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City Council Begins Permanent Memorial Framework Discussion

Highland Park City Council Begins Permanent Memorial Framework Discussion

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El Consejo de la Ciudad de Highland Park Comienza el Dialogo de la Estructura del Comité para la Planificación del Memorial Permanente

January 24, 2023 – At the Monday, January 23, 2023 meeting of the Committee of the Whole, the Highland Park City Council started the discussion about how to move forward with the permanent memorial remembering the victims of the Highland Park shooting in July 2022. The discussion was informed by a review of best practices, communication with victims’ families and individuals who were injured, expert input and the desire to implement a trauma-informed approach to this significant undertaking. The permanent memorial framework is critical to positioning this large-scale, multi-year effort.

The Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime has repeatedly underscored the importance of establishing a trauma-informed process for the planning of a permanent memorial.  The City will prioritize public engagement and transparency throughout the process.  Given the nature of the discussion and the trauma the community has endured, it is essential that the City take steps to prevent inadvertent re-traumatization. In recognition of the sensitivity of the decision and its significance to the community, the discussion will continue at a future meeting of the Committee of the Whole.

The City will continue to maintain the temporary memorial as a place for remembrance until a permanent memorial is established. The temporary memorial at the Rose Garden (located adjacent to City Hall at 1707 St. Johns Avenue) offers a quiet space for reflection and privacy for grieving families. More information about the temporary memorial is available at cityhpil.com/temporarymemorial.

The City recognizes that this is a weighty, emotional topic, and urges anyone in need to seek support. Free and confidential multilingual assistance from trained mental health counselors is available 24/7 via 211 Lake County. Visit 211LakeCounty.org, call 211, or text 898211.  

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