The Public Investigator

NEWS ALERT: After a years-long planning process, local consensus has been reached on the transformation of Illinois Route 120 into the beltway arterial of Lake County’s road system.

Why this news is important to you: The Route 120 project could be the largest public works project by the state in Lake County, with the potential to alleviate east-west gridlock and enhance economic development throughout the county.

Subscribers can read The Public Investigator’s news report for an overview of the project and how much the federal government is kicking back to begin the design phase.

NEWS ALERT: On the drawing board since the mid-1980s, a controversial development in Grayslake is finally ready for construction.

Why this news is important to you: As a planned unit development with a balance of residential, commercial and light industrial uses, Cornerstone represents a huge economic development opportunity that exerts minimal impact on public services and infrastructure and the environment.

Subscribers can read The Public Investigator’s news report to find out how Cornerstone is the result of a paradigm shift in how local government controls development.

NEWS ALERT: Lake County is seeking increased economic development bonding authority from federal stimulus funding.

Why this news is important to you: The more federal funding can pay for local public infrastructure projects, the less burden it exerts on local property taxpayers.

Subscribers can read The Public Investigator’s news report to find out how the county is applying to be designated as a recovery zone to receive federal stimulus funding.

NEWS ALERT: Pumping Lake Michigan water to the west will also export economic development from shoreline communities, says one County Board member. Find out if western County Board members have a rebuttal to that claim.

News alert: The Blagojevich soap opera in Springfield could shine a bright spot on an otherwise dreary economic picture this year for Illinois and Lake County.

One local economic development official said Rod Blagojevich’s job loss could result in a gain of a capital construction bill.  

News alert: The Blagojevich soap opera in Springfield could shine a bright spot on an otherwise dreary economic picture this year for Illinois and Lake County.

One local economic development official said Rod Blagojevich’s job loss could result in a gain of a capital construction bill.  

On behalf of residents in local communities with brownfield issues, the Lake County Board is defying the position of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in pressing for state legislative relief. Find out why the board felt justified in taking a stand against the General Assembly’s big boss on this issue.