Lockport staff presents draft 2026–2029 strategic plan; adoption slated for Feb. 18

City staff presented a public preview of the draft City of Lockport Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 during the Committee of the Whole on Feb. 4 and asked council members to submit edits before staff returns the document for adoption on Feb. 18.

Planner/staff member Corey walked the council through the plan’s four main targets—effective operations, targeted development, resilient infrastructure and improved quality of life—and explained how key outcome indicators and targets will be used to measure progress. Staff emphasized initiatives such as technology improvements for service delivery, prioritized capital investments, water-quality and sanitary-sewer consolidation, adaptive stormwater management, expanded pedestrian networks and greater public engagement.

Council members asked clarifying questions about right-of-way management, shared parking opportunities in the downtown and coordination with IDOT for on-street parking and other streetscape improvements. Staff said the plan includes background such as resident survey results and that staff remain available for follow-up questions; they requested suggested edits be returned before the Feb. 18 adoption vote.

Why it matters: The plan sets near-term priorities that will guide budget and capital project decisions for the next four years, including downtown master-plan implementation and infrastructure work.

Next steps: Staff will update the draft per council feedback and place the strategic plan for adoption on the Feb. 18 council agenda.

Quote from the presentation: "These are the initiatives—the plans and programs—for how we’re going to accomplish these things," staff member Corey said while walking through outcome indicators and targets.