Highland Park, IL — Highland Park...
Irwin Bernstein: Forward Thinking for Highland Park
January 18, 2025
(updated January 28, 2025)
Published by HP Forward
Irwin Bernstein, a long-time Highland Park resident, embodies a profound commitment to community involvement and a vision for a more vibrant and connected city. As co-chair of Highland Park Forward, a grassroots organization, Bernstein channels his passion for civic engagement into fostering inclusivity, open governance, and progress. His approach combines respect for tradition with a forward-thinking strategy aiming to unite residents and local business owners around shared goals.
When we sat down to speak, Bernstein set the stage with a mix of humor and candor. Reflecting on his career, he recounted an incident from his time at Dean Witter, where strict instructions forbade speaking to the press. The story highlighted his skepticism toward media accuracy and underscored a principle he continues to value: authenticity and clear communication. These qualities inform his approach to leadership and community engagement in Highland Park.
"When we work together as a community,' Bernstein concludes, "we can achieve remarkable things"
A Personal Connection to Highland Park Highland Park is more than a place to live for Bernstein; it’s the community where he has raised his family and nurtured his ideals. With two of his five children and four grandchildren also residing in the area, Bernstein’s ties to the city are deeply personal. “I want Highland Park to be the most attractive community on the North Shore he states passionately, adding that he envisions a city where families flourish, lifelong friendships are formed, and multigenerational living becomes a celebrated norm.
This vision stems from his own observations of neighborhoods where children once rode their bikes to local shops and gathered at community events. “We’re either moving forward or backward,” he emphasizes, “and I want to make sure we’re moving forward” He spoke of his desire to leave the community better for the next generation. If Highland Park Forward can contribute to that goal, he feels as though he will have been successful.
The Mission of Highland Park Forward Founded with the spirit of grassroots activism, Highland Park Forward is inspired by the founding fathers’ model of civic duty, where citizens took turns serving their city. The organization’s primary focus is creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices especially those of local business owners and residents are heard and respected.
The group recently announced plans to further its mission by providing financial support to new candidates and launching an educational program. “We’re giving $1,000 to each of the new candidates– the non-incumbents–to help them set up their organizations and do things legally and correctly Bernstein explains. Beyond the election, the group aims to establish a program to educate residents on the roles of the many different local government bodies and how city government, school boards, park boards, and the many other units of government function. For the city, this includes the role of advisory groups, committees, the city council, and city staff. “We want to encourage more people to get involved and understand how everything works together” he says.
The group’s most notable achievement has been addressing what Bernstein sees as an inequity in the city’s liquor license laws. Under the old rules, liquor license holders were ineligible to serve as elected officials, despite already being required to adhere to stricter state recusal and ethics standards than other city council members. This exclusion, Bernstein feels, silences the voices of key business leaders and community members who could contribute to Highland Park’s vibrancy.
Highland Park Forward rallied the community and pushed for a referendum to change this law. While pursuant to state law, this referendum would be non-binding, Mayor Rotering had stated she wanted to hear the voice of the voters. With overwhelming support-82% of voters approving- the referendum requesting a change passed, symbolizing a victory for inclusivity and community representation. “It’s not about who holds a liquor license” Bernstein notes. “It’s about giving residents the right to choose who represents them.”
Despite the overwhelming demand for change, the Mayor has tabled a request from council members Lidawer and Tapia to respect the voters’ wishes and, stating a need for further study, postponed a vote on the matter until after the April 2025 elections. Bernstein questioned the need for additional study-stating that the voters spoke clearly about their wish to choose their representatives. He expressed frustration, alleging some council members are choosing to delay the change and place their own political interests over the will of the voters by waiting until after the end of January filing period for city council write-in candidates.
Disheartened by what he sees as a disregard for voters’ voices, Bernstein has redoubled his efforts to promote broader discussions on governance and community engagement. He believes underlying some of the divisiveness is the question of what direction the city should pursue, a bedroom community where residents go elsewhere to shop and dine, or a vibrant community that attracts residents and visitors and that creates a strong tax base. Bernstein says HP Forward supports vibrancy. He appreciates that some will disagree and he welcomes a public debate where the voters will be the deciders.
Empowering Local Businesses and Residents Bernstein is a staunch advocate for leveraging Highland Park’s wealth of talent and resources to achieve shared prosperity. He believes that local businesses are integral to creating a sense of community and vibrancy. “Why aren’t we reaching out to some of the smartest people in our community?” he asks, noting that many successful professionals in Highland Park would gladly volunteer their expertise to enhance the city’s development.
He also spoke passionately about his vision of fostering districts within downtown Highland Park, where clusters of businesses-such as art galleries, designer boutiques, or specialty shops-could transform the area into a destination for both residents and visitors. “I’s about creating experiences that Amazon can’t replicate’ he says, highlighting the potential for local businesses to thrive by offering personalized services and unique offerings.
Challenges in Governance and Vision While Bernstein’s vision is clear, he acknowledges the challenges that come with transforming it into reality. From high rents that stifle entrepreneurial efforts to slow permit processes that frustrate business owners, the obstacles are significant. However, he remains optimistic about Highland Park’s potential, particularly with the involvement of its residents. “The community is filled with bright, talented individuals, he says. “We need to empower them to help us move forward.”
Bernstein’s critique of the current administration’s approach reflects his belief in the need for a more collaborative and inclusive leadership style. He is candid about his frustrations but sees them as opportunities to inspire constructive change. “We don’t need more barriers he asserts. “We need visionary leadership that prioritizes vibrancy and engagement.”
A Visionary Path Forward Bernstein’s commitment to Highland Park is unwavering. Through Highland Park Forward, he is not only advocating for better governance but also cultivating a sense of ownership among residents. By encouraging local involvement and fostering a shared vision, he aims to restore the city’s vibrancy and create a community where future generations can thrive.
His message is clear: Highland Park’s best days are ahead, but achieving this requires collective effort. “When we work together as a community,’ Bernstein concludes, “we can achieve remarkable things”
Looking Ahead As Highland Park continues to evolve, Bernstein’s efforts serve as a reminder of the power of grassroots activism and shared purpose. His dedication to fostering collaboration between residents, business owners, and city leaders ensures that Highland Park remains a place where people not only live but thrive. With Bernstein’s vision guiding the way, the city is poised to embrace both its rich heritage and its boundless potential.
In furthering these efforts, Bernstein envisions even more opportunities for residents to engage actively in civic life. By contributing their expertise to revitalizing local businesses. Highland Parks citizens hold the keys to a thriving and vibrant community. The work continues, but Bernstein’s leadership offers a hopeful path forward.