Important COVID-19 Community Updates
We appreciate the chance to bring you up to speed on what we are learning from local and regional sources now every Monday, Wednesday and Friday or as necessary.

Please dial 9-1-1 in case of emergencies only and call 847.234.2601 for non-emergencies.

Check the City's website for additional information and continue to send any inquiries to cityhall@cityoflakeforest.com . During this time, residents should stay at home, and when outside of the house, continue to practice physical distancing, and wear face coverings when maintaining physical distancing is not possible.

Many staff members are working remotely and will respond to you at the earliest opportunity.
In Case You Missed Wednesday's Message from the Mayor
Beach Repairs Update
 At its May 18 meeting, the City Council will be asked to consider funding to support several emergency repairs needed over the short term to fortify Lake Forest's beach. While the beach was designed in the mid-1980s to withstand large wave action with elevated lake levels, the intensity of recent storms, combined with the exceptionally high Lake Michigan water level, has exceeded those design limits. Preliminary discussions regarding a long-term strategy to address these challenges are underway. 
 
As previously reported, last fall, damage was sustained at the beach and the Public Works, Parks, and Forestry staff were able to move sand and reopen access in a relatively short period. However, the latest damage from this winter and spring requires greater effort, materials, and engineering support than the City's current in-house operations and staffing can provide.

The newly re-constructed Hughes Gateway (North Beach Access Road) was not impacted, nor is there evidence that the Gateway contributed to sustained damage along the lakefront. The adjacent ravine is in excellent condition as well. 
 
It is the City's intention to have the beach open and safe for residents on Memorial Day weekend. The Recreation Department, led by Director Sally Swarthout, is working hard to develop and establish new protocols and procedures to ensure staff is prepared to open and manage beach operations commensurate with public health recommendations. The new guidelines will be released next week.
Monday, May 18 Virtual City Council Meeting
 The next City Council meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, May 18. The meeting will be live-streamed on the City's website and on cable television (Comcast channel 17 and A, T & TU-Verse Channel 99 - scroll to "Lake Forest".) Alternately, you may follow this Zoom link .

View the meeting agenda here . Please note that you may provide public comment by calling 847.810.3643 during the meeting.
#WeAreHereForYouLF
Lake Forest Dance Academy has been dancing for the last 7 weeks virtually with all of their clients. Staff members and students have turned their homes into temporary dance studios so they can continue to experience the joy of dance! Like so many, the Dance Academy experienced an interrupted season. So on what would have been recital day, LFDA will be holding a 'Drive By and Wave Hi' on Saturday, May 16 at 3 pm at Lake Forest Recreation Center to celebrate the accomplishments of another year!
The City's Draft Comprehensive Fiscal Plan is available for Public Viewing
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The City of Lake Forest Fiscal Year 2021 draft Comprehensive Fiscal Plan is now available for review on the City’s web site. The Comprehensive Fiscal Plan includes the annual budget, five year capital improvement program (CIP), five year forecasts for major funds, personnel information such as the FY2021 pay plan and other financial information. The City Council approved the FY2021 Budget and Pay Plan on May 4 and will consider approval of the Comprehensive Fiscal Plan for FY2021 at its May 18 meeting.

The City Council Finance Committee workshop to discuss the proposed FY2021 annual budget was conducted on March 12. Shortly thereafter, City offices closed pursuant to the Governor’s stay-at-home order in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. Recognizing the financial impact COVID 19 will have on the City’s annual budget, City Council and staff took a step back to reassess the budget at the April 20 Finance Committee Meeting. Incorporating feedback received on April 20, staff presented a FY2021 annual budget summary and pay plan for City Council approval on May 4. The FY2021 DRAFT Comprehensive Fiscal Plan incorporates the May 4 budget approval.

The FY2021 Budget forecasts total City-wide revenues of $87.5 million and expenditures of $87.1 million.  The draft Comprehensive Fiscal Plan, FY2021 Budget Summary and additional information is available on the City’s web site here.  

Questions may be directed to Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb or by calling 847-810-3612.
Property Tax Information
 The Lake County Board passed an ordinance for deferred payment of property taxes without penalties as a result of hardship due to the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.  All residents of Lake County may apply. The ordinance includes the following:

  • By June 8: 50% of first installment normally due in full on June 8
  • By August 7: 50% (remainder) of first installment normally due on June 8
  • By September 8: 50% of second installment normally due in full on September 8
  • By November 9: 50% (remainder) of second installment normally due on September 8.

The Treasurer’s Office will be issuing guidelines for payments under the new ordinance shortly. For those interested in receiving more information, please visit www.lakecountytreasurer.info .

The Lake County video below shows you "Touchless Ways to Pay Your Property Tax Bill".

Don't Forget...
It's Easy

Lake Forest's current response rate is 71.7% - thank you!


The Census paper questionnaire was mailed on April 8 to anyone who has not yet responded. Please complete the questionnaire and return it or respond online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844.330.2020.

In the coming months, when it is safe to do so, Census takers will follow up with in-person visits to addresses for which responses have not been received.

Completing the Census questionnaire is easy, secure and important. Thank you for helping Lake Forest and Illinois achieve a Complete Count!
Lake County Interactive Map
The Lake County Health Department's interactive map shares the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each municipality. According to the LCHD website, it is best viewed on a computer. You can view the map here .
Local Resources
State/Federal Resources
The City of Lake Forest, Illinois | Website