Quality of Life Plan
Joliet, Illinois

The City of Joliet has enjoyed unprecedented growth, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Unfortunately, its older, historic neighborhoods have lagged behind. The City, together with local organizations and neighborhood residents, adopted the Quality of Life Plan to address issues and provide direction for over 50,000 residents in the 17 neighborhoods that make up the historic heart of Joliet.  The Quality of Life Task Force, working with the City of Joliet, retained Teska Associates, Inc. (TAI) as part of a team to carry out a community-based planning process. 

TAI assisted the team in engaging the community to identify issues and opportunities by participating in interviews with Joliet area stakeholders (115 interviews conducted), a mail survey regarding perceived housing and market conditions that was completed by more than 500 residents, and leading the design and facilitation of several neighborhood workshops attended by over 700 people. 

In addition to the Task Force, the consulting team worked with a select group of over 30 key stakeholders as an Advisory Council to review preliminary plan solutions and recommendations for further action.  TAI provided specific analysis and recommended improvements to neighborhood systems, new infill and mixed land uses for target redevelopment areas, including recommendations for new industrial and commercial growth areas to capitalize on Joliet’s access to two interstate highways and rail facilities. 

Other quality of life improvements recommended by TAI include enhancing underutilized parks, creating new parks, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and creation of gateway elements to serve as transition points between neighborhoods and to provide individual identity.