Chris Gilmartin: 2025 candidate for Downers Grove village council

Bio

Office Sought: Downers Grove village council (Vote for 3)

City: Downers Grove

Age: 52

Occupation: CEO

Previous offices held: Downers Grove Commissioner since 2021

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

One of the biggest challenges facing Downers Grove is an uncertain economic future. While our local economy has been strong, rising costs and shifting market conditions could impact businesses, residents, and village operations.

To protect against a downturn, we must stay fiscally responsible while continuing to invest in long-term growth.

Over my four years on the village council, we have balanced the budget while expanding services. By attracting a diverse mix of businesses, revitalizing underutilized shopping centers, and supporting mixed-use developments, we can strengthen our financial resilience. We also need to invest in infrastructure and sustainability projects that create cost savings, such as stormwater management and smart technology adoption.

Making proactive, data-driven decisions will help keep Downers Grove financially stable and well-positioned for future challenges.

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?

Downers Grove’s finances are strong thanks to responsible budgeting and economic development. Each year I have been on council, we have balanced the budget, funded critical infrastructure, and expanded services without raising operational taxes.

Moving forward, our top spending priorities should be stormwater management, road maintenance, pedestrian safety, and sustainability initiatives that ensure long-term cost savings. While strategic investments are key, we must also find ways to improve efficiency. Using technology and data-driven decision-making can streamline operations and reduce costs without cutting essential services.

Economic incentives should be structured to provide long-term benefits for residents. By maintaining fiscal discipline, investing wisely, and prioritizing smart growth, we can keep Downers Grove financially stable while enhancing residents' quality of life.

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?

Implementing the Downers Grove Active Mobility Plan is one of the most important infrastructure projects for Downers Grove. This plan improves pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduces congestion, and enhances connectivity. It makes our streets safer, promotes healthier transportation options, and supports sustainability goals.

Funding should come from grants, public-private partnerships, and existing village funds. Impact fees and state or federal infrastructure programs can also support these efforts. While economic uncertainty creates funding challenges, I do not believe in pausing key projects that benefit the long-term health of our community.

Instead of shelving initiatives, we should focus on increasing revenues by attracting new businesses, maximizing underutilized properties, and leveraging smart growth strategies. Proactive investment in infrastructure keeps Downers Grove moving forward.

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 council.

Serving on the Downers Grove Village Council has given me extensive experience working in a group setting to shape policy and navigate challenges. I have earned the respect of my fellow commissioners through active listening, thorough preparation, and data-driven decision-making.

My goal is always to seek consensus while ensuring decisions are well-informed and in the best interest of our community. My experience as an entrepreneur and CEO has further sharpened my ability to foster relationships, present compelling cases, and work collaboratively. Success in both business and government comes from building trust, making logical arguments, and being open to new perspectives.

I have gained the respect and support the residents — not because we always agree, but because they recognize my commitment to informed, thoughtful governance.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am the most qualified candidate because of my leadership experience, deep understanding of village operations, and commitment to serving Downers Grove with integrity. My time on the village council has given me the experience necessary to navigate complex issues, balance budgets, and implement policies that improve our community. As an executive board member of the Economic Development Corporation, I have helped attract businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy.

My experience as the CEO of two multi-million-dollar service organizations has equipped me with the skills to manage budgets, lead teams, and make data-driven decisions. I approach every challenge with responsiveness, strategic thinking, and a commitment to hearing all sides. I am not afraid to learn, adapt, and improve.

Downers Grove deserves a leader who is experienced, strategic, and ready to make an impact, and I believe I am just that kind of leader.

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

Leveraging technology and AI can make Downers Grove more efficient, responsive, and cost-effective. As CEO of a digital-first firm, I have seen how emerging technologies can streamline processes and improve service delivery. AI-powered analytics can optimize traffic management, improve public safety, and enhance efficiency in permitting and emergency response.

Smart technology can also improve sustainability by monitoring energy use and reducing waste. By exploring AI and digital solutions, we can cut costs, improve public services, and strengthen communication with residents.

I want to restart our technology commission to ensure Downers Grove stays ahead of the curve and makes data-driven, future-focused decisions. It’s time to embrace technology to make our village stronger and more efficient.