Lauren “Laurie” Nowak: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 6 (2-year term)

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 6, 2-year term

City: Bartlett

Age: 39

Occupation: Residential Exemption Specialist/Appeals Analyst

Previous offices held: DuPage County Board, District 6 (elected 2012-2014)

Q&A

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

I am running to fortify our local community in turbulent times. Our democracy, economy and environment are under attack, and it will take values, courage and tenacity to fight back. Every candidate says they support the current issues on our minds and hearts — but real leaders don’t wait for a crisis to get involved.

Unlike others, I have a concrete plan of attainable goals built on a solid foundation: a life dedicated to proactive public service. For 20 years I delivered on social and economic justice. I applied my Environmental, Spanish, Journalism and Public Administration studies to government and nonprofit work.

With senior parents and a new baby in our family, I understand the pressures on the sandwich generation and have tangible proposals to ease that burden for all income groups, especially working families.

As an elected official I was an outspoken minority of three Democrats on the 18-member board. I was vocal on many initiatives that have now come to pass, and others that still need a bold advocate like me to champion them. I put my neck on the line for the greater good — not because it was easy, but because it was necessary and right.

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.

I was elected as the youngest woman on the DuPage County Board, dedicating full-time hours to the job. Prior to running, I prepared by connecting with community stakeholders and attending board meetings for a year to deeply understand the issues.

I ran to alleviate pressure on middle class, working families and fixed-income seniors. Upholding the voices of constituents and community leaders, I promoted common sense reforms to address financial and social accountability, increase transparency, and cut out injustice, corruption and waste: Eliminating pensions for politicians and voting NO on politician pay raises; Increasing transparency by recording committee meetings where most discussion takes place; Standing up for racial and religious access and equity by fighting discriminatory zoning practices; Proposing an ethical appointment process to eliminate backroom deals; Partnering with mayors, churches and nonprofits to expand public policy and education on substance abuse and mental health; Expanding sustainability efforts like the Green Government Council, Cool Counties Initiative and Community Garden Project to build intergenerational relationships and increase access to nutritious food.

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

We must leverage regional partnerships, consolidate duplicative resource drains and triage funding for essential services.

Provide food, housing, transportation, and child and elder resources: I fought privatization of the Convalescent Center, increased food security, expanded transportation access and helped those in crisis.

We can: Partner with townships as food recovery hubs and intergenerational care centers; Support tenant protections, down-payment programs and shared-equity housing; Reopen PADS sites, repurpose vacant buildings for housing and hire a housing navigator; Promote flexibility and shared services across boundaries; and Reform predatory tax sales disproportionately affecting low-income residents.

Bridge the public safety, health and social service resource gap: I've worked with partners on justice reform, child protection, developmental support and resource access.

I am endorsed by the champion behind 708 Mental Health Boards. We can: Restructure to a partnership and prevention model, reducing crime by funding care for mental health, domestic violence prevention and substance treatment; Combat cyber crimes hurting youth and seniors; Educate on human trafficking; and Support reentry preparation.

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?

Protect services, consolidate needless duplication: Our funds aren’t infinite and services cannot be cut. Yet politicians protect their own jobs and their friends, too worried about political blowback to exercise political will and do what’s right. Ex: DuPage Airport is publicly funded yet largely for private use. One town does not need four road districts (municipal, township, county and state).

Address income and property tax inequity: The flat income tax is a big reason our property taxes are so high. I actively worked to fix regressive tax that places undue burden on working families. Working in assessments, I believe senior freeze and disability exemptions should be administered on a sliding-scale basis. We must increase the disability exemption and expand it to homeowners with disabled dependents. We must hold private equity firms accountable for their role in the skyrocketing housing market.

Cost-saving partnerships: On the board I advanced regional collaboration ensuring services are covered and funded without reinventing the wheel.

Economic revitalization: I worked on Trails Linking Communities to expand downtown trail access, promoting local business and generating sales tax revenue.

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

My top priority is ensuring that everyday people like us have empowered access to our economy, democracy and society. By structuring more collaboratively vs. hierarchically, we can eliminate discrepancies we see exacerbated today and create safe, affordable, vibrant communities.

Build a shared economy and workers rights: Promote employee-owned business, living wages, secure retirement, profit-sharing and worker protection. Explore preferential bidding on County contracts with entities meeting these goals.

Strengthen democracy and government ethics: Expand referendums and participatory budgeting to directly integrate voters. Will redistrict the Board from 3 seats in 6 districts to a more localized representation of 2 seats in 9 districts.

Nurture sustainability: Support County-owned community solar; Utilize vacant commercial space before developing over green space

Fight fascism: Insist local law enforcement support and protect our community during violent raids; Fund legal aid, translation, business grants and social services; Refuse contracts that undermine democracy and violate human rights; Train civil rights observers and educate on First Amendment rights similar to DARE; and Expand voting rights education.

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

For decades I advanced critical causes, building coalitions of cooperation and respect. Running on sincerity and solutions, I put public interest over self-interest. I am beholden only to the community I serve, not any individual or clique.

Mafia machine politics bully and threaten to manufacture “support,” but people see me live my values and back me freely. I am internally driven to run uphill races, accepting the personal sacrifice required.

Conquistadors, Madigan & Machiavelli are seen notoriously, not reverently, for a reason. It’s outrageous in these extremely serious times that anyone would play political games to satisfy their ego when that’s how we got here: party bosses scheme to cement power; career politicians bow to perceived kingmakers, ranking reelection over honesty, independence and results.

I encourage electoral participation, but we must ask how popping out of nowhere mid-crisis indicates proactive leadership. Conversely, we must value consistent foresight and innovation. I bring a proven record and unique ability to resume with insight and skill. I now have even more experience and wisdom to enthusiastically serve as a bold and compassionate champion of everyday people like us.