[PAGE 1]
***PLEASE NOTE THE LOCATION***
Agenda for
Economic Development Commission
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
4:30 P.M.
***Location: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard***
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM December 17, 2025
IV. OLD BUSINESS
V. NEW BUSINESS
a. Economic Vitality Strategy focus area: Tourism and Visitor Attraction
b. Presentation from Gina Speckman, Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors
Bureau
c. Presentation from Lynn Cannon, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
d. Discussion
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT (3 minutes per person)
VII. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Village Staff
b. EDC Members
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Economic Development Commission is scheduled for Wednesday,
February 11, 2026 at 4:30 P.M. at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Individuals with questions or feedback about an agenda item may contact Rodney Tonelli with the
Economic Vitality Division by calling 847-933-8446 or by emailing publiccomments@skokie.org. All
emails and comments submitted will be made public and shared with this body.
The Village, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities
who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe or participate in this hearing, or who have
questions about the accessibility of the meeting facilities, contact the Village’s ADA coordinator Angel
Schnur at angel.schnur@skokie.org or 847.933.8400.
Document Number: 637582

[PAGE 2]
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 17, 2025
Location: The Storefront located at 4051 Main Street
EDC MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Rosen, Chair
Marc Battista, Lynn Nolan, Jeremy Gleason,
Nathan Norman, , Maegan Akers, Thomas
Dammrich
EDC MEMBERS ABSENT: Brian Levinson, Steve Franklin, Eugene Salganik
STAFF PRESENT: Rodney Tonelli, Economic Vitality Manager,
Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director,
Carol White, Economic Vitality Coordinator
OTHERS PRESENT: Trustee Iverson (Board Liaison), Madeleine
England (DSMC representative)
I. CALL TO ORDER
A quorum being present, Chair Rosen called the meeting to order at 4:48 PM.
II. ROLL CALL
Chair Rosen introduced new Commissioner Tom Dammrich. and invited all attendees to
introduce themselves and state their affiliations. Commissioner Dammrich discussed his
background and history in Skokie.
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Commissioner Nolan made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the November 12, 2025
meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gleason and passed by unanimous voice
vote.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Main Street Plan and Implementation
Economic Vitality Manager Rod Tonelli presented an update on the Village’s Main Street
project, which focuses on the corridor at Main Street and Crawford Avenue. He reviewed the
Main Street Study conducted and previously shared with area stakeholders. The project has
progressed into a streetscape initiative designed to enhance two targeted areas on both the north
and south sides of Main Street. The goal is to create welcoming community spaces in front of
Document Number: 637186

[PAGE 3]
two existing strip malls along the corridor. Tonelli outlined the purpose and function of The
Storefront at 4051 Main and discussed the evolution of the winter market on Main.
Johanna Nyden discussed the meet up on main event success in theses blocks, the walkability of
the neighborhood and the positive impacts the events and new retail spaces have had.
Discussion followed regarding how the Village plans to brand the project and increase public
awareness. Mr. Tonelli explained that outreach would occur through local and regional social
media channels, neighborhood engagement, and street signage in areas slated for construction.
Chair Rosen suggested exploring a brick philanthropy campaign to encourage community
investment and help fund the project.
Commission members asked whether mixed-use development options had been explored, with
an emphasis on placemaking and housing. Mr. Tonelli reviewed plans for the northeast corner of
Main Street and Crawford Avenue and shared that the site will be marketed for mixed-use
development. Chair Rosen and Trustee Iverson both commented on liking the neighborhood
branding and approach.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
VII. COMMUNICATIONS
Tonelli reminded Commission members that the January 21, 2026 meeting will be held at the
North Shore Performing Arts Center and will include presentations from the North Shore
Convention and Visitors Bureau and the NSPAC.
Maegan Akers reported that the LEGO Store recently opened at Old Orchard and has
experienced strong sales, noting that the store achieved in one day what previously took a week
at the Northbrook Mall location. She also shared that Abercrombie & Fitch has returned to Old
Orchard and that Sweetgreen has opened.
Madeleine England expressed concern about the businesses in Downtown Skokie, citing slowing
sales and the impact of the failed hotel development. She asked about the status of a video
gaming policy. Tonelli and Rosen outlined the history of that discussion. England also suggested
that the Village look at permitting hookah lounges and conduct a deeper review of Village
ordinances that may be impeding economic progress.
Chair Rosen commented on the desire for a downtown master plan and right-sizing Oakton.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Gleason and a second from Commissioner
Akers. The motion was unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Rod Tonelli, Economic Vitality Manager
Document Number: 637186