Skokie Adopts 2026-2029 Strategic Plan To Guide Priorities, Spending

SKOKIE, IL — The Skokie Village Board approved the 2026-2029 Skokie Strategic Plan this week, setting a framework that the village says will guide decision-making, priorities and resource allocation over the next several years.

According to the village, the plan was informed by a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process. The board identified five strategic goals in the adopted plan, covering village services, inclusion, community development, governance and financial management.

The strategic plan does not just outline broad themes. It is intended to shape village decisions and help determine priorities and the use of resources through 2029, based on the board's approval.

"The purpose is to guide our work so that we don't get scattered. This is what the community told us, this is what we're going to work on for the next 2-3 years." Mayor Ann Tennes said.

The village's first goal is to provide efficient, reliable and forward-looking services that evolve with community needs. Its next goal is to make everyone feel welcome and valued in Skokie, and to ensure that all community members have the ability to access village services and engage with neighbors and decision makers.

The plan also lists community vibrancy as a priority, aiming to show that Skokie is an attractive, unique, safe and vibrant destination to live and visit. The village also said it will strive to be a model for great governance that operates efficiently, ethically and transparently.

Skokie's last goal is to make sure village services are supported by sustainable, diverse revenue streams, while cost containment and process improvements help ensure responsible stewardship of village resources.

The next phase is now underway. According to the village, staff are developing step-by-step implementation plans to advance each initiative and achieve the plan's stated outcomes.

The village also said residents will be able to follow that work more closely in the future. It said new tools and updates are expected to allow the public to track milestones and monitor progress as the plan moves forward.