RE-ELECT CHRIS!

 As a 19-year resident of Downers Grove, Chris Gilmartin has proven his commitment to serving the community that has given his family so much. As your Village Commissioner for the past four years, Chris has guided the Village through the challenges of COVID-19 with sound financial decisions that strengthened our community. He has revitalized blighted areas and championed a vision for a pedestrian-first Village that prioritizes safety, connectivity, and quality of life. Chris’s gratitude for the Village that welcomed him drives his passion to continue improving Downers Grove for all residents.

Progress With Purpose

CHRIS IS…

Chris Gilmartin For Council
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A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT

Chris has demonstrated a proven ability to lead and deliver meaningful results for Downers Grove. From helping to balance the Village budget without raising property taxes, to supporting the construction of a long-overdue new Village Hall, Chris has consistently focused on tangible improvements that benefit the community. His leadership extends beyond individual projects, fostering a forward-thinking vision for the village’s growth and development.

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A STRATEGIC AND INFORMED LEADER

Chris’s approach to governance is rooted in research, analysis, and a commitment to understanding all sides of an issue. His experience on the Village Council is marked by thorough preparation and a data-driven approach to decision-making. Whether helping to create sustainability initiatives or addressing contentious community issues, Chris ensures every decision is grounded in facts and a clear path toward action.

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A CHAMPION FOR UNITY

Chris believes that collaboration is key to progress. Over the past four years, he has worked with diverse stakeholders, including fellow council members, business leaders, and residents, to achieve consensus on vital initiatives. From fostering business development to addressing community concerns, Chris uses his ability to build relationships and navigate differing opinions to unite Downers Grove around shared goals.

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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 pedestrian and bike plan, as well as the Fairview Focus Area, showcases his dedication to creating a vibrant and accessible community for all residents.

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A family man

Chris has been married 20 years with three children aged 17, 15, and 12…and family always comes first. Raised by a New York City police officer and married to a life-long educator, he is an avid participant in his community, volunteering regularly at local school events and leading multi-annual fundraising initiatives. Chris’ background allows him to be representative of all Downers Grove families on the Council with his family-first principles.

SUCCESS IN CHALLENGING TIMES

“During my tenure as Village Commissioner, I have been dedicated to maintaining our local economy’s strength and ensuring the stability of our Village finances. Drawing from over 19 years of entrepreneurial experience, during which I successfully navigated both a recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, I have applied data-driven decision-making and adaptability to address unforeseen challenges.

Witnessing the struggles of small businesses in our community has been deeply personal to me, reinforcing my commitment to keeping paths of opportunity open. This perspective has consistently guided my decisions and votes on the Council, always keeping the well-being of our residents and businesses at the forefront.”

SKILLSET UNIQUELY POISED FOR SUCCESS

“While my business is based in marketing and technology, I have honed my abilities in creative problem-solving, efficient team management, and effective communication. Serving as your Village Commissioner over the past four years has further enhanced these skills, allowing me to address complex community challenges with innovative solutions. My inquisitive nature drives me to delve into the root causes of issues, ensuring that the solutions I advocate are both comprehensive and sustainable.

I take pride in building strong relationships and fostering consensus, both within the Council and throughout our community. Being regarded as a mentor by colleagues is a privilege that I cherish, motivating me to share my experiences to promote integrity and dedication in our collective efforts. This blend of professional expertise and hands-on experience as Commissioner uniquely positions me to continue serving our Village with commitment and vision.”

CALL TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Over the past four years as a Village Commissioner, it has been deeply rewarding to see the tangible impact of my efforts on Village operations and the lives of our residents.  Inspired by my family’s dedication to public service—my wife as an educator and now an elementary school principal, and my father as a New York City police officer for 17 years—I have always sought meaningful ways to contribute to our community. .

My appointment to the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation has allowed me to use my business development expertise to help attract and retain businesses, fostering a vibrant local economy. Before serving as Commissioner, I actively participated in public service by volunteering for youth programs, coaching Park District sports, and serving on the Ad Hoc Human Services Committee. Each of these roles reinforced my desire to make a direct and lasting difference in our community. By serving, I also strive to set an example for my children, showcasing the value and importance of public service.

GIVING BACK

During my time on the Council, I have realized just how deeply fulfilling it is to have a positive impact on our community. Serving on the Council has been an incredible opportunity to give back to a Village that has given so much to my family over the past 19 years. We have found a welcoming community, made lifelong friends, and created enduring connections here.

This role has strengthened my commitment to supporting our community in meaningful ways, especially during times when so many residents need additional support. I am eager to use this platform to back our community in even greater ways and to lead new initiatives that create opportunities for residents and the Village alike. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to give back to a community that has enriched our lives in countless ways.

CHRIS’S PRIORITIES FOR DOWNERS GROVE

Growing Local Economy

A thriving local economy is the backbone of a vibrant community. As a member of the Village Council and the  Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, Chris has worked to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing ones. Chris will continue focusing on bringing diverse businesses to our village, creating jobs, and driving incremental tax revenue to fund essential services without increasing the burden on residents. By fostering a business-friendly environment and strengthening partnerships, we can ensure Downers Grove remains a dynamic place to live, work, and thrive.

Expanding SOCIAL SERVICES

The growing demand for social services underscores the need to enhance our village’s capacity to respond. Chris will prioritize adding resources to support our sole social worker, whether through additional staff or leveraging innovative technology. By addressing mental health and social concerns proactively, we can ensure that no resident is left without the help they need, fostering a more compassionate and supportive community.

Advancing Active Mobility

The Village of Downers Grove developed a comprehensive ACTIVE MOBILITY PLAN that is a vision of our village’s transportation future, and Chris was instrumental in making this happen.  Chris is  committed to seeing it through. By implementing this plan, we can create safer, more accessible pathways for walking and cycling, encouraging healthy, sustainable transportation. This initiative not only reduces traffic congestion but also enhances connectivity and the quality of life for all residents. It’s time to make active mobility a reality.

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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.

Restarting Community Grants

Community grants play a vital role in supporting local organizations that strengthen the fabric of our village. Chris will work with the Council to revive this program to provide funding for initiatives that address pressing needs, enhance cultural and recreational opportunities, and foster inclusivity. This program is an investment in our residents and their aspirations, ensuring that grassroots efforts have the resources to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

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Innovating with Technology

Technology is a powerful tool for creating a safer, more responsive community. Chris will work with Village Staff to explore how advancements like AI can improve public services, enhance safety, and streamline village operations. By leveraging these innovations, we can modernize processes and provide smarter, more efficient solutions to meet the needs of our residents.  I will also look to restart our technology commission to help our Village stay on top of technology trends and make recommendations on how we can use technology

ENDORSED BY

“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.”

The Daily Herald (2021)

“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!”

Scott Cavenaile (2021)

President, Downers Grove Fire Fighters Association Local 3234

“Today, I am endorsing Chris Gilmartin for Downers Grove Village Council. Chris knows that real leadership is about public service. A data-driven decision maker and consensus builder, he has demonstrated that he has the right experience, passion, and drive to be an independent voice for our values in office. He’s already been a tireless advocate for our community and that’s why I am proud to endorse his campaign.”
Sean Casten (2021)

Congressman, Illinois Sixth District

“Chris Gilmartin has the vision, passion and experience to be an effective Village of Downers Grove Council Commissioner from day one. As a successful entrepreneur Chris is a confident leader and has the fiscal management and decision making skills needed as we emerge from the pandemic to the new normal. I am proud to endorse Chris for Downers Grove Council Commissioner.”
Liz Chaplin (2021)

DuPage County Board Member, District 2

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

Performs annual charity concert, collecting over $5,000 for local and small nonprofits like Noah’s Hope, Swifty Foundation and Nottingham Nature Nook.

Chris Gilmartin for Downers Grove Council
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Early voting begins March 13, 2025

Vote by mail -you can apply to receive a ballot in the mail here

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In-person voting – April 1, 2025