Will County officials announced on Apr. 17 the launch of the “Guide Will” planning initiative, inviting residents to participate in shaping updates to the county’s Land Resource Management Plan. The initiative will gather public feedback through an online survey, interactive map tools, and a series of open house meetings.
The update is significant as it marks the first comprehensive revision of the plan since 2002, providing a framework for decisions about land use and development in unincorporated areas. The process aims to balance growth with preservation priorities while involving residents from across Will County.
“Public engagement from residents throughout Will County is key to developing a plan that balances growth, development, and preservation priorities,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. She added that with rapid changes occurring in local communities, this plan will serve as a critical blueprint for guiding future decisions. Six main topics are being addressed: housing and development; economy and employment; agriculture and rural character; open space and environment; transportation and infrastructure; and regional coordination.
Open houses will be held at various locations including Monee Township Hall, Plainfield Township Hall, Wilmington City Hall, and Nowell Park in Joliet. These events are designed to allow community members—including children—to engage interactively without formal presentations or registration requirements. “Ensuring that this plan reflects the communities we serve is a priority,” said Will County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne. He encouraged all residents to attend or participate online.
Residents can also provide input through an online visioning survey—which closes June 4—and an interactive comment map available throughout the update process at guidewill.co. Additional open houses are planned for Fall 2026 to share recommendations based on community feedback.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, education remains central in Will County’s future planning efforts: In the 2022-23 school year there was an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1 across county schools with more than 102,000 students enrolled alongside over 7,100 full-time faculty members. Teacher absenteeism was recorded at nearly 39 percent—above the state average—with diverse enrollment figures including Lockport Township High School East having the highest number of white students (2,626), Bolingbrook High School leading in multiracial student enrollment (154), Joliet Central High School enrolling most Hispanic students (2,358), and Crete-Monee High School recording highest Black student enrollment (931).
Officials say continued participation will help ensure future land use policies align with educational needs as well as broader community priorities.
