As residents who regularly read my weekly columns know, I often write from a perspective of personal reflection. Throughout my career as an educator, counselor, and volunteer, reflection has always been an important tool in evaluating my work, measuring my progress, and identifying opportunities for growth. Today, I continue to rely on that same practice as I reflect upon my service as your Mayor and the journey over the past seven and a half years. I am proud to present this State of the City Address, which covers many accomplishments in each city department.
As I reflect on these accomplishments, it is evident that progress is never achieved by one individual alone. Each success has been the result of partnerships among residents, City Council members, city staff, local businesses, community organizations, and countless volunteers who have generously dedicated their time and talents to our city. Together, we have strengthened our sense of community, improved the services we provide, and enhanced the quality of life enjoyed by our residents.
State of the City — Finance and Administration:
One of the earliest major challenges we faced occurred in fall 2019 when concerns emerged regarding ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from the Sterigenics facility in neighboring Willowbrook. Rather than standing on the sidelines, Darien joined forces with neighboring communities, elected officials, environmental advocates, and a dedicated group of concerned citizens.
In March 2020, Darien and the rest of the world found itself confronting the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants and businesses were forced to close or significantly alter their operations. Recognizing the hardships faced by our restaurant community, the City returned more than $400,000 in food and liquor tax revenues to local establishments, helping them to reopen in June of 2020. Due to the city’s strong financial position, these rebates did not affect any city services. I am proud to say that because of the resilience of our business owners and the support provided by the City, Darien did not lose a single restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While these events stand out as defining moments, they represent only part of the progress we have achieved together over the last seven and a half years; we have also achieved significant progress in many other areas that directly impact the daily lives of our residents.
- Economic Development and Fiscal Strength – Darien continues to build upon a strong economic foundation. Sales and use taxes are estimated to exceed $8,874,000, which is the highest ever. All revenue directly related to the local business community is estimated to exceed $10,500,000.
- Communication, Transparency and Engagement – We enhanced our city website, introduced a city newsletter distributed three times a year and improved the layout and design of our weekly Direct Connect e-newsletter.
- Redevelopment and Investment – We have successfully advanced the redevelopment of the Chestnut Court Shopping Center, helping to revitalize an important commercial corridor and attract new investment to our community.
- Community Recognition and Volunteerism – I initiated the Darien Community Action Team, which brought together representatives from each of our service, civic, social and educational groups. In 2020, the “Heart of Darien” award was established to honor individuals who provided a service or a heroic action.
- State Level and County Leadership – In 2019, the city renewed membership with the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, an advocacy group that prioritizes and speaks for DuPage County municipalities. During our membership, I have served as Vice-President and President of the conference and continue to serve on its legislative and intragovernmental committee. Your city council has also served on numerous committees. The city is now a member of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, which represents 275 municipalities throughout Northern Illinois. Participation in each of these organizations has brought recognition and a voice to the City of Darien.
State of the City — Municipal Services and capital projects:
- Enhanced Public Works Services – Our Public Works Department continues to improve and expand services that enhance our residents’ quality of life. Programs such as our rear-yard drainage program, ditch repair program, free brush pickup, and street maintenance and repaving directly address neighborhood concerns and improve property conditions. Public Works staff have taken great steps in the transformation of our city with our beautified medians, tree program and our enhanced holiday decoration program. Beyond these programs, our snow removal operation remains one of our most efficient and responsive programs in DuPage County.
State of the City — Police Department:
- Public Safety Excellence – Public safety remains one of Darien’s greatest strengths. Statistically, our crime rate remains significantly below both state and national averages, reflecting the outstanding work of our police department and our strong partnership with residents and other local public safety agencies. Advances in technology and training, along with an increased number of officers, have assisted us in providing a safe and secure living environment for our residents.
- Mental Health and Community Wellness – Recognizing the growing importance of mental health services, we have added a full-time social worker to work in conjunction with our public safety program. This innovative approach assists first responders in addressing complex situations with compassion and professionalism. Since its launch, the social worker has received more than 500 referrals and has worked with over 400 individuals and families to connect them with resources and assistance. These efforts have helped strengthen the department’s ability to respond to complex community needs and provide meaningful follow-up support to residents in crisis or in need of services.
Mental health issues have always been a focus of mine, and this last year, I have accepted appointments as a member of the Better DuPage Health Council and the DuPage Council on Strengthening the System for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care. My participation on each of these boards will provide Darien with a voice on critical mental health issues in DuPage County.
As we look toward the future, our goal remains clear: to keep Darien strong, safe, financially sound, and forward-thinking. Together, we will continue building a city that honors its proud history, embraces progress, and remains focused on opportunity, service, and quality of life for every resident. Thank you for your trust, your support, and the privilege of serving this remarkable community. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to work alongside all of you as we continue building an even brighter future for Darien. Because of our people, our partnerships, and our shared vision for the future, Darien is more than just a nice place to live; it is, in my opinion, “the best place to live.”