Building a Better Community: North Chicago's Municipal Departments
Office of the Mayor| 847.596.8610
The Office of the Mayor serves as the chief executive of North Chicago. The Mayor and Chief of Staff are responsible for overseeing all municipal departments, manage the city budget, and implement local ordinances. They lead operational initiatives to grow revenue, reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance the image of the city.
Comptroller | 847.596.8620
The Comptroller's Office is responsible for the entire accounting and financial reporting for the City of North Chicago. The Comptroller, focuses on accurate financial statements, budgeting, auditing, forecasting, and ensuring compliance with regulations, with a strong emphasis on fiscal control, particularly in government and non-profits, to guide strategic decisions and manage public funds responsibly.
Economic & Community Development | 847.596.8650
The Economic and Community Development Department handles building permits, code enforcement, inspections, planning and land use matters. Key functions of municipal economic development also include business attraction and retention, financial incentives to spur community development, strategic planning and zoning, building permits, and neighborhood and downtown revitalization.
Police | Emergency - 911
The North Chicago Police Department is responsible for maintaining peace, enforcing laws, patrolling neighborhoods, and protecting life and property within the City. They also respond to 911 calls and investigate crimes in partnership with citizens and stakeholders.
Fire | Non-emergency - 847.596.8780 | Emergency - 911
The North Chicago Fire Department provides 24/7 public safety services to the City, primarily focusing on fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue operations. They mitigate hazardous materials incidents, perform technical rescues, conduct fire inspections/code enforcement, and offer public education to prevent emergencies. The department is a full-time career fire department that serves a population of approximately 32,574 residents in an area of 8 square miles.
Public Works | 847.596.8870
North Chicago’s Public Works Department manages, builds, and maintains the City’s core physical infrastructure and essential services. Key responsibilities include maintaining roads, sidewalks, and traffic signals, managing water/sewer systems, providing sanitation/recycling, and removing snow. They ensure safe, functional community infrastructure. Departments are structured into divisions including Streets, Water/Utilities, Wastewater, Fleet Maintenance, and Engineering. They work closely with other municipal departments, including Building and Economic Development.
Human Resources | 847.596.8642
The City of North Chicago’s Human Resources Department provides a wide range of services to staff members in all City departments. Services include but are not limited to: recruitment, benefits administration, compensation, labor relations, organizational development, safety, and training. HR manages the entire lifecycle of local government employees, from recruitment to retirement, while ensuring compliance with employment laws.
Information Technology | 847.596.8630
The Information Technology Department manages, secures, and maintains North Chicago's technology infrastructure, including networks, hardware, software, and data systems, to facilitate efficient public services. Key duties include protecting public data via cybersecurity, managing GIS mapping, supporting police/fire communications, and providing technical support to city employees.