The community development department is staffed by the Community Development Director and is responsible for a variety of Village improvement programs, community enhancement projects, and planning efforts.  This department's primary responsibilities are in the areas of both economic development and community development.  In addition, this department maintains and produces community data.

Economic Development

A primary duty of the Community Development Department is to staff the Village's Economic Development Commission.  This nine member volunteer board has an active work program which has been instrumental in bringing to the community Kohl's Department Store, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, and a public parking lot in the Touhy-Crawford Business District.  Through the work of this body, the Village has established Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts for the Village's northeast business area.  These efforts have led to major improvement upgrades to this important tax base area of the Village, now named the Lincolnwood Business Park.  The Annual Report of the Economic Development Commission, which details their work and efforts enhancing the Village, as well as their meeting schedule, can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate menu item on the left or from the Community Development option under the Department tab at the top of the page.

The Village's Property Enhancement Program (PEP), which provides assistance to businesses in upgrading their property, is handled through this department as well.  The purpose of this program is to help create attractive business districts in the Village in-keeping with new community standards.  Detailed information on this program and an application form for participation is available by clicking on the appropriate menu item on the left or from the Community Development option under the Department tab at the top of the page.

Many of the Village's planning efforts are handled through the Community Development Department.  In 2001, a new Comprehensive Plan for the Village was adopted to help guide future land use decisions.  in the community.  The plan was amended in May 2006 to include the Lincoln Avenue Task Force Report.  The amended plan for the Village is available by clicking on the button to the left or selecting Comprehensive Plan from the Community Development option under the Departments tabe at the top of the page.

Various community improvement projects and initiatives are also handled by this department.  In the recent past these have included new gateway signs, improved landscape standards for business property, and improvements in the Touhy Crawford Business Park.

The department also oversees staff review of large developments proposed in the community.  A recent outcome of this work is the new Walgreen's at the corner of Lincoln and Pratt Avenues.