Derek McDaniel: 2025 candidate for Naperville city council

Bio

Office Sought: Naperville city council

City: Naperville

Age: 45

Occupation: Financial advisor

Previous offices held: Naperville Planning & Zoning Commission

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

Naperville stands at a crossroads regarding its energy future. With our contract with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) expiring in 2035, this is a pivotal opportunity to reimagine how we power our city for decades to come.

Our energy strategy must prioritize affordability & reliability for residents while accelerating our transition toward sustainable energy sources. The IMEA's proposed contract extension through 2055 raises legitimate concerns about locking our city into a less adaptive energy model.

I support the recent decision to bring in an energy consultant to evaluate our options. Their expertise will guide us in identifying cost-effective, innovative, and environmentally responsible solutions. It’s essential to incorporate competitive market analysis and advancements in energy technologies, such as battery storage & peak shaving, as we consider alternatives.

As we navigate these decisions, Naperville must retain an element of autonomy over its energy choices. By doing so, we can ensure that future contracts align with the values and priorities of our community.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Naperville’s finances are in excellent shape, with a strong $641.15 million budget for 2025, supported by a historically low property tax rate — the lowest in 56 years. Responsible financial planning enables the city to provide high-quality services and make strategic reinvestments without relying on property taxes for capital improvements.

Our top priorities must include continued investment in public safety to ensure Naperville remains one of the safest cities in the country. Supporting our first responders and upgrading public safety technology is essential to maintaining our community’s well-being.

Additionally, we must address the challenges of an aging community by reinvesting in critical infrastructure, including utilities and roadways. This year alone, $179.38 million of the budget is dedicated to infrastructure improvements, the largest single category in the budget.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

The North Aurora Underpass project is the most critical infrastructure project Naperville must address. This project, decades in the making, will alleviate significant traffic congestion along North Aurora Road between Route 59 and Pennsbury Lane, which is currently a bottleneck with only one lane in each direction. With traffic already exceeding capacity and projections of nearly 33,000 vehicles per day by 2040, this project will enhance safety, reduce crashes, and improve access for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The city has done an exceptional job securing external funding, with over $42 million already committed, leaving Naperville responsible for just $2 million. This prudent financial approach ensures the project remains affordable while delivering significant long-term benefits.

Conversely, during uncertain economic times, projects that do not directly address pressing safety or mobility concerns — such as aesthetic enhancements or less-critical park upgrades — can be deferred.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

I am currently serving my second term on Naperville's Planning & Zoning Commission, where I have gained extensive experience working in a group setting to shape policy.

In this role, I collaborate with fellow commissioners, city staff, residents, and business owners to address important community issues. My approach is rooted in collaboration and active listening. I believe it is essential to understand and consider diverse perspectives to reach well-informed and balanced decisions.

My style emphasizes respectful dialogue, clear communication, and data-driven analysis. I strive to find common ground while staying focused on the broader goals and long-term benefits for the community. Whether evaluating zoning changes or development proposals, I work to ensure outcomes align with Naperville’s values and strategic vision.

My ability to navigate complex issues, balance competing interests, and prioritize the community's needs will help ensure productive and impactful actions in local government.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am running for Naperville City Council because I deeply care about the future of our community. Having lived here for over 40 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growth and changes in Naperville, and I want to ensure that we continue to thrive in ways that benefit all residents.

My background in financial services, coupled with my MBA with a concentration in Corporate Finance from DePaul University, has equipped me with the expertise to analyze budgets, prioritize spending, and make fiscally responsible decisions. Additionally, my extensive community involvement and experience on the Planning & Zoning Commission have given me insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our city.

I believe in keeping Naperville a safe, vibrant, and economically resilient place for families and businesses. My goal is to ensure that Naperville remains a city where everyone can grow, prosper, and enjoy a high quality of life.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

One idea to better our community is amending the definition of “financial institution” in our downtown zoning district to include retail banking under the broader category.

Currently in Naperville’s downtown business district, retail banks are permitted “by-right” on the first floor. However, this does little to enhance the vibrancy of our downtown. By expanding the definition, retail banks and financial institutions would be treated consistently and required to seek approval through a case-by-case variance process.

This adjustment would empower the community and its leaders to prioritize uses that align with the downtown’s unique character, such as retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, which generate sales and food & beverage taxes.

By making this zoning change, we can strike a balance between supporting necessary services and fostering a thriving, dynamic downtown. It’s a smart, proactive step toward ensuring our community’s most iconic spaces remain vibrant and reflective of Naperville’s spirit.