City of North Chicago

What City of North Chicago does

The City of North Chicago is a municipal government entity in Lake County, Illinois, founded in 1909, serving more than 30,000 residents across 7 wards on the shores of Lake Michigan. It provides the full stack of municipal services — public safety (police, fire), public works (water treatment, stormwater management, streets and utilities), economic and community development, permitting, planning/zoning, and community programs — operating from City Hall at 1850 Lewis Avenue with a workforce of 51-100 employees. The City is governed by Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. and an elected City Council, and is not a privately-held business entity in the conventional sense.

Its technology backbone centers on a recently redesigned official website built on the Revize government CMS platform, offering translation in nearly 100 languages, E-Notify SMS/email alerts, interactive ArcGIS-based mapping (zoning, TIF districts, enterprise zones, flood/wetlands), BSA Online bill payment, FrontlinePSS service-request workflows, RedFlex automated red-light enforcement at three intersections, and a new free public Wi-Fi network in the downtown corridor. The City does not monetize services in a market sense; instead it funds operations through a diversified municipal revenue mix of property taxes, sales and motor fuel taxes, water/sewer utility fees, business licenses and permits, and substantial external grant funding (Illinois DCEO, federal HUD/ARPA, Rebuild Illinois).

The City is positioned within a significant regional economic ecosystem — AbbVie's global biopharmaceutical headquarters, Naval Station Great Lakes (1,600 acres, 1,153 buildings, the U.S. Navy's only boot camp), and Rosalind Franklin University (97 acres, 2,000+ students). Under Mayor Rockingham it has executed a coordinated growth program: a $55.7M infrastructure pipeline (Argonne Drive reconstruction, Lewis Avenue Detention Basin, lead service line replacement), a $10M Compass Travel Center redevelopment approved Feb 2026, the 40-acre Sheridan Crossing brownfield remediation (Sep 2025 groundbreaking, $4M HUD grant), a citywide rebranding ('HISTORY. HARMONY. HOME.' with Telly Award-winning documentary, Jan 2026), a new website (Feb 2026), and an in-progress Unified Development Ordinance and Appearance Code.

Name

City of North Chicago

Legal name

City of North Chicago

Website

https://northchicago.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1909

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The City of North Chicago is a municipal government in Lake County, Illinois, serving more than 30,000 residents across 7 wards with public safety, water and public works, permitting, economic development, and community programs, funded primarily by property and sales taxes, utility fees, and state and federal grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction (23731), Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (237)

SIC

Water Supply (4941)

akta.pro primary industry

Mayor/City Manager & General Administration (BPAIACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF), Public Works Departments (Streets, Bridges, Stormwater, Fleet, Maintenance) (BPAIALAD), Planning, Zoning, Permitting & Code Enforcement (BPAIACAE), Urban & Regional Planning (Land Use, Zoning, Master Planning) (BPAIANAD), Municipal Tax & Revenue Administration (Local) (BPAIACAD)

Keywords

• Municipal government services
• Public safety services
• Water and sewer utilities
• Community development programs
• Economic development services

Headquarters

HQ city

North Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Property Taxes: Municipal revenue from property taxes levied on residential and commercial properties within the city limits
2. Sales and Motor Fuel Taxes: Revenue from retail sales within the city and motor fuel taxes, with Compass Travel Center expected to generate $20 million in annual gas sales potentially yielding $400,000 in taxes
3. Utility and Service Fees: Water billing, sewer services, and various municipal service fees including red light camera violations ($100 fine)
4. Grant Funding: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grants, federal funding including ARPA funds, and Rebuild Illinois funding for infrastructure projects
5. Business Licenses and Permits: Revenue from business tax payments, building permits, and various business licenses

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The City of North Chicago is a municipal government entity that delivers public administration, public safety (police and fire), public works (water, sewer, stormwater, streets), economic and community development, planning and zoning, building permits and inspections, business licensing, and water utility services to over 30,000 residents across seven wards. It also operates the city's official digital portal with online bill payment, interactive maps, and citizen notification tools.

Product overview

The City of North Chicago's digital presence is anchored by its official website, a comprehensive citizen services portal built on the Revize government platform. The core offering consists of the city website combined with integrated services including online bill payment (BSA Online), e-notifications for alerts, interactive mapping (ArcGIS), service request submission, and utility management. The city provides a full suite of municipal services including public works (water, stormwater, streets), police and fire departments, economic development, community programs, and planning/zoning. Specialized programs include lead water service line replacement, red light camera enforcement, and the 211 Lake County referral service. Recent major initiatives include the 2026 website redesign and city rebranding with a new logo and slogan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Water and Sewer Utility Services Municipal drinking water and sewer services provided through the City of North Chicago Water Plant at 35 Lakeview Drive, serving residents and businesses with billing handled via BSA Online payment portal.
• Lead Water Service Line Replacement Program Illinois EPA-mandated program providing free replacement of lead water service lines for approximately 175 eligible homeowners in the southern portion of the city (east of Green Bay Road, south of Argonne Road, north of Broadway Avenue) with pre-installation inspections and new copper line installation at no cost to homeowners.
• Building Permits and Inspections Building/permits services administered by the Economic & Community Development Department, providing building permits, plan reviews, and inspection services for residential and commercial development within city limits.
• Business Licenses and Tax Payments Business licensing, business tax payment processing (via LOCALGOV portal), and regulatory compliance services administered by the Economic & Community Development Department for businesses operating within city limits.
• Red Light Camera Enforcement Program Automated traffic enforcement program using RedFlex cameras at three intersections (Green Bay Road & 14th Street, Green Bay Road & Buckley Road, Waukegan Road & Buckley Road) with $100 violation fine, online PhotoNotice portal for viewing violations, and payment processing.
• Economic and Community Development Services Economic development programs including business development support, redevelopment projects, TIF district management, Appearance Code enforcement, grant facilitation, and attraction of new businesses to the city.
• 211 Lake County Community Referral Service Partnership with United Way of Lake County providing 24/7 helpline (dial 211, text zip code to 898211, or web) connecting residents to essential services including food, housing, utility assistance, mental health support, and community resources; over 400,000 connections made since 2019 launch.
• Community Days Festival and City Events Annual Community Days festival (celebrating 20th anniversary in 2026) and other city events including Food Truck Festival, Car Show, and ward meetings with the Mayor, co-hosted with Foss Park District.
• Online Bill Payment Services Digital payment platform via BSA Online (and LOCALGOV for business taxes) for paying utility bills, water bills, parking tickets, and other municipal fees 24/7 with credit card payment options.
• Water Quality Reporting Annual drinking water quality reports and PFAS testing results published by the Water Department to inform residents about water safety and quality metrics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduation rates improved from 70% to 85.9% in three years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Lake CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Intergovernmental Agreement for free public Wi-Fi in downtown corridor using federal ARPA funds. Lake County constructs network; City of North Chicago will own and operate upon completion. Second municipal Wi-Fi partnership under Lake County's Digital Growth Initiative.
• Compass Holding/Compass Travel CentermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026$10 million travel center development on 7.7-acre site in Skokie Highway TIF District. Full-service facility with convenience store, restaurants, drivers lounge, and fueling stations. Scheduled to open by end of 2026.
• Lake CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 September 2025Long-term partnership on Sheridan Crossing Remediation Project - a 40-acre brownfield site transformation. Lake County secured $4 million HUD grant; City received Rebuild Illinois funding from Illinois DCEO. County is administrative lead on federal funds with intergovernmental agreement defining roles.
• AbbViecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019$40 million donation for Neal Math and Science Academy construction; ongoing partnership since 2013 with 100,000+ volunteer hours committed. AbbVie headquartered in North Chicago; $575 million manufacturing expansion announced. Public-private partnership with District 187 and IFF for school construction.
• IFF (Mission-driven lender, real estate consultant and developer)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2019Selected by AbbVie and North Chicago School District to facilitate Neal Math and Science Academy project. Prioritized hiring local minority, women and veteran tradesman and subcontractors. IFF integrated community voices and expertise to drive equitable community development.
• U.S. Environmental Protection AgencymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOversight of soil remediation at Sheridan Crossing site. Project approved for Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) from detailed EPA environmental review.
• Studio North Marketing AgencymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for city rebranding; developed new logo from input from 1,000+ residents. Produced Telly Award-winning documentary 'The New History of North Chicago' for city rebranding launch.
• Job Center of Lake CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated at 1 N. Genesee Street in Waukegan; provides free resources for job seekers including resume assistance, housing support, disability services. No appointment needed services.
• Lake County Community Foundation and Allies for Community BusinessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) offering $25,000 grants, 1:1 coaching, and cohort-based learning for 16 small businesses in Zion, Waukegan, and North Chicago.
• Kimley-Horn and AssociatesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsultant working with Economic Development team on Appearance Code project - developing design standards to guide future non-residential and mixed-use developments.
• Trotter and Associates, Inc.majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering firm managing Lewis Avenue Detention Basin project including Phase 2 stormwater infrastructure improvements. Provides planning, design and construction engineering services to municipal and governmental agencies.
• United Way of Lake CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeads 211 service - free, 24/7 helpline connecting residents to essential services. Made 400,000+ connections for housing, utilities, mental health, and food assistance since 2019 launch.
• North Chicago Community Unit School District 187coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic school district partnered with AbbVie on $40 million Neal Math and Science Academy. District encompasses 6 schools; graduation rates improved from 70% to 85.9%.
• Foss Park DistrictmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of annual Community Days festival celebrating 20th anniversary in 2026. Operates community center at 1730 Lewis Ave with library, art gallery, auditorium, and recreational facilities.
• Chicago BearsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlayers visited Naval Station Great Lakes for facility tour and community engagement with military personnel.
• RevizemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWebsite development partner for new redesigned official website. Leading provider of government website solutions with enhanced technical features including translation in 100 languages.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• City of Kenosha, Wisconsin: Cross-border Lake Michigan municipality of comparable scale (~100,000 residents) with active brownfield redevelopment along the lakefront and similar industrial-heritage economic-development profile. Comparable as a peer operating under a different state's fiscal regime.
• City of Waukegan: Adjacent Lake County municipality of similar size (~88,000 residents) that also anchors Lake Michigan industrial legacy, faces comparable infrastructure and economic-development challenges, and is co-located with Naval Station Great Lakes commuters. Most directly comparable peer for municipal operations, tax-base dynamics, and grant-funded infrastructure.
• City of Lake Forest: Another Lake County, IL municipality with overlapping jurisdictional boundaries to Naval Station Great Lakes; comparable in dealing with federal installations and lakefront infrastructure, though wealthier and smaller. Useful peer for benchmarking service delivery in the same county intergovernmental framework.
• City of Highland Park, Illinois: Lake Michigan lakefront Lake County municipality with similar public works, stormwater, and water-utility mandates; comparable governance structure but higher-income demographics. Useful peer for utility-rate and capital-funding benchmarking.
• Village of Mundelein: Lake County municipality with active economic development and TIF programs, similar population (~31,000) to North Chicago, providing a near-exact scale peer for service delivery and capital-investment benchmarking.
• Village of Skokie: Suburban Chicago municipality with active TIF program and similar mix of commercial-corridor redevelopment and water/sewer utility operations; comparable in its reliance on sales tax and economic-development tools.

Broad incumbents

• City of Evanston: Larger North Shore Illinois municipality (~78,000 residents) operating similar municipal service portfolio including public works, water utility, and TIF-based economic development. Comparable in service-delivery model but larger scale.

Direct peers

• City of Park City, Illinois: Adjacent Lake County small municipality sharing similar small-city economic development dynamics and intergovernmental relationships with Lake County; directly comparable peer for benchmarking municipal operations at similar scale.
• City of Zion: Neighboring small Lake County municipality (population ~24,000) participating in the same Small Business Growth Initiative as North Chicago. Directly comparable in scale, demographic profile, and small-city economic-development challenges.
• City of Harvey, Illinois: Small Chicago-south-suburb municipality facing similar fiscal-stress, infrastructure-investment, and brownfield-redevelopment challenges. Comparable as a peer studying municipal recovery and grant-funded turnaround strategies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NorthChi60064
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@northchicago60064
• Facebookfacebook.com/northchicagocityhall
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/city-of-north-chicago
• Instagraminstagram.com/explore/locations/235855838/north-chicago-illinois/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City of North Chicago