Julie Forbes: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 11

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Kane County Board District 11

City: Geneva

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

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

I am running because I feel we need a stronger voice on the Kane County Board that will represent all our community members. I worked in the retail food industry for 41 years and the last 17 years at senior level management levels in which I managed national sales organizations, diverse teams, wrote and managed short/long term strategic plans and managed large corporate financial budgets.

Throughout my career I have been known as a strong, fair, collaborative leader who works hard, listens well and always follows through. These are skill sets and experiences that I feel are necessary to be an effective board member.

I have attended many board meetings and watched the meetings online, so I am well versed on how the board works and functions. We need stronger democratic representation on the board to protect and maintain the democratic majority and someone who will step in when other board members are attacking and lying about members of our community. Some Democrats just sit back and don't say anything or push back on the lies spewed about our community members … that needs to stop.

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.

My experiences as I have outlined above speaks for itself. I feel the board needs fresh new perspectives, bring in diversity of thought and have a strong business background. All strong skill sets in my background. I have very strong financial and strategic planning skills that I feel are missing from the board right now.

I have very strong leadership skills and have worked with a variety of groups in all capacities, reached across the aisle working collaboratively with people on achieving mutually agreed upon decisions and plans that benefit everyone.

Per the feedback that I am hearing not only from residents of District 11 but from all over Kane County is that they don't know who their county board member is or what the board does.

I will develop a better communication process with members of District 11 but also Kane County. I will address top of mind issues with the voters and not vote my personal preference on key decisions brought before the board. Adding logic, data and community feedback is critical in making decisions for our community.

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

Overall, our services have been great, but they are under attack with the potential of funds being cut. Services other than mandated funding for

public safety such as the health department, our Senior and Vets programs, farmers and food assistance programs are all at risk of experiencing cuts if we don't be proactive and address department needs.

What we have to do now is make sure we address any potential budget shortfalls and that all our programs are fully funded. I strongly believe we need to develop a short-term (and eventually long-term) strategic plan for each department with very clear 1-3 year goals with what resources are needed to achieve the goals.

Funding will need to be addressed with several areas of opportunity: currently accessing all departments for any/all unaccounted-for funding, identify any inefficiencies in department budgets and are we fully utilizing all available grant programs.

Finally, we need to look at revisiting the retail tax referendum which I will address in the next question.

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 strongly feel that you need to start with developing a strategic plan; 1, 3, 5+ years to plan and fund all components in the budget.

The board recently approved a strategic plan which we have not had for 19 years but then was defunded, which is a major disappointment and once again the board will have to plan and execute a budget without the "vision" for our community needs.

A strategic plan will address the following; how to grow the tax base, fully utilizing all grants and consider tax adjustments … only as a last resort. Recently Kane County did propose a tax referendum but, in my opinion, it was not clearly explained how the tax was calculated, the impact of the tax to local residents and visitors to Kane County.

Most importantly, how this tax was such a significant revenue source for the county. I will not automatically go first to tax revenue to address budget issues until we exhaust all other measures on adequately funding our budget needs.

No one wants increases in taxes but when asked, they don't want to cut any of programs that service the needs of Kane County. We can't meet community needs without being honest about how to pay for them.

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

Housing and economic affordability. As I talk with residents in my district, lack of affordable housing and overall affordability is top of mind. We need to ensure the Kane County Affordable Housing Funds are adequately funded with potential to expand our rental and low-moderate income households.

This is a critical funding program along with the Housing Rehabilitation Program for Kane County; both programs should be increased in funding and support.

We also need to work with local municipalities on low-income housing development. Work together on identifying housing developments, streamline the approval process and or offer incentive to developers on project bids.

The best way to support economic affordability is for the county to work better together internally and with our local municipalities to make sure we have low-cost housing, reasonable living costs and jobs that are available in our communities.

Work on programs that address the rising healthcare costs, childcare, utilities and transportation via incentive, special deals, etc. Also work with local nonprofit groups to make sure we have the safety nets and resources in place to help people in need.

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

I will fight harder for the people of Kane County. I will be strong voice for all residents. I am a true Democrat committed to our shared values.

I will vote to protect and maintain the Democratic majority on the board. I will work collaboratively and respectfully with others to get real results that will benefit all Kane County residents. I will bring diversity of thought, challenge the status quo and will be a voice for all.

I have the skill set, leadership skills and people skills to bring what it takes to best represent the residents of Kane County.