City of West Chicago

Have you ever wanted to become a West Chicago Police Officer? Now is your chance! We are accepting applications through 4:00 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2025. Review all the details below and pay close attention to the now updated P.O.W.E.R. Card requirement. Apply at: https://iosolutions.com.

Do you believe in the power of storytelling to connect people, inspire pride, and strengthen community? The City of West Chicago is seeking a Communications Specialist to join our Business & Community Relations Department. In this role, storytelling is at the heart of the work. From timely service updates that advance open communication, to cultural celebrations that promote vitality, to stories of business growth and community events, the Communications Specialist will craft and share the narratives that shape how residents, businesses, and visitors experience West Chicago. Compensation Range: $73,181 - $102,453 For the full job description and benefit description, and to apply for the career opportunity, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gwXD5we5

What happens when you hand the product reins to West Chicago students? A flavor that’s now being enjoyed across the country. In a new model for engagement between industry and youth, Crayola and The Jel Sert Company invited students from Wegner Elementary (West Chicago Elementary School District 33) into the lab to create a brand-new Banana Mango Fla-Vor-Ice flavor—celebrating the return of Crayola’s Dandelion crayon. These young minds didn’t just imagine the product—they developed it, tested it, and brought it to life. Now, their creativity is showcased nationwide in the limited-edition flavor. West Chicago’s next generation of innovators is already making a national impact—and they’re just getting started. #MakeItInWestChicago Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gyzkS_4N and https://lnkd.in/eBNwK79p

Congratulations to The Jel Sert Company, a nearly 100-year-old family-owned food and beverage manufacturer, on its expansion in West Chicago! The occasion was celebrated with a ribbon cutting with a host of dignitaries, including Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Karina Villa, State Representative Maura Hirschauer, County Board Chair Deb Conroy, County Board Member Greg Schwarze, County Board Member & Winfield Township Administrator Sheila Rutledge, West Chicago Mayor Dan Bovey, Alderwoman Julieta Alcantar-Garcia. Jel Sert is a major employer in West Chicago that produces drink mixes, dessert mixes and frozen novelties. Join us in congratulating Ken Wegner, Juan Chavez, PHR, SHRM-SCP, and the entire Jel Sert team for the $10 million investment and the addition of more than 100 new jobs. Thank you for your continued dedication and support of the West Chicago community!

A little late to the party...but the appreciation is real! We may have missed the official dates for #NationalPublicWorksWeek, but here in West Chicago, we believe recognition has no expiration date. This week, we're proudly celebrating our Public Works Department—the skilled, dependable, and often unsung first responders who keep our community moving. From infrastructure maintenance to emergency response, their work is vital and valued. Please join us in offering a heartfelt THANK YOU to our Public Works professionals for all they do!

We were proud to host the official dedication of the West Chicago Art Trail, a series of seven murals installed throughout our downtown that reflect the community’s rich identity and artistic talent. Thank you to David J. Sabathne - IOM, Wayne Lofton, Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, Sara Phalen, Uwe 'OOVA' Gsedl, Buddy Plumlee, Heidi Kuharich, other Gallery 200 artists, the Cultural Art Commission, and public art supporters for joining us in this celebration! Created by local artist Giovanni Arellano (Fiendsco), the murals draw inspiration from the nearby Illinois Prairie Path and highlight the vibrant culture and natural beauty of our region. This public art initiative aligns with key goals in West Chicago’s Comprehensive Plan—promoting walkability, enriching public spaces, and celebrating the arts. The program was made possible in part by the DuPage Foundation’s JCS Fund and a valued partnership with AT&T. Murals will be updated periodically, keeping the downtown experience fresh and inspiring. 🎨 Gio’s work is also featured inside Gallery 200 at 103 W Washington Street through the weekend. Check out Gallery 200 online at: https://lnkd.in/gggjaTDv or https://lnkd.in/gSb-YpCP.

We are thrilled to celebrate the Grand Opening of West Chicago Taverna, which serves Mediterranean cuisine with an international flair. Thank you to the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce for hosting a successful event and to John Tulipano, M. Photog., CPP at JLT Photography for the great photos of the evening. Visit West Chicago Taverna at 956 N Neltnor Blvd, Suite 320 or online at: https://lnkd.in/g8T63URz. They offer happy hour, dining and private events. Join us in congratulating the team at West Chicago Taverna!

Ready to turn your business dream into a reality? Join this free virtual summit starting tomorrow, May 6 & 7: www.sba.gov/nsbw #SmallBusinessWeek

Register now for tools and insights into small business success on May 6-7 to celebrate #SmallBusinessWeek. It's free and online.

The City of West Chicago is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $2 million Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) grant from the State of Illinois. The funding will support continued downtown revitalization efforts that include aesthetic improvements, safety upgrades, and service enhancements. According to Business & Community Relations Director, Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD, "these improvements will make downtown more attractive and accessible, ultimately encouraging private investment and fostering economic vitality.” Thank you to the many partners who provided Letters of Support for this transformative project, including State Senator Karina Villa, State Representative Maura Hirschauer, Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, Whistle Stop Vintage, Republic Bank Of Chicago, and the West Chicago Public Library District. The project would not be possible without our community partner's dedicated and continued support. To learn more about this exciting initiative, visit the City's website at: https://lnkd.in/gT3T_qhf and stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved.