Jacob Hill: 2025 candidate for Elmhurst City Council Ward 2

Bio

Office Sought: Elmhurst City Council Ward 2

City: Elmhurst

Age: 51

Occupation: Tenured professor and research librarian

Previous offices held: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 2

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

I think we have to start planning better for aging infrastructure, and also gain a better understanding our community’s future needs. For example, we find ourselves in a situation where we must catch up to the replacement schedule on our water mains.

The age of our city water mains is no secret, with some that are almost 100 years old. Yet, we find ourselves bracketed into late-stage water rate increases to cover the costs. There has been a disconnect between planning and budgeting for these needs over the years, and I think we might have been able to make different decisions had we put water infrastructure (and other things) as priorities many years ago. The same goes for other city facilities, such as the police station, water treatment plant, transportation, and more.

Our basic agenda — how can the city plan for, and adapt to future needs, without forgetting the past? These are questions I hope to answer through discussion, referrals, and joint efforts. But for now, we need strategic planning sessions at the staff and council level, with realistic goal-setting. We need to identify other overlooked costs to the city, which would be much cheaper if addressed now.

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?

I think that the city has done an excellent job keeping their portion of property taxes flat, even with major city improvements. There’s options for that to continue, if we carefully evaluate new revenue sources (e.g. development), approve reasonable, cost-effective projects, and consider alternate forms of revenue (e.g. real estate).

I’m not a fan of the density of recent downtown Elmhurst development, but higher- density developments ARE a way to get needed tax revenue to move forward with crucial infrastructure improvements. It’s a balance between the charm of low-density (but low-tax-generating) development and the tax base we need to get things done.

I have repeatedly brought up my frustration with our parking garages in town. Essentially, the city overbuilt parking in town, using expensive multilevel parking garages. Some of them never fill up, and the maintenance costs are high. We are looking for ways to address them.

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?

We do need to spend funds on the aforementioned city water mains, and we'll also have to spend money on a renovated or new police station. The case of needs for the station is well-documented on the city website and in public documents, minutes, and presentations.

To support the water mains, the city had a significant water rate hike. We are looking at ways to offset these hike with a graduated scale, based on consumption; this issue is pending. For the police station, there is a proposed property tax increase which averages out to around $50/yr. for average-valued homes in Elmhurst. That’s a pretty good outcome for a huge capital project.

At some point, I believe we’ll need to find more tax revenue and/or liquidate some city assets to help offset debt. There needs to be frank discussion if we want to do our part to keep household costs more affordable in Elmhurst.

The pending new train station is a project that I'm not completely convinced of the need for. Ridership is down since COVID and I don't know if it's going to return to pre-pandemic levels. One could say that the current station is up to the task of supporting the ridership we now have.

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 long-standing record of engagement on city council. In fact, I believe I have submitted more referrals (alderman-sponsored items for committee review) in the last 4 years than any other alderman. I think this demonstrates my innovation and problem-solving. Some examples of my initiatives are: residential code improvements for sustainability; cost-sharing for residential projects; veterans city sticker initiative; sidewalks in 2nd Ward and across the city; expanding trolley routes; 2nd Ward flooding remediation; fiscally responsible city budgeting practices and business development; pedestrian, traffic and railroad safety proposals; and food trucks and business zoning revisions.

Many these initiatives have already passed council vote.

I am also very active in town. Aside from working at Elmhurst University, I have been involved with multiple groups, including: Lake/York Business Association, American Legion board and Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade group, City Veterans Commission and Elmhurst University Student Veterans Association, Elmhurst Walk and Rollers (pedestrian advocacy), and Elmhurst University Bluejay 5K Board

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I’m a research librarian. My job is to be open, to listen to evidence and read and learn before I stake out a position. And change my mind if the evidence shows a better way, or my peers or constituents present me with a better argument. I do not pretend to know the answers to lots of questions, but it’s my duty to find out.

I think openness and uncertainty are qualities that my constituents would value for an alderman. Many issues which seem so simple at first glance are in fact quite complex, and require nuance. I also have a long-standing record of engagement on city council. In fact, I believe I have submitted more referrals (alderman-sponsored items for committee review) in the last 4 years than any other alderman.

Aside from being a librarian and professor, I'm also a husband to my wife, Amy, and father of 3 boys in the District 205. We are 20-year residents in town. As an Army veteran and son of a veteran, I've moved around my whole life. I've lived longer here than anywhere else, by a long shot! It is my home in every sense of the word.

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

Public art! We have a great art commission, public art is a public good, and it's also beautiful and cool to boot! Art adds to the vibe of a city, and gives us a unique aesthetic that can make us more of a sought-after destination.

I would like Elmhurst to be covered in art, and I think this is something we can actually accomplish! I've been starting to work with the public arts commission, exploring ways in which we can set and achieve some near-term goals.