As they look ahead to 2026, officials in both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff are focused on a mix of long-term planning and near-term projects aimed at guiding growth, improving infrastructure, and maintaining community character.
Lake Forest City Manager Jason Wicha and Lake Bluff Village Administrator Drew Irvin shared updates on forthcoming initiatives during a Jan. 16 forum hosted by the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce.
Wicha noted the Lake Forest City Council adopted a new strategic plan last year.
“It establishes a vision, goals, and priorities for the community and drives all of our decision-making,” he said. “Everything ties back to the strategic plan.”
Along similar lines, Wicha said the city is in the final stages of updating its comprehensive plan, a document revised every 20 years.
“It is intended to guide all land-use decisions for the city of Lake Forest,” he said. “Land use really is the center of the universe in Lake Forest, and there is a significance and importance in getting this right.”
Wicha acknowledged the competing interests involved in development.
“Lake Forest is not a museum, but we also place tremendous emphasis on maintaining the character of our community,” he said. “That balance is critical.”
He noted there are several potential redevelopment opportunities in the central business district and the Settlers Square business district on the city’s west side.
Separately, Wicha said the city is conducting a parking analysis in the central business district amid concerns about limited availability.
“It’s a great problem for us to have, but it is a problem,” he said.
The goal, he said, is to simplify regulations and improve customer access by creating dedicated employee parking zones along the district’s perimeter. Wicha said the City Council is expected to review a proposed parking plan in February, with new regulations taking effect May 1.
Irvin said Lake Bluff is examining additional residential housing opportunities along the Waukegan Road corridor near Route 176, as well as in an area near the village’s central business district, with a focus on multifamily housing.
“It may only be the size of a postage stamp, but it is a very important area for the village to grow and add housing stock that residents and the market want,” he said.
Irvin said the village’s plan commission/zoning board of appeals is actively reviewing potential development, particularly in the area known as Block Two, bordered by North, Walnut, Scranton, and Oak avenues. He said alignment between the village’s vision and its regulations is necessary before development can move forward.
A planning firm retained by the village is developing concepts for the site, though Irvin said the process is expected to take at least a year.
“Lake Bluff is very much about getting it right,” he said.
Elsewhere in the village, Irvin said there could be movement this year on redevelopment of the long-dormant Stonebridge Estate at 136 Green Bay Road. Irvin said he expects a Pagani, a high-priced sports car brand, dealership to open later this year.
On the infrastructure front, Irvin said work will continue this year on the installation of a large stormwater pipe designed to redirect water out of the village and alleviate flooding. He added that a complete reconstruction of a section of Green Bay Road, along with a bridge replacement, is expected to begin in April as part of a 24-month project.
Wicha reflected on the recently completed Deerpath Road renovation, which disrupted pedestrian and vehicle traffic in downtown Lake Forest for much of 2025.
“We know construction projects are disruptive,” he said, “but once completed, they are critical to enhancing quality of life and reducing future financial burdens for city councils and taxpayers.”
He added the city’s police department is expected to move into its new headquarters at the Conway Park office complex in August or September.
After the forum, Wicha said negotiations for a new firefighters’ contract are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
“I remain optimistic we will continue our tradition of positive labor-management relations and reach an agreement amicably,” he said.
Both communities are also planning enhanced July 4th celebrations in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
