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Residents urge Downers Grove to adopt a nonbinding "Good Neighbor Village" resolution
Summary
Local residents and community groups asked the Downers Grove Village Council to adopt a nonbinding "Good Neighbor Village" resolution to encourage inclusion, kindness and civic engagement; councilmembers thanked speakers but took no formal action tonight.
Dozens of residents urged the Downers Grove Village Council on July 14 to adopt a nonbinding "Good Neighbor Village" resolution aimed at promoting kindness, inclusion and civic engagement.
"We respectfully ask for your support in adopting the Good Neighbor Village Resolution and in helping to cultivate a community where connection is not left to chance but is encouraged as a shared responsibility," said Catherine Dice, representing a coalition that included Equality Downers Grove and several local nonprofits. Dice said the group has provided a draft resolution to the council by email and described the proposal as an invitation to partner with civic organizations, faith groups and businesses rather than a mandate.
Eleanor Thompson read the draft resolution text and traced the village's history of community care, saying the designation would formally recognize efforts such as past observances of Good Neighbor Day and encourage community-led activities throughout the year. "A Good Neighbor Village resolution would be a powerful and visible affirmation of our shared values—kindness, inclusion, and mutual care," Thompson said.
Speakers emphasized that the draft would not create new legal requirements. The draft, as read, calls for annual recognition of Good Neighbor Day and for the village to encourage community initiatives; it does not specify new programming, funding or enforcement mechanisms. Several community groups were listed as endorsers during public comment, including the Downers Grove Public Library and local foundations and service organizations.
Mayor Ronette Barnett responded to the remarks by praising community engagement and noting that resolutions are intended to inspire civic action rather than create obligations. There was no formal Council vote or referral recorded on the draft resolution at the meeting; the item was presented as public comment and proponents were thanked for the submission.
The council did not place the resolution on tonight's agenda. Proponents said they had shared a draft with staff and the mayor by email; next steps, including any potential placement on a future agenda, were not specified during the meeting.
