Latest news with #ScottWehrli
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This Low-Key Chicago Suburb Has Just Been Named The Best Place To Live In America For The Second Year In A Row
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Chicago suburb Naperville is one of Illinois' best-kept secrets, but it's unlikely to remain that way as the upscale enclave has just been judged the best place to live in America for the second year in a row. Niche, a popular rankings and review site used by people looking for neighborhoods and schools, scored Naperville a rare overall A+. Only the Illinois weather let the city down, earning a humble C, while cost of living, commuting and crime, safety, and nightlight earned commendable B's. Housing is relatively affordable for a generally affluent commuter city, with Zillow's median home value just below $600,000. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Finishing top of a list of 230 cities and over 18,000 smaller communities nationwide is quite an accomplishment for Naperville. So what makes it so special? The city of just under 150,000 residents has 'a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes,' Niche says. "In Naperville, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Naperville, and residents tend to have moderate political views,' the report reads. 'It's a big city with a small town feel,' Mayor Scott Wehrli told the Daily Mail. Most locals share this sentiment: 'You commonly will recognize somebody at different restaurants out and about just from their involvement in the school, sports, and community. It feels like everybody knows everybody,' Jenna Mandolini, the director of sales and marketing at Hotel Arista in downtown Naperville, told the outlet. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — According to the World Population Review, Naperville has exhibited all the essential signs of a city on the rise, with its population growing significantly over the past 45 years, from just 45,000 people in 1980 to almost 150,000 today, adding businesses, amenities, and diversity thanks to its commutable distance to Chicago. According to Wehrli, one of its significant growth factors was passing a decades-old law that required developers to donate land or cash for parks and school sites, a decision, he told the Mail, that 'became a model for cities across the country.' Naperville is indicative of a wider pattern that has seen the Chicago suburbs grow in population as more people have left the city due to high taxes, violence, and the pandemic, suburban Chicago newspaper Daily Herald reports. According to think tank Illinois Policy, citing Census data, Chicago has lost 128,000 residents since 2015, although there has been evidence of a slight reversal over the last two years. The Northwest suburbs are especially in demand, with Gen Xers and baby boomers drawn to relaxed, resort-type living and the range of accommodation types, the Herald states, attracting residents who would rather rent than be saddled with a mortgage. According to U.S. Census data, as cited by Secret Chicago, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area ranked ninth in the nation for numeric growth, adding 70,762 residents between 2023 and 2024. Read Next: , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum. Invest Where It Hurts — And Help Millions Heal: Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article This Low-Key Chicago Suburb Has Just Been Named The Best Place To Live In America For The Second Year In A Row originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville News Digest: Naperville mayor to give State of the City address on May 22; fundraisers to benefit KidsMatter and mental health efforts
Naperville mayor to give State of the City address on May 22 Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli will deliver the annual State of the City address at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22 at the Embassy Suites Chicago-Naperville, 1823 Abriter Court. Registration is available online at Tickets are $75 for members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and $90 for the community. Wehrli will talk about the efforts that shaped 2024 and how that guides decisions on the city's economy, development and finances this year, according to the chamber's website. The event also provides for networking between local civic and business leaders and ideas to contribute to advancing Naperville's vision, chamber officials said. Fundraisers to benefit KidsMatter and mental health efforts Two fundraisers this month will benefit KidsMatters' work in helping youth deal with mental health issues. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, 436 S. Route 59, will donate 15% of a customer's total bill to KidsMatter through Saturday, May 10. Diners should mention KidsMatter at the restaurant or use the code 01NAPERVILLE when ordering online. Later this month, Kendra Scott jewelry boutique, 55 S. Main St., will donate 20% of in-store purchases from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 23, to KidsMatter. The event includes light refreshments and signature KidsMatter pieces. Use the code GIVEBACK-JJKJQ for online orders made between May 23 and 25. KidsMatter is a nonprofit that addresses mental health through a variety of initiatives, the organization said in the release. It trains adults and teens to identify signs of mental health and substance use so they can provide initial help and connect with care. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying and more, the release said. It also hosts free mental health forums that address stressors affecting teens such as online safety, depression and suicidal ideation and provides other programs. Naperville students receive National Merit Scholarships Several Naperville residents have earned $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, company officials announced. Naperville Central High School: Anay A. Apte and Iris E. Shadis-Greengas. Naperville North High School: Aanika M. Parekh. Waubonsie Valley High School: Vikram J. Narasimhan. Neuqua Valley High School: Monish Ramesh Jayakumar, Armaan Sidhu and Meiling Sun. The scholarship recipients are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies, a news release from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. said. The number of winners in each state is proportional to the state's percentage of the nation's graduating high school seniors. Edward Hospital given an 'A' grade by watchdog group Edward Hospital in Naperville is one of six Endeavor Health medical centers to receive an 'A' grade from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog group. The biannual safety grade is assigned to all general hospitals in the United States based on their ability to protect patients from medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections, the organization said. Elmhurst Hospital has maintained a straight-A record since the inaugural grading system, and is one of only 11 hospitals nationwide to have achieved this distinction, an Endeavor Health news release said. Other Endeavor hospitals to receive 'A' grades are Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Highland Park Hospital and Northwest Community Hospital. Edward Hospital earned 'A' grades in the fall of 2024 and 2023 and 'B' grades in the spring of 2024 and 2023, the company's website said. For detailed descriptions of each hospital, go to Bills in the mail for first installment of DuPage County property taxes Residents in DuPage County will be receiving their property tax bills this month with the first installment payment due June 2, county officials said. Next year, residents will have the option to receive the real estate bill via email instead of U.S. mail. Residents interested in receiving their bills electronically can fill out a form on the county website, Residents can also view their tax bills, review various options for payment and read an explainer about how the bill is broken down at the site. Payments can be made online, in person, via drop-off boxes and by mail, and at some DuPage County banks. The deadline to pay the second installment is Sept. 2
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Chicago commuter city that has seen population double since the 90s is named best place to live in America
Many Americans may have never heard of Naperville, an Illinois suburban city outside of Chicago, but the wealthy town has now topped the list of best places to live in America for the second year in a row. Niche, a popular rankings and review service, named Naperville as one of the best cities to live in, giving it a coveted A+. Naperville was given a stellar report card from Niche, earning As in public schools, housing, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity, health and fitness, and was ranked best for families. The lowest score Naperville received was a C+ for weather and Bs in cost of living, commuting, crime and safety, and nightlife. 'It's a big city with a small town feel,' Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli told Jenna Mandolini, the director of sales and marketing at Hotel Arista, located in downtown Naperville, echoed a similar sentiment about the city. 'You commonly will recognize somebody at different restaurants out and about just from involvement in the school, involvement in the sports, and just involvement in the community. It feels like everybody knows everybody,' Mandolini told 'Even though it's a big city it feels like such a small town,' she added. Longtime Naperville resident, Jessica Prah, agreed that even though Naperville is one of the largest cities in Illinois, it still feels like the small town that she grew up in. Prah moved to Naperville with her family when she was seven and then left to explore other cities in college. After 20 years away from Naperville, she decided to move back and has been there ever since. She said that even though the city has grown 'immensely' since she was a child, the 'same community vibe continues today'. 'When I was growing up, we went to our community pool. You didn't have to lock your cars. You could ride your bike to the pool. Your parents didn't have to escort you to the bus stop every day. It was that safe, and I still live in a similar neighborhood in Naperville where it's kind of the same vibe,' Prah told The administrators of the popular social media account, Naperville Now, said that people who expect to come to a 'manicured suburb' may be surprised to find pop-up poetry nights and neon-lit ramen bars. Population boom Naperville has grown exponentially in the past 45 years, experiencing a population boom in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1980, the city only had a population of 45,500, which almost doubled in 1990 to 85,400, according to the World Population Review. In 2000, Naperville's population hit 128,000, and now there are almost 150,000 residents in the city. As a longtime Naperville resident, Wehrli attested to the uniqueness of the city and praised its growth. 'Naperville was about 20,000 residents when I was a little guy back in 1971,' he recalled. Prah also attested to the transformation of the city since her upbringing, noting that it's become increasingly diverse. She added that the commuting distance from Chicago has brought in more businesses and restaurants. Wehrli explained that the city council passed an ordinance decades ago that required developers to donate land or cash for parks and school sites. He said that the decision 'became a model for cities across the country' that wanted to prioritize outdoor spaces and high-quality education systems. 'It's a formula that really worked and really set the stage for what we've got to work with today,' Wehrli said. Exploring Naperville Naperville has seen a rise in business investments in the northern part of the city, which Wehrli said attracted the 'best and the brightest from around the world'. Even though the city has grown significantly in recent years, Mandolini attested that there is still a 'small town feel' within the community. 'There's just so much to offer,' Mandolini said. 'There's a variety of different things for every guest. There is something for everyone,' she added. Mandolini said Naperville boasted an 'eclectic' shopping scene with high-end shops and locally owned stores. She added that Naperville has over 300 restaurants, including local steakhouse CityGate Grille as well as Italian eatery and Wine Spectator Award Winner Che Figata. Wehrli praised Naperville residents' civic engagement, citing the public-private partnerships and volunteerism in the city. The city built a Riverwalk in the center of downtown Naperville primarily by volunteers within the community. Wehrli said Riverwalk, 'attracts people from all over the area to come down, walk, relax, see live music, do some sightseeing, maybe fishing in the river, you name it'. Prah said Riverwalk was a 'staple' in the community and residents could easily explore nature preserves while having easy access to restaurants. 'The Naperville Riverwalk is a must when visiting the city for its charm,' Mandolini attested. The administrators at Naperville Now said that mornings on the Riverwalk 'feel like a secret rehearsal before the rest of the day begins.' Education Naperville received an A+ by Niche for public schools and ranked first for the best public schools in America. Over 33 percent of Naperville residents have advanced college degrees, while 39 percent have a bachelor's degree. Wehrli said that families move to Naperville for the education system and that the town has 'all the opportunities for the kids to grow and learn'. Prah noticed that many of the new residents in her community moved for the school systems. She added that she's seen an increase in young people in the city as the local university, North Central College, has grown. Safe for families Niche named Naperville the best city in America to raise a family for five years in a row. Wehrli said that public safety was a top priority, noting that it was 'imperative that you have a community by and on public safety'. 'It's just not a police certified job, it is everybody's job,' he said. The mayor added that residents in the city view public safety as a 'participation sport', and are committed to making Naperville a secure place to live. 'They're [residents] keeping an eye on each other in their neighborhoods and they are very cognizant of what's going on,' he said. Naperville has topped Niche rankings for its safe neighborhoods, highly rated public schools, access to recreational activities, and parks. The Woodlands in Texas came in second, Cambridge, Massachusetts, placed third, Arlington, Virginia, came in fourth, and Irvine, California, rounded out the top five.
Chicago Tribune
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters to the Editor: No support for D203's ‘half-baked' schedule changes; Naperville needs to support its immigrant population
No support for D203's 'half-baked' schedule changes I want to thank the Naperville Sun for covering the proposed changes to Naperville District 203's school schedules. Wednesday's article accurately conveyed the unanimously negative feedback from community members at Monday's School Board meeting. Every teacher, aide and parent who spoke strongly opposed the changes suggested by the administration. Survey data provided by the teachers union showed overwhelming opposition from its members. As a parent of an elementary student, I share those concerns. Elementary schools begin at 8:15 a.m., but the administration wants to move that to 7:45 a.m. They claim changes are necessary to meet children's physiological needs, however, research shows children need more sleep — not less. Elementary schools in neighboring Indian Prairie District 204 begin at 9:05 a.m. How can elementary students in District 203 be expected to do well in the classroom and participate in the same after-school activities (soccer, gymnastics, Scouting) as District 204 students while getting 80 minutes less sleep each night? The administration also wants to move the start time of middle schools from 8 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. This presents a challenge for working parents who cannot wait that long to take a child to the bus stop or drive them to school before leaving for work. The administration, after hearing from concerned parents, said they reached out to community partners last week to see if there was capacity to handle increased demand for before-school child care. Why did it take an outcry from parents for the administration to investigate that issue last week instead of when the proposal was being formed? This illustrates a clear lack of foresight and preparedness from the administration. They have not considered all the downstream impacts of this proposal and are pushing the negative consequences onto teachers and families who never asked for it. The district's FAQ website about the proposal, while lacking hard evidence as to why the changes are needed, says, 'Our students deserve this. How could we wait? At what cost?' I believe if we are truly worried about the well-being of our kids and the community, prematurely implementing a half-baked plan with large-scale negative impacts and lack of support from teachers and parents is the worst thing that could happen to students. I strongly encourage community members who share these concerns to contact the School Board at boemail@ and let your voices be heard. Daniel Alamillo, Naperville Naperville needs to support its immigrant population In 2023, Mayor Scott Wehrli proclaimed Oct. 28 as 'Immigrants Day in the City of Naperville,' an initiative led by ALMAS in collaboration with other local organizations. This was a powerful acknowledgment of the important role immigrant communities play in shaping our city. According to the most recent Census numbers available, more than 21% of Naperville residents were born outside the U.S. and nearly 26% of households speak a language other than English at home. This kind of diversity isn't just part of our city's identity — it's one of our greatest strengths. But proclamations are just the beginning. Across the nation, immigrant families, including undocumented and mixed-status households, are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. History has shown us that in moments like these, solidarity, leadership and community action can make all the difference. None of these initiatives are new. Suburban cities like Evanston, which has adopted 'Welcoming City Ordinances,' have shown us what's possible when municipalities actively support immigrant communities and foster trust within their neighborhoods. With a growing immigrant population, we urge Naperville leaders to consider the following actions: Implement data protection policies: Safeguard personal information from misuse by federal immigration agencies. Develop safe spaces: Make public buildings safe zones for all residents. Provide resources: Offer legal, educational and support services for immigrants and their allies. Engage the community: Host workshops to educate residents on their rights and how everyone can support vulnerable neighbors. Embracing immigrants regardless of immigration status isn't just aligned with the city's mission statement; it amplifies it by strengthening Naperville's identity as a thriving, diverse and welcoming place to live, work and grow. Whether you are an immigrant, the child of immigrants or someone who values social justice, you have a role to play. Now is the moment to come together and advocate for policies, programs and initiatives that reflect our shared values of inclusion and mutual support. Together, let's take practical steps to create a stronger, more inclusive Naperville for generations to come. Lili Burciaga, Founder and President Diana Torres Hawken, Founder and Secretary Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS) DEI's about respect and empathy, not job advantages The term 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' has become a weapon. Recently, it has become mainstream to label DEI as unfair and a way to restrict opportunities for some individuals. It is time to revisit the concept because practicing DEI makes us all better human beings. We teach our children to be courteous and respectful of the physical and emotional needs of others. DEI extends this respect, courtesy and empathy in the community or workplace. Accommodating religious practices such as fasting and providing space for prayer and meditation in the workplace shows respect and compassion for colleagues. DEI is about valuing all individuals and not deeming a job candidate unqualified because they are female, have a name that is difficult to pronounce, wear a hijab, have dark skin or are otherwise different from ourselves. It is about seeking diversity and ensuring that people are not excluded for reasons unrelated to the job. Equity is not equality, which is one of the important lessons DEI teaches us. If we give a teenager and a toddler the same bike, it would be equal. But it would not be equitable because only one of the two would have a vehicle they could use. Equity helps level the playing field by giving everyone what they need even if their needs are not the same. Diversity is challenging, but growth only happens when we push ourselves to consider new views. As champions for women and girls, we advocate to ensure that their talents are developed and utilized to advance our communities, organizations and country. Let's mobilize this commitment to DEI by uplifting those companies and organizations that are still enacting these ideals. Challenge yourself to reach out to your legislators and ask them to uphold the value of diversity and encourage equity and inclusion everywhere. Laura Welch, President, Illinois NOW Jill Lexier, Advocate, National Council of Jewish Women, Chicago North Shore Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@ Please include your name, address and town of residence for publication. We also need your phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 250 to 300 words.
