The Chicago Public Library is reimagining how our spaces, collections, and programs can best serve the people of Chicago—and we need your input.

Chair Dan will draft a community survey about a possible gas leaf‑blower phase‑out after members suggested combining questions about tree canopy, composting and incentives; members also proposed a potential rebate program to encourage electric alternatives.

W3C opens an 8-minute survey until 30 September and seeks community-wide input to get to know our community better, investigate needs, and understand how we can improve.

Consultants from SEH advised Richland County officials to remove unusable campus buildings, preserve key recreation facilities, and use a public survey to guide housing and reuse plans; SEH flagged a countywide need of about 109 housing units per year and recommended a 2–4 week survey early next year.

At a lengthy study session, consultants presented a statistically valid survey (300 responses) showing high voter priority for emergency response and water and strong support for a 0.1% public-safety sales tax (reported 73%). Staff and consultants ran live forecast scenarios showing deficits through 2031 and tested revenue options (property tax 1% capacity, sales taxes, MPD) and program reductions including possible changes to the Larson Rec Center, Surf and Slide, museum and parks.

City staff reported robust survey participation, a state announcement moving a VA veterans cemetery to the Tri-Cities (Richland site) is advancing pending VA due diligence, and a roughly $15 million Keene Road widening project now has multiple funding sources assembled, city representatives said.

The Chicago Public Library is reimagining how our spaces, collections, and programs can best serve the people of Chicago—and we need your input.