Skokie Partners With TPMA On New Economic Vitality Strategy

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie is partnering with TPMA to create a new Economic Vitality Strategy that village leaders say will guide business support, commercial district investment, redevelopment opportunities and long-term economic priorities.

The effort was identified as a key initiative in the Village of Skokie's 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and is expected to be completed in spring 2027.

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According to the village, the strategy will build on Skokie's existing planning work and use targeted research and community input to assess current conditions, identify emerging opportunities and establish practical priorities for the next five years. The village said the nine-month planning process will examine Skokie's market position, commercial corridors, business environment, innovation ecosystem, placemaking opportunities, tourism assets and visitor economy.

The process will also assess Skokie's competitive position within the greater Chicago region and identify opportunities to strengthen business retention, attraction, investment and redevelopment. Village officials said the final strategy will include a five-year implementation framework with priorities, actions, performance measures and recommendations.

"Skokie's economy has a strong foundation, from vibrant commercial districts and a diverse business community to nationally recognized destinations and centers of innovation," said Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes. "This strategy will help us build on those strengths and ensure future investments align with the community's long-term strategic vision."

TPMA will work with the village on interviews, focus groups and other engagement activities to gather input from businesses, residents, property owners, institutions and community partners. Feedback will help shape how the strategy addresses Skokie's economic opportunities and priorities.

"Skokie already has tremendous economic and community assets," said Brett Wiler, Vice President of Economic Development and Strategic Planning at TPMA. "Our role is to build on the Village's existing work, validate what we are seeing in the market and community, and translate those insights into an actionable strategy for the years ahead."

A Community Validation Survey is expected to launch soon, inviting residents, businesses, employees, property owners and visitors to share their views on Skokie's strengths, challenges and priorities. The village said information about the survey and additional public engagement opportunities will be announced as the project moves forward.

"The goal is not to ask Skokie to start over," said Zachary Rice, Principal Consultant and Project Lead at TPMA. "The Village has already done a tremendous amount of planning and community engagement. Our job is to build on that foundation, test it against today's conditions, listen to the people who know Skokie best, and help turn those insights into priorities the Village can realistically advance."