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Romeoville, Illinois
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Romeoville is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The village is located 26 mi (42 km) southwest of Chicago on the Gateway Wetlands, directly west of the Des Plaines River and Historic U.S. Route 66 (now IL-53). Per the 2020 census, the population was 39,863.[4] Once a small river port, Romeoville experienced rapid growth in the 1990s and 2000s. It is located between Bolingbrook and Joliet near Interstate 55 and Interstate 355.
Key Information
History
[edit]
Romeoville was one of the last areas of Will County occupied by Native Americans. The village of Romeo was first settled on September 14, 1835, on Isle a La Cache, a small island in the Des Plaines River. Around this time, the first bridge was built to allow access to the island from the west bank of the river. In 1848, the I&M Canal was finished, drawing new residents to the area. On January 19, 1895, residents of Romeo voted to incorporate and changed the village's name to Romeoville. The community, along with nearby Joliet, became known as "Stone City" in reference to its prosperous limestone quarries. The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield was unveiled in 1888, and is constructed entirely of Romeoville limestone. Lewis University was established on the outskirts of town in 1934.
Romeoville is home to Citgo's Lemont Refinery. The refinery was constructed in 1922 across the river from the village. It was later the site of the 1984 Romeoville petroleum refinery disaster.
In 1950, Romeoville had approximately 46 homes and a population of 147. The village remained sparsely populated until 1957, when over 600 acres (240 ha) of wetlands along IL-53 became the Hampton Park Subdivision. An additional 400 acres (160 ha) were added in 1964, as Romeoville's population slowly grew. On October 5, 1990, the first interchange on I-55 and Weber Road was built, connecting the village to the rest of Chicagoland. Throughout the following decade, the area along Weber Road quickly became suburbanized as several new housing developments were completed. Romeoville was one of the fastest-growing communities in Illinois throughout the 1990s and 2000s. The population grew rapidly, and the village experienced an influx of over 25,000 new residents in two decades.[5]
Geography
[edit]According to the 2010 census, Romeoville has a total area of 18.759 square miles (48.59 km2), of which 18.44 square miles (47.76 km2), comprising 98.3%, is land and 0.319 square miles (0.83 km2), comprising 1.7%, is water. Romeoville borders the neighboring communities of Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Crystal Lawns, Crest Hill, Lockport and Lemont.[6]
Climate
[edit]Romeoville is home to a National Weather Service forecast office, although bulletins issued by said office begin, "The National Weather Service in Chicago..."[7]
Demographics
[edit]| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 113 | — | |
| 1910 | 98 | −13.3% | |
| 1920 | 74 | −24.5% | |
| 1930 | 133 | 79.7% | |
| 1940 | 170 | 27.8% | |
| 1950 | 147 | −13.5% | |
| 1960 | 3,574 | 2,331.3% | |
| 1970 | 12,888 | 260.6% | |
| 1980 | 15,519 | 20.4% | |
| 1990 | 14,074 | −9.3% | |
| 2000 | 21,153 | 50.3% | |
| 2010 | 39,680 | 87.6% | |
| 2020 | 39,863 | 0.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[8] 2010[9] 2020[10] | |||
2020 census
[edit]| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2010[9] | Pop 2020[10] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 19,992 | 16,654 | 50.38% | 41.78% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 4,545 | 5,362 | 11.45% | 13.45% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 61 | 32 | 0.15% | 0.08% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 2,486 | 2,718 | 6.27% | 6.82% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 3 | 2 | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 53 | 121 | 0.13% | 0.30% |
| Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 657 | 1,166 | 1.66% | 2.93% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 11,883 | 13,808 | 29.95% | 34.64% |
| Total | 39,680 | 39,863 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Economy
[edit]
Romeoville is home to over 600 businesses.[11] In 2013, the village won a Gold Medal from the International Economic Development Council and Atlas Integrated in the High Performance Economic Development category. They earned the award by creating 1,560 jobs during 2012–2013, which was the most for a town with a population between 25,001 and 100,000.[12]
Top employers
[edit]According to the village website,[13] the top employers in the village are:
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon | 1,824 |
| 2 | Valley View School District 365U | 1,300 |
| 3 | Green Core | 1,200 |
| 4 | PDV Midwest Refining CITGO | 803 |
| 5 | Aryzta | 600 |
| 6 | Ulta Beauty | 543 |
| 7 | Walmart | 537 |
| 8 | RTC | 530 |
| 9 | Magid Glove and Safety | 529 |
| 10 | Lewis University | 525 |
Other major employers include Kehe Foods, FedEx Ground, and the Village of Romeoville.
Education
[edit]K–12 education
[edit]Romeoville residents attend the following schools:
Valley View School District 365U
- Valley View Early Childhood Center
- Beverly Skoff Elementary School
- Irene King Elementary School
- Kenneth L. Hermansen Elementary School
- Robert C. Hill Elementary School
- A. Vito Martinez Middle School
- John J. Lukancic Middle School
- Romeoville High School
- St. Andrew the Apostle School
Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202
- Eichelberger Elementary School
- Creekside Elementary School
- Lakewood Falls Elementary School
- John F Kennedy Middle School
- Indian Trails Middle School
- Plainfield East High School
Lockport Township High School District 205
Higher education
[edit]- Joliet Junior College – Romeoville Campus
- Rasmussen College – Romeoville Campus
- Lewis University – Main Campus
Government
[edit]Mayors
[edit]| Mayors of Romeoville | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years in Office | Mayor | ||||
| 1895–1899 | Louis Hamann[14] | ||||
| 1899–1903 | John J. Keig[14] | ||||
| 1904–1905 | Henry Brockman[14] | ||||
| 1906–1907 | George Garden[14] | ||||
| 1907–1909 | George Farrell[14] | ||||
| 1910–1915 | Edward Swanson[14] | ||||
| 1915–1919 | Joseph Startz[14] | ||||
| 1919–1920 | John Mitchell[14] | ||||
| 1921–1927 | Fred Boehme[14] | ||||
| 1928–1929 | Anthony Startz[14] | ||||
| 1929–1969 | Neal Murphy[14] | ||||
| 1969–1973 | John O'Hara[14] | ||||
| 1973–1977 | Dewey "Red" Chambers[14] | ||||
| 1977–1981 | Donald Kennedy[14] | ||||
| 1981–1985 | Howard Trippett[14] | ||||
| 1985–1993 | John Strobbe[14] | ||||
| 1993–1997 | Sandra Gulden[14] | ||||
| 1997–2009 | Fred Dewald[14] | ||||
| 2009–present | John Noak[14] | ||||
Infrastructure
[edit]Transportation
[edit]
- Metra station on the Heritage Corridor line.
- Lewis University Airport for basic aircraft to Boeing Business class.
- Pace bus route 834.
Major highways
[edit]Major highways in Romeoville include:
|
Interstate Highways |
US Highways |
Notable people
[edit]- Gerald Coleman, played goalie for the Lake Erie Monsters and Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Egotistico Fantastico, pro wrestler
- Oliver Gibson, DT, played with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Sandra Navarro Gillette, singer who charted a 1994 worldwide hit single, graduated from Romeoville High School.
- Antonio Morrison, LB, played with the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers.
- Byron Stingily, OT, played with the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers.
References
[edit]- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
- ^ "USGS detail on Newtown". Retrieved October 21, 2007.
- ^ "Village of Romeoville". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "Romeoville village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
- ^ "History | Romeoville, IL". www.romeoville.org. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
- ^ "G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
- ^ "NWS Forecast Office Chicago, IL". September 11, 2019.
- ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
- ^ a b "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Romeoville village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ a b "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Romeoville village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "ArcGIS Web Application".
- ^ "High Performance Economic Developers: The Winners!".
- ^ "Our Top Employers | Romeoville, IL".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Mayoral History". City of Romeoville.
External links
[edit]Romeoville, Illinois
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and early settlement
The area now known as Romeoville was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi Native Americans, who utilized the region along the Des Plaines River for hunting, trapping, and agriculture, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash in their communities of wigwams and longhouses.[3] A key site was Isle a la Cache, a small island in the Des Plaines River where the Potawatomi engaged in fur trading and seasonal farming, often in partnership with French voyageurs who cached supplies and pelts there during the 17th and 18th centuries.[8] European exploration began in 1673 when French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette traveled the Des Plaines River, noting its strategic value, though permanent white settlement did not occur until the early 19th century following the displacement of the Potawatomi under the 1833 Treaty of Chicago.[3] The village was founded on September 14, 1835, when the Illinois and Michigan Canal Commission platted the town as Romeo on Isle a la Cache and surrounding lands east of the Des Plaines River, intending it as a canal-adjacent community.[3] The name Romeo was chosen as a playful counterpart to the nearby settlement of Juliet (later Joliet), possibly inspired by Shakespeare's romantic tragedy to promote land sales along the proposed canal route.[9] On January 19, 1895, residents voted to incorporate the village and formally changed the name from Romeo to Romeoville.[3] This period marked the arrival of the first European pioneers, primarily farmers from New England and New York, who cleared land for homesteads amid the Potawatomi's forced relocation northward.[10] Romeoville's early economy centered on subsistence farming and small-scale trade facilitated by the Des Plaines River, with settlers producing grains and dairy products on fertile prairie soils while exchanging goods at rudimentary markets and ferries.[11] The river served as a vital transportation artery for local commerce, connecting isolated farms to emerging trade networks before the canal's completion enhanced market access.[3] On January 19, 1895, residents voted 42 to 20 in favor of incorporation as a village, formalizing Romeoville's status and solidifying its identity as a riverside agrarian community.[3]Industrial development and 19th century
The completion of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1848 marked a pivotal moment for Romeoville, transforming it from a sparse settlement into a vital transportation hub that facilitated trade between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin.[12] The 96-mile canal, with its 15 locks, enabled the shipment of goods like lumber, grain, and livestock, drawing workers and merchants to the area during construction and operations, which were powered by mules until the 1870s.[3] This infrastructure spurred settlement along the Des Plaines River, positioning Romeoville as a key stop for canal traffic and supporting local economic activity through related services such as warehousing and boat maintenance.[13] In the late 19th century, the rise of limestone quarries further diversified Romeoville's economy, earning the community the nickname "Stone City" alongside nearby Joliet due to the abundance of high-quality Silurian-age limestone deposits. Operations at quarries like Bruce, Santa Fe, and Consumer began in the late 1880s, producing vast quantities of stone—up to two trainloads daily—for use in roads, soil improvement, and prominent structures such as the Illinois State Capitol completed in 1888.[3] Although the quarries themselves postdated the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the region's limestone had long been sourced for rebuilding efforts in Chicago, where post-fire regulations mandated fire-resistant materials like stone for new constructions, contributing to the area's reputation as a supplier of durable building materials.[14] Early industries in Romeoville were closely tied to the canal and surrounding agriculture, with small-scale manufacturing focused on processing farm products like grain and dairy for shipment via water and, later, railroads introduced in the 1850s. Farmers in the fertile DuPage River valley supplied markets in Chicago and beyond, while canal traffic supported ancillary businesses such as mills and taverns catering to boat crews and travelers. These developments complemented the agricultural base, fostering gradual economic stability without large-scale industrialization.[13] The population of Romeoville remained modest throughout much of the 19th century, starting with fewer than 100 residents around 1850 amid the canal's influence, and reaching approximately 113 by the 1900 census, though estimates suggest around 100-180 by the time of incorporation in 1895. This growth reflected the influx of quarry workers, farmers, and canal laborers, leading to community milestones such as the establishment of the Taylor School in 1840—the area's first educational facility—and the construction of early churches, including one on Isle a la Cache that served residents until its destruction in 1922. Incorporation on January 19, 1895, via a 42-20 vote, formalized these advancements, enabling the building of the first Village Hall and solidifying Romeoville's identity as a burgeoning rural village.[13][3]20th and 21st century growth
The establishment of Lewis University in 1932, initially as the Holy Name Technical School for boys under the direction of the Chicago Archdiocese, marked a significant educational milestone in Romeoville, providing technical and aviation training that attracted families and fostered community development.[15] Incorporated in 1934 and renamed the Lewis Holy Name Technical School in honor of benefactor Frank J. Lewis, the institution expanded its offerings and evolved into a four-year university by 1970, serving as a key catalyst for local economic and social growth through higher education opportunities.[16][3] A major setback occurred on July 23, 1984, when an explosion and fire at the Union Oil Company refinery—later acquired by CITGO—devastated the facility, killing 17 workers, including 10 firefighters, and injuring dozens more due to a fractured pressure vessel releasing flammable gases.[17][18] The disaster, one of the worst industrial accidents in U.S. history, propelled a 34-ton tower section over 1,000 meters and heightened community awareness of industrial safety risks, prompting stricter regulations and emergency response improvements in the area.[19][20] Romeoville experienced explosive suburban growth in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with its population surging approximately 87% from 21,203 in 2000 to 39,680 in 2010, fueled by affordable housing, infrastructure expansions, and its strategic location in the Chicago metropolitan area.[21] This rapid expansion transformed the village from a small industrial outpost into a burgeoning suburb, supported by major highways like I-55 and proximity to employment hubs in nearby Joliet and Chicago.[22][23] Recent years have seen continued momentum in commercial and infrastructural projects, including the construction of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, a four-story hotel with 111 rooms, pool, and fitness center, which broke ground in late 2023 and is expected to open in fall 2025 at the village's entrance.[24] In September 2025, proposals advanced for a new 8,603-square-foot building at the Weber Road and Normantown Road intersection to house Hawaiian Bros and Crisp & Green restaurants, featuring a drive-thru to enhance local dining options.[25] Infrastructure upgrades include the Watermain Replacement Project, approved for 2025-2029, which will replace approximately 13,140 feet of aging water mains with new PVC piping, fire hydrants, and valves to improve reliability and water quality for residents.[26] Additionally, in 2025, the Valley View School District teachers' union engaged in prolonged negotiations with the board, with a second tentative agreement reached in October after the rejection of an initial September proposal and earlier strike authorizations; talks, ongoing as of November 2025, address pay increases, contract terms, and school scheduling amid discussions since February.[27][28][29]Geography
Location and physical features
Romeoville is situated in Will County, Illinois, approximately 26 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, positioned between the cities of Joliet to the south and Bolingbrook to the north. The village lies at geographic coordinates 41°39′N 88°06′W. This location places it within the Chicago metropolitan area, contributing to its role as a southwestern suburb with convenient access to urban centers.[30][31] The village encompasses a total area of 20.14 square miles (52.2 km²). Romeoville is bordered by the Des Plaines River along its eastern edge and adjoins the Gateway Wetlands to the west, providing natural boundaries that influence local ecology and development patterns.[1][3][32] The physical landscape of Romeoville features flat terrain characteristic of the broader Illinois prairie region, with an average elevation of around 669 feet (204 m). This topography supports a mix of wetlands, scattered forests, and riverine access along the Des Plaines, fostering diverse natural habitats amid suburban expansion. The village's boundaries incorporate historic sites like Isle a la Cache, an island preserve in the Des Plaines River known for its Native American and early settler significance, alongside modern suburban neighborhoods and planned developments.[33][34]Climate
Romeoville has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), featuring hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters typical of the Midwest region.[35] Its proximity to Chicago contributes to a microclimate influenced by Lake Michigan, which can moderate extreme temperatures slightly.[36] The average annual temperature in Romeoville is 50.5°F (10.3°C), based on 1991–2020 normals.[37] Summers peak in July with an average high of 84.2°F (29.0°C), while winters are coldest in January, with an average low of 16.5°F (-8.6°C).[37] Precipitation averages 41.1 inches (1,044 mm) annually, distributed fairly evenly but with higher amounts in summer months; July is the wettest, receiving about 4.0 inches (102 mm) on average.[37] Snowfall totals around 34 inches (864 mm) per year, primarily occurring from December through March.[37] Extreme weather events include occasional tornado risks during spring thunderstorms, as the area lies within a region prone to severe weather.[38] The record high temperature is 105°F (41°C), set on July 24, 1934, while the record low is -27°F (-33°C), recorded on January 20, 1985, aligning with broader Chicago-area observations from the National Weather Service.[39]Demographics
Historical population trends
In the 19th century, Romeoville experienced slow population growth as a small settlement tied to the construction and operation of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, completed in 1848, and local limestone quarries that supported agricultural and extraction economies.[13] The community, originally known as Romeo, remained modest, with an estimated population of around 100 residents in the mid-century, expanding gradually to 113 by 1900 due to canal-related commerce and farming.[13][40] Throughout much of the 20th century, growth remained steady but modest until post-World War II suburbanization accelerated expansion. The population dipped amid economic fluctuations in the early 20th century, then recovered to 133 by 1930 and hovered below 150 in 1950, reflecting limited industrialization and rural character.[13] By 1960, it had surged to 3,574, driven by suburban development and proximity to Chicago, reaching over 12,000 by 1970 as housing subdivisions emerged.[13][41] From 2000 to 2020, Romeoville saw explosive growth, increasing from 21,153 to 39,863 residents, an 88% rise fueled by affordable housing options and an influx of jobs in nearby logistics and manufacturing sectors.[13] This period marked the village's transformation into a major suburb, with decennial census figures illustrating the trend:| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 21,153 |
| 2010 | 39,680 |
| 2020 | 39,863 |
2020 census and recent estimates
As of the 2020 United States Census, Romeoville had a population of 39,863 residents.[44] The village comprised 12,974 households, with a median age of 32.5 years. These figures reflect the community's composition at the decennial count, capturing a snapshot of its growing suburban character. The racial and ethnic makeup of Romeoville in 2020 showed diversity, with 41.78% identifying as non-Hispanic White, 13.45% as Black or African American, 6.82% as Asian, and 34.64% as Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Smaller portions included individuals identifying as two or more races or other categories, underscoring the village's multicultural fabric influenced by proximity to Chicago. Economic indicators from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey highlighted relative stability, with a median household income of $81,612, a poverty rate of 9.2%, and homeownership at 78.5%.[45] More recent 2019-2023 American Community Survey data shows a median household income of $100,022, a poverty rate of approximately 6%, and homeownership at 82.3%.[46] Recent estimates indicate continued modest growth, with the population reaching 40,996 in the 2019-2023 American Community Survey period.[46] Projections for 2025 are around 41,269, reflecting an annual growth rate of approximately 0.22%.[2] Diversity has seen slight shifts, with the Hispanic or Latino population continuing to expand, comprising about 35.7% in recent 2019-2023 American Community Survey data, up marginally from 2020 levels.[46]Economy
Major industries and economic drivers
Romeoville's economy is primarily driven by logistics and warehousing, manufacturing, and retail and services sectors, bolstered by its strategic location and transportation infrastructure. The village's proximity to Chicago, approximately 26 miles southwest, facilitates efficient distribution networks, with major highways I-55 and I-355 providing direct access to regional and national markets.[47][48] Logistics has emerged as a dominant force, exemplified by large-scale facilities such as Amazon's fulfillment center at 1125 Remington Boulevard, which supports e-commerce operations, and TAGG Logistics' 795,000-square-foot distribution center expansion.[49][50] These developments leverage the area's industrial corridor along I-55 for warehousing and transportation activities.[48] Manufacturing remains a key pillar, particularly in food processing and petroleum refining, contributing to the village's diversified industrial base. Facilities like the CITGO Lemont Refinery and Great Kitchens Food Company highlight this sector's role in processing and production.[51] Over 900 businesses operate in Romeoville, with approximately 22,900 employed residents as of 2023, reflecting a 6.02% growth from the previous year.[51][52] Economic incentives, including the Enterprise Zone program offering sales tax abatements and investment tax credits, have attracted distribution and manufacturing operations by expediting development and reducing costs for qualifying projects.[53][54] Post-2020 economic recovery has emphasized sustainable growth and retail expansion, with initiatives targeting blighted site redevelopment and new commercial clusters. The village has added over one million square feet of commercial development since 2009, enhancing retail and services amid broader regional rebound.[51] Looking ahead, projects such as the approved Hilton TRU hotel on Normantown Road, set for opening in early 2027, signal continued investment in hospitality and mixed-use development to support long-term economic vitality.[55]Top employers
Romeoville's largest employers span logistics, manufacturing, education, and retail sectors, contributing significantly to the local economy through thousands of jobs. According to the Village of Romeoville's official data (as of 2024), the top employers employ over 10,000 residents and workers combined, with e-commerce and distribution firms leading in scale.[51] The following table highlights the village's major employers, including their primary sectors and approximate employee counts:| Employer | Sector | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | E-commerce/Fulfillment | 1,830 |
| RJW | Distribution | 1,550 |
| Valley View School District 365U | Education | 1,300 |
| Maker's Pride | Food Manufacturing | 1,200 |
| Geodis | Distribution | 850 |
| PDV Midwest Refining (CITGO) | Fuels Refining | 803 |
| Great Kitchens Food Company | Food Manufacturing | 600 |
| Ulta | Offices/Distribution | 543 |
Government
Municipal structure
Romeoville operates under a council-manager form of government, featuring an elected village president, commonly referred to as the mayor, and a board of six trustees who collectively form the Village Board. The board functions as the legislative authority, responsible for enacting ordinances, approving budgets, and setting village policies, with meetings held biweekly on the first and third Wednesdays. The mayor presides over board meetings, votes on issues, and represents the village in official capacities, while the trustees address constituent concerns and contribute to decision-making on community matters. The Village Board appoints a professional village manager to handle administrative duties, including overseeing day-to-day operations, coordinating department activities, and implementing board directives. Current leadership includes Mayor John D. Noak, who has served since his appointment in February 2008 and election in April 2009, and Village Manager Dawn Caldwell, who manages the Administration Department to ensure efficient service delivery across municipal functions. The village's annual operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 totals approximately $177.4 million in expenditures, supporting a range of public services while maintaining a balanced financial plan that includes property tax rate reductions for the tenth consecutive year. Key departments under the manager's oversight include Administration, which aligns departmental efforts with village goals; Finance, responsible for budgeting, water billing, and financial reporting; and Community Development, which handles planning, zoning, and building permits to guide growth. Public safety is managed by the Police Department, employing 71 sworn officers across 16 specialized units focused on community-oriented policing, and the Fire Department, which operates three stations providing emergency response, prevention, and support services through divisions like operations and fire prevention. Additional services encompass public works maintenance of water, sewer, and street systems, as well as economic development initiatives such as business incentives and resources for attracting and retaining commercial enterprises.List of mayors
Romeoville, Illinois, was incorporated as a village on January 19, 1895, and has elected 19 village presidents, equivalent to mayors, to lead its government.[57] Early terms lasted two years, reflecting the village's origins tied to the Illinois and Michigan Canal era, where many initial leaders were immigrants, farmers, or canal workers who oversaw modest community development.[3] By the late 1920s, terms shifted to four years, aligning with patterns in Illinois municipalities.[57] The following table lists all mayors chronologically, including their terms and key highlights where documented.| Mayor | Term | Notable Actions or Context |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Hamann | 1895–1899 | First village president, elected February 16, 1895; led initial incorporation efforts post-canal boom.[57][3] |
| John J. Keig | 1899–1903 | Served during early 20th-century canal-related economic stabilization.[57] |
| Herman F. "Henry" Brockman | 1903–1905 | Oversaw basic infrastructure in a farming and canal-dependent community.[57] |
| George Garden | 1905–1907 | Managed village affairs amid post-canal transition to agriculture.[57] |
| George E. Farrell | 1907–1910 | Addressed early growth challenges in the canal era's aftermath.[57] |
| Edward T. Swanson | 1910–1915 | Focused on community stability during pre-World War I period.[57] |
| Joseph J. Startz | 1915–1919 | Navigated wartime impacts on local economy.[57] |
| John Mitchell | 1919–1921 | Handled post-war recovery in a small village setting.[57] |
| Fred Boehme, Sr. | 1921–1927 | Supported incremental development in the 1920s.[57] |
| Anthony A. Startz | 1927–1929 | Bridged transition to longer terms; family ties to earlier leadership.[57] |
| Cornelius J. "Neal" Murphy | 1929–1969 | Longest-serving mayor (40 years); paid off village debt, oversaw significant population growth from 500 to over 15,000, and operated Murphy's Café.[57][3] |
| John F. "Jack" O’Hara | 1969–1973 | Guided suburban expansion following Murphy's long tenure.[57] |
| Dewey H. “Red” Chambers | 1973–1977 | Managed 1970s economic shifts and infrastructure needs.[57] |
| Donald J. Kennedy | 1977–1981 | Oversaw late-1970s development amid regional growth.[57] |
| Howard L. Trippett | 1981–1985 | Led response to the July 23, 1984, Union Oil refinery explosion and fire, which killed 17 people and injured 20; coordinated emergency efforts and recovery.[57][19] |
| John E. Strobbe | 1985–1993 | Promoted economic growth, envisioning circular development from jobs to housing.[57][3] |
| Sandra K. Gulden | 1993–1997 | First female mayor; advanced community initiatives in the 1990s.[57] |
| Fred P. Dewald, Jr. | 1997–2008 | Directed sustained suburban expansion and planning.[57] |
| John D. Noak | 2008–present | Re-elected in April 2025; focused on economic growth, innovation hubs, crime reduction (named Illinois State Crime Commission Mayor of the Year in 2013), financial transparency (11 consecutive excellence awards through 2025[58]), and property tax rebates (largest in 2024 at $75 per home, higher in 2025); approved developments including a new hotel at Weber Road in March 2025.[57][59][60][61][62][63] |
