Important COVID-19 Community Updates
We appreciate the chance to bring you up to speed on what we are learning from local and regional sources every weekday or as necessary.
 Please dial 9-1-1 in case of emergencies only and call 847.234.2601 for non-emergencies.

Check the City's website for additional information and continue to send any inquiries to cityhall@cityoflakeforest.com . During this time, residents should stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to leave the house, wear a face covering when out in public and maintain physical distance.

Many staff members are working remotely and will respond to you at the earliest opportunity.
Information from the Governor takes effect in Lake Forest on Friday, May 1
Yesterday, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that he will extend the Stay at Home Order until Saturday, May 30, with some modifications that will take effect on May 1.

The Order includes a requirement for anyone over the age of 2 to wear a face covering when in a public indoor space where a 6-foot distance from others can't be practiced.

For more information on proper face coverings or how to make your own, please visit the CDC website page.

Also included in the Executive Order was the re-opening of golf courses beginning May 1, and the staff at Deerpath Golf Course is thrilled! The State of Illinois is scheduled to release restrictions associated with the announcement, and once the restrictions are published, the necessary adjustments will be made on the Deerpath Golf Course website .
Local Business Grant Program Now Available
At its April 20 meeting, the City Council approved a Resolution adopting a 2020 Local Business Grant Program. You may view it here to check for eligibility and the process.

While the federal government has provided a number of stimulus programs to support economic sustainability, small businesses have been hit particularly hard by mandatory closures and safety measures. 

The City’s Local Business Grant Program is intended to demonstrate support for the Lake Forest business community. A particular emphasis is placed on the small businesses who may find the extended closures and restrictions pose an even greater challenge to recovery and sustainability. While it does not provide a significant source of funding to these businesses, it serves as a clear message that their presence in the community is valued and appreciated. 

It is important to remember that sales taxes generated by local businesses help to reduce the property tax burden and ensure that visitors to our City pay a share of the cost of services provided. 

The total cost of the proposed program will be funded from the operating budget surplus in the General Fund for the Fiscal Year ending on April 30, 2020. Grant payments will be based on sales generated by participating businesses for March 2020 through December 2020, encouraging these businesses to remain in our city. 

Please click here to access the Grant Program Application form.
The Chamber offers Business Building Webinars
The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce is offering a free series of webinars to help businesses "build the muscles" to take control, shift mindsets and create successful results.




Tuesday, April 28, 10 a.m.: "Your Leadership Mindset: You've Got to Be In It to Win It" presented by retired Navy SEAL Steve Drum. Register here .

Tuesday, May 5, 10 a.m.: "Strategic Pivots Move Your Business for Success/Opportunities"

Tuesday, May 12, 10 a.m.: "Connecting with Customers in a Socially-Distanced World"

Tuesday, May 19, 10 a.m.: "Planning Your Future Today"


Advance registration is required. For more information, visit the Chamber website .
Go Native! at the unstoppable Plant & Tree Sale
The Annual Plant and Tree Sale, cosponsored by The City of Lake Forest and Lake Forest Open Lands has shifted to a new reality! Native Perennial Garden Kits will be available for pickup on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Forest Open Lands, 350 North Waukegan Road. To place your orders and for more information, visit Open Lands website .
Take a Family Tap Dancing Class!
The Lake Forest Dance Academy is offering the community the opportunity to participate in a free Family Tap Class this Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 11 a.m. Please email Valerie Gonzalez to register and receive the instructions for joining the class. 
No experience or tap shoes necessary!
Temporary Sanitation Services Reminders
Update: Any additional refuse items and yard waste bags need to be placed at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your regular collection day.

Regular refuse in trash cans needs to be out by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.

Yard Waste

  • Yard Waste Bags – Curbside collection of 8 bags maximum per collection day, no stickers, twice per week.
  • Brush – Curbside collection 8, 4-foot tied bundle, maximum per collection day, no stickers, twice per week.

Additional Refuse Items
Collection of bulk items or non-typical household garbage will be collected at the curb twice per week. There will be no charge for these additional items placed at the curb. A maximum of 2 cubic yards will be collected (equal to one refuse scooter full or the pick-up bed of a pick-up truck). Not accepted: bricks, railroad ties, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or hazardous materials.

Any changes will be communicated via the City’s website, E-Newsletter and on Facebook. Thank you for your support! If you have questions, please contact Becky Pocasangre at 847.810.3543.
Don't Forget...It's Easy to Complete the Census


The Census paper questionnaire was mailed on April 8 to anyone who has not yet responded. Please complete the questionnaire and return it or respond online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844.330.2020. Thank you for helping Lake Forest and Illinois achieve a Complete Count!
Lake County Interactive Map
The Lake County Health Department released an interactive map which shares the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each municipality. According to the LCHD website, it is best viewed on a computer. You can view the map here .
Local Resources
State/Federal Resources
The City of Lake Forest, Illinois | Website