“I understand that voting is a personal issue, and I am hopeful that my opinion will assist you.  It is to our collective benefit that we elect the most qualified candidates; Jennifer is that candidate for the First Ward.” - Mayor Scott Levin

I am committed to remaining approachable, accessible, and understanding what is important to residents.
” Your Priorities are my Priorities.”


I will continue to lead with integrity, listen to the concerns of Ward 1 residents, conduct thorough due diligence on the most vital issues of our Ward and Elmhurst, and make the best informed decisions asked of our City Council in order to keep Elmhurst vibrant and moving forward.

As your alderman I am dedicated to:

PROTECTING OUR TAXPAYERS

  • Responsible spending, balanced budgets and identify creative cost-saving options without sacrificing services and public safety

    • Did you know...

      The City's policy is to have 25-30% of General Fund operating expenses in reserves. 

      The General Fund balance fund is over our policy amount. We budgeted a deliberate use of fund balance to bring the balance within the policy range. Otherwise, we are just sitting on taxpayer money while asking for more. Historically, the City is within 90-95% of our annual budget. 

      As a Finance committee member, I support our policy because your money should be in your pocket, not the City's.

       Our finance staff is superb and estimates all operating reserves before budgeting. Elmhurst has held a AAA bond rating, the highest rating since 2013. A bond rating is similar to a credit score. When your credit is excellent, you can borrow money for less. Elmhurst has also received the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association for 16 years and the CAFR (audit) for 33 years. 

      We have outstanding policies that served us well during a global pandemic at no expense to the taxpayer. I am committed to protecting the taxpayers and the city's prudent fiscal policies. 

MAKING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFE

  •  Fully committed to our public safety efforts.

    • Ensuring our police and fire departments have the needed resources to keep our families and neighborhoods safe.

  •  Upgrade the City’s Water Reclamation Facility. It is the crucial foundation to the City’s sanitary and sewer infrastructure.

  • Continue to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian safety by conducting additional neighborhood traffic studies and ensure success of our newly established Traffic Review Team.

  • Keep our streets in good repair for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and add electric vehicle charging stations to align with our sustainability plan.

ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

  • Vibrant Downtown

Elmhurst should be at the forefront of innovative urban design. That will appeal to residents, businesses, and visitors.

  • Initiated a review of our downtown area to plan for improvements, including expanded sidewalks and outdoor dining, increased plazas and public spaces, and parking configurations. Learn more HERE

  • Economic Development

    • As an Elmhurst Small Business owner for 17 years, I understand the heart, soul & challenges businesses face. The pandemic, labor shortage, and inflation are a few of many hardships for our small business owners.

As a Retail Grant Committee Member which determines eligibility for the city’s business incentives for new sales tax-producing businesses, an Elmhurst City Centre Board (elected and ex-officio), and Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce, I have utilized my business acumen to support economic development efforts that attracted 60 new businesses in 2022 leading to some of the lowest vacancy rates in DuPage (1.60%) and vibrant economic districts throughout Elmhurst.

Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, create jobs, and add vibrancy and character to our neighborhoods.

I will continue working with the Chamber, City Centre and our Economic Development team to keep our vacancy rates low and business community thriving.

  • Responsible growth and reasonable price

    Continue advocating for responsible growth and reasonable price points for seniors and long-term residents so they can stay in Elmhurst.

  • Work with colleagues to establish a Sustainability Working Group.

  • Increase public art initiatives to enhance the cultural experience in our city.

PROACTIVE COMMUNICATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • Continue Hosting the annual Ward 1 town hall meetings

  • Continue to sign people up for Code Red, Elmhurst’s emergency notification service, Elmhurst Connect app and WaterSmart

  • Ensure successful implantation of new city website.

Jennifer has diligently worked with residents, city council colleagues and city staff to uphold her 2021 campaign platforms and enhance the quality of life in our great city.

  • Initiated changes that improved the city’s response to traffic safety.

Read more HERE: The Patch (unanimously approved by City Council)

  • Improved construction site standards; minimizing the impact of development on residents and businesses.

Read more HERE: The Patch (unanimously approved by City Council)

  • Formally requested the city to consider murals, which many suburban towns utilize to enhance business districts and attract visitors.

Read more HERE: Public Art (approved by City Council)