Colin H. Gilbert: 2025 candidate for Arlington Heights village board
Bio
Office sought: Arlington Heights village board (Vote for 4)
City: Arlington Heights
Age: 44
Occupation: Attorney
Previous offices held: President of Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, Gerrys Cafe Board Member, Special Event Commissioner for village of Arlington Heights, Board Member Northwest Suburban Bar Association, Current Board Member of Arlington Heights Youth Athletic Association, Board Member Hersey Feeder Youth Sports Organization, Director of Arlington Cardinals Travel Baseball
What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?
Arlington Heights is facing both opportunities and challenges as it navigates new development and the need to invest in aging infrastructure. The potential redevelopment of key sites, including the former Arlington Park property, presents a chance to bring economic growth, new jobs, and enhanced amenities to the village. However, managing this growth in a way that aligns with the character and long-term vision of the community will require careful planning. Large-scale projects must be approached with transparency and fiscal responsibility to ensure they provide real benefits to residents without burdening taxpayers or straining existing resources. Arlington Heights must simultaneously address the reality of aging infrastructure. Strategic investment will be necessary to modernize infrastructure while balancing costs. With growth comes the challenge of maintaining a sense of community, ensuring that new developments enhance rather than overshadow the character of Arlington Heights. By fostering responsible development and making smart investments in infrastructure, the village can position itself for a strong and vibrant future.
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?
Arlington Heights has maintained a strong financial position. However, rising costs, shifting economic conditions, and potential new developments require careful financial planning. The top spending priorities should focus on maintaining public safety, investing in infrastructure, and supporting responsible economic growth that strengthens our tax base without overburdening residents. Strategic development, including the development of Arlington Park, must be handled with fiscal prudence to ensure long-term benefits. While essential services should remain well-funded, nonessential expenditures should be evaluated for efficiency. The village must foster smart financial planning to keep property taxes manageable while ensuring Arlington Heights remains a thriving, vibrant community for residents and businesses alike.
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?
The most important infrastructure project Arlington Heights must address is modernizing roads, stormwater management, and transportation networks, particularly in preparation for the redevelopment of Arlington Park. If the Chicago Bears move forward with their plans, we need to ensure the surrounding infrastructure can support increased traffic, public transit access, and essential services while maintaining the quality of life for residents. Funding should come from a combination of infrastructure funds, responsible budgeting, and potential developer contributions to ensure taxpayers are not unduly burdened. Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, nonessential projects like aesthetic streetscaping or new public facilities that do not directly support safety, economic growth, or infrastructure stability can be put on the back burner. As a trustee, I would prioritize strategic, fiscally responsible investments that balance economic opportunity with long-term community needs.
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.
Arlington Heights should be willing to offer economic incentives to the Chicago Bears, as well as other businesses looking to invest in Arlington Heights, if they bring long-term value to the community. Incentives like tax abatements, infrastructure support, or other responsible financial agreements could make the project more feasible, but only if they provide a strong return on investment for residents. A Bears stadium and mixed-use development could generate jobs, boost local businesses, and expand the tax base. However, any incentive package must be structured responsibly to ensure the village benefits in the long run. At the same time, we must ensure that new development protects and supports existing businesses in Arlington Heights. Growth should not come at the expense of long-standing local businesses that have contributed to our community’s success. Our priority must be striking the right balance — offering incentives that attract development while safeguarding taxpayers and ensuring Arlington Heights remains a financially strong, business-friendly, and thriving community.
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?
A well-balanced redevelopment plan should focus on creating a multiuse destination that blends sports, entertainment, and residential spaces while preserving open areas for public enjoyment. A premier sports complex could serve as the centerpiece of the redevelopment, offering facilities for youth and amateur sports, indoor training centers, and multiuse fields that attract tournaments and events from across the country. This type of development would not only provide recreational opportunities for local families but also generate economic activity by bringing in visitors and supporting local businesses. Complementing this, an outdoor music venue could serve as a cultural hub and power partner for the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events. A small housing element could be incorporated, focusing on high-quality townhomes or apartments that provide modern living options without overwhelming the area with dense residential expansion.
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.
My experience in group decision-making comes from years of leadership in Arlington Heights, including serving as former President of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, a current board member of AHYAA, current director of Arlington Cardinals Travel Baseball, and a former board member of Gerry’s Café. As a real estate attorney and former owner of Tuscan Market and Wine Shop, I’ve navigated policy discussions from multiple perspectives — legal, business, and community-driven. My approach is collaborative and pragmatic, always focused on building consensus, communicating clearly, and finding solutions that benefit both residents and businesses. I listen, engage in respectful dialogue, and work to ensure that decisions are fiscally responsible and legally sound. I believe that my ability to balance economic growth, business development, and community needs will allow me to serve effectively on the Arlington Heights Village Board, helping to shape policies that strengthen our village’s future.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My experience, deep community ties, and proven leadership make me an outstanding candidate for Village Trustee. As a former Downtown Arlington Heights business owner, I understand the needs of residents and businesses alike. My background as a real estate attorney equips me with the skills to navigate complex development projects, ensuring smart growth that benefits the entire community. My service on the AHYAA board, Hersey Feeder Youth Athletic Association board, and role as director of Arlington Cardinals Travel Baseball, combined with past leadership roles, including Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce President and Arlington Heights Special Events Commissioner, prove my strong commitment to civic engagement. My ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and advocate for responsible economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community-focused policies sets me apart. Arlington Heights needs leaders who are dedicated, experienced, and passionate about keeping our village a thriving place to live, work, and raise a family.
What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
Arlington Heights has incredible green spaces, and we can better utilize them by partnering with the Park District to host more community events that bring residents together. From neighborhood movie nights and outdoor concerts to seasonal markets and family-friendly festivals, our parks can serve as vibrant gathering spaces that strengthen community connections. Expanding programming in these spaces would provide more opportunities for residents to engage with one another, support local businesses all over town, and enjoy our village’s natural beauty. By working collaboratively with the Park District, we can maximize the use of existing resources without significant new costs, making Arlington Heights an even more welcoming and dynamic place to live. Investing in shared experiences through our green spaces is a simple yet impactful way to enhance our community spirit.