FEATURED NEWS

City of Wheaton Shares Results of Community Satisfaction Survey

Recently, the Wheaton City Council received the results of the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey. The City enlisted ETC Institute to conduct an anonymous survey in May and June soliciting feedback from a random sample of Wheaton households to better understand how residents think the City is doing and guide future decisions.

Residents reported high satisfaction rates with City services and significant gains since the City’s previous survey. This was especially true in areas the City prioritized in its Strategic Plan, such as stormwater management, police community engagement and condition of the City’s streets and sidewalks. 

To provide context for the City’s satisfaction scores, ETC Institute compared Wheaton’s results against its previous survey (completed by ETC Institute in 2014) and against other cities nationwide. 

Survey Highlights:

• Satisfaction levels among Wheaton residents exceeded the U.S. average in all 46 areas assessed. Residents rated the quality of services provided by the City at 95.3%, compared to the national average of 49.0%.
• Compared with the City’s 2014 survey, residents reported higher satisfaction rates in 45 of 53 service areas assessed. 
• Satisfaction levels increased more than 20% from 2014 to 2025 in many areas identified in the City’s Strategic Plan, including: 
  • Effectiveness of the City’s stormwater runoff/management system (+27.3%)
  • Maintenance of City streets and sidewalks (+27.0%)
  • Police community engagement and safety programs (+21.2%)
  • Efforts to use social media/technology to inform (+34.4%)

The full survey report is available at www.wheaton.il.us/2025CommunitySurvey.

Save the Date for the Wheaton Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 20

The City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission invites the community to attend the Wheaton Block Party, a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. This citywide block party in the park is designed to foster connections among residents, businesses, public services and organizations, while celebrating Wheaton’s past, present and future.

Activities Include:

• Community mural: Add your block to the Wheaton Block Party community mural
• The Matt and Jenn Band ('80s music)
• Acoustic sounds of Michael C. Hayes
• Free face painting and balloon art for children
• Wheaton police officer and squad car
• Carnival games and a big slide for kids of all ages
• Train ride for children
• Button-making by the Wheaton Public Library
• City Council members to meet and greet
• Cake walks, sponsored by Nothing Bundt Cakes 
• Wheaton history talks

Food will be available for purchase from 302 Wheaton, Javi’s Burritos, Kimmer’s Ice Cream, pizza from Dough, The Little Popcorn Store, and Chick-fil-A, with water sales benefiting the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

Event sponsors include First Trust Portfolios LP, T2 Investments, and Amplify ETFs. For more information, visit www.wheaton.il.us/WheatonBlockParty.

Senior Assistance Program Accepting Applications Until Sept. 19

The City of Wheaton is now accepting applications for the Senior Assistance Program, an annual program administered through the City’s Commission on Aging that provides monthly financial assistance to qualifying seniors. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Wheaton residents must meet the following four requirements to qualify for the 2026 Wheaton Senior Assistance Program (assistance running Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026):

• Age: Must be at least 65 years or older.
• Residency: Must be a current incorporated Wheaton resident for at least the last consecutive 3 years.
  • Must reside in the residence for 9+ months of the year.
• Income: Annual household income cannot exceed $33,950.
• In-person/In-Home interview: Agree to an in-person interview at the residence.

If you are receiving Section 8 or DuPage Housing Authority assistance, you are NOT eligible to apply for this program. If you meet these four qualifications and would like to apply for Wheaton Senior Assistance, please complete the Wheaton Senior Assistance Application and submit it with the required supporting documents to:

City of Wheaton, ATTN: Michelle Mayer, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL 60187

For more information about this program, please contact the City of Wheaton at 630-260-2019 or email mmayer@wheaton.il.us. 

Library West Plaza Closed for Renovation; Use East Entrance

The West Plaza at the Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St., is currently closed for construction and will remain closed through late fall 2025. During this time, entrances on the west side of the library will be unavailable. To access the library and café, please use the main entrance on the building’s east side.

The Wheaton Public Library Plaza Rehabilitation Project will repair and restore the Library’s West Plaza to accommodate a greater number of outdoor events, providing additional opportunities for residents to engage with and enjoy library services. When not in use for events, this space will function as an extension of the library’s existing café and serve as an outdoor reading and social area for visitors.

For more information, visit the Wheaton Public Library’s website.

Gary Avenue Project Update: Bridge Extension Work Underway

Crews with the Gary Avenue Improvement Project have reached an important milestone: steel supports have been installed, which form part of the foundation for a wider roadway over the creek near Gary & Prairie Avenue, allowing for a left turn lane at this intersection. 

Please note: Pedestrians and bicyclists are strictly prohibited from the work site. This is an active construction zone with large, heavy machinery and vehicles. For your own safety, only authorized personnel associated with this project may be in the construction zone, which extends from Jewell Road to Harrison Avenue. Pedestrians and bicyclists must use an alternate route. Thank you for your cooperation.  

For project updates, please visit www.wheaton.il.us/GaryAvenue.

Join the Parks of South Wheaton History Bike Tour on Saturday, Sept. 20

Join the Wheaton Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission for a recreational bike ride and learn about the history of Wheaton Parks on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The ride will start and end at Atten Park, 1720 S. Wiesbrook Road, at the shelter near the playground. 

Bob Goldsborough, longtime Wheaton resident, amateur historian, and current writer for the Chicago Tribune, will lead a leisurely 8-10 mile bicycle tour of south Wheaton Parks, offering historical commentary at each site.

• Open to cyclists of all levels and ages
• Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• All riders must provide their own bicycle and wear a bike helmet 
• Participants must also sign a digital waiver prior to participation
• In case of inclement weather, participants with signed waivers will be notified of the ride cancellation by 1 p.m. on Sept. 20
• Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m.

Board/Commission Reappointment

The City Council approved the reappointment to the following commission:

• Historic Commission
  • Louise Ferrebee was reappointed for a three-year term

OTHER NEWS

Changes to Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Rates Effective Oct. 1

In 2024, the City approved a 5-year agreement with LRS to provide garbage, recycling, and yard waste removal services for Wheaton residents. The agreement allows residents to continue paying based on the amount of garbage, recycling or yard waste they generate, with adjusted rates for each year of the contract.

Prices will increase between $0.09 and $0.22 per pickup depending upon the type of service and cart size. Starting Oct. 1, 2025, the new prices per pickup for garbage, recycling, and yard waste will be as reflected under "Year 2" in the chart below.

Watering Restrictions End Sept. 15

Lawn watering restrictions will end Sept. 15. Until then, residents can water on odd- or even-numbered days corresponding with odd- or even-numbered addresses. Watering is prohibited between noon and 6 p.m., because evaporation is highest during the hottest times of the day, reducing water absorption by plants and soil. Residents can continue to help with water conservation efforts by avoiding watering during peak heat.

Employment Opportunities

The City of Wheaton has the following employment opportunities available: 

• Wheaton Police Officers - Lateral

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Calendar

• Wheaton French Market, Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Pavilion near Liberty Drive and Main Street
• September 11 Remembrance Ceremony, Thursday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m., Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave
• Electronic, Scrap Metal, Textile & More Recycling Event, Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-Noon, Public Works Storage Yard, 820 W. Liberty Drive
• Bloody Mary Fest, Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Downtown Wheaton
• Wheaton Block Party, Saturday, Sept. 20, Noon-3 p.m., Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. 
• Parks of South Wheaton History Bike Tour, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2-4:30 p.m., Atten Park, 1720 S. Wiesbrook Road (starts and ends at the Atten Park shelter near the playground)
• Parks of South Wheaton History Bike Tour, Saturday
• Wheaton Fire Department Open House, Saturday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-Noon, Fire Station 38, 1 Fapp Circle
• HOPtober Fest, Saturday, Sept. 27, 1-5 p.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, unless otherwise noted.*

• Concert: Kaleidoscope Eyes, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6-7:30 p.m., In-person, *Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave.
  • *This concert will take place at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., due to construction of the library’s West Plaza.
• Comedy Gold on the Silver Screen, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7-8:30 p.m., In-Person
• McCartney Post-Beatles, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7-8 p.m., In-Person
• Concert: Maureen Christine Sings 50s & 60s, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2-3 p.m., In-Person
• Living History: Cleopatra, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7-8 p.m., In-Person & Virtual

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

• City Council Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m.
• Coffee with Council, Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.
• City Council Planning Session, Monday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Monday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.
• City Council Planning Session, Monday, Sept. 22, 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.