Show up Thursday: Say yes to more homes in Oak Park

The Plan Commission hearing on Shape Oak Park is Thursday, Oct 8 at 6 p.m. at OPRF High School. Here is how to take part.

Josh Vanderberg

06 Oct 2026 • 1 min read

This Thursday the Oak Park Plan Commission holds its public hearing on Shape Oak Park, the zoning update that would allow two to four homes in house-sized buildings across Oak Park and more housing near transit and along our business corridors. Opponents are organizing to fill the room. We need people who support more homes to show up too.

When and where

Thursday, October 8, 6:00 p.m.
Large auditorium, Oak Park and River Forest High School
201 N. Scoville Ave.

If the hearing runs long, the Village has set Thursday, October 15, also at the high school, as a second night.

How to take part

Just come. A full room of supporters matters, even if you don't speak.
To speak, sign in at the meeting. There's a sign-in sheet at the door and staff will point you to it. There's no advance registration.
Plan for about 3 minutes. The chair may limit each speaker to three minutes.
Sign up for the Shape Oak Park hearing, not the separate 15-minute "non-agenda public comment" at the start, which is for other topics.

What to say

You don't need to be a policy expert. The most persuasive testimony is short and personal:

Who you are and how long you've lived in Oak Park.
A personal story. Why you want more homes here: for your kids, your parents, your neighbors, or the people who work in our schools and shops.
A clear ask: "Please recommend approval of Shape Oak Park."

You don't have to rebut the other side. Your own reasons are enough.

Can't make it?

Send a short written comment in support to the Plan Commission at planning@oak-park.us before the hearing, and to the Village Board at board@oak-park.us.

See you Thursday.