Maria I. Fernandez

A public hearing will be held on the proposed 2026 Appropriation Ordinance (Budget) for the City of Berwyn, Illinois. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this Public Hearing.

This document outlines the City of Berwyn's comprehensive commitments and services aimed at fostering a thriving and equitable community. Key strategic areas include promoting economic development and affordable housing, marketing Berwyn as a prime business and leisure destination, ensuring education equity, delivering efficient public services, advancing public health and safety, providing dedicated senior services, and modernizing public infrastructure to enhance livability and connectivity.

The meeting addressed the issue of ICE detainers and whether Cook County would continue to hold individuals based on ICE requests. Concerns were raised about the legal basis for these detainers, with references to a U.S. District Court judge in Indiana who viewed ICE requests as voluntary rather than mandatory. The discussion emphasized upholding constitutional law and the rule of law, with speakers advocating for an end to what they described as unlawful detentions. The potential cost savings of ending unfunded mandates were also highlighted.

The City Council is considering a resolution in support of the DREAM Act. The resolution calls upon the US Department of Homeland Security to halt the removal of Roberto Padilla and other young immigrant leaders and students who would be eligible to gain legal status under the DREAM Act or other comprehensive immigration reform proposals. The resolution also states that copies of the resolution should be presented to President Barack Obama, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, US Senators Richard Durban and Roland Burrus, and the US Congress.

The School Travel Plan for North Berwyn School District 98 focuses on enabling and encouraging students to safely walk and bike to and from school. The plan addresses social and physical barriers to walking and bicycling to school, and provides recommendations to make walking and bicycling a safe, healthy, and convenient choice. The recommendations are organized by the Five E's of SRTS: education, encouragement, enforcement, engineering, and evaluation.