Chris for Mayor
Downers Grove has been home to Chris Gilmartin and his family for more than 20 years, and for the past five he has served it as your Village Commissioner. In that time, Chris helped guide the Village through COVID-19 with sound financial decisions, supported the long-overdue new Village Hall, and helped adopt the Comprehensive, Active Transportation, Streetscapes, and Environmental Sustainability plans that will shape Downers Grove’s future — all without raising property taxes for Village operations. Now Chris is running for Mayor to lead the Council as those plans move from paper to progress: asking hard questions, grounding decisions in data, and bringing residents, businesses, and fellow Council members together around what comes next.
CHRIS IS…
A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT
Chris has a proven record of delivering meaningful results for Downers Grove. He helped balance the Village budget every year without raising property taxes for Village operations, supported the long-overdue new Village Hall, and helped adopt the four plans that will guide the Village’s growth for years to come. His commitment to residents began before he took office: his work on the Human Services Ad Hoc Committee helped lead to the Village’s social worker and referral program. His leadership extends beyond individual projects, fostering a forward-thinking vision for the village’s growth and development.
A Status Quo ChALLENGER
Chris doesn’t accept “that’s how we’ve always done it” as an answer. He does the research, studies the details, and asks the questions others skip. When he noticed the Mayor Pro Tem position was being used in a way that didn’t match how it was designed in our code or in state law, he made the case to his colleagues — and the Council changed how Mayor Pro Tem is appointed. When he learned the Village was trading in retired police rifles to vendors, he raised it, and the Village now destroys them instead. Smarter, more accountable government starts with asking why.
A CHAMPION FOR UNITY
Chris believes collaboration is the key to progress. Since joining the Council in 2021, he has worked with fellow Council members, business leaders, and residents to build consensus on the issues that matter most — from economic development to community concerns. Chris understand that the role of Mayor is to leads a seven-member Council where every vote counts equally. Chris knows that real progress comes from building relationships, respecting differing opinions, and uniting the community around shared goals.
A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE FOR ALL
Chris is unwavering in his commitment to making Downers Grove a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone. He has been a vocal advocate against hate, standing up for traditionally marginalized communities and ensuring that village policies reflect fairness and equity. His work on the Active Transportation Plan, as well as the Fairview Focus Area, showcases his dedication to creating a vibrant and accessible community for all residents.
A family man
Chris has been married for more than 20 years and is the proud father of three children, all born in Downers Grove, and family always comes first. Raised by a New York City police officer and married to a lifelong educator who is now an elementary school principal, he is an active part of his community, volunteering at local school events and performing an annual charity concert for local nonprofits. Chris brings those family-first values to everything he does for Downers Grove..
LEADERSHIP THAT DELIVERS
Chris doesn’t just vote on what’s put in front of him. He finds problems, does the homework, and brings the Council solutions.
01
Championed the Active Transportation Plan
Chris made safer walking and biking a priority from his first term and moved the motion to adopt the Village’s first Active Transportation Plan in 2025. The plan is a 20-year blueprint for a more walkable, bike-friendly, pedestrian-first Downers Grove, with safer routes and connections to regional trails. It’s already producing results: the Jefferson Avenue shared-use path near Hillcrest School, and a new shared-use path in the 39th Street reconstruction.
02
Advancing housing people can afford, designed locally
Chris pushed for affordable units in the redevelopment of the old Village Hall site, and that debate shaped the Fairview Focus Area zoning, which now allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and more housing options. He supports the Village’s Attainable Housing Study with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and expanding ADUs so families can add space for aging parents or adult children.
03
Led the fight for local control of zoning
When Springfield’s BUILD proposal threatened to let developers put up to eight units on single-family lots by right, with no public hearing, no Planning and Zoning review and no Council vote, Chris sounded the alarm and called on the Village to formally oppose it. Two weeks later, the Council unanimously adopted the resolution he proposed, opposing the bill and defending local control of housing decisions.
04
Took police rifles out of circulation
After a 2025 federal ATF report on firearms trafficking, Chris asked how Downers Grove disposed of retired police rifles and learned they were traded in to vendors for credit. He pushed for a change, and the Village now destroys retired rifles instead of trading them, so they can’t re-enter the market.
05
Restored the proper process for appointing Mayor Pro Tem
Chris discovered the Village’s Mayor Pro Tem appointment process didn’t match how the position was designed under state law, and that Downers Grove was an outlier among DuPage County communities. He researched the history, introduced the issue to the Council, and made the case to his colleagues. In September 2025, the Council voted unanimously to return to the state-law process.
06
Modernizing our boards and commissions
Chris has pushed to tie the Village’s volunteer boards to the Comprehensive Plan, give them clearer direction from the Council, and reach residents who don’t usually apply. He has helped lead a 2026 Council initiative to strengthen how the boards work.
07
Built the Village’s social services program
Before joining the Council, Chris served on the Human Services Ad Hoc Committee, whose recommendations led the Village to hire its first social worker and launch a social services referral program in 2022, connecting residents in need with housing, mental health and senior services.
08
Asked the hard questions on health care costs
When the Village’s employee health insurance costs ran over budget three years in a row, Chris walked the Council through the numbers: claims had grown about 72% in three years, far above national benchmarks. He asked staff to evaluate lower-cost alternatives in time for the next budget.
09
Grew the local economy
As a member of the Economic Development Corporation’s executive board, Chris championed performance metrics and more support for keeping existing businesses, not just recruiting new ones. He supported the new Meadowbrook and Fairview TIF districts to revitalize aging commercial areas.
10
Defended our public library
When a small group pushed to remove books, restrict programming, and change how Library trustees are chosen, Chris stood with the Library and the families who use it. He defended its programming for LGBTQ+ residents and called out misinformation. He supported removing a trustee whose conduct had disrupted Library Board meetings for nearly two years, at the request of every other member of that board. When colleagues proposed changing how trustees are selected, he supported bringing in outside legal expertise, because state law doesn’t give the Council that power.
11
Fought for open, accountable government
Chris believes local government should answer to residents, not outside pressure. He supported and helped shape the Village’s 2026 ordinance barring the use of Village property as a staging area for federal civil immigration enforcement, and barring the use of Village data and systems to support it, while keeping full cooperation on criminal investigations and judicial warrants. He also successfully pushed to remove a Council rule limiting what commissioners could raise in their reports, and he sends residents regular plain-English recaps of Council business, including how he voted and why.
The results speak for themselves.
See what Downers Grove has delivered — by the numbers.
RESULTS, BY THE NUMBERS
What Downers Grove has delivered since Chris joined the Village Council in 2021 – ALL WITHOUT RAISING TAXES FOR VILLAGE OPERATIONS
FISCAL STRENGTH
TAXES Down 8%
The Village’s property tax levy for operations is lower today than when Chris took office in 2021
AAA Bond rating
Kept S&P bond rating, the highest available
9¢
Only about 9 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the Village
$15M+
Projected from the Lot 2 sale to help pay off Civic Center bonds
INFRASTRUCTURE
$21M+
In street maintenance completed since 2022
$13.9M
In stormwater and flood-control improvements completed since 2022
$12M
In water system improvements completed since 2022, including aging water main replacement
$60M Civic Center
Delivered on time and under budget — with no property tax levy for its bonds
ECONOMY
$72M+
Private investment from 43 major business projects, 2023–2025
13%
Growth in local sales tax revenue (Feb–May 2026), outpacing Naperville, Lombard, Westmont and other neighbors
1,670
Jobs created or retained, 2023–2025
Below Market
Office vacancy has stayed below the regional market for three straight years
PUBLIC SAFETY
Class 1
ISO fire protection rating, held by just 27 departments in Illinois
New Apparatus
A new tower ladder truck delivered in 2025, with a new fire engine and ambulance in the 2026 budget
$51M+
Committed to police and fire pensions since 2022, with both funds’ health improving
Body Cams in 2022
Body cameras adopted, ahead of the state’s 2025 requirement
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
1 of 2
Our Fire Prevention Bureau is one of only two in the entire United States to earn national accreditation (2026)
7 Straight
American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold Plus awards for our Fire Department’s lifesaving cardiac care
CALEA
National law enforcement accreditation for our Police Department, renewed in 2026, plus a U.S. Secret Service Plaque of Appreciation
Burnham Award
Illinois Chapter, American Planning Association’s Daniel Burnham Award for the Guiding DG Comprehensive Plan (2025)
Also recognized: Government Finance Officers Association awards for budgeting and financial reporting (30+ consecutive years) • Chicago Building Congress Award of Merit for the Civic Center • ACEC-Illinois Merit Award for the Main Street pedestrian safety project • National 3CMA Savvy Awards for public communication • Level II Arboretum — only the 7th Illinois municipality to earn it • DuPage Monarch Project and Conservation Foundation environmental awards
Sources: Village of Downers Grove Annual Reports (2021–2025) and Adopted Budgets (FY2022–FY2026); Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation KPI Reports (2023–2026); Village Council meeting records.
CHRIS’S PRIORITIES FOR DOWNERS GROVE
Growing Local Economy
More than 70% of the Village’s operating budget comes from economic activity. That’s what keeps property taxes low. As a member of the Economic Development Corporation’s executive board, Chris has worked to attract new businesses and keep the ones we have. As commissioner, Chris has supported business and investment. As Mayor, Chris will build on this success, making revitalizing local shopping centers (including 75th Street) a Council priority, building on our success at Meadowbrook and bringing property owners, developers, and the EDC together to turn our Comprehensive Plan’s vision for The Grove into reality.
Advancing Active Mobility
Chris championed the Village’s first Active Transportation Plan and moved its adoption in 2025. The plan is a 20-year blueprint for safer walking and biking, and the first projects are already built, including new shared-use paths on Jefferson Avenue and 39th Street. As Mayor, Chris will keep the plan moving from paper to pavement, prioritizing the safety projects that connect neighborhoods, schools, parks, and downtown. Safer streets mean healthier residents, less congestion, and a better quality of life for everyone.
Expanding SOCIAL SERVICES
Chris helped create the Village’s social services program, and demand for it has grown every year since. Seniors facing isolation, families facing housing insecurity, and residents in crisis are all turning to it. As Mayor, Chris will make ensuring our capacity meets the needs of our residents a priority, whether through additional staff, stronger partnerships with local agencies, or better tools that let our team help more people. No resident should be left without the help they need.
Leverage our Boards & Commissions
Reinvigorating our boards and commissions is essential to aligning them with the evolving needs of our village. Chris will push to not only revisit the selection process to ensure we attract diverse, qualified candidates who are committed to our community’s vision, but also look to engage our boards and commissions in more creative ways than we do today. These updates will empower our boards to better serve the residents and meet today’s demands.
Improving Communication
Residents shouldn’t have to dig to find out what their Village is doing. Downers Grove’s communications team does award-winning work, but the tools haven’t kept up with how people get information today. As Mayor, Chris will push to make the Village website easier to use, important updates easier to find, and Council decisions easier to understand — and to reach residents through the channels they actually use. He’s already doing it himself, sending residents regular plain-English recaps of every month’s Council business. He’ll also work to strengthen how the Village listens, giving residents more ways to weigh in before decisions are made, not after
Innovating with Technology
Residents expect to do business with their Village the way they do everything else: quickly, online, and without unnecessary paperwork. The Village has made progress, with online permitting, a new website, and updated financial systems, but there’s more we can do. As Mayor, Chris will push to modernize how the Village works — streamlining services, updating outdated systems, and making better use of data so staff can spend less time on paperwork and more time serving residents. He’ll also re-energize the Village’s Technology Commission, bringing residents with real expertise to help the Village evaluate new tools carefully, with strong protections for privacy and security and a clear focus on whether they actually improve service.
ENDORSED BY
“I want to thank you for your continued support of the Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association Local 3234. Your support during your last term as Village Commissioner is invaluable. Being a previously endorsed candidate by Local 3234’s Political Action Committee, you will have our continued support as a candidate for the 2025 Village of Downers Grove Commissioner Election. “
Bob Barc (2025)
President, Downers Grove Firefighters Association Local 3234
“The skills [Gilmartin possesses] will be an asset in responding to the economic repercussions of this pandemic, all while emphasizing the core services we must provide to the residents. We look forward to working with you!”
“Chris Gilmartin…. founder and CEO of two businesses, is the strongest candidate among the newcomers, active on the Human Services Ad Hoc Committee and as a youth sports coach, responsive to inquiries and running an aggressive campaign.”
Liz Chaplin (2025)
DuPage County Recorder
EXPERIENCE
DOWNERS GROVE VILLAGE COMMISSIONER
As a member of the Village Council, Chris has helped drive meaningful progress in Downers Grove—without raising property taxes for village operations.
During his tenure, the village built a new, state-of-the-art Village Hall, combining municipal offices, the Police Department, and District 58 in a cost-effective solution. Social services have been a priority, and public safety has been enhanced with new body cameras, license plate readers and key infrastructure improvements. Sustainability efforts expanded with a new coordinator, green vehicle additions, and membership in the Greenest Region Compact.
With a balanced budget every year, top-tier financial ratings, and award-winning services, Chris remains committed to responsible governance and long-term community success. His leadership ensures Downers Grove continues to grow while maintaining its financial strength and quality of life.
Member of Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation
As an appointed member of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for the past two years, Chris has been instrumental in fostering business growth, ensuring accountability, and driving economic success. He has championed the use of performance metrics to measure impact and enhance transparency, leading to stronger proposals and incentive strategies that attract high-quality businesses to the village.
In 2024 alone, Downers Grove saw significant economic wins, including Midwestern University’s purchase of 3300 Finley Road, major automotive expansions with Perillo Motors (Rolls-Royce), Castle Motors (Genesis), and the addition of Andy’s Frozen Custard. New businesses such as Buffalo Wild Wings Go, McAlister’s Deli, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen opened their doors.
With 14 major projects, 700 jobs retained or created, and $17.7 million in private investment, Chris’s leadership on the EDC continues to help Downers Grove thrive.
Member of Downers Grove Human Services Committee (2019-2021)
As a former member of the Village of Downers Grove Human Services Ad Hoc Committee, Chris met with various service and non-profit groups and created a priority-based report for the Village Council which outlined recommendations to help better serve those in need within our community. This experience provided Chris with clear insight into many of the challenges our residents face, as well as a keen understanding of the support that is available.
Successful Entrepreneur
Chris has successfully built two multi-million dollar service-based companies (leverinteractive.com, comingofage.com) from the ground up, with relationships with Google, Microsoft, Valspar, Toro, Experian and more. Chris understands the value of his team and demonstrates this through his commitment to providing many valuable benefits, including covering 100% of health insurance premiums for employees.
Multi-generational communicator
Built and grew a service organization dedicated to helping organizations better communicate with the boomer and senior populations.
COMMITTMENT TO GIVING BACK
Supports many local and national organizations, including the Lester PTA, West Suburban Humane Society, Downer Grove Park District, YMCA, City of Hope, Donors Choose and more.
Active Parent
Coached Downers Grove Park District sports for over seven years, and supported YMCA programs and the PTA.
committment to local charities
Performed annual charity concert, collecting over $5,000 for local and small nonprofits like Noah’s Hope, Swifty Foundation and Nottingham Nature Nook.
Early voting : TBD
Vote by mail -you can apply to receive a ballot in the mail here
In-person voting – April 6, 2027
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Paid for by the Chris Gilmartin for Council Committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website ( www.elections.il.gov ) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois
Early voting : TBD
Vote by mail -you can apply to receive a ballot in the mail here
In-person voting - April 6, 2027