Lake Forest City Government Overview

The 2009-2010 Lake Forest City Directory contains important information about Lake Forest elected and appointed officials, City staff and facilities, and other governmental agencies. It is updated annually and can be downloaded for easy reference.

The City Council is the legislative and policy-making body and includes the Mayor and two Aldermen from each of the City's four wards. The Mayor is elected bi-annually for a two-year term and receives a token salary of $10 per year. Aldermen are elected to staggered two-year terms, with one Alderman elected from each Ward annually. Aldermen receive no compensation. The charter also provides for the elective offices of City Treasurer, City Marshal, City Collector and City Supervisor, all of whom serve one-year terms and receive token salaries of $10 per year.

The City of Lake Forest, comprised of approximately 252 full-time employees and an annual budget over $69 million, operates under the council-manager form of government with the day-to-day operations of the City in the hands of a full-time, professional City Manager who is appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.

LAKE FOREST CITY GOVERNMENT
MISSION STATEMENT

To achieve the goal of being the best-managed, fiscally responsible and appealing community in the United States by promoting a living and working environment built upon a community spirit of trust, respect and broad-based citizen involvement.

LAKE FOREST VISION STATEMENT

The City will preserve its character and quality of life and be responsive to the changing needs of the residents in a fiscally responsible manner.

The City will be an outstanding example of a well-managed, planned community which protects and enhances its rich heritage, architecturally significant buildings, residential neighborhoods, natural resources, open spaces and recreational areas. The City will continue in its efforts to be a community of cultural diversity, and maintain a variety of residential facilities, including single and multi-family housing. The City will foster well-planned business districts, encompassing a variety of retail shops and service establishments.

A strong commitment will be made to public health and safety, the maintenance of our infrastructure, and the conservation of our open spaces and natural resources. Community, educational and recreational services will be distinguished by a strong commitment to quality, efficiency and outstanding public facilities, supported by one of the North Shore’s more reasonable property tax rates.

The City will be known for its community responsiveness, commitment to public health and safety, sensitivity to quality of life and conservation, fiscal responsibility, and promotion of cooperation and respect among residents, businesses and government.