WINNEBAGO, IL — The Village of Winnebago is preparing a new Comprehensive Plan and updating its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The Village Board of Trustees approved a Professional Services Agreement with Place Foundry PLLC, in partnership with Fehr Graham and Sosnowski Szeto LLP, on June 3, 2026. The project is one of the key implementation priorities identified in the Village’s Strategic Plan.
The project will establish a long-term framework for future growth, infrastructure investment, economic development, annexation planning, downtown revitalization, corridor planning, housing strategy, and land use regulation throughout the Village. The consultant team combines planning, engineering, infrastructure, ordinance drafting, and municipal legal expertise into a coordinated approach to produce a modern, implementable planning framework for the community.
The project includes a comprehensive review of the Village’s existing 2007 Comprehensive Plan and 2019 Unified Development Ordinance, along with updated recommendations related to development policy, transportation and infrastructure planning, commercial corridors, downtown redevelopment, annexation strategy, and future growth areas. The process also includes public engagement opportunities, stakeholder outreach, and draft reviews before final adoption by the Village Board.
The Village Board-approved agreement sets a project cost not to exceed $130,000, with work progressing in phases over the project timeline.
Work on the project is now underway, with the project team gathering information on existing conditions throughout the Village and collecting input from residents, business owners, and other community stakeholders.
“There have been many changes in and around the Village of Winnebago since our current Comprehensive Plan of 2007 was implemented and used as a basis for our development,” said Village President Franklin J. Eubank, Jr. “The Comprehensive Plan is strategic in guiding our Zoning Board and other governmental entities as to the future development in and around Winnebago to make sure our growth follows a well-thought-out process. I am very excited to have the input of our residents, business owners, and other key stakeholders in shaping our new Comprehensive Plan, along with modifications to the Village’s more recent Unified Development Ordinance.”
Eubank added, “I look forward to the Place Foundry-led team of Place Foundry, Fehr Graham, and Sosnowski Szeto LLP providing their guidance and expertise in coordinating all aspects of the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance.”
Residents can follow the project at bago2050.com. The project website lets visitors track progress, learn about upcoming community engagement activities, and review plan documents as they become available. You can sign up to receive project updates.
An online survey is now available on the project website, and residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to share their ideas for Winnebago’s future. The survey asks what you currently love about Winnebago, what you want to see, and what issues are ongoing. Village Hall will also have copies of the survey.
