What are the transportation opportunities in Marengo?
Marengo is at the intersection three major highways (US-20, IL-23, IL-176) and is served by I-90 with exits 9 miles to the east and 12 miles to the west. We also have two other interstates I-39 to the west and I-43 to the north within 30 miles. We have five Airports including O’Hare International with in 50 miles and Chicago Rockford International. We are also located on the Union Pacific rail line between Rockford and Chicago in which a Phase 1 Metra Station Study is currently being to connect Marengo with Chicago with a commuter rail service.

What is the population of Marengo?
On the cusp of a major population explosion, the 2007 special census of 7,499 indicates significant growth compared to the 2000 census (6355) and the 1990 census (4768). Projected population by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is 18,213
by 2030.

What about a current Comprehensive Plan?
The Marengo Comprehensive Plan was originally developed in 2004. A recent change is the Western Corridor Plan which was passed in 2009.

What is the business climate of Marengo?
Marengo has a very business-friendly environment with an emphasis on caring for and maintaining existing businesses while actively recruiting new manufacturing, commercial, retail, and service businesses to serve the local residents.

Is there a business/industrial park available?
The Northwest Center for Commerce is a business park along US-20 (Grant Highway). Just 8 minutes from I-90, the park is zoned for industrial, commercial and retail.

Are business incentives available?
The Business Incentive Program in Marengo (BIPiM) has access to the full range of local, state and federal incentive programs check out our Business Incentives section.

What about zoning & planning in Marengo?
Marengo zoning regulations can be found on-line at the City of Marengo’s site.

Is a business license required?
No. General business license are not required at this time.

Is there a sign ordinance?
Yes. The sign ordinance can be found on the City of Marengo’s site. Please refer to Chapter 16: Sign Code.

Are there buildings available?
Yes. Buildings are available please visit our Building & Sites page for a listing.

Are there buildable sites within the city limits?
Yes. Buildable sites are available please visit our Building & Sites page for a listing

Are greenfield sites available?
Being located in a growing rural environment, there are numerous available sites within the city limits and in the surrounding region available for manufacturing, commercial, retail and service industries. Visit our Buildings & Sites page for additional information.

Are there existing brown-field sites available?
We have several properties which we expect are brown-fields. Please contact us for more information. .

What is the form of government in Marengo?
The City of Marengo has a Mayor/Council form of government with eight aldermen (two aldermen from each of four wards) and a City Administrator.

How are the schools in Marengo?
Marengo has an award winning high school which was just constructed several years ago. Graduates of our high school may be eligible receive free tuition from the McHenry County Community College for coursework towards a degree in the Promise Program. Check out our Community Profile for more information.