Kathryn Ciesla: 2025 Candidate For Northbrook Village President

NORTHBROOK, IL — Ahead of the April 1 consolidated municipal elections, Northbrook Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Kathryn L. Ciesla is running for a second four-year term as Village President as a member of the Northbrook Caucus of 2025. She faces a challenge from Josh Kaplan, of Northbrook Focused 2025.

Northbrook Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Kathryn Ciesla

Age as of Election Day: 53

Town/City of Residence: Northbrook

Office Sought: Village President

Campaign website: www.NorthbrookCaucus.org

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): Northbrook Caucus Party of 2025

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Education

College of Saint Benedict (St. Joseph, Minnesota) Bachelor of Arts

The John Marshall Law School (Chicago, Illinois) Juris Doctor
Harvard University Law School (Cambridge, Massachusetts) Certificate, Negotiation for Senior Executives
University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana, Illinois) Certificate, Office of Public Leadership, Institute of Government and Public Affairs
Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois) Certificate, Mediation, School of Continuing Studies

Attorney at Law since 1997

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Village President, Northbrook, elected term 2021-2025

Village Trustee, Northbrook, elected terms 2009-2013, 2013-2017, 2017-2021

The most pressing issues facing our Village are maintaining a strong economy despite national economic challenges, improving infrastructure, including building three new facilities for police, fire and public works, sustainability, and housing affordability. This is what I intend to do about them:

I will continue leading Northbrook with an emphasis on smart, intentional growth that boosts our economy while preserving the character of our community. As Village President, I’ve worked collaboratively with developers, property owners/managers and our Chamber of Commerce to attract and recruit new businesses and help current businesses expand, for example: Tesla, Toyota, Steve Foley, Crate & Barrel (corporate), Newmedical, RH Outlet, VASA fitness, The Fresh Market and more. Focusing on all areas of our community allows us the flexibility to adjust to market conditions and our economy as we work with Brookfield to redevelop Northbrook Court. The strategy has been successful as last year we saw an increase in sales tax revenues by 5.8%, and this year, for the first seven months of our fiscal year we are seeing growth of 7%.

Additionally, I will continue working with stakeholders to reimagine our downtown, support small businesses, and create a more vibrant, accessible community. I will also fast-track the much-needed replacement of outdated Village facilities and infrastructure while ensuring that our Climate Action Plan guides future development.

The contrast is significant. I bring decades of professional and civic experience to this role—including three terms as a Village Trustee (2009-2021) and serving as your Village President since 2021. For each of my candidacies, I have been endorsed by the Northbrook Caucus, which is an organization that hosts a public vetting process involving a written application, interviews and public meetings. I’ve voted in every local Northbrook election since moving here in 2001 and have built a reputation for leadership that is transparent, collaborative, respectful, and grounded in results both within our community and other governmental bodies.

My opponent has no experience holding any elected office or serving on citizen committees, and has not voted in a single Northbrook municipal election - despite living here for years. He has not been publicly vetted, rather he was selected to run by the same group that put forth candidates in the 2017 and 2021 elections, all of whom lost those races by double digit percentages. He operates a private Facebook page for his campaign, and refused to participate in the League of Women Voters’ Candidate Forum. While I’ve offered detailed plans, delivered real progress, and led economic growth—my opponent offers vague promises and favors personal attacks rather than focusing on issues.

My opponent has criticized our police department, while I’ve worked to strengthen public safety—funding police and fire pensions in excess of minimum requirements and advancing the construction of three major new public safety and infrastructure facilities.

He dismisses the tremendous momentum we’ve built at Northbrook Court, where we’ve passed a $90 million economic incentive package to help Brookfield redevelop the mall and property to create a livable - walkable shopping and entertainment destination.

I believe in professional, solutions-oriented leadership. I’ve been—and will continue to be—a leader who listens, acts with integrity, and delivers results for Northbrook

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Other issues your platform supports:

Strong financial stewardship: Maintaining our AAA bond rating, balanced budgets, and low property tax levy while investing in pensions and leveraging grant opportunities.

Reimagined downtown: Attracting new businesses and visitors with better walkability, streetscaping, incentives, and events.

Modern infrastructure: Building a new fire station, police station, and public works facility, updating water meters, and implementing a new ERP system to modernize Village operations.

Climate Action: Continuing to implement our Sustainability and Climate Action Plans to reduce long-term costs and environmental impact.

Community engagement: Expanding how we share information and collect feedback, from newsletters to community meetings and digital platforms.

World-class services: Ensuring Village staff are equipped and empowered to provide the highest quality service to residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I'm proud of the leadership I’ve brought to Northbrook as Village President, and I believe my record shows that I’m well-prepared to continue handling the responsibilities of this role with focus, transparency, and results.

We’ve kept Northbrook financially strong—even through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when many municipalities struggled, we made smart, timely decisions to stabilize our budget, support our local businesses, and continue delivering high-quality services. Since then, we’ve passed balanced budgets year after year, maintained our AAA bond rating, and made long-term investments in infrastructure and community services. Our property tax rate remains one of the lowest in the area, thanks in part to our focus on growing our local economy and increasing sales tax revenue through commercial development—not by increasing the burden on residents.

Public safety has always been a top priority. Northbrook remains a very safe community thanks to the dedication and professionalism of both our Police and Fire Departments. Our police officers are highly trained and equipped with best-in-class tools like body armor, body-worn cameras, and license plate readers. We’ve also embedded four full-time social workers within the department to help residents connect with critical mental health and social services, supporting a more compassionate, holistic approach to public safety.

Equally, our Fire Department provides exceptional service and emergency response. We continue to invest in equipment, training, and facilities that ensure our firefighters and paramedics can respond quickly and effectively when our residents need them most. Just like with police, we support the wellness of our fire personnel because we know strong departments depend on healthy, supported teams.

We’ve also made sustainability a central priority. Under my leadership, Northbrook has embraced ambitious environmental goals, supported green building practices, and invested in infrastructure that moves us toward a more energy-efficient, climate-resilient future. We’re committed to being part of the solution to climate change while improving quality of life here at home.

On housing, I’ve worked to make Northbrook a place where people at different stages of life and income levels can live. That means encouraging diverse, attainable housing options—especially for seniors, young families, and those who work here but may not currently be able to afford to live here. Through zoning reform and thoughtful development, we’re making progress while preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods.

We’ve also changed the way Northbrook approaches development. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to us, we’ve become more proactive—reaching out, setting a clear vision, and modernizing how we work with developers. We’re rewriting our zoning code to reflect that shift and make the process clearer, more consistent, and more accessible. We’re also upgrading our software to move much of the development process online—making it easier for residents, homeowners, and businesses to engage with the village.

Just as importantly, we’ve worked to ensure that Northbrook is a welcoming, inclusive community for all. We adopted the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Pledge to make it clear that hate has no home here—and that our village is a place where everyone, regardless of race, religion, identity, or background, is respected and valued. I’ve stood up against discrimination in all forms and worked to foster a culture of belonging. That’s not just a value we say—it’s something we strive to live every day.

Across all these areas—fiscal responsibility, public safety, sustainability, housing, economic development, and inclusion—I’ve shown I can bring people together, plan strategically, and deliver results that reflect our community’s values. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to keep moving Northbrook forward.

Why should voters trust you?

Because I’ve worked hard to lead with integrity, listen closely, and deliver real results for Northbrook.

Under my leadership, we’ve prioritized strong financial stewardship—passing balanced budgets, maintaining our AAA bond rating, and making smart, long-term investments in our infrastructure and services. We’ve supported local businesses, encouraged thoughtful growth, and helped bring new energy and investment to our community—while protecting the character and values that make Northbrook special.

I take seriously the responsibility of managing taxpayer dollars, and I believe good governance means planning ahead, spending wisely, and making decisions that benefit both today’s residents and future generations.

More than anything, I love this village. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together, and I’m committed to building on that momentum with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to the people who call Northbrook home.

If I’m re-elected, success to me would mean continuing to move Northbrook forward in a way that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable—while staying true to the values that make our village such a special place.

I would consider my term a success if we complete the comprehensive rewrite of our zoning code and fully modernize our development systems—making it easier for residents, businesses, and developers to engage with the village in a clear, transparent, and efficient way. That work will help us attract the right kind of growth, expand our commercial base, and keep property taxes low for residents.

I also want to continue strengthening our public safety services—not just with investments in tools and training, but with a deeper focus on mental health, social services, and community engagement. Supporting both the people who serve and the people we serve is key to keeping Northbrook safe and united.

A major milestone for the next term will be delivering on three critical infrastructure projects: a new police station, a new fire station to replace the aging Station 11, and a new fleet maintenance garage. These facilities are essential to the long-term efficiency, safety, and reliability of our operations—and they represent smart, future-focused investments in the services our community depends on every day.

Another clear marker of success will be seeing construction at Northbrook Court officially underway. This long-anticipated redevelopment is a transformative project for our village—bringing new housing, retail, dining, and energy to one of Northbrook’s most important commercial anchors. Getting that construction started will be a major step forward for our local economy and for the future of our community.

In addition, I want to continue expanding housing options so that people at all stages of life and income levels can afford to live here. That includes seniors, young families, and the people who work in our schools, firehouses, and local businesses. A more inclusive Northbrook is a stronger Northbrook.

And finally, I want to build on the momentum of our sustainability efforts—ensuring we leave behind a healthier, more resilient community for future generations.

At the end of the day, if residents feel heard, supported, and proud of the direction we’re going, then I’ll know we’ve done something meaningful. That’s the kind of leadership I’ve offered—and will continue to deliver.

As Village President, I take fiscal responsibility very seriously. Every dollar that comes into our village government comes from the hard work of our residents and businesses—and I never lose sight of that. It’s our responsibility to be thoughtful, transparent, and disciplined stewards of those funds.

Under my leadership, Northbrook has passed balanced budgets while continuing to invest in core services, public safety, infrastructure, and sustainability. We’ve maintained our AAA bond rating—the highest possible—because of our sound financial practices and long-term planning. We make data-driven decisions, avoid unnecessary risk, and always keep the future of our village in mind.

Importantly, Northbrook’s property tax rate remains one of the lowest among our neighboring communities. We’ve been able to keep it that way by focusing on growing our local economy—attracting and retaining businesses that generate sales tax revenue. That additional revenue allows us to fund essential services without putting additional pressure on homeowners.

I believe government should be efficient and responsive, always looking for ways to deliver better outcomes without unnecessary spending. That means being careful with taxpayer dollars while still investing in the things that make Northbrook a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

In short, my approach to fiscal policy is rooted in responsibility, results, and respect for the people who fund our government.

Northbrook remains a very safe community, and we’re proud of our consistently low crime rate. That’s a direct reflection of the outstanding, professional work of our police department and the strong relationships they’ve built across our village.

Our officers are highly trained and deeply committed to serving and protecting all members of our community. We’ve made it a priority to ensure they have the best tools and resources available—investing in top-tier equipment like new body armor, body-worn cameras, and license plate readers to enhance their ability to do the job safely and effectively.

But public safety is about more than just responding to crime—it's also about preventing it and addressing root causes. That’s why we’ve embedded four full-time social workers within the department. They play a critical role in helping residents access mental health resources, support services, and crisis intervention—ensuring that people get the help they need when they need it most.

We also take officer wellness seriously, because a healthy, supported department is key to effective, community-focused policing.

Northbrook’s approach to public safety is proactive, professional, and people-centered. We’re always looking for ways to strengthen that model, while keeping our community safe, connected, and supported

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

Northbrook’s approach to commercial and residential development should be thoughtful, balanced, and reflective of our community’s values and long-term goals. We’re not interested in growth for growth’s sake—we’re focused on smart, sustainable development that strengthens our local economy, enhances quality of life, and preserves the character of our village.

One of the things I’ve worked very hard to change is the old perception that Northbrook is a town where development simply comes to us. That’s not how the world works anymore. Today, communities have to compete. We have to be proactive, intentional, and strategic in attracting the kinds of development that align with our goals. And we’ve made real progress in doing just that.

Under my tenure as Village President, we are rewriting our zoning code—a comprehensive effort to modernize outdated regulations, make the process clearer and more accessible, and ensure the code supports the type of development Northbrook wants to see. We’re also investing in upgraded software to move much of the development process online, making it easier for homeowners, businesses, developers, and other stakeholders to navigate approvals and get projects moving efficiently. It’s all part of our goal to create a more user-friendly, transparent, and responsive development environment.

On the commercial side, we’ve focused on attracting and retaining businesses that meet the needs of our residents, bring jobs to the area, and generate sales tax revenue to help keep our property taxes low. We’ve prioritized revitalization in key areas and partnered with stakeholders to bring renewed energy and investment into our business districts. We have and continue to offer business incentives, and that's why Northbrook will have a Hometown Coffee later this year.

When it comes to residential development, we know that people choose Northbrook because of our excellent schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. We take care to ensure that new housing fits well within the fabric of our village—meeting changing needs while protecting the character of existing neighborhoods. That includes supporting a range of housing options for seniors, young families, and people who work in our community.

Development decisions are always about balance—and I believe we’ve struck that balance by listening to residents, planning for the future, and staying grounded in what makes Northbrook such a special place to call home.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

When it comes to development, I’ve heard from many residents that they want to see thoughtful, community-driven improvements—especially in areas like revitalizing our commercial corridors, creating more walkable and vibrant spaces, and offering more diverse housing options to meet the needs of seniors, young families, and those who work in our community.

There’s also strong interest in seeing more dining, retail, and local gathering places that add energy and convenience to everyday life. People love Northbrook for its sense of community, and they want development that enhances—not disrupts—that character.

To make this happen, we need to stay proactive. That means continuing the work we’ve started: rewriting our zoning code to modernize outdated regulations, making our development process more transparent and accessible, and upgrading our software so that more of the permitting and approval process can be done online—saving time and making it easier for homeowners, developers, and businesses to engage with the village.

We also need to keep building strong partnerships—with residents, businesses, and the development community—so we can attract the kind of projects that truly serve Northbrook’s long-term interests. It’s about striking the right balance: encouraging quality development while protecting what makes our village special.

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I’m committed to continuing the kind of forward-thinking, community-centered planning that helps Northbrook thrive.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do what’s right—even when it’s hard.

That guidance has stuck with me throughout my life, and especially in public service. Leading a community means you’re often faced with tough decisions, competing priorities, and the reality that not everyone will agree with you. But doing what’s right—what serves the long-term best interest of the community—has to come before what’s easy, convenient, or politically safe.

Sometimes that means making decisions that aren’t popular in the moment. Sometimes it means standing up and speaking out when it would be easier to stay quiet. But I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about having the courage to face it head-on with honesty and integrity.

That’s the mindset I bring to this role every day. I may not always tell people what they want to hear, but I will always work to do what’s right for Northbrook—even when it’s hard.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

First and foremost, I’m a mom to two amazing daughters who inspire me every single day. My oldest is in graduate school earning her doctorate in psychology, and my youngest is graduating college this May and heading straight to law school in the fall. Watching their drive, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the world motivates me in everything I do.

I’m also a proud dog person—my rescue, Violet, is simply the best.

Professionally, I’m a lawyer, and my work focuses on representing children. That experience has shaped how I lead—always putting people first, standing up for those who need a voice, and understanding the importance of listening and advocacy. It’s taught me to approach every challenge with empathy, persistence, and purpose.

These roles—mom, advocate, public servant—are all deeply connected for me. They’re grounded in a belief that communities are strongest when we care for one another, when we listen before we lead, and when we never shy away from doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.

That’s who I am—and that’s how I’ll continue to lead Northbrook.