Council approves up to $55,000 contract for final phase of comprehensive land‑use plan update

Lake Forest — The City Council authorized the city manager to enter a professional services contract not to exceed $55,000 with Tusca Associates for the final phase of the city’s comprehensive land‑use plan update. Planning staff explained the update will knit together prior study areas — including Settler’s Square, the Route 60 corridor and the central business district — to produce a community‑wide land‑use map and recommendations looking 20–40 years forward. Staff said the plan will examine preserved open land, remaining buildable parcels, infrastructure constraints, redevelopment opportunities and potential housing types. Catherine Cerniak (presenter) said the final phase includes a city manager’s working group composed of representatives with development, preservation and board/commission experience; the working group will review early drafts, attend workshops and guide public engagement prior to formal Plan Commission public hearings. The working group is expected to complete its work by the end of the calendar year and the plan will then move through Plan Commission hearings and a council decision. Council members asked about timing and whether the consultant budget was included in the approved FY26 budget; staff confirmed the $55,000 fee was budgeted for completion of the plan. The council approved the contract authorization by roll call vote.