Village Launches Newsletter to Keep Lake Zurich Residents in the Loop

Lake Zurich’s new village board has stressed the importance of communication and making government transparent since the spring elections changed its makeup.

The June 26 flashfloods around the village crystalized how important communication and transparency are to residents.

At a recent meeting, flood victims thanked village staff for efforts to help on that day. But a recurring comment was the need for more communication from the village during the flooding and after.

Lake Zurich officials hope the village’s new Benchmarks electronic newsletter helps residents get the communication they want and need.

The village recently launched Benchmarks, replacing the traditional quarterly Newsline. Benchmarks will integrate social media, video, photos and occasional interactive polls to increase public participation, according to a village press release.

It will be delivered via email to residents who sign up on the village’s website.  

Benchmarks will provide information about agendas, special events, recreation programs, development and economic projects as well as provide meeting packets for all Village boards and committees.

Lake Zurich is also working on revamping its website and has put more emphasis on its Facebook page, which has generated more “Likes” and attention in recent months. Additionally, Village President Tom Poynton has a Facebook page where he regularly posts items and communicates with residents.