Homewood is a community built for business, investment, and opportunity.

The Village’s Economic & Community Development Department works to strengthen Homewood’s local economy, attract new investment, support existing businesses, guide thoughtful development, and help create vibrant places where people want to live, work, shop, dine, and invest.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for the right location, an established business ready to grow, a developer exploring your next project, or a property owner planning improvements, our team is here to help you navigate the process and connect you with the resources you need.

Building Homewood's Future

Economic development is about more than bringing new businesses to town. It’s about creating a strong, sustainable community for the future. Village staff works closely with businesses, developers, property owners, residents, and regional partners to encourage investment while ensuring new development complements Homewood’s character and long-term vision.

The Department's work includes:

• Business attraction, retention, and expansion

• Development and redevelopment opportunities

• Business resources and economic development programs

• Site selection and development assistance

• Planning and zoning

• Development and zoning application review

• Long-range and comprehensive planning

• Appearance and design review

• Coordination with the Planning and Zoning Commission and Appearance Commission

• Implementation of the Village's Comprehensive Plan and other long-range planning initiatives

Why Homewood?

Located in the Chicago Southland, Homewood combines the accessibility and resources of the Chicago metropolitan area with the character, energy, and connections of a close-knit community.

Homewood offers a diverse business community, skilled workforce, strong transportation connections, excellent public services, highly regarded schools, established commercial districts, and a Village government committed to responsible growth and economic vitality.

From our historic downtown to our major commercial corridors, Homewood continues to create opportunities for businesses of all sizes to establish themselves, grow, and become part of the community.

Let's Grow in Homewood

Thinking about opening, expanding, developing, or investing in Homewood? Start here.

Explore our Economic & Community Development resources below to learn more about available programs, development opportunities, planning and zoning, permits and applications, and the tools available to help move your project forward.