Oak Park study session reviews draft economic vitality strategy; plan calls for new commission, OPEDC role and staffing

Consultants from Camoin Associates presented a draft economic vitality strategic plan in a study session during the Village Board meeting. The plan outlines 62 recommendations grouped under four broad areas — operations, diversifying the economic base, life experiences (quality of life) and the built environment — and advances 12 priorities for implementation.

Dan Gunderson of Camoin Associates and Brandon Crawford, Oak Park’s Economic Vitality Administrator, led the presentation. Gunderson said the work included market and policy review, about eight months of analysis, and wide outreach: the consultant team said roughly 500 individuals and organizations participated in interviews and events, and 340 community members completed an online survey. Gunderson described the plan as a five-year framework to give staff and the board clearer direction for economic development and to “set a foundation for supporting additional board policy development.”

Key operational recommendations include centralizing economic vitality work in the village manager’s office, forming an Economic Vitality…