Vision, Values and Strategic Direction

These are the Visions, Values and Strategic Direction that guide Village operations, policy decisions, and long-term planning.

The Village of Downers Grove:

1. Welcomes all people regardless of history, gender, age, ability, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality or socio-economic status - PROCLAMATIONS: National Good Neighbor Day | United Against Hate Week
2. Is dedicated to encouraging and defending an inclusive environment that welcomes and respects the contributions of all its residents in enriching our community, and in which every individual feels valued, respected and safe, and is given the opportunity to thrive
3. Denounces discrimination, prejudice, racism, ageism, sexism, bigotry, bullying, or violence in any manner toward any individual
4. Believes acts of discrimination, prejudice, racism, ageism, sexism, bigotry, bullying, or violence undermine the principles of community integrity, individual equality, and personal freedom, and are antithetical to the values of our Nation, our State and our Village
5. Is committed to ensuring an environment where discrimination, prejudice, racism, ageism, sexism, bigotry, bullying, or violence are foreign to public policy and governance, and where individual liberty is free to flourish
6. Works to encourage civil dialogue, mutual understanding, and acceptance to foster empathy, compassion and unity among all our residents, businesses and guests, by promoting inclusive practices and respectful dialogue in all that we do as we govern and serve our community
7. Believes that 
8. The noblest human concern is a concern for others, and that concern leads to the understanding, love, and respect that builds cohesive families and communities
9. Acts of neighborliness are often simple gestures that help us be a good neighbor, lift up others, or make our community a place we love
10. These acts of kindness impact the giver, receiver and observer in often immeasurable positive ways
11. Sense of community is strengthened and expressed in our neighborhoods, where we give each other the opportunity to share and feel we are part of a larger family
12. Kindness and neighborliness are traits understood and appreciated across races, genders, generations and religions