Nicolas G. ‘Nico’ Jimenez: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 13

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Kane County Board District 13

City: Geneva

Age: 34

Occupation: No answer given

Previous offices held: Precinct Committeeman GE-04

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I'm running for the Kane County Board because I want a government that works for working people, not corporations or special interests. I was born and raised here, I am raising my family here, and I understand how county decisions about budgets, zoning, capital planning, and public services affect daily life, including roads, public safety, housing stability, mental health support, and neighborhood resilience.

The board has real authority over the budget, county programs, procurement, and development in unincorporated areas, and I want to use those powers to create lasting improvements.

I plan to protect essential services, fund prevention programs such as county-run mental health crisis teams and housing first initiatives, and modernize facilities to reduce long term operating costs.

I will review subsidies and incentive programs to ensure measurable public benefit, expand shared services with municipalities to reduce duplication, and guide development to align with infrastructure and water capacity. My goal is a transparent, accountable, and equitable county where every dollar serves residents, neighborhoods are safer, and the county is sustainable for generations to come.

If you are an incumbent, describe a few important initiatives you’ve led. If you’re not an incumbent, describe a few ways you would contribute to the board.

What distinguishes me from other candidates is my focus on evidence-based, data-driven, long-term solutions rather than short term fixes, politics, or empty promises.

I believe in transparency, accountability, and planning ahead so that Kane County residents can count on their government, not just when times are good but through challenges and uncertainty. Kane County faces challenges that requires leaders who act strategically, not reactively.

I am committed to protecting essential services, from public safety and courts to health programs, while controlling costs through efficiency, public ownership, and prevention. I will look to invest in programs that save money in the long run, like mental health crisis response, housing-first initiatives, and energy efficient public infrastructure.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

One of the most critical gaps in Kane County is accessible mental health and housing support. Too often, people in crisis end up in jail or emergency rooms because prevention programs are limited. While the board cannot control the sheriff or courts, it can fund county-run mental health crisis response teams, addiction treatment, and housing-first initiatives.

Funding can come from reallocating ineffective subsidies, prioritizing essential services in the budget, and using grants for pilot programs. Zoning and development approvals in unincorporated areas should account for infrastructure and water capacity to avoid long-term liabilities.

By investing upstream in prevention, the county reduces future costs, improves public safety, and strengthens neighborhoods. Every dollar will be tied to measurable outcomes, ensuring residents in need receive effective services while benefiting the broader community. These programs build a county that is safer, healthier, and more resilient and operate entirely within the board’s legal authority and budget oversight.

With the county's budget being squeezed by federal funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

I would focus on using the Board’s authority to create efficiency, fairness, and long-term sustainability without burdening working families. Illinois law limits direct taxation by the board, so I would prioritize reallocating subsidies and low-return incentives to fund essential services, expanding shared services with municipalities to reduce duplication, and modernizing county facilities using bond financing to lower energy and maintenance costs.

Reserves would be used strategically for one-time, high-impact investments, not recurring budget gaps. Essential services such as public safety, mental health programs, housing-first initiatives, and infrastructure would be prioritized to match recurring costs with stable revenue.

These steps maintain and improve services while controlling long-term expenses. By acting strategically, we protect taxpayers, reduce dependence on volatile external funding, and ensure the county can operate responsibly and sustainably while maintaining transparency, accountability, and measurable public benefit for residents.

What is the single most important issue facing your district, and how should the county address it?

One of the most pressing issues for District 13 is housing affordability, especially for renters who face rising costs while wages remain stagnant.

The board's authority over unincorporated zoning, development approvals, infrastructure planning, and allocation of county resources, all of which affect housing supply and affordability.

I would ensure that new developments align with infrastructure capacity and long-term sustainability while encouraging options for mixed-income and rental-friendly housing.

The county can also support programs that assist residents in stabilizing housing, such as partnerships with nonprofits and targeted funding for affordable units, without creating unfunded mandates.

By prioritizing infrastructure investment, efficient permitting, and alignment between growth and resources, the county can maintain safe, livable communities and reduce pressure on renters. Residents benefit from stable rents, reliable public services, and neighborhoods that are resilient and equitable.

Addressing affordability proactively protects families, supports local economic diversity, and ensures that housing opportunities exist for all residents within the board’s authority.

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

I am deeply connected to Kane County, having grown up and raised my family here, and I understand the challenges residents face. I know the board’s powers under Illinois law and will use them responsibly to protect essential services, fund prevention programs, guide sustainable development, and ensure county resources deliver measurable public benefit.

I prioritize transparency, accountability, and long-term planning over short-term politics. I will engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and make decisions that strengthen neighborhoods, protect resources, and create a safe, equitable, and sustainable county.

I focus on results that improve everyday life, including safer streets, reliable services, mental health support, and responsible infrastructure investments. My goal is to make government a partner, protector, and problem-solver for residents.

I am committed to delivering measurable outcomes today while building a county that is resilient and equitable for future generations, which is why I am asking for residents’ trust and support.