Dupage Policy Journal

Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli recently retweeted a July 7 Chicago Tribune article reporting on the strength of Naperville's economy. The article references a recent report which found Naperville to be the leader in retail sales among Chicago suburbs.

"Local economic growth provides the resources to invest in our community's public services, infrastructure, and schools," Wehrli tweeted. " There is no better place in America to start or grow your business."

According to the Chicago Tribune article, an annual report from Melaniphy & Associates, a real estate and retail consultant firm in Chicago, found that retail sales in Naperville bested all other suburbs of Chicago once again in 2022. John Meliphany, who produced the report, said, “Naperville is now the retail mecca, overtaking Schaumburg in total retail sales." Naperville's $4.6 billion in retail sales topped the next closest county, Schaumburg by over $600 million. 

The report showed that retail sales had increased by roughly $1.4 billion over the last ten years. Comparatively, retail sales in Schaumburg decreased by over $800 million over that same period. The growth in retail in Naperville can be partially attributed to strong growth in automotive and gasoline sales.

Scott Wehrli was elected mayor of Naperville in 2023. The Naperville website says of the mayor, "Wehrli is focused on supporting economic development and a thriving local economy, implementing sound fiscal policies, and keeping Naperville one of the safest communities in America." 

Wehrli comes from a business background and is currently principal owner and secretary-treasurer of DuKane Precast, which employs more than 200 people in Naperville. Additionally, Wehrli has worked as a part-time police officer in Naperville for three decades and was part of an effort to organize a group of business leaders to create community banks specializing in local lending.

Wehrli sees retail sales as an opportunity to support infrastructure in the city.