If you’ve spent any time in the western suburbs of Chicago lately, you know Naperville isn't just another sleepy bedroom community. It’s a powerhouse. And right now, the man holding the gavel at the Naperville Municipal Center is Scott Wehrli.
He’s not exactly a newcomer to the scene. Honestly, it’s hard to find a corner of this city where he hasn't left a fingerprint over the last few decades. Whether you're a local resident worried about property taxes or a business owner looking at the I-88 corridor, understanding the current mayor of Naperville Illinois is basically essential for knowing where this city is headed through 2026 and beyond.
Who Exactly is Scott Wehrli?
Let's skip the dry resume for a second. Scott Wehrli is a "Naperville guy" through and through. We’re talking about someone who was adopted into a family with deep roots here and has spent his life working in the local construction business, specifically as the principal owner and chairman of DuKane Precast.
But he’s also got this interesting, almost split-personality professional background. On one hand, he’s a high-level businessman and banker. On the other, he spent 35 years as a part-time sworn police officer for the Naperville Park District, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant in early 2025.
It’s a weird mix, right? Cop, banker, construction mogul.
When he was elected in April 2023, succeeding Steve Chirico, he stepped into a role that has historically been defined by "servant leadership." He often cites the legendary former Mayor A. George Pradel as a mentor. If you lived here during the Pradel years, you know that’s a high bar for community engagement.
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The Big Projects: I-88 and "Block 59"
If you ask the mayor of Naperville Illinois what his biggest priority is, he’ll probably point you toward the North Side. Specifically, the I-88 innovation corridor.
For years, those big office buildings along the tollway were looking a little... lonely. Wehrli has been pushing a "two-pronged approach" to revitalize the area from Eola Road to Naperville Road.
- Redevelopment: Turning aging office parks into mixed-use hubs.
- Commercial Balance: Attracting high-growth industries like medical tech.
You might have noticed the construction near the old Nokia campus or the buzz around Block 59. That area is blowing up with names like Shake Shack, Stan’s Donuts, and Ruth’s Chris. To Wehrli, this isn't just about cool places to eat; it’s a math problem. More commercial tax revenue means less pressure on your residential property tax bill. It's a delicate balance he talks about constantly.
The "Mayor School" and Modern Governance
Funny enough, Wehrli admitted in his 2025 State of the City address that even after being in office for a while, he felt he needed to go to "mayor school."
He was actually selected for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative in 2024. He was one of only 39 mayors globally to get in. According to him, that experience shifted how he looks at "public narrative"—basically, how the city tells its story to attract investment and keep residents happy.
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It seems to be working on some levels. In 2024, the city saw a 56% increase in building permit and fee revenue compared to the previous year. That’s over 6,500 permits issued in a single year. People are building.
The Tough Conversations: Grocery Taxes and Energy
It’s not all Shake Shacks and ribbon cuttings, though. The mayor of Naperville Illinois has had to navigate some seriously sticky political situations lately.
One of the biggest headaches has been the $6.1 million budget shortfall triggered by Governor Pritzker’s suspension of the state grocery tax. Naperville had to decide: do we let that 1% tax expire and cut services (like police and fire), or do we implement a local version to keep the revenue?
It’s been a point of contention in City Council meetings, with a 4–5 vote recently failing to enact a local replacement. It’s the kind of local politics that actually affects your weekly grocery bill.
Then there’s the IMEA (Illinois Municipal Electric Agency) contract. This is a big one. Naperville gets its power through IMEA, and there’s been a massive debate about whether to extend that contract through 2050.
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- The Pro-Extension Side: (Supported by city staff and the Mayor’s fiscal focus) says it guarantees price stability and reliability.
- The Opposition: Environmental groups and students are worried because IMEA still relies on coal-fired plants.
Wehrli tends to lean toward the "fiscal stability" side of these debates, though he’s acknowledged the need to move toward renewable goals, like hitting a 45% renewable share by 2026–2027 if the numbers make sense.
Looking Toward 2027
Scott Wehrli’s current term doesn't expire until 2027. Between now and then, he’s basically betting the house on economic development. He’s often said that "you can't rise to new heights if you don't have a solid foundation."
What does that look like for you?
- Expect more density in the downtown area and the I-88 corridor.
- Expect a heavy focus on public safety (given his law enforcement background).
- Watch for how the city handles "mental health" initiatives—something Wehrli has been increasingly vocal about in community podcasts and church visits.
Actionable Steps for Naperville Residents
If you want to stay in the loop or actually influence what happens under the current mayor of Naperville Illinois, don't just complain on Nextdoor. Do these three things:
- Watch the Council Meetings: They are streamed on NCTV17. If you want to know why your taxes are changing or why a new apartment complex is going up, that’s where the "sausage is made."
- Check the "eBill" Portal: The city recently launched a new portal for utilities and fees. It’s a small thing, but it’s part of the modernization push Wehrli is leading.
- Engage with the Naperville Development Partnership: If you're a business owner, this is Wehrli's home turf. He served on this board for 20 years before becoming mayor. They are the ones who can help you navigate local zoning and incentives.
The current administration is clearly focused on making Naperville a "global city" while keeping that small-town, safe-suburb feel. Whether they can actually bridge that gap without losing the city's soul—or breaking its budget—is the story we’ll be watching for the next two years.
Next Steps for Researching Naperville Government:
Check the official City of Naperville Government page for the full City Council meeting schedule and to read the latest "State of the City" transcripts for specific budget breakdowns.