Visitors and Community
Joliet Community
Joliet
is the site of a modern day renaissance. Once
an industrial city, the community has
reinvented itself as a tourist destination with
a robust and diversified economy. Joliet is the
county seat of Will County, Illinois, situated
southwest of Chicago on the leading edge of the
metropolitan area.
Rapid
growth combined with a revitalized City Center
has made Joliet a point of destination
within its own right. Joliet is experiencing unprecedented
growth and is now the fastest
growing city in the fastest growing county in
Illinois. Future projections place Joliet’s
population at 120,580 by 2020. Residents and visitors
alike take advantage of the city’s convenient
location, cultural and entertainment attractions,
upscale shopping and dining, and numerous other
amenities. New residents are attracted by a wide
range of housing opportunities. Joliet’s
impressive list of assets includes:
-
Great location — at the crossroads of I-55
and I-80 with the planned I-355 extension
less than 5 minutes from the City Center.
- Strong
local economy — 6,360 new jobs and 372
new businesses since 1985.
- Housing
growth — average annual housing starts
of over 1,200 units since 1994.
- Growing
tax base — resulted in a 66% decline in
the property tax rate (municipal
portion) since 1985.
- Responsive
local government — General Obligation debt
was economically defeased in
2000.
- Innovative
business community — local firms work with
the public sector to create an
attractive business climate.
- Solid
civic infrastructure — citizens collaborate
with both the public and private sector to provide
creative solutions for community needs.
All
of these trends underscore a city on the move
with a diverse economy, healthy financial
profile, strong cultural institutions, and an
eye on the future.
Source: CityofJoliet.info 9/23/2002