This month, we have updates on the November 3rd general election, Naperville’s 2027 municipal budget, downtown economic development, Illinois’ upcoming veto session, and federal policies affecting employers. Local: City Budget – Naperville continues its review of the proposed 2027 operating budget and capital improvement program. The proposed capital improvement program totals approximately $210.7 million, aContinue reading
Fall is here and election season is upon us. Early voting has begun. DuPage County information is HERE. Will County is HERE Here is a look at local races we are watching that will impact our advocacy efforts: Federal: US Senate: US Senator Dick Durbin has announced his retirement. Three candidates are running to replaceContinue reading
Important Tax Information Two Items: Local Happy Hour ban lifted – The Naperville City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, September 1st to lift the city’s ban on Happy Hour promotions. NACC testified in support of this ordinance. For our hospitality businesses, this ordinance is another tool to attract customers during non-peak hours. Restaurants continue to navigate changing work patterns, increased food delivery, rising costs and changing consumer habits.Continue reading
Important Tax Information During the spring legislative session in 2025, the Illinois General Assembly passed a tax increase to help fund mass transit. Effective August 1, 2026, the NITA (formerly the Regional Transportation Authority) occupation and use tax rate will increase by 0.25% in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. This tax applies to: NITA ratesContinue reading
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our great country, I believe it is important to reflect on the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. Benjamin Franklin said, “Democracy is the best form of government, as it allows for the power to be in the hands of the people”. James Madison remarked, “Democracy requires constant vigilance to ensure that power does not become concentrated in theContinue reading
Local Many thanks to everyone who attended the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 State of the City Address last month! Mayor Scott Wehrli highlighted the people, products, and stories that make our area such a great place to live, work, and play. For anyone who is interested in Government Affairs and in learning moreContinue reading
Local The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 State of the City Address at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 7th at the Embassy Suites Chicago-Naperville. Join us as Mayor Scott Wehrli highlights the city’s success to date as a vibrant community where excellent jobs create popular everyday products and transform innovative, future-oriented ideas into reality, as well as how so much moreContinue reading
Wednesday Elliot Richardson and I taught a ½ day seminar on Advocacy for approximately 15-20 Chamber leaders from throughout the state. The event was organized and sponsored by IACCE. Mike Murphy hosted the meeting at the offices of the Greater Springfield Chamber and provided a unique perspective as a former legislator. We were invited by theContinue reading
Through unanimous consent, governments at all levels have solved all issues with potential impacts on your business in a perfect and non-controversial way… APRIL FOOLS! As is more typical, we head into spring with significant challenges at all levels of government. On the bright side, April brings a fantastic opportunity to advocate for the business community in Illinois. On April 16, 2026, theContinue reading
Primary Election A quick reminder that the Primary Election is coming up on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Early voting has already begun, or you can vote in person on Election Day. Local Issues The Naperville City Council is expected to soon take up a discussion of proposed “stretch codes” at the urging of some ofContinue reading
