City staff gave a comprehensive presentation on business development at the November 18, 2024 City Council meeting. The presentation included an overview of the programs that the City has implemented to attract and retain businesses in Highland Park, including financial incentives, events and technical assistance. New programs have provided grants to restaurants and other businesses to come to Highland Park, and for existing businesses to expand and update their spaces.

City staff work closely with new and existing businesses to guide them through City processes. In addition, City staff have worked to increase efficiency and reduce the time required for necessary permits and approvals for businesses. Some processes have been combined, while other issues can be addressed quickly by staff rather than going through a Commission review process. This helps strike a balance, making sure that reviews are conducted as quickly as possible, while also ensuring that development is undertaken in a thoughtful way and in keeping with City standards.
 
This work has yielded results. New boutique shops and restaurants have opened recently, and these unique businesses make Highland Park an attractive destination. In 2024, 55 new businesses have opened in Highland Park. Current occupancy rates are high at: 93% for retail space, 88.9% for office space, and 99% for industrial/flex property. We are on the right track, as the data shows, and I am proud of the work that the Mayor and City Council have done to put in place policies and upgrade our infrastructure to help businesses rebound from the impacts of the pandemic.