HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
A Vision for the Future of Highland Park
HP Forward is building a stronger Highland Park through good government, business vitality, and community engagement — grounded in informed, nonpartisan civic participation.
OUR MISSION
A Vision for Highland Park’s Future
HP Forward is a nonpartisan civic organization dedicated to Highland Park. We work to create a shared vision for the community’s future through three commitments: good government that is accountable and open, business vitality that keeps our downtown and local economy strong, and community engagement that gives every resident a meaningful way to participate.
NOVEMBER 3, 2026 REFERENDUM
Vote YES for Term Limits
Highland Park deserves leadership that balances experience with renewal. HP Forward supports reasonable, prospective term limits that protect our city from both extremes — permanent political incumbency on one side, and over-reliance on unelected administration on the other. Our proposal allows substantial service — two full four-year terms as a council member and two as mayor, plus any time served by appointment — while ensuring the door regularly opens for new voices.
VOTE YES FOR TERM LIMITS
Three reasons to VOTE YES
Open seats create opportunity
Holding office itself gives incumbents an electoral advantage. Term limits periodically guarantee something elections alone cannot: an open seat.
Eight years is real experience
Two terms is not a revolving door. Eight years gives elected officials substantial time to learn the job, establish priorities and turn ideas into results.
Professional management provides continuity
Highland Park is a council-manager community. The City Manager and professional staff provide the expertise and continuity to run the city.
Term limits don’t guarantee better leaders. They guarantee the opportunity to find them.
Term limits are already familiar in nearby communities
9 of 15
surveyed communities have a formal or informal limit on service
5 of 15
use an eight-year limit
Source: April 2026 Municipal Term Limits Survey delivered to the Highland Park City Council by Steven Elrod, Corporation Counsel for the City of Highland Park, as summarized by HP Forward.
OPEN TO ALL CANDIDATES
Running for Public Office in Highland Park?
Tell Voters Why.
We invite candidates for City, Park District and School Board offices to submit a short introduction explaining why they are running. Every submission is published in the order received until the deadline of October 30, 2026.
City
Mayor, City Council
Park District
Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners.
School Board
School Board candidates for Highland Park area districts 112 & 113.
Ground Rules
Up to 400 words, plus a headshot and one website or social link.
- Same format and placement for every candidate; listed by office, then in order received.
- Published as submitted. HP Forward removes only content that is defamatory, off-topic or unlawful.
- Statements must be typed text, not a scan or image of a document.
- Photo: JPG or PNG, at least 600 pixels wide, portrait or square, under 5 MB. A clear, recent headshot works best.
- By submitting a photo, you confirm you took it or have permission to use it, and you consent to HP Forward publishing it.
- Publication is not an endorsement.
- Submissions accepted through October 30, 2026.
- Endorsement interviews will be offered to everyone submitting a statement, to be scheduled after the November 3 election.
How to Submit
Email 60035info@gmail.com with:
- Your statement (up to 400 words), typed, in the body of the email or as an attached document. No scans.
- Your headshot as a separate image attachment (see photo guidelines above).
- Your name, the office you are seeking (and district, if any), and one website or social link.
Order received is based on the date and time the email reaches HP Forward’s inbox.
Please email us at 60035info@gmail.com with any questions.
What HP Forward Works On
Good Government
Accountable, transparent local government — including reasonable term limits that keep leadership opportunities open while preserving experienced oversight.
Business Vitality
Supporting the local businesses that make Highland Park distinctive, and a downtown that stays vibrant, walkable, and welcoming.
Community Engagement
Broader participation in civic life — from council meetings to neighborhood conversations to volunteer opportunities for every resident.
Stay Informed
Get updates on community issues, events, and opportunities to participate.
Vote YES for Term Limits campaign is sponsored by Highland Park Forward, a nonpartisan Political Action Committee promoting vibrancy and good government in Highland Park. Paid for by Highland Park Forward, an IL nonpartisan Political Action Committee.