Intergovernmental Cooperation By JAY HEDGES, Director Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs

I have consistently stated that the primary mission of this department is to foster economic development in Illinois. It is no magical process, nor does it just happen. The planning and tactical process that is required to enhance investment, and ultimately create jobs, sometimes seems to be an onerous and laborious task. But when the start or acquisition of a business venture — or the expansion of an existing or the retention of one — becomes a reality, the effort expended is worthwhile and gratifying.

It is our policy to review the activities and ingredients related to a successful endeavor. One thing that is always readily apparent is the cooperative and enthusiastic effort of the local governmental body.

A good example is the City of Warrenville, a relatively small DuPage County town, which has changed its philosophy of resisting commercial expansion to that of active effort to provide for and to seek commercial expansion. In addition, it has organized volunteer efforts which have gained statewide recognition. The city has won two Governor's Home Town Awards in the past two years for its outstanding volunteer projects.

Much of this success can be attributed to its mayor, Vivian Lund, a retired school teacher who wanted to give something back to the community in which she has lived for more than 20 years.

"I'm not afraid to say I don't know things. With some good advice, I have been able to get things accomplished. DCCA has been an invaluable resource," said Lund.

Although an economic development commission had been provided for before she became mayor three years ago, no members had been appointed. With DCCA's help, the roles and objectives were defined and subsequently a banker, a grant writer, a real estate expert and people with small and large business background were appointed to serve on the commission.

The Warrenville success story exemplifies the importance of locally directed efforts and the cooperative effort of others to achieve community and economic development.

Warrenville won its first Governor's Home Town Award for a police station building project in 1985. The city had no funds to renovate space or to move the facilities, so a volunteer effort was launched. A telethon and a lot of publicity, including a mention in Forbes magazine, helped raise $75,000 in cash, labor and materials. A ten-room station facility and 45 car parking lot were constructed at the community building.

The city's industrial park, located at the intersection of Routes 56 and 59, was not being utilized because the lack of infrastructure prevented businesses from locating there. Factual information justifying the necessity of infrastructure improvements to serve the park was presented to DCCA. Build Illinois funds were approved and $500,000 was spent to improve sewer and water facilities. Since then, three new buildings have been constructed in the 60-acre park.

The formation of the economic development commission, its work making the city's industrial park a viable development, and the construction of a shopping center were cited in the city's 1987 Governor's Home Town Award winner for economic development. Warrenville's efforts created and retained 50 jobs last year.

Warrenville is writing a downtown/uptown revitalization plan with $2,500 in Community Development

May 1988 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 21

Block Grant funds and a $5,000 private donation. Another grant is helping to fund a water system upgrade for the older section of town.

With the help of the Department of Conservation and local contributions, four youngsters are participating in a summer youth program which will establish two new parks and upgrade an existing one.

DCCA's Office of Local Government Management Services staff counseled the city and reviewed its user fees. The city then made its first adjustment of these fees in 20 years. The staff also conducted a water rate study for the city to determine if the rate adjustments made were sufficient and appropriate.

The staff conducted a financial study for the city and concluded that its fiscal condition is in good shape. The mayor wants to develop a five-year plan and a capital improvement plan to provide for future economic growth.

Although Warrenville is located along DuPage County's high tech corridor, its historical cold shoulder to commercial development kept it from growing like neighboring Naperville. Now there is renewed interest in expansion and it's paid off. Warrenville's sales tax revenue has doubled in the last three-year period.

Self-help and the utilization of outside resources has made it happen in Warrenville. Equally important is the fact that it is preparing for future community and economic development.

For further information, call the Office of Local Government Management Services for our toll-free number, 1-800-562-4688 (LOC-GOVT). •

Page 22 / Illinois Municipal Review / May 1988