Longtime Will County Director of Land Use Department Set to Retire

 Curt Paddock, director of the Will County Land Use Department since 2005, has announced he will retire at the end of the month.

         “Curt has led our land use department through many changes over the past 12 years,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “He has embraced new technology and best practices for land use management and has helped keep our county moving forward. I will be sad to see him go but wish him all the best as he retires and moves onto the next chapters of his life.”

         Paddock has overseen several new initiatives during his tenure. Most notably the implementation of the www.willcountygreen.com website that outlines efficient, environmentally-safe tips for residents and business owners to adopt green practices.

         “I am proud, with the support of the County Executive, Will County has become one of the leading counties to have government-led programs that support green initiatives,” Paddock said. “Our electronics recycling program set the bar for other counties as have our household hazardous waste and books recycling events.”

          In addition to consolidating duties while increasing the volume of permits not achieved since 2000, Paddock said the department also received more than $12 million in new grants for neighborhood facilities, housing rehabilitation, and energy conservation efforts.

          “We have been successful implementing new state mandates without placing additional burden on the county taxpayers,” he said.

         Another important achievement during Paddock’s leadership is Will County reaching Gold Status as a solar-leading community by the International City/County Management Association.

 This program is part of a national effort to drive down the cost and regulatory obstacles of home and business solar deployment.

       Paddock said the recognition of which he is most proud is the National Public Integrity Award from the American Society of Public Administration for outstanding ethical conduct.  

      “As stewards of the land in Will County, it is the responsibility of the Land Use Department to protect our natural resources while also encouraging responsible land development,” he said. “We have implemented new technology with online permitting, offering information about solar                

power, and heightening the transparency of this department’s operations. I am proud of the work

we have done thus far and see a very bright future for Will County.”

       Prior to joining Will County, Paddock worked in county planning and economic development throughout the Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area. He also owned a firm that provided community and economic development consulting services to public jurisdictions, non-profit organizations, and private sector business.  

      Although retiring from county government, Paddock said he does not plan to leave Will County.

       “Will County has become my home and my wife and I will be happy to retire here.”