Economic Development

Discover why Crystal Lake is not only a "good place to live" but also a great place to do business. Flourishing retail corridors, successful business parks, and an amazing downtown filled with unique things to do, see and taste are just a few reasons why the Crystal Lake business community is the place to be.

The City has contributed to the creation of a successful business climate that supports new business development and investment. In addition to maintaining low taxes and fees, City services are delivered efficiently and effectively in order to provide the highest level of service to our corporate citizens.  

Over the past 2 years,  1,000,000 square feet of vacant space has been occupied by new businesses in Crystal Lake, which has resulted in the creation of over 1,000 new jobs in Crystal Lake.

Our services
The City's primary economic development objectives focus on business attraction and retention, promotion, and business relations. With the support and guidance of the City Council and the Economic Development Committee, the City has an aggressive strategy for economic development. 

Site Selection.  The Planning & Economic Development Department maintains an inventory of available buildings and land to connect businesses with opportunities in Crystal Lake.  Our site selection website contains property-specific details, photos, and contact information, as well as franchise opportunties.  The City's website also provides demographics, business development resources, and information regarding development incentives that are available.  For retail leasing and development opportunities, visit www.crystallakeretail.com.

Attraction. The Planning & Economic Development Department attends and participates in commercial, industrial, and real estate trade shows, including those hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers. These events, along with the City's aggressive attraction efforts provide networking opportunities for the City to connect with shopping center developers, commercial realtors, tenant representatives, and businesses looking for opportunities in Crystal Lake.

Incentives.  The City of Crystal Lake recognizes the importance of supporting the development and enhancement of the business community and has developed a comprehensive incentives program.

Business Retention. The City believes that our strongest attribute is our existing business community. Our business retention program provides City elected and appointed representatives connect with our existing business owners in an effort to build a long-lasting relationship with the City of Crystal Lake.

I Shop Crystal Lake.  The City hosts a “shop local” marketing program called I Shop Crystal Lake  that is geared towards promoting the available shopping and dining opportunities in Crystal Lake as well as providing business support services through cooperative marketing and advertising.  I Shop Crystal Lake now offers a shopper rewards program to provide consumers with tangible benefits for shopping at Crystal Lake retailers, restaurants, and service providers.  Check it out at www.ishopcl.com.