State of the city speech upbeat for 2011

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Mayor A. George Pradel donned his top hat Monday morning, an indicator of optimism, perhaps, for Naperville’s state of affairs. But the overall tone of Pradel’s state of the city address tempered that optimism a bit, while the battle back to prosperity continues.

“We’ve had some tough years,” said Pradel. “We still face continued challenges moving into 2011, but my trust is in the future of Naperville and the leadership of our city.”

Pradel’s address to a crowd of 400 Monday morning at Tellabs sought to drive home the message that Naperville is weathering the recession better than most, and that’s due in large part to reinvestment by city and business leadership.

“In 2011, we stand hand in hand at the start of a new road, one that focuses on a brighter future and continued recovery,” said Pradel. “Our city and businesses are innovative and cutting-edge because we know investment, even in tough times, brings long-term gain.”

Economic developments topped the list of Naperville’s achievements in 2010. Navistar’s move to bordering Lisle, the renovation and reflagging of the Holiday Inn Select to a Marriott, and relocation of Laser Technologies, Nicor’s call center and Delta Dental all got a nod.

“Recent events remind us that we have plenty of work ahead,” said Pradel. “As we move forward we will continue to be respectful of the recovering economic climate. We will work to meet our financial obligations in a way that stimulates economic growth and encourages the creation and retention of jobs.”

Pradel also lauded last year’s public works projects, including the improvements to the Springhill neighborhood and a handful of other projects completed under budget, among them Fire Station 10, intersection improvements at 75th and Washington streets, the DuPage River Trail extension, the Jefferson Avenue bridge and rehabilitation of the Riverwalk.

Looking ahead, the city’s biggest project for 2011 will be getting the smart grid running. Pradel called the $22 million infrastructure upgrade the city’s “most exciting project.”

“We are at the forefront of exciting new technology that will empower our utility customers with more choices about how to use electricity, what you pay for it, and how you can adapt it to fit your lifestyle,” Pradel said, adding that the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative would result in a 300 percent return to the city and a minimum cost savings of $34 million.

Going into 2011, the economic outlook is strong, according to City Manager Doug Krieger, who preceded the mayor’s address with a presentation on city economics.

“We get 1 percent of every purchase made within the city limits,” said Krieger. “While this may seem like just a sliver, you people buy a lot of stuff.”

Sales in the city are expected to top $2.6 billion this fiscal year, which will net Naperville $26 million in revenue. The city is seeing “significant improvement” in its sales tax receipts over last year, which Krieger called “a great sign that the economy is improving.”

Other signs include the city’s ability to maintain an “extremely competitive” income tax rate, and favorable jobless numbers. Unemployment in the city is at 6.4 percent, and, according to Krieger, is “trending nicely downward.”

In 2011, the city will be welcoming a few more businesses, large and small, that should keep that trend going. Pradel’s address welcomed the new Dick’s Sporting Goods store that will open on Naperville’s south side, Cooper’s Hawk Winery destined for the Freedom Commons development, and a new Walgreens at 75th Street and Wehrli Road, and highlighted North Central College’s sesquicentennial celebration.

“Our road to recovery will not be smooth. We will undoubtedly hit bumps and setbacks, but our core values will continue to sustain us through these trying times,” said Pradel. “We must remember that working together for the common good we can accomplish anything. We are all a part of a shared community with a vision of excellence.”