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A Study Session on Oak Park Special Events Process
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Introduction
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This study session provides an overview of the Village's special events process, key challenges, and findings to support Board discussion and direction on potential program/ process updates.
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Recommended Action
This is a discussion item. No formal action is requested. Staff seek feedback from the Village Board on potential updates to the Village's special events process. Staff propose many special events changes for consideration by the Board to address event holder feedback and improve operations. These changes would increase the number of events that go through the special event process, improve the platform and process for applying, and change how we financially support special events.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
* RES 26-148: A Resolution Approving and Adopting the 2026 Special Events Fee Schedule
* RES 25-148: A Resolution Approving and Adopting the 2025 Special Event Fees
* RES 24-138: A Resolution Approving and Adopting the 2024 Special Event Fees
* RES 23-65: A Resolution Approving and Adopting the 2023 Special Event Fees
* ORD 22-71: First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 30 ("Special Events"), Article 1 ("General Regulations"), Section 30-1-3 ("Policies and Procedures") of the Oak Park Village Code to Provide a Discount for Certain Special Event Fees
* RES 22-59: A Resolution Approving and Adopting the 2022 Special Event Fees
Background
The Village of Oak Park administers a high volume of special events annually, requiring coordination across multiple departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Public Health, and Neighborhood Services. As events have increased in size, frequency, and complexity, staff initiated a comprehensive review of the Village's special events process to evaluate operational efficiency, cost recovery practices, and overall program sustainability.
This...
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