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Highland Park has nine Business Districts, and works closely with businesses and property own- ers in each of them.Neukirch gives an example, “In the downtown district,we have urban design guidelines that steer redevelopment.As those properties are being redeveloped,we see build- ings with more of an urban/suburban feel, as opposed to Briergate,which is more of our light industrial district.We’ve worked with property owners there for gateway signage–making mod- ifications to our sign code,making sure that the signs meet the needs of the businesses. It’s being proactive in working with property owners and businesses to understand what their needs are and to address the distinct attributes for each of those districts.” Sabo notes,“Highland Park is unique in its location as a North Shore community on the Lake Michigan, so it has wonderful beachfront access. Along the lines of transportation,we have close access to major state highways, i.e. 294; we’re along the Skokie-Hwy 41 corridor; and we have three metro stations within the community.We also have Pace (metro Chicago suburban bus division) running through the community, and we offer a free ride connector service to senior resi- dents.” aggressive business development strategic plan with four strategies for business attraction and retention purposes, and a multitude of initiatives for stimulating business and economic develop- ment in the community.The plan was developed based on feedback from City Council, staff, proper- ty owners, businesses, and other professionals in and around the community. Neukirch explains,“That’s the umbrella that guides our efforts for a two-year period. It’s re- viewed and updated regularly.One specific initia- tive is in the central business district.After a study, and working with our commission and our busi- ness community, the citymodified our zoning reg- ulations, and we now provide for an opportunity for greater density development in the downtown district,while still being thoughtful of the quality of life and the impact of that development on the community.We went from 15 to 65 units per acre in the central business district to invite additional development and put pedestrian traffic on the streets to support our businesses.” The initiative has been well received, and the city is seeing results of the rezoning from several developments that are currently underway, and others in the pipeline to be planned.There are $14 million worth of infrastructure improvements planned this year; including updating roads and bike paths to spur development activity and at- tract people to the community. AT A GLANCE HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS WHAT: Suburban city in Lake County, Illinois; popu- lation 29,763 WHERE: 25 miles north of downtown Chicago WEBSITE: www.cityhpil.com HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS