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About Joliet Township

Township Government is the most democratic form of government with direct input from the residents.

Joliet Township Today

Established on November 6, 1849, Joliet Township Government is dedicated to strategically addressing the unique needs of the community, spanning from Theodore Road in the north to Schweitzer Road in the south, with boundaries encompassing Cherry Hill Rd on the East and Joyce Road on the West. Serving over 86,000 residents, providing comprehensive services, including general assistance, funding for senior citizens and youth programs, assistance to the disabled, animal control servicing beyond the township borders, violence prevention programs, and road and cemetery maintenance.

In addition to the main township building, Joliet Township Government operates two multi-use community engagement facilities. The Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, formerly the Peter Claver Center, located at 172 Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60436, was acquired on June 1, 2023. This center is dedicated to the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Services. Historically, it has provided services to economically disadvantaged residents of Will County through teaching, counseling, and coaching since 1978. The facility continues to host both administrative and direct service activities.
 
The Forest Park Community Center, located at 1017 Woodruff Rd, Joliet, IL 60432, was acquired on July 24, 2024. This newly acquired site will serve as the headquarters for the behavioral health team and transportation department. Previously, the center was a cornerstone of community service for the Forest Park neighborhood since 1994.
 
Additionally, Joliet Township Animal Control, established in the late 1970s, is located at 2807 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60436, providing vital services to the community.

Our Mission

Our goal at Joliet Township is simple — extraordinary customer service as we provide services to our citizens.

Our goals are accomplished by a commitment from every employee

Our values and beliefs require that we:

  • Treat each employee with respect and give them an opportunity for input on how to continually improve our service goals.
  • Treat each employee fairly and with mutual respect. The township does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and encourages all Township Supervisors and department heads to involve employees in problem solving and the creativity process. When problems arise, the facts should be analyzed to determine ways to avoid similar problems in the future.
  • Provide the most effective and efficient corrective action, to resolve customer service issues, to ensure our constituent’s satisfaction and that the problem not be repeated in the future. In this way, we will maintain our leadership position in providing service.
  • Foster an open door policy which encourages interaction, discussions and ideas to improve the work environment, thus increasing our productivity.
  • Deliver impeccable service to our constituents and, where required, try to provide services that may be too difficult for others to achieve.

Joliet Township History

Joliet Township was incorporated on

November 6, 1849.

The first election in Joliet Township occurred in 1850, following groundwork laid two decades earlier by pioneer settlers who arrived via the Sauk or Sac Trail. They were attracted to the area’s rivers, streams, and forests, which varied from scattered groves to extensive timberlands.

Charles Clement was elected as the first Supervisor of Joliet Township and served for three years starting January 10, 1850, when the Board of Supervisors held its inaugural meeting. Each town had its representative, reflecting a population of about 4,650 residents at the time. The concerns of these early settlers revolved around crop yields, employment, schools, the newly constructed I&M Canal, and improving their overall quality of life.

Through adventurous spirit and resourcefulness, these pioneers established a sturdy foundation upon which the present-day communities of Joliet Township have prospered.

Township Government History

Township governments in the United States originated in colonial times and were shaped by English and Dutch administrative practices. They were initially established to manage land distribution and provide basic services in newly settled areas. As the country expanded during the 19th century, townships became formalized in many states, evolving to meet the growing needs of rural populations. Today, townships serve as essential local administrative bodies, bridging the gap between higher levels of government and residents, while overseeing a range of community services and governance functions.

Serving more than 86,000 residents