FEATURED NEWS

Applications Now Open for 2026 America 250 Shared Cost Parkway Tree Planting Program

Residents can now join the City in planting 250 parkway trees to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This year’s Shared Cost Parkway Tree Planting Program will be a part of the America 250 celebration, and each tree will come with a commemorative tree medallion that will be attached for the life of the tree. The City’s Forestry Division is now accepting applications for this program. 

This year’s program aims to plant 250 new trees in City parkways to encourage sustainable actions in our community. Property owners can select from 12 tree species and pay a shared cost of $120 per tree to have City crews plant a new tree in the parkway adjacent to their property. The City’s Forestry Division will plant the trees in the spring, weather permitting. 

To participate, submit an application to the City’s Forestry Division. More information is available in the application packet. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through March 15, 2026, or until the program maximum is reached.

Tips to Avoid Scams this Tax Season

Tax season is underway, and it’s an important time to stay alert for scams. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recommends the following safety precautions to help protect yourself from identity theft:

• Keep Your Computer and Mobile Phone Secure:
  • Use firewall and security software.
  • Create strong, unique passwords.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication.
  • Share personal information only on encrypted websites — look for “https” in the web address.
• Avoid Phishing Scams and Malware:
  • Watch for phishing emails designed to steal passwords and personal information.
  • Always verify the sender, especially if an email seems urgent or requests personal information through a link or attachment.
  • Do not download software or apps from pop-up ads.
• Protect Your Tax Return: 
  • Taxpayers can obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), a six-digit code that helps prevent identity thieves from filing a fraudulent tax return using your Social Security number. Learn more at irs.gov/ippin.

For more information and resources, visit the IRS website.

February is Earthquake Awareness Month

Illinois is susceptible to earthquakes due to its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone along the Missouri border and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone near Indiana. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) encourages Illinois residents to practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On!” in February, which is Earthquake Awareness Month.

If you are indoors, follow these steps:

• Drop down to the floor; 
• Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture; and 
• Hold on to that object until the shaking ends.

For additional safety information, visit ready.illinois.gov. 

OTHER NEWS

City Council Approves Increases to Home Rule Sales Tax and Natural Gas Tax Rates

At its Jan. 20 meeting, the Wheaton City Council adopted ordinances that will increase the Home Rule Sales Tax from 1% to 1.25% starting July 1, 2026, and update the municipal gas use tax rate from $0.03 to $0.05 per therm starting March 1, 2026. These increases will be used to help fund two major projects to improve Wheaton's public safety facilities: remodeling the Wheaton Police Station and replacing Fire Station 39 (located at 1590 S. President St.). A 2025 comprehensive study of the City's facilities highlighted significant concerns with both buildings, recommending remodeling the Police Station and replacing Fire Station 39 as the most cost-effective options for repairing and modernizing these buildings to meet the City's needs. 

The Home Rule Sales Tax applies to items sold in Wheaton, except for the sale of food at restaurants and prescription/non-prescription medicines. For the natural gas tax rate change, it is estimated to increase an average Wheaton household's Nicor natural gas bill by approximately $1.78 per month, or $21.36 annually. The City has not changed the natural gas tax rate in over 15 years, and this is the first increase in the Home Rule Sales Tax since 2009. For more information on these ordinances, see the Jan. 20 City Council meeting agenda and supporting materials. 

Illinois Adopts the 2024 Illinois Energy Conservation Code

The State of Illinois has updated the Illinois Energy Conservation Code. The code will now be based on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code with Illinois amendments. As of Jan. 1, 2026, all permits submitted to the City of Wheaton must comply with the provisions of the 2024 Illinois Energy Conservation Code.

For more information, visit illinois.gov. For questions, please contact the City of Wheaton Building Department during business hours at 630-260-2050.

Employment Opportunities

The City of Wheaton has the following employment opportunities available: 

• Accounting Manager
• Electrical Services Manager
• Maintenance Worker (Public Works - Streets Division - Night Shift Sweeper)
• Part-time Community Service Officer
• Wheaton Police Officers - Lateral

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

Highlighting Wheaton’s Boards & Commissions

Over 100 residents volunteer their time and talents to serve as members of Wheaton’s boards and commissions. Their participation and involvement not only enrich our community but also make Wheaton an even better place to live and work.

Whether guiding new development, reviewing licensing applications, bringing neighbors together through public events, or hosting band concerts in Memorial Park, our boards and commissions play an important role in shaping the community. Below is a small sampling of their efforts and accomplishments throughout 2025. 

The Band Commission helped support another successful season of the Wheaton Municipal Band, drawing thousands of attendees to Memorial Park throughout the summer. The Wheaton Municipal Band will kick off its 2026 summer season on Thursday, June 11, marking the Band’s 97th season.

The Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission led several community group rides, including a history ride touring sites of south Wheaton parks.

The Community Relations Commission hosted the Wheaton Block Party, a family-friendly event in Memorial Park with live entertainment, games, music, and food, bringing residents together from across the community. The Commission also oversaw the City’s 2025 Good Citizens Awards, recognizing outstanding students and adults for acts of selflessness, generosity, and service to Wheaton. 

The Environmental Improvement Commission hosted many community-wide events promoting environmental health and sustainability, including the monthly Electronic & More Recycling Events, the annual Recycling Extravaganza, the Native Plant Sale, and the Arbor Day Celebration at Whittier Elementary School. In 2026, the Commission will bring back these events, including the popular Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 25.

A major highlight of the Fine & Cultural Arts Commission was hosting Make Music Day; a worldwide celebration of music held on June 21. The Commission led Wheaton’s participation, inviting local musicians and residents of all ages and skill levels to perform in streets, parks, plazas, and venues across the community, creating a city-wide festival of sound open to all.

In May, the Historic Commission celebrated Preservation Month with a series of events and activities for residents, including the Walk of Historic Places—featuring an interactive map of more than 160 historic homes and buildings—a history lecture on the 150-year legacy of Trinity Episcopal Chapel, and home history research sessions at the Wheaton Public Library.

Behind the scenes, the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners, Firefighters Pension Fund Board, Police Pension Fund Board, and Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board provided oversight and stewardship supporting public safety services and hiring personnel. In 2025, the City welcomed five new firefighters and eight new police officers to our team of first responders. The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners also facilitated the promotional process for police sergeants and fire lieutenants, and, in 2025, the City promoted one police sergeant and four fire lieutenants.

The Planning & Zoning Board and Downtown Design Review Board reviewed development proposals and helped guide responsible growth, with the Zoning Board having reviewed 26 zoning applications.

The Library Board continued to guide library services and major projects while overseeing the library budget of approximately $5 million. In 2025, the Wheaton Public Library began the West Plaza Replacement Project, which will repair and restore the plaza to provide enhanced outdoor experiences, including performances, children’s programs, outdoor theater, and spaces for visitors to meet, collaborate, or work independently. The renovation will include a new canopy, an expanded bike rack with a repair station, and other improvements.

The Local Liquor & Tobacco Commissions carried out regulatory responsibilities that help ensure public health and safety. In 2025, 15 liquor licenses and amendments were reviewed along with seven violation hearings. Each year, the Local Liquor & Tobacco Commissions oversee 106 liquor and tobacco licenses.

I once again thank all of our hardworking board and commission members for their dedication and contributions to Wheaton.

Serving on a board or commission is an excellent way to get involved and to connect with others in our community. Those interested in serving on a board or commission can learn more and complete an application by visiting the City’s website.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Calendar

• Ice-A-Palooza, Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Central Athletic Complex, 500 S. Naperville Road
• Electronic & More Recycling Event, Saturday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-Noon, Public Works Storage Yard, 820 W. Liberty Drive
• Winter Wine & Cheese Walk, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2-5:30 p.m., Downtown Wheaton

Wheaton Public Library

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

• Film Screening: Alice's Ordinary People, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m., In-Person  
• Celebrating Lunar New Year, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7-8 p.m., Virtual
• Concert: Donna Herula Trio, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m., In-Person
• Seed Swap with Sustain DuPage, Saturday, Feb. 21, 1-3 p.m., In-Person
• Art History: Jan Vermeer, Thursday, Feb. 26, 7-8 p.m., Virtual 

  
  

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

• City Council Meeting, Monday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m.
• Coffee with Council, Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.
• City Council Planning Session, Monday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
• City Council Planning Session, Monday, Feb. 23, 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 wheaton.il.us for a complete list of meetings and events.