Title
Comprehensive Plan Update - Project Kickoff
History
The Village of Orland Park’s Comprehensive Plan serves as the official policy guide for land use, development, infrastructure investment, and community character. As outlined in the Village’s Land Development Code, the Comprehensive Plan establishes “objectives, standards and directions for future maintenance, growth and development of the Village.”
Orland Park has experienced steady transformation from its origins as a rural farming community to a mature suburban center of approximately 57,000 residents, with a strong retail base, extensive park system, and evolving mixed-use districts.
Recent initiatives, including redevelopment planning in the Downtown Orland Park, continued investment in parks and recreation facilities, expansion of residential development, and ongoing commercial reinvestment, underscore the need for an updated Comprehensive Plan that reflects current conditions and future priorities.
Purpose of the Update
The Comprehensive Plan update will establish a clear and implementable long-range vision to guide Orland Park through its next phase of growth and reinvestment. The plan will:
• Reinforce Orland Park’s identity as a premier southwest suburban community
• Guide redevelopment of key corridors and districts, including aging commercial areas
• Enhance mobility, connectivity, and multimodal transportation options
• Support continued investment in parks, recreation, and open space amenities
• Align land use policy with fiscal sustainability and economic development goals
This effort will be led internally by staff, leveraging existing institutional knowledge while engaging residents, stakeholders, and the Board throughout the process.
Local Planning Context
Key considerations shaping this update include:
• Maturing Suburban Development Pattern: Much of the Village is built out, requiring a shift from greenfield development to reinvestment and redevelopment.
• Retail and Commercial Evolution: Orland Park remains a regional retail destination, but changing consumer patterns necessitate diversification and mixed-use strategies.
• Parks and Recreation System: The Village maintains a robust and evolving park system, including recent investments such as the Schussler Park improvements and inclusive recreation initiatives.
• Community Identity and Historic Assets: Areas such as the Old Orland Historic District contribute to the Village’s character and placemaking opportunities.
• Transportation and Accessibility: As a largely auto-oriented community, there is increasing interest in improving walkability, bike connectivity, and access to regional transit.
Project Scope and Chapter Framework
The updated Comprehensive Plan will be organized into the following chapters:
1. Introduction and Vision
• Establishes the long-term vision for Orland Park
• Defines guiding principles aligned with community values
• Frames priorities such as quality of life, economic vitality, and reinvestment
2. Community Profile
• Demographic, economic, and housing analysis
• Evaluation of population trends and market conditions
• Identification of opportunities related to growth, aging population, and workforce dynamics
3. Land Use Design and Character
• Evaluation of existing land use patterns and redevelopment sites
• Future land use plan with emphasis on:
o Mixed-use districts
o Commercial corridor revitalization
o Preservation of established residential neighborhoods
• Design character and placemaking guidance
4. Economic Development
• Evaluation of Orland Park’s role as a regional retail and service hub
• Identification of strategies to diversify the local economy, including office, medical, and flex/innovation spaces
• Reinforcement of key commercial corridors and activity centers
• Support for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and reinvestment in aging commercial centers
• Attraction and retention of employers to strengthen the tax base
• Alignment of land use policy with economic development objectives
• Exploration of mixed-use and transit-supportive development opportunities to enhance long-term economic resilience
5. Mobility and Access
• Roadway network performance and congestion areas
• Pedestrian and bicycle connectivity improvements
• Transit access and first/last-mile solutions
• Safety and accessibility enhancements
6. Open Space, Parks, and Recreation
• Assessment of existing parks, trails, and facilities
• Identification of service gaps and future needs
• Integration of recreational amenities with community health and wellness goals
• Support for inclusive and multi-generational recreation
7. Community and Culture
• Strengthening community identity and civic spaces
• Support for events, arts, and cultural programming
• Preservation and integration of historic assets
• Enhancing gathering spaces and walkable destinations
8. Sustainability and Stewardship
• Stormwater management and natural resource protection
• Energy efficiency and sustainable development practices
• Long-term fiscal sustainability
Planning Process
The Comprehensive Plan update will include a structured process:
1. Existing Conditions Analysis
2. Community Engagement (public meetings, surveys, stakeholder outreach)
3. Visioning and Goal Setting
4. Draft Plan Preparation
5. Public Review and Plan Refinement
6. Plan Commission Review and Recommendation
7. Board of Trustees Adoption
Staff will provide regular updates to the Board at key milestones.
Timeline
The project is anticipated to be completed within 12 - 14months, with the following milestones:
• Project Kickoff: May, 2026
• Public Engagement: June/July, 2026
• Preliminary recommendations: Aug/Sep, 2026
• Draft Plan: Sep '26 - Jan, 2027
• Final Plan Adoption: April, 2027
Next Steps
Staff will:
• Initiate data collection and mapping
• Develop a public engagement strategy
• Identify key redevelopment and policy focus areas
• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board of Trustees receive and file this report and provide direction on:
• Key priorities or focus areas
• Geographic areas of concern or opportunity
• Desired level of public engagement
Recommended Action/Motion
Discussion only.