Commission agrees to research permanent Pride symbols and possible Village Board request

Commissioner Karen Isaacson proposed pursuing a permanent Pride symbol for Wilmette—examples she named included a rainbow bike rack or a painted crosswalk—and asked whether the Commission could make a formal request to the Village Board or include the item in the annual Work Plan. "I would like to see it happen before this June's Pride Month celebration," Isaacson said.

Chair Ann Dronen cautioned the Commission to be thoughtful because of Wilmette's multiple demographics and suggested a reconnaissance walk downtown to identify suitable locations. Staff member Sara Phyfer said she would research options, including what other communities have done, and bring findings back to the next meeting. Commissioners discussed whether this would be part of the Work Plan or a Pride Month recognition item and agreed staff follow-up was the next step.

No formal motion to request Village Board action was made at the April 16 meeting; commissioners asked staff to present research and possible implementation approaches at a future meeting.