Elk Grove Village was named the 2024 “Municipality of the Year” by Illinois Real Estate Journal, the Village announced on Tuesday, earning the award for a second time in the last three years. Home to the largest contiguous business park in North America, Elk Grove Village strives to be the most business-friendly community in the nation.

“Earning this recognition for a second time is a testament to Elk Grove Village’s dedication to our ‘Beyond Business Friendly’ customer service, working to support our business community through strategic investment, strong partnerships, and top-of-the-line services,” said Mayor Craig Johnson. “This type of recognition validates that we have built a strong foundation for economic growth and continue to be a leader in economic development and business support.”

A panel of judges from the real estate industry evaluated several finalists based on key economic development accomplishments, major development projects and financial support to real estate projects.

In its application, the Village highlighted:

• A record-breaking year in private sector development, reaching $390 million in investment in 2023;
• Approval of the 10-acre mixed use gateway development at Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road;
• The successful transition of Northwest Point from an office park to a center for technology and innovation;
• Approval of almost 5 million square feet of new data center facility space;
• Investment in the local workforce job pipeline with a $750,000 grant for the Elk Grove High School Culinary Manufacturing Education program; and
• Continued dedication to exceptional government services for both residents and businesses.

Over the past few years, Elk Grove Village has earned numerous accolades in recognition of its unparalleled services and accomplishments. The Village became the first community in Illinois to have earned accreditation for all of its operating departments, including:

• In April 2024, the Public Works Department earned full accreditation status from the American Public Works Association.
• In October 2023, the Building Division of the Community Development Department became the first in the State of Illinois to receive a Certificate of Accreditation by the International Accreditation Service.
• In 2024, the Fire Department achieved a prestigious Class 1 designation from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), and became one of just 118 agencies worldwide holding both an ISO Class 1 rating and Accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
• The Police Department has been continuously accredited since 1993 and recently earned its ninth re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Additionally, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Village Finance Department for its annual comprehensive financial report. This is the 40th consecutive year the Finance Department has received this prestigious award.

The Village was also named the #1 Industrial Park in the U.S. by Business Facilities Magazine in 2022 and 2023.