City Manager Newkirk told the Highland Park City Council on Oct. 20 that staff has scheduled neighborhood meetings and that the proposed FY26 budget includes funding for several planning and training items.

Newkirk said two public meetings are scheduled this week: a Highland Park High School neighborhood meeting to discuss traffic and related concerns at Walters Field, and a neighborhood kickoff meeting for the proposed redevelopment of the Public Service Center and Fire Station 34 on Half Day Road. Notifications were mailed to property owners within 800 feet of each site and the meetings are open to the public.

On the budget, Newkirk said staff reports posted with the agenda reflect the proposed FY26 budget and that department directors provided ‘‘a high level overview of the proposed budget for those respective departments, highlights of objectives for the upcoming year,’’ and that those reports are consistent with the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. He said staff will issue a request for proposals to begin work on an update to the city’s comprehensive plan and that FY26 funds are available to ‘‘really dive into that project.’’

Council member Littauer requested that the budget specify antisemitism training for employees and public education ‘‘consistent with the IHRA definition that the council approved.’’ Newkirk said staff will spell that out in the budget documents.

No formal action or budget adoption occurred at the meeting; Newkirk answered questions from council members and said he would share the RFP with the council before it is released.