Nag Jaiswal: 2025 candidate for Naperville city council

Bio

Office sought: Naperville city council

City: Naperville

Age: 55

Occupation: Senior program architect

Previous offices held: Not applicable

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

Cost of providing public services continue to rise significantly resulting in an annual increase of max allowed 5% property tax rate per Illinois statute. Education, city services, library and most of the government bodies have increased their spend and continue outspend their budgets.

Due to uneven distribution of residential and commercial properties in 40% of Naperville, the tax burden will be extremely high for residents in one section and cost of doing business will go up in the other section of Naperville.

City must focus on attracting big corporates with higher employee count which in turn will benefit local small businesses and downtown footfall. This will provide some relief to residential owners. Example: Bell Labs & many other large businesses attracted top talent in thousands making Naperville their home and boosting local economy and lower property taxes.

Sadly, these properties are now being converted to residential properties affecting local economy, rising school costs and economic burden on residents.

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 has a strong economic base and a well balanced budget. City council and city staff have done a great job managing the finances and keeping the city's bond rating at AAA.

City will face $6.1 million shortfall due to grocery tax cut by state government that will result in lower tax revenue. Until alternate revenue sources are identified, city can consider one or more of the following options: pausing SECA spend for a year, lower debt repayment, reduce spend and find alternate revenue streams to plug the gap. Careful consideration is required so that the decisions doesn't impact the quality of life and quality of city services for residents and businesses.

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?

Phosphorous reduction for sewage treatment plant to meet EPA standards. Replacement of aging underground water pipelines and moving electric cables underground have the top priority. These projects are capital intensive and our city is well positioned to complete them with available resources. Capital projects such as proposed library parking can be put on a back burner

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 have a get the work done attitude. My vision for Naperville embraces innovation, sustainability, and community. As we grow, we’ll lead the Midwest in technology and quality of life while ensuring every neighborhood thrives. Through smart development, expanded business opportunities, and strategic planning, we’ll build an even stronger Naperville that works for everyone.

My approach is to take a balanced approach with a focus on what is best for the community. Policy decisions must be based on agreed outcomes after an open fact driven dialogue between all constituents. I believe in pragmatic approaches to problem solving when confronted with divisive or idealistic challenges confronting city council.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Business Leadership & Innovation: I have 30+ years of professional leadership experience, driving digital transformation and strategic planning for global organizations helping bridge traditional business practices with next-generation technology solutions. Size and magnitude of the solutions have helped organizations with similar headcount and budgets of Naperville city.

Crisis Resolution & Bridge Building: In October 2023, Nag demonstrated his leadership during a challenging period of religious tension in our schools. His thoughtful mediation between community groups and facilitation of open dialogue helped restore harmony and understanding, showcasing his ability to unite diverse perspectives for common good.

Community Involvement & Recognition:

• Rotary Sunrise Naperville board member

• Akshaya Patra Foundation — Chicago Chapter board member

• Candidate, Naperville City Council (2025, 2023) & Naperville Park District (2021)

• Citizen Taskforce Member, IPSD 204 School District, 2024

• Past commissioner, Human Rights and Fair Housing, City of Naperville

• Vice president, Indian American Business Council

• Advisor — Intellectual & Developmental Disability Solutions

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

Most of the capital spend in the past has been downtown centric. City can be well served by adding a convention center in South Naperville with collaboration between Will County, Naperville Park District, Bolingbrook and Plainfield.

The project could be a public-private partnership. Two hundred and fifty-plus acres of non-revenue generating land has a potential to generate top tax dollars, accelerate local economy and reduce the tax burden for local residents.