Moving Highland Park Forward

The recent referendum revealed a stark divide between the Highland Park community and its current leadership. The refusal of the mayor and her council allies to address the overwhelming 82% voter mandate is just one example of a larger issue: a city government that is out of touch with the desires of its residents. Highland Park Forward (HP Forward) is committed to bridging this gap and fostering a government that is transparent, responsive, and aligned with the community’s vision for a vibrant future.

Now, our focus shifts to the future.

The upcoming April 1 City Council election is pivotal. With four seats up for election (three four-year terms and one two-year term), Highland Park residents have a unique opportunity to elect leaders who share their vision. Achieving our objectives requires fresh, independent leaders: four “Yes” votes on the council—making this election critical to ensuring the progress our community deserves.

HP Forward is dedicated to electing leaders who champion four key objectives: Forward for Businesses, Forward for a Vibrant Community, Forward for Inclusive Government, and Forward for Openness and Transparency.

Forward for Businesses

It took two election cycles (2021 and 2023) to get a pro-business majority that could initiate and pass adding Business Development as a fifth priority pillar to the City’s key objectives and, therefore, budget.

This priority pillar paved the way for:

Business development matching grants meant to attract 2-3 higher-end restaurants. The fantastic DeNucci’s is the first one up and running.
Mid-tier incentives to help existing restaurants extend and expand their offerings. Over half a dozen have applied for and received these.
Higher value and more broadly applicable outdoor façade improvement grants that several businesses have applied for and received.
Boosting the physical and aesthetic appeal of downtown Highland Park through improved infrastructure, new furniture, enhanced landscaping, repaving, and more frequent trash pickup.
Second Street’s makeover.

However, recent events threaten this momentum. The removal of Jeff Hoobler—2023’s top vote-getter—from the council, and the refusal to resolve the liquor license issue, disregards the will of voters and jeopardizes the progress we’ve made.

We must continue to push for:

Changing the liquor license law to respect the voters’ mandate
Streamlining business interactions with the city using technology, removing needless regulations, and reducing unnecessary red tape
Strengthening collaboration between city leadership and local businesses
Strategically filling empty storefronts with innovative and dynamic businesses

Forward for a Vibrant Community

Highland Park is more than a collection of businesses and homes; it’s a community. Vibrancy requires thoughtful investment in cultural initiatives, public spaces, and events that bring people together and expand our reach. We need leadership that prioritizes these efforts and listens to the community’s ideas for a thriving city life.

Forward for Inclusive Government

A government that ignores the will of 82% of its voters is not inclusive – it’s dismissive. HP Forward will strive for a government that welcomes diverse perspectives, represents all residents, and fosters collaboration. Leadership should reflect the community it serves, prioritizing inclusivity over personal agendas.

Forward for Openness and Transparency

Transparency is the foundation of trust. The refusal of the council to provide explanations for its inaction on the referendum is emblematic of a larger problem: a lack of accountability. We need leaders who commit to open communication, public dialogue, and clear decision-making processes.

The April 1 election is our chance to set a new course for Highland Park. Together, we can build a government that truly represents the voices of its citizens and a community we can all be proud of.

Please donate to Highland Park Forward

Contributions are limited to $13,700 per person or $27,400 per entity.

Contribute on our website or send checks to Highland Park Forward 1032 Crofton Ct Highland Park, IL 60035

Let’s move Highland Park Forward.

Highland Park Forward is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation operating as a tax-exempt organization under Section 527 of the US Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are not tax deductible.