Lake In The Hills Names New Director Of Community Development

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL —John Svalenka recently joined the village of Lake in the Hills as the director of community development.

Svalenka started his new role effective December 12. Svalenka has over 21 years of community development department experience and previously served as the Senior Planner for the Village of Carpentersville.

“I am pleased to welcome John to the director of community development position,” said Shannon Andrew, administrator for the village of Lake in the Hills. “His strong background in land use planning, economic development, building inspection, permitting, and code enforcement make him well- suited for this role. I look forward to working with him to advance core Village initiatives.”

As the director of community development, Svalenka plans to raise awareness for business and development opportunities in the village, particularly along the corridors of Pyott and Rakow roads, Randall Road, Route 47 and Route 31.

He will serve as the primary staff liaison to the planning & zoning commission and advise on planning, zoning, building, code and ordinance issues, and economic development. Svalenka will also manage the village’s comprehensive plan, which identifies plans to best utilize land and infrastructure to support business development, safe residential neighborhoods, and improvements to sustain growth and development for economic vitality.

“I am excited about the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on the built environment,” Svalenka said. “We will examine everything we do and strive for continuous self-improvement to ensure that the Village remains a great place to live and a place that is friendly to businesses.”

Svalenka plans to work with regional partners to promote the benefits and amenities Lake in the Hills offers residents, developers, and businesses and expand the Village’s manufacturing, office, and commercial landscape.

Previously, Svalenka served the Villages of Carpentersville, Carol Stream, and Romeoville. He holds a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development from Ball State University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).