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.
CHRIS IS…
A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT
Chris has demonstrated a proven ability to lead and deliver meaningful results for Downers Grove. From balancing the village budget without raising property taxes to helping construct 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.
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 creating sustainability initiatives or addressing contentious community issues, Chris ensures every decision is grounded in facts and a clear path toward action
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
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.
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.“
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 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!”
EXPERIENCE
Member of V.o.D.G. Human Services Ad Hoc CommitteE
As a 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’S PRIORITIES FOR DOWNERS GROVE
Addressing Budget shortfalls
The challenges we face with the pandemic, pension funding, shrinking sales tax base and the rising cost of services and maintenance will force us to take a hard look at the balance between maintaining a low tax base, while ensuring the Village is funded and able to provide expected services. Chris will use his extensive financial and business acumen, working with groups like Economic Development Corporation to explore ways to generate more revenue for the village by attracting new businesses.
Supporting SOCIAL SERVICES
Trying times are going to affect the residents of our Village in many ways – both predictable and unpredictable. As a member of the Human Services Ad Hoc Committee, Chris understands that there are many resources available to residents that the Village could be better poised to promote. It is important to Chris that we seek opportunities to do more, as the number of those in need will likely increase. As Commissioner, Chris would make sure the recommendations he helped create for the current Council are prioritized, and a plan is put into action.
Increasing DOWNTOWN VIBRANCY
The Downtown district is a critical attraction for existing and potential residents. Downtown should serve as an economic and cultural hub. Downtown businesses are at risk of failure because of a shift in buying behaviors, paired with the impact of the pandemic. A coordinated effort to bring in more tourism into Downtown will be paramount in helping the Downtown District to survive and thrive. Chris will look to create and support initiatives that generate vibrancy and experiences Downtown designed to attract residents and non-residents alike.
Encourage Entrpreneurship
With such great access to the city of Chicago, close proximity to airports and highways and an active business community, Downers Grove could be an excellent choice for startups and emerging companies to call “HQ.” As commissioner, Chris would explore ways to work with local business leaders, colleges and community organizations for ways we could make Downers Grove more attractive to startup, through mentorships, incentives and programs that attract up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
With the ever-present stormwater issues and increasingly volatile weather, the Village will be forced to deal with both situational, and persistent weather and climate-related problems. Aside from flooding and property damage, public safety (i.e. law enforcement and medical response times) is at risk of being compromised if we are not better prepared to face this challenge. Chris will promote and support efforts to address our environmental challenges head-on.
STEM RETAIL “APOCALYPSE”
Brick-and-mortar stores are closing at an alarming rate. Analysts estimate that by 2026, 25% of all shopping will be online (up from 16% this year). The pandemic has been an accelerant to this and will likely shift this further. While the Village will see some revenue from the tax levied on ecommerce transactions through the “Leveling the Playing Field Act,” Chris will actively participate in a concerted effort by the Village and other stakeholders, to support current retailers, while attracting new ones. With the success of some grassroots efforts to support local business during the pandemic, Chris will look for opportunities to promote local buying on a consistent basis.
Early voting begins February 20, 2025
Vote by mail -you can apply to receive a ballot in the mail here
In-person voting – April 1, 2025
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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