Oak Park shoppers and retailers face updated single-use bag regulations after the Village Board passed an amended ordinance Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The board approved ORD 26-156, which amends Chapter 20 of the municipal code governing single-use bags at retail establishments, according to the meeting agenda. The village's existing bag fee program, in place since 2018, requires stores of 5,000 square feet or larger to charge 10 cents per single-use paper or plastic bag at checkout. Of that fee, 5 cents stays with the retailer and 5 cents funds village sustainability programs.

The full scope of changes in the amended ordinance has not been made public. The agenda describes it as "adopting regulations and fees for single-use bags at retail establishments." Customers on government food assistance programs remain exempt from the fee.

The village's Environment & Energy Commission gathered public feedback on the bag program through an online survey beginning in late 2025. Lindsey Roland Nieratka, the village's Chief Sustainability Officer, is listed as the initiative's contact.

Biodiversity plan formally adopted

At the same meeting, the board adopted RES 26-231, the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Plan. The plan is Oak Park's roadmap for reaching its "30x30" goal: converting 30% of village land to green infrastructure or enhanced management for native plants, wildlife and people by 2030.

The village set that target in 2022 as part of Climate Ready Oak Park (CROP), its long-range sustainability framework. The Office of Sustainability & Resilience developed the new plan in partnership with Greenprint Partners, a consulting firm.

The plan includes strategies for increasing biodiversity, expanding green infrastructure and improving management of open spaces, according to the Engage Oak Park project page. Green infrastructure refers to open spaces that protect biodiversity, reduce stormwater runoff and improve air and water quality.

Village staff held open houses, pop-up events and a community survey in spring 2026 before finalizing the document. The May/June 2026 village newsletter was still soliciting resident input on the plan.

Both items appeared on the board's regular agenda rather than the consent agenda, meaning each required separate discussion. Village President Vicki Scaman presided over the meeting. Vote counts had not been posted to village public records as of Aug. 27.

Free reusable bags remain available in the Village Hall lobby at 123 Madison St. during regular business hours.