Submitted by City of Westfield
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis delivered his inaugural State of the City address to more than 400 guests at the Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s November luncheon Thursday afternoon at IMMI Conference Center, 18880 N. East St.
In his address, he recapped a transformative year for the city and outlined his administration’s continued progress. Reflecting on the challenges and achievements of 2024, Willis shared his vision for the future of Westfield, focusing on key areas of growth, infrastructure, and community engagement.
Willis
“2024 has been a record year for investment in Westfield,” Willis said. “When I asked my staff to total the investment of our announced projects for this year, the number nearly hit $1 billion. It’s incredible, and the energy around these investments is nothing short of exciting.”
Since taking office in January 2024, Mayor Willis, newly elected Clerk-Treasurer Marla Ailor, and all seven city councilors have worked to set a strong foundation for the city’s future. Focusing on four key pillars – Quality Growth and Livability, Accountability and Transparency, Excellence in Public Safety, and Empowerment through Continuous Improvement – the administration has already made significant strides in shaping Westfield’s future.
Westfield Mayor’s Youth Council
Willis also unveiled plans for a Westfield Mayor’s Youth Council (WMYC), which will launch with the 2025-2026 school year. The Youth Council will provide a platform for young people to engage with and address issues impacting our community, serve as a hub for solution-driven ideas, and offer an inside look at the day-to-day operations of local government. This initiative will empower the next generation of leaders to actively shape Westfield’s future. More information on WMYC will be announced in Spring 2025.
Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant
The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant was also introduced. This grant, administered by the Community Development Department, will allow neighborhoods and homeowner associations to apply for matching funds at a ratio of 2:1. The program will be allotted $240,000 with neighborhoods being eligible up to $25,000 in matching funds. The funds can be used to enhance or update landscaping at neighborhood entrances, remove invasive species, renovate entrance signs, or add lighting and fountains to ponds. Grant applications will open in January 2025.
Key Accomplishments of 2024
- Capital Improvement Plan: Introduced in April 2024, the new Capital Improvement Plan is a major milestone for Westfield. It outlines infrastructure projects aimed at addressing the city’s rapid growth, particularly in roadways and utilities.
- Downtown Revitalization: The city is making significant investments in its downtown area, with over $200 million committed to projects such as Union Square, Park and Poplar, and Ambrose on Main. These efforts aim to create vibrant spaces attracting new businesses, residents, and visitors.
- Business Growth & Economic Development: Westfield has attracted major business investments, including Isotopia, Grand Universe, PhysioLogic, Community Health, Skender Construction, and HNTB Engineering. Together, these projects total more than $660 million in investments, diversifying the city’s corporate tax base and contributing to the local economy.
- Public Safety Infrastructure: Mayor Willis also unveiled renderings for a new Westfield Police Department Headquarters near Grand Park and John Dippel Boulevards. The city expects to break ground in mid-2025 and open in 2027. The building is designed to accommodate the department’s future growth and expansion. The Westfield Fire Department will see a 25 percent increase in staff for Fire Station 84, enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities and supporting the growing community.
- Transparency & Accountability: The administration remains committed to informing residents through multiple communication channels, including quarterly town halls, a new city website, and a regular printed newsletter.
For those unable to attend, Mayor Willis will host a 2024 Year in Review at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Westfield High School Auditorium, 18250 N. Union St. The event will be free, but attendees are asked to register for a free ticket, as seating in the auditorium is limited. Reserved tickets will be available in mid-December.