Arlington Heights Village President Tom Hayes
Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer
Updated 12/31/2020 2:55 PM
Not much seemed business as usual in 2020, but one thing that hasn't changed is our annual tradition of reaching out to Northwest suburban mayors and village presidents to ask them what their community accomplished in the year gone by and something they hope to accomplish in the year ahead. Today, we share the accomplishments of a challenging 2020. On Friday, we'll share the mayors' hopes for 2021.
Arlington Heights
Tom Hayes
Although 2020 has been difficult for us all, I could not be more proud of the way our community has banded together to meet the pandemic and social unrest challenges we faced in the last year. Beginning with our essential workers, especially our health care providers and first responders, all within the City of Good Neighbors have done their part with hard work, perseverance, and respect to help us weather the storms and to get back to at least a new normal as soon as possible. With the help of some very nice weather this summer and fall, outdoor dining at Arlington Alfresco in downtown Arlington Heights was enjoyed by all. Despite the economic strain of COVID-19 on municipal revenue due to decreased local business sales taxes, the village's prudent budget practices and strong financial condition enabled us to pass a Village Budget that includes a zero percent property tax increase for the second consecutive year. The village board also furthered its goal of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) by hiring a consultant to help us ensure the village is doing all it can do to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all. The consultant is now finalizing their work which specifically targeted optimizing a sense of belongingness, outreach, engagement, and inclusiveness for all members of the community and village employees.