Government in action
A 2009 survey revealed that 97% of respondents rated St. Charles as a “good” or “excellent” place to live. This represents the highest rating received for this question since the inception of the survey in 1996
St. Charles is a community that is admired for the quality of service provided.
As evidenced by the results of the 2009 resident survey, the City of St. Charles continues to meet the expectations of the community; even with the tough financial times, the city has identified more efficient ways to deliver service.
The survey revealed that 97% of respondents rated St. Charles as a “good” or “excellent” place to live. This represents the highest rating received for this question since the inception of the survey in 1996.
In 2010, the city accomplished many noted successes, marking our progress in serving the community and establishing a successful future for our city.
Some examples include:
- Progress on the First Street redevelopment continues to amaze, including the opening of several new stores and restaurants, including Il Giardino del Dolce, JP Jewelers, Ginger Root Hair Salon, Boudoir Nail Spa, Jeans and Cute Top Shop, Brix Wine & Cheese, Pizzeria Neo, and McNally’s Irish Pub.
- Construction was completed on the new Fire Station #1 facility that provides firefighters with an upgraded station that meets today’s standards and will accommodate their current and future operational needs.
- Approval of an expansion to Wal-Mart’s store in the East Gateway area, including shared costs of a traffic signal at the Smith Road intersection – one of the City’s most accident-prone – that will improve safety and traffic flow.
- Implementation of two (2) local law enforcement initiatives (vehicle impound ordinance and prosecution of DUI) that will improve the efficiency of adjudication and make the processes more cost-effective.
- Completion of Phase 1 of the Bob Leonard River Walk located along the Fox River between Illinois and Indiana Streets.
- Updating of the inventory of affordable housing stock in St. Charles and establishment of the City’s first single-family housing rehabilitation loan program.
While these accomplishments are significant, it is essential that we continue to strive for improvement in order to fulfill the mission of preserving our heritage, fostering opportunity, building community, and enhancing the quality of life for all.
The city’s yearly Business Plan outlines new projects and initiatives that go above and beyond the maintenance of existing services and ensures that these new objectives bear relationship to city goals. As a result of this continual self-assessment, the city continues to seek ways to deliver customer-focused services.
This year, the city will complete a major upgrade to its online communications platform with its revamped city website, stcharlesil.gov. The new city website will feature improved navigation and search, mobile-friendly navigation, and content targeted to its resident, business, and leisure visitors. The city’s move to a content management platform will also make it easier for city staff to rapidly publish news and information updates.
The convenient St. Charles Community website (st-charles.il.us) provides links to the websites of government and service organizations, local businesses and non-profit groups with websites. The site features a community calendar and provides an opportunity for corporate advertising and a business directory. Is the website for your business linked to the city web directory?