavor Health colleagues. Congratulations!

On Wednesday, September 30, the City hosted a delegation from Puerto Vallarta in partnership with the Highland Park, Ill...
10/05/2026

On Wednesday, September 30, the City hosted a delegation from Puerto Vallarta in partnership with the Highland Park, Illinois, Sister Cities Foundation. As part of the information exchange, Mayor Rotering and City Manager Ghida Neukirch provided an overview of City government. Director of Public Works Ron Bannon shared highlights of Public Works operations. With the team from Puerto Vallarta specifically interested in the City's water distribution procedures, Finance Director Kristi McCaulou and Finance and Customer Service Specialist Christine Icasiano shared information about water billing and the neighboring communities that are Highland Park's water customers. After a delicious lunch at The Moraine, the City's private events facility, the delegation toured the George B. Prindle Water Treatment Plant with Superintendent Don Jensen. The day was a wonderful opportunity to exchange information, ideas, and experiences with colleagues in our Sister City of Puerto Vallarta!

Many thanks to Carol and Rob Wolfe and all the volunteers from the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation for facilitating this visit, as well as to all the City staff members who participated, especially Claudia Glasco and Maria Gomez-Machuca, who kindly served as interpreters at all the events!

Address

1707 St. Johns Avenue
Highland Park, IL
60035

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