ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Be a part of our vibrant local economy! Wauconda is home to a mix of businesses, from corporate and manufacturing headquarters in a booming business park, to national retailers along busy state highways, to locally owned small businesses in a thriving downtown. With a welcoming attitude from the Village of Wauconda, enthusiastic local residents and an active Chamber of Commerce, you’ll find that Wauconda is on your path to success! 

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Watch the video below to see why Wauconda is a great location for your business!


Wauconda has four distinct commercial areas: Downtown Wauconda, Route 176, the business parks and Route 12 (Rand Road). To learn more about opportunities in any of the commercial areas, contact Community Development Director Greg Anderson or Village Administrator Allison Matson.

Drone Image of Wauconda Cruise Night 2019Downtown Wauconda:
The heart of Wauconda is Main Street, located along the shores of beautiful Bangs Lake. For more than 100 years, residents and visitors have found locally owned restaurants, bars and shopping, in addition to professional offices. Visitors can start their day with morning buzz of caffiene or with baked goods, followed by yoga and a day of shopping for antiques, records and contemporary gifts and clothing. Food and drink options abound at local restaurants and bars – and there’s always room for ice cream afterward. Downtown Wauconda attracts visitors from around the region, drawn to year-round lake activities and special events like the weekly summer farmers market, the largest Memorial Day Parade in Lake County and the regional draw, Cruise Night. The Village welcomes inquiries from developers interested in building more retail and residential properties in and around the downtown. 

Route 176:
Route 176 is a major east-west corridor in Central Lake County, connecting Lake Bluff to Crystal Lake. Both outlot and redevelopment opportunities exist on this corridor. National and regional retailers find success along Route 176 in Wauconda, as the corridor provides easy access to and from Route 12. Retailers include Walgreens, Tractor Supply Company, Jewel-Osco, and Ace Hardware. Locally owned restaurants and national quick serve chains also thrive along this corridor. The Village’s only TIF district has frontage on the south side of Route 176. Learn more about the TIF here. The Village of Wauconda works with The Retail Coach to identify prospective retailers and provide data. Find market and demographic data here.



IMG_2778 - Copy (2)Wauconda Business Parks:
Wauconda’s business parks are home to manufacturing, business services, distribution centers, research centers and more! With convenient access to Rt 12 and an easy drive to both O’Hare and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, it’s no wonder that the Village of Wauconda has so many long-standing businesses like Berger Excavating, Mid-American Water & Sewer, Fidelitone and Synergy Flavors.  Contact the Village of Wauconda to learn more about vacant parcels.


Route 12:
As a major north-south state road, Route 12 provides access from Route 53 to Wisconsin. The construction supply and equipment dealerships along Route 12 serve businesses around Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties. The Village of Wauconda recently adopted an economic development strategy focused on recruiting similar businesses to Route 12. Both infill and redevelopment opportunities exist on this corridor. Join industry leaders like Altorfer CAT, West Side Tractor, McCann Equipment, Beacon Building Supply, Victor Ford, Atlas Bobcat and more!

Tax Increment Financing (TIF):
The Village of Wauconda established its first Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in 2013. The Village of Wauconda’s TIF is in place and ready for developers to bring appropriate development projects forward. Find more information on the TIF here.

EXAMPLES OF ECONOMIC INCENTIVES

The Village of Wauconda believes that local businesses are a valuable and important part of our community, and Wauconda welcomes opportunities for business growth and development. Projects eligible for economic development incentives are those projects centered on business attraction, retention, expansion or modernization. For more information or to discuss a proposal, please contact Greg Anderson.

Requests for economic incentives will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on the merits of the individual proposal. Incentives are a tool to encourage and maintain quality development in the Village and should be used in the best interest of the community by providing long-term value. The impacts on all stakeholders will be considered before the Village approves or denies the request. 

Examples of incentives offered by the Village include:
  • Tractor Supply – The Village of Wauconda entered into a sales tax rebate agreement with Tractor Supply Company.
  • Façade Improvement Program  - The Village of Wauconda’s Façade Improvement program supports exterior improvements to private commercial property. Since 2021, the Village has approved 10 façade improvement grants. To apply, visit the program webpage here.
  • Monster Powersports – In order to offset the cost of making improvements required by the building code, the Village holds a portion of sales tax in an escrow account to reimburse the property owner when the required improvements are completed.