FEATURED NEWS

City to Host Budget Workshop Session

The City Council will discuss the proposed 2026 Year Municipal Budget during a Budget Workshop Session, which is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. This meeting will take place in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St. This meeting is open to the public and will be recorded. The draft budget will be available on the City's website before the workshop session.

Building a More Walkable Wheaton: City Adding 2 Miles of Sidewalks in 2025

The City of Wheaton is continuing its multi-year effort to make our community safer and more walkable through the New Sidewalk Program. This initiative aims to add sidewalks on at least one side of every neighborhood street in Wheaton, improving safety for pedestrians and creating stronger connections between neighborhoods, parks, schools, and local destinations.

This year, the City is adding approximately 2.06 miles of new sidewalks. Since the program was launched, the City has added more than 12 miles of sidewalk throughout Wheaton.

This program reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure that enhances quality of life and encourages active, sustainable transportation options.

Latest Gary Avenue Improvement Project Update

The City of Wheaton continues work on the Gary Avenue Improvement Project, aimed at improving traffic and pedestrian safety in this area.

With the bridge extension over the creek constructed, crews have been working to reconstruct the roadway between Prairie Avenue and the bridge. They are also completing the watermain replacement under the creek and installing drainage pipe under the road base. The project's electrical contractor has been working to install conduit for the new traffic signals. Paving is anticipated the week of Nov. 1. This project is anticipated to be completed before Thanksgiving. 

When completed, this area will have a new traffic signal and dedicated left-turn lane at Prairie Avenue, a paved multi-use path, and upgraded drainage and utility infrastructure. These improvements will make travel along Gary Avenue smoother, safer, and more convenient for the community.

To view all Gary Avenue Improvement Project updates, please visit www.wheaton.il.us/GaryAvenue.

Winter Weather Safety: At Home and Outdoors

November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois, recognized by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). This initiative encourages residents to prepare for the challenges of winter — from freezing temperatures to snowstorms.

Knowing what to do when extreme winter conditions hit is a key step in preparing and staying safe. IEMA recommends the following precautions during snowstorms:

When at Home:

• Stay indoors in a heated room; block drafts with blankets, towels, or rugs.
• Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters safely and ensure proper ventilation.
• If your heat is out, close off unused rooms and use towels under doors.
• For frozen pipes, shut off the main water, call a plumber, and never use an open flame to unfreeze pipes.

When Outdoors:

• If you become stranded outdoors, seek shelter to stay dry. Cover all exposed parts of the body.
• Watch for frostbite (numb, pale skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, exhaustion).
• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow.

By following these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones during Illinois’ harsh winter weather. Staying prepared and aware is the best defense against cold-related injuries and emergencies.

Get Involved: City of Wheaton Board & Commission Openings

Do you want to make a difference in the Wheaton community? Get involved by applying for an open position on one of the Boards or Commissions. Interested? Apply using the City's online Boards & Commissions Application Form. You can also find out more about the Boards & Commissions, and view current openings, by visiting the City's website.

OTHER NEWS

Employment Opportunities

The City of Wheaton has the following employment opportunities available: 

• Electrical Services Manager
• Emergency Management Coordinator 
• Wheaton Police Officers - Lateral

To apply, visit www.wheaton.il.us/Jobs.

A Vibrant Business Community in Wheaton

Wheaton continues to be a destination for businesses of all kinds – from longtime shops to exciting new ventures. Across the city, new and expanding businesses opened their doors this year, offering vibrant spaces for shopping, dining, and services. This growth reflects not only the strength of our business community but also the continued support residents and visitors show for local businesses.

In the Danada and Town Square shopping areas, Bear Paddle Swim School (261 Town Square), Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center (2023 S. Naperville Road), floral shop Bev’s Blooms (231 Town Square), barber shop Scissors & Scotch (21 Town Square), Jade Aesthetics (371 Town Square), WashU Car Wash (311 East Loop Road), and educational childcare center Kiddie Academy (21 Blanchard Circle) opened, adding even more services and shopping experiences. This area also welcomed the opening of major retailers Burlington (138 Danada Square West) and Uncharted (116 Danada Square West). The Picklr Wheaton opened at 191 Rice Lake Square, offering indoor pickleball courts for all ages.

Downtown Wheaton continues to evolve with new dining and retail options. From Adorn512 Jewelry (102 N. Hale St.), donut shop Violet Crumb (118 W. Liberty Drive), and florist 6th & Foster (571 W. Liberty Drive) to restaurants like Tequila Limón (230 W. Front St.), Positano Ristorante (120 E. Liberty Drive), and Burma O’Clock (226 W. Front St.), along with toy and collectibles store Bat’s Collectible Empire (217 S. Main St.), these new additions bring even more variety and vitality to the heart of Wheaton.

A reimagining of the former retail space at 111 E. Front St. has resulted in two new businesses: pizza restaurant Dough and entertainment venue The Backyard. Realty Executives Premier has relocated its office to downtown Wheaton, now situated on the second floor of 129 W. Wesley St. Additionally, Chicago-based furniture dealership Thomas Interiors (122 N. Main St.) will soon open its doors.

Wheaton also celebrated businesses expanding their footprint locally. The Kilns Coworking + Social House (115 W. Wesley St.) was opened by the owner of coffee house My Half of the Sky (121 W. Wesley St.). Additionally, Starbucks recently relocated into a larger, fully renovated space across the street at 101 W. Front St. The clothing store Meredith Jaye (311 Town Square) expanded its footprint, now incorporating the children’s boutique M and Em’s into its space. The owners of Sheridan’s Barber Shop (107 N. Main St.) have expanded to open Sheridan's Barber Academy (314 E. Geneva Road). Innovator Capital Management, LLC revitalized their three-story office building with a comprehensive renovation at 200 W. Front St. In the College Avenue corridor, Molos Taverna (1072 College Ave.) expanded by over 2,000 square feet. 

Adding to Wheaton’s family-friendly amenities, a new KinderCare (222 E. Roosevelt Road) will soon open, occupying the redeveloped site of the former PNC Bank property.

Earlier this year, Banner Real Estate Group broke ground on The Faywell (220 W. Liberty Drive), a 334-unit multifamily community located steps from the downtown Wheaton train station. The project highlights Wheaton’s ongoing growth and will further expand the variety of residential options available near our vibrant downtown. Egg Harbor Café is set to return to the development’s ground-floor retail space.

Wheaton is also fortunate to have businesses that have been part of our community for over a century, including The Little Popcorn Store (since 1921, 111 ¼ Front St.), Carlson Glass & Mirror Inc. (since 1915, 312 W. Front St.), Stones Jewelry (since 1911, 107 W. Front St.), and Wheaton Nurseries (since 1895, 626 E. Roosevelt Road).

Wherever you go in Wheaton, you’ll see the signs of a thriving business community: longtime favorites and new and expanding businesses bringing more opportunities to connect locally. To all our businesses, we thank you for your contributions and celebrate the role you play in making Wheaton a vibrant and welcoming community.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Calendar

• Wheaton French Market, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Pavilion near Liberty Drive and Main Street
• Electronic, Scrap Metal, Textile & More Recycling Event, Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-Noon, Public Works Storage Yard, 820 W. Liberty Drive
• Pumpkin Smash - Pumpkin Compost Event, Saturday. Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-Noon, Commuter Parking Lot 9, Carlton Avenue & Liberty Drive
• Veterans Day Ceremony, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 10:45 a.m., Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave.

Wheaton Public Library

Register for these events at www.wheatonlibrary.org/calendar. Note: In-person events take place at the Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St.

• Art History: Edward Hopper, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7-8:15 p.m., Virtual
• Friends Holiday Book & Art Sale, Thursday, Nov. 6-Sunday, Nov. 9, Various Times, In-Person
• Retro Food Fads, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7-8 p.m., In-Person & Virtual
• ACES: Driver Safety, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7-8 p.m., Virtual
• Concert: Fareed Haque, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2-3 p.m., In-Person

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

• Coffee with Council, Saturday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.
• City Council Meeting, Monday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m.
• City Council Budget Workshop, Monday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Monday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.
• City Council Planning Session, Monday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m.

City Council Meetings and Planning Sessions are held in the Council Chambers at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St. Coffee with Council takes place in the City Hall Gamon Room. Visit www.wheaton.il.us for a complete list of meetings and events.