Carina Santa Maria: 2025 candidate for Arlington Heights village board

Bio

Office sought: Arlington Heights village board (Vote for 4)

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 40

Occupation: CEO, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Previous offices held: None

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

One of the most serious issues Arlington Heights will face is managing growth while ensuring housing remains affordable. As our village attracts new businesses, we must balance economic expansion with preserving our community’s character and quality of life.

The village board should take a strategic approach to development, ensuring infrastructure and public services keep pace while fostering housing options for families, seniors, and young professionals. This means exploring responsible zoning updates, mixed-use developments, and incentives that promote affordability without overburdening residents.

At the same time, we must continue investing in public safety, schools, and small businesses to maintain a thriving community. Thoughtful, community-driven planning will allow Arlington Heights to grow in a way that benefits both current and future generations. As village trustee, I will work to ensure our village expands with purpose, inclusivity, and sustainability — not just growth for the sake of growth.

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?

The financial state of Arlington Heights is stable, but like many municipalities, we must be proactive in managing revenue shortfalls while ensuring essential services remain strong. A small increase in revenue has been presented after several years without raises, but we must continue to balance fiscal responsibility with community needs. Our top spending priorities should focus on maintaining infrastructure, supporting public safety, and fostering responsible economic development. Investing in housing affordability, small business growth, and public services will ensure long-term sustainability and a high quality of life for residents. To maintain financial health, we should also evaluate areas where spending can be more efficient. This includes reviewing operational costs, exploring partnerships to maximize resources, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively. Thoughtful financial planning will help Arlington Heights remain strong and well-positioned for the future.

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?

Replacing lead service lines must be a top priority to ensure clean, safe drinking water for all Arlington Heights residents. Many older homes and buildings still have lead pipes, posing serious health risks, especially to children. Investing in their removal and replacement is critical for public health and long-term water quality. Funding should come from state and federal grants, low-interest infrastructure loans, and strategic local investments to minimize costs for residents. A phased approach can prioritize the most at-risk areas while securing additional funding for long-term improvements.

What economic incentives, if any, should Arlington Heights be willing to offer the Chicago Bears to attract the team's stadium project to Arlington Park? Please explain your reasoning.

Any economic incentives for the Chicago Bears must be fiscally responsible and benefit Arlington Heights residents. While a stadium could boost local businesses, jobs, and tax revenue, incentives should be performance-based and tied to measurable community benefits. I would consider infrastructure investments that improve roads, transit, and utilities — enhancing both the stadium and daily life for residents. Revenue-sharing agreements or targeted incentives could be explored, but only if they ensure a net-positive return and don’t burden taxpayers or essential services like schools and public safety. Arlington Heights should not offer blanket tax breaks or public funding that shifts financial risk to residents. Instead, negotiations should focus on a partnership where the Bears contribute to local infrastructure and community growth. The goal is to attract development that strengthens our economy while ensuring long-term benefits for the village, not just for a private corporation.

If the Bears succeed in developing a new stadium in Chicago instead of Arlington Heights, what type of development would you want to see on the Arlington Park property? How would you see that benefiting the community?

If the Bears develop their stadium in Chicago, Arlington Park presents a major opportunity for smart, community-focused development. I’d advocate for a vibrant mixed-use space that balances economic growth with community needs. This could include an Innovation & Business Hub to support startups and job creation, along with restaurants, retail, and entertainment to create a lively gathering space. A mix of housing options would help young professionals, families, and seniors stay in Arlington Heights. A regional sports and recreation complex could host youth leagues, community events, and training facilities, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. Sustainability should be a priority, incorporating green spaces, trails, and eco-friendly design to maintain Salt Creek. This type of development would generate tax revenue, create jobs, and enhance quality of life while preserving the character of Arlington Heights. Most importantly, residents must have a voice in shaping its future to ensure it truly benefits our community.

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 village board.

Throughout my career, I have worked in group settings to develop and implement policy, from nonprofit leadership to statewide advisory councils. My approach is collaborative, solution-focused, and rooted in active listening because the best decisions come from engaging diverse perspectives. I build consensus through open dialogue, data-driven decisions, and shared goals. I am skilled at facilitating discussions, considering different viewpoints, and guiding conversations toward practical solutions. I prioritize transparency, accountability, and respectful discourse, recognizing that good governance requires both thoughtful deliberation and decisive action. This approach will serve me well on the Village Board, where balancing community needs, economic development, and long-term planning is essential. By fostering collaborative decision-making and strategic problem-solving, I will help Arlington Heights grow responsibly while preserving the values that make it a great place to live.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I bring extensive experience in government and policy work, making me uniquely qualified for village trustee. As a nonprofit CEO, I manage multi-million-dollar budgets, oversee critical services, and work with local, state, and federal agencies to shape policies that protect children and families. I serve on the Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council and the Cook County Child Death Review Committee, where I collaborate with government officials to improve systems that impact our most vulnerable. I also have international consulting experience with Kosovo and the UAE, providing policy guidance on child welfare and social services. Locally, I have worked with elected officials, community leaders, and advocacy groups to drive meaningful change. My experience navigating complex policy issues, securing funding, and building strategic partnerships gives me the skills to tackle Arlington Heights’ challenges. I understand how government works — and more importantly, how to make it work for the people.

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

One idea that hasn’t been widely discussed yet is establishing a Community Resource Navigator Program in Arlington Heights. This initiative would place trained volunteers or staff at key locations — such as the library, village hall, and local schools — to help residents connect with available services and opportunities. Many people in our community are unaware of the full range of resources available to them, whether it’s for small business support, mental health services, senior assistance, or family programming. A Community Resource Navigator would serve as a bridge, ensuring that residents can easily access the tools they need to thrive — whether they are longtime homeowners, young professionals, or new families moving in. This initiative would foster stronger community engagement, boost local business awareness, and create a more connected, informed, and supported Arlington Heights — without requiring a significant financial burden on the village. It’s a simple yet impactful way to enhance quality of life for all residents.