Community Development Director Retiring After 34-Year Career: Village

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Since 1990, Charles Witherington Perkins has been "leaving an indelible mark on the history of Arlington Heights." The retiring community development director will leave the position in November.

"It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Charles Perkins has had on this community for the past 34 years," said Arlington Heights Village Manager Randy Recklaus. "His dedication, vision, and passion for making this community an even more special place than it already was, are major reasons why this community is the destination for businesses and residents that it is today."

A search for Perkins’ replacement is underway. More information on the search can be found here.

Officials say Perkins was instrumental in transforming Downtown Arlington Heights "into the vibrant mixed-use destination it is today." Under his leadership, Arlington Heights was praised as one of two Chicago suburban downtowns ready for the future, in the 2016 book. "New Suburbanism: Sustainable Tall Building Development." Perkins led the successful implementation of mixed-use and transit-oriented development.

Perkins is also credited for his role as project coordinator for the development of the Village's new Village Hall and Police Station. His efforts are commemorated with a plaque near the Buechner Room in Village Hall.

Perkins' steadfast commitment to supporting local Arlington Heights businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, played a pivotal role in establishing the outdoor dining and shopping experience known as Arlington Alfresco, which welcomed more than 320,000 visitors in 2023, according to the Village.

Perkins led the establishment of the Planned Unit Development for the Arlington Downs development, revitalizing the area north of Euclid Avenue at Rowling Road, as a "key gateway" into the community from IL-53. The once vacant site now features over 500 multi-family residences and a 40,000 square foot First Ascent climbing facility.

Perkins has also led numerous approved plans that have financed and developed key corridors such as the Downtown Master Plan, South Arlington Heights Road corridor plan, Hickory- Kensington Plan, TIF redevelopment plans along Rand Road, and the overall Village Comprehensive Plan.