Planning staff briefed the Joliet Plan Commission on two multi‑year efforts on Jan. 15: the city's new comprehensive plan and the Interstate 80 Des Plaines River Bridge community plan.

On the comprehensive plan, staff said the project is about halfway through and is intended to guide long‑term land‑use and policy decisions. The presenter outlined six project goals — including charting a vision for Joliet's future, responding to change, creating a unified framework, strengthening collaboration, focusing on implementation and empowering local leadership — and said an existing conditions report (about 140 pages) and public engagement products are posted on the city's project web page. "We had over 2,000 respondents to [the community survey]," staff said, noting the project team had aimed for roughly 306 responses for statistical significance. Staff urged attendance at topic workshops and a community workshop at the Joliet Public Library (Ottawa Street branch) scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m.

Staff also updated the commission on the Interstate 80 Des Plaines River Bridge community planning effort. The state is building a new I‑80 bridge and will dismantle the existing structure; staff said the process has resulted in the displacement of 72 households and acquisition of 106 parcels. Illinois has committed funding for a community plan and has pledged $3,500,000 for physical and aesthetic improvements in the targeted area, staff said, and consultants (CDM Smith) are working on concepts including a 10‑foot shared‑use path alignment, traffic‑calming, lighting and community spaces. Staff said property transfers have occurred and only a few structures may still need demolition or occupant relocation.

Staff described next steps for both efforts as refining concepts, completing cost estimates and drafting final recommendations for community review and eventual council adoption. The presenter said the comprehensive plan process is expected to conclude around January 2027 with a final plan brought to the council for adoption.