Health & Fitness
La Grange Works!
La Grange has recovered from the recession faster and become even stronger, and that's not by luck.
La Grange Works! The Value that is so apparent in La Grange has persisted despite the worst recession since the 20’s, and that is not by luck. La Grange recovered faster and has thrived while so many communities continue to struggle because of our conservative financial practices.
It is our practice to have a 5-year strategic and financial plan for the Village that we as Village Trustees and the staff update annually. While that plan didn’t foresee the depth of the downturn, we entered it with ample reserves, a balanced budget, no debt and pensions funded ahead of requirements. We still had to tighten our belts, didn’t replace some people that retired and cut $1.5 million from an already trim budget. But we were able to maintain services our residents and businesses expect, and maintain the vitality of our community.
Find out what's happening in La Grangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
That success encouraged businesses and consumers alike to spot La Grange – we were successful and still growing – and it attracted new, exciting businesses to take the place of those that had fallen. Our track record helped as well: There was a clear plan executed with consistent vision by skilled, experienced staff that grew out of the most successful TIF in Illinois. Our Village team that had ferreted out $13.7 million in grants over the past 10 years, allowing us to invest and grow without having to tap our pressured budget. And rising sales almost every month for the past 3 years, which allowed us to do more and not raise taxes for residents as much as some communities had to.
Find out what's happening in La Grangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Success begets success”, doesn’t it? But not usually without the kind planning and execution we use here in La Grange. We’ve enjoyed returns on our investments that have brought in new businesses, new home construction (12 in the past year, including 2 spec homes sold before they were shingled, and 11 more awaiting approval!), and home values that are recovering. “The best downtown in the Chicagoland area” is now a benchmark for other municipalities as they come here to observe and learn what we are blessed with the benefits of every day.
La Grange Works! For residents and businesses alike. I’m running for reelection as a Village Trustee with Mark Langan and Dave McCarty, who have been participants with me in this renaissance. Help us to Keep La Grange Working!
