January 19, 2026 Update from the Mayor
📣 Your Voice Matters in Hickory Hills! 📣
The City of Hickory Hills is developing its first-ever Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)—a long-term plan to guide future infrastructure investments in our streets, sidewalks, water and sewer systems, and public rights-of-way.
Residents and business owners are invited to participate in the City of Hickory Hills Capital Improvement Survey and help decide which improvement project should be prioritized for funding. This survey builds upon input received during the Capital Priorities Survey published last fall.🕒 It only takes a few minutes, and your input truly makes a difference!
📱 Scan the QR code or access the project website (https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/hickory-hills-capital-improvement-plan?tool=survey_tool#tool_tab) to participate. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Polish, and Arabic.
Congratulations to Award Winning North Palos School District 117
In just the last three years, Glen Oaks (2025), Conrady (2024), and Oak Ridge (2023) have received the prestigious Blue Ribbon Schools award. Additionally, Chicago Magazine recently named District 117 schools as some of the “Best Public Schools in the Suburbs” in their September 2025 issue.
District 117 is truly a remarkable place. We are grateful to have dedicated students, expert staff, and a supportive community.
The State of Illinois uses a “Summative Designation” system to rank schools. It’s a comprehensive look at how schools are performing, weighted heavily on Student Growth (50%), Academic Achievement (25%), and School Quality & Success (25%).
Every single school in District 117 achieved one of the state’s top two designations:
- Exemplary Designation (Top 10% in Illinois): Four of our five schools earned this prestigious rating, meaning they are among the highest-performing in the state.
- Conrady Junior High School
- Glen Oaks Elementary School
- Oak Ridge Elementary School
- Dr. Kenneth M. Sorrick School
- Commendable Designation: Dorn Elementary School received this high honor, finishing less than a single point away from the “Exemplary” tier.
When compared to all other elementary districts in Illinois, District 117’s 2024-2025 data is nothing short of remarkable:
- ELA Proficiency: Top 2%
- Math Proficiency: Top 3%
- ELA Student Growth: Top 4%
- Math Student Growth: Top 3%
Keep up the amazing work!! We could not be prouder of these accomplishments!
Pathlights Offers No Cost Services for Our Seniors
The Director of Pathlights Senior Services recently spoke at our city council meeting. I wanted to share the information that was presented during the meeting for your reference.
Pathlights serves residents of Hickory Hills, that reside in Palos Township. In Hickory Hills, residents north of 87th Street are served by Aging Care Connections (Lyons Township). In 2025, Pathlights served 396 Hickory Hills residents, representing 19% of residents age 65+. Pathlights feels that more senior residents can directly benefit from its services, including in-home care, home-delivered meals, and other in-home supports.
Pathlights services are provided at no cost to older adults and their caregivers. Eligibility is primarily based on an individual’s need for support. While a small number of programs have specific financial eligibility requirements, Pathlights work closely with individuals and families to identify other services and resources that may be available if they do not meet those criteria
Please feel free to contact Pathlights directly at 708.361.0219 during regular business hours should you have any questions or interest in its programs.
Pathlights is located at:
7808 WEST COLLEGE DRIVE, 5TH FLOOR | PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 |WWW.PATHLIGHTS.ORG
Please be careful and look our for your neighbors during this bitter cold wave.
Mayor Mike