Joliet Council Approves New Tourism Strategy Study

The city has awarded a contract to Hunden Partners to help solidify Joliet as a regional destination.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cultural

Joliet Council Approves New Tourism Strategy Study

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The Joliet City Council has officially approved a $69,350 contract with the Chicago-based firm Hunden Partners to conduct a comprehensive tourism market assessment. This new study is designed to help the city refine its development strategy for 2027 and beyond.

Why it matters

Following a significant $20 million investment in the City Square and unity sculpture, officials are now seeking to leverage those assets to attract more visitors. The study aims to turn existing infrastructure into a long-term tourism engine for the community.

Joliet received eight submissions for the consulting role before selecting the firm that provided a 48-page project proposal. The city previously spent $20 million on the construction of the City Square and unity sculpture.

The players

Joliet City Council

This is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing city governance and approving municipal budget allocations.

Hunden Partners

This is a Chicago-based firm that specializes in providing development consulting and market assessment services for tourism projects.

The details

City staff reviewed all eight proposals submitted by June 30 before recommending the Chicago firm to the council. Hunden Partners will now work to create an actionable roadmap to guide city tourism initiatives for the next five to 10 years.

June 30, 2026: Joliet received eight submissions for the contract.
October 20, 2026: City Council voted to award the contract.
2027: Target year for Joliet tourism destination planning.

Industry Dynamics

The selection of the consultant follows the competitive bidding framework set by the Illinois Municipal Code's public procurement requirements. This move reflects a broader trend of mid-sized cities using specialized consulting to maximize returns on major infrastructure investments.

Residents can expect the city to focus on enhancing visitor experiences at major local landmarks like the City Square. This strategy could lead to more organized events and increased programming in public spaces over the coming years.

The takeaway

Cities often invest in professional market assessments to ensure that multi-million dollar infrastructure projects actually yield economic growth. Residents should watch for upcoming public engagement phases as the firm begins its evaluation process.