Meet Keith Robinson: Candidate For Skokie At-Large Trustee

SKOKIE, IL — Current Trustee Keith A. Robinson is running for Trustee At-Large in Skokie's April 1 election.

During his career, Robinson has served as an educator, coach and activist. He has served as

an English teacher and football coach at Evanston Township High School, Dean of Students at Niles West High School, Assistant Principal for Operations at Niles North High School, and currently as Associate Principal for Educational Services at Evanston Township High School.

He is running against Joseph Nowik, Khemarey "Khem" Khoeun and Gail Schechter for Skokie At-Large Trustee.

Learn more about Robinson and his goals for Skokie:

Age (as of Election day)

53

Campaign website

keithandkhem.com

Education

BA (1995) Secondary English Education, Ball State University;
MA (2000) Education Administration & Supervision, Roosevelt University;
EdD (2014) Educational Leadership, National-Louis University;

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

As a community leader, my top priorities for Skokie include strengthening community engagement, encouraging economic development, advancing sustainability and infrastructure, and ensuring an inclusive and thriving village for all residents. My approach is rooted in practical solutions:

• Sustainability & Infrastructure: I support common-sense sustainability initiatives that align with Skokie’s long-term environmental and economic goals. This includes expanding renewable energy efforts (electric fleet, more charging stations), improving bike lane accessibility, and investing in green infrastructure to enhance climate resilience.
• Affordable Housing: Housing affordability is critical to maintaining Skokie’s diversity and economic stability. I will work to assess the impact of our current inclusionary housing policies, explore improved senior housing options, and advocate for the establishment of a Skokie Land Trust to preserve long-term affordability.
• Public Safety: Every resident deserves to feel safe in our community. I am committed to strengthening mental health crisis response services (Co-responder Program), ensuring transparency and accountability in policing, and supporting the needs of our police and fire departments so they can effectively serve and protect our residents.
• Community Engagement: I believe strong leadership begins with active listening and direct engagement with residents. That’s why I will host quarterly gatherings/coffees across Skokie to meet neighbors, gather input, and advocate for policies that reflect the needs of our community. This season, after knocking on hundreds of doors and meeting with residents in living rooms and coffee shops, I’ve heard a clear concern: the need for better rat mitigation efforts through increased trash collection services. I am committed to addressing this issue and working toward practical solutions that enhance the quality of life for all Skokie residents.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference is that I have been a lifelong educator, community leader, administrator, and social justice advocate, I bring a proven track record of human-centered leadership and proactive authentic engagement for the last 30+ years. As an incumbent, I have worked diligently to provide alternative perspectives, ensuring that all voices—especially those from marginalized communities—are heard and valued in decision-making. I remain committed to building on this progress, advocating for meaningful change, and ensuring Skokie remains a welcoming, thriving, and forward-thinking community for all residents. I have respect for the work of the other candidates and their service to the community as advocates, board members and leaders.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

At the core of my work is a commitment to community, representation, and connection. Being a good neighbor means creating spaces of belonging, looking out for one another, and ensuring every resident feels valued. In a diverse village like Skokie, our strength lies in embracing multiple perspectives and lived experiences. When leadership reflects the people it serves, policies become more inclusive, meaningful, and residents feel more connected to their local government. True belonging happens at all levels—neighbor-to-neighbor, neighbor-to-government, and government-to-community. I believe in protecting the rights of immigrant neighbors. I am a trained member of Skokie’s Rapid Response Team. This initiative is rooted in the belief that "knowledge is power" and that every resident—including our undocumented neighbors—deserves to have their rights protected. Through "Know Your Rights" training and advocacy, we provide critical support to ensure that all members of our community feel safe, informed, and empowered.

My goal is to ensure every voice is heard and every resident feels connected to Skokie. By prioritizing inclusivity and collaboration, we can build a stronger, more united community where everyone feels like they belong.

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

As a Trustee, I have worked to advance policies that promote equity, sustainability, public safety, and economic growth in Skokie. My key accomplishments include:

• Sustainability & Housing: Supported Skokie’s updated Sustainability Plan to strengthen environmental resilience. Advanced the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to expand affordable housing options, with a particular focus on increasing senior housing and diversifying the local housing stock.
• Public Safety & Transparency: Supported the Co-Responder Program, which pairs mental health professionals with law enforcement to improve crisis response. Advocated to expand the implementation of body cameras to enhance police accountability and public trust.
• Honoring Skokie’s Heritage: Supported efforts to establish the new Village Seal Initiative, which now formally recognizes and honors Indigenous heritage, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and historical acknowledgment of the land we call Skokie.
• Fighting Hate & Promoting Accountability: Currently working on a policy to document and track hate incidents, allowing Skokie to identify areas in need of intervention, provide community support, and implement stronger measures to address prejudice and discrimination.
• Economic Development & Fiscal Responsibility: Support ongoing efforts to increase the presence and impact of Old Orchard Shopping Center, revitalize Main Street and Downtown Skokie, strengthen small businesses, and continue to maintain stable property taxes for the 30+ years through sustainable economic growth initiatives.

Why should voters trust you?

With over 30 years as an educator—serving as a teacher, coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Associate Principal—my career has been dedicated to service. My passion is uplifting the next generation, connecting students and families with resources, and guiding communities through both challenges and successes.

Beyond education, my commitment to service extends deeply into the community. I have served as PTA President, Board Member and President of Foundation65, and currently serve on the Foundation Board at Ball State University and the FAN Board. Additionally, I am an active member of The Chessmen of the North Shore and a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., along with participation in numerous professional organizations.

Public service is not just a role—it is my life’s work. My lived experiences provide me with a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our community, and I lead with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to building strong relationships. Voters can trust me because I serve as a conduit for resources, I listen and a leader who believes in the power of humanity to drive meaningful change.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

• Advancing Economic Development: Continue supporting initiatives that drive business growth in downtown Skokie, revitalize Main Street Corridors, and maintain stable property taxes while helping to cultivate a thriving local economy.
• I will advocate for innovative waste management solutions to restore twice-weekly garbage pickup and implement stronger rat mitigation strategies to improve public health and neighborhood cleanliness. Additionally, I will ensure that infrastructure investments proactively support pipelines, sewage, and drainage systems while enhancing walkability and bike lane accessibility to create a safer and more sustainable community.
• Strengthening Community Connections: Deepen relationships with residents by providing opportunities for inclusive dialogue, increasing transparency, and collaborating with neighbors to ensure all voices are heard and represented in policymaking.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Supports maintaining Skokie’s 35-year property tax freeze while investing responsibly in infrastructure, services, and sustainability. Additionally, seek broader ways of transparency with the budget planning process.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Public safety is a top priority, and I want to commend the Skokie Police Department for its dedication to serving our community. While no institution is perfect, the department has taken meaningful steps to enhance public trust, accountability, and the well-being of our residents.

The Co-Responder Program is a critical initiative that integrates mental health professionals into emergency response efforts. By addressing crises with trained professionals alongside law enforcement, we reduce the risk of escalation and ensure that individuals in need receive appropriate care. This program not only supports community members facing mental health challenges but also allows officers to focus on public safety in a more effective and compassionate manner.

Additionally, the implementation of body and dashboard cameras represents a significant advancement in transparency and accountability. These tools help to ensure fair and just engagement with people, while also enhancing the safety of both officers and residents. They provide an objective record of interactions, building greater community trust and reinforcing our commitment to justice.

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

I am proud of Skokie’s economic growth, including the addition of 1,500 new housing units that provide diverse living options. A major milestone is the redevelopment of Old Orchard Shopping Center, where new residential units will offer convenient access to shopping, dining, and transportation while boosting the local economy.

Beyond Old Orchard, we must revitalize vacant lots and empty buildings throughout Skokie. Strategic commercial development can attract businesses and entertainment venues that reflect our village’s diversity and strengthen our community identity.

Looking ahead, sustainability must guide our growth, prioritizing responsible development, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure to ensure we are doing our part for a safer environment.

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?

Skokie residents have consistently expressed a strong desire for continued investment in infrastructure and thoughtful development. One key challenge we face is the unfinished hotel project in downtown Skokie. Due to post-COVID disruptions in building materials and labor, the project remains stalled and is currently tied up in legal proceedings. Had it been completed, it would have further enhanced our already thriving downtown, which has seen approximately 15 new businesses, a luxury rental development, and an innovative Tech Park. Moving forward, I believe it is critical to either see the hotel project realized or explore alternative opportunities that will contribute to the vibrant experience of downtown Skokie for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond downtown, there are key areas throughout the village that require attention. The Main Street Corridor presents a significant opportunity for revitalization, ensuring that businesses and infrastructure improvements support economic growth and community engagement. Additionally, we must focus on vacant lots and underutilized spaces along Dempster and other areas throughout Skokie, turning them into productive developments that serve the needs of residents and attract new businesses. Strategic planning and investment in these areas will further strengthen Skokie’s economic vitality and enhance the overall quality of life for our community.

Additionally, the proposed Carvana project, while approved by the Village Board, ultimately did not move forward due to challenges at the state level. However, one significant outcome of this process was Skokie’s leadership in implementing enhanced bird mitigation standards—some of the strongest in Illinois and across the country. This reflects our commitment to responsible and sustainable development that considers both economic and environmental impacts.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

That there is danger in a single story! We must use our critical thinking skills to ask questions and seek understanding and clarification when there is a concern. Additionally, my great-grandmother would always remind met that, "Common sense ain't Common!"

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

One of the most important lessons I have learned in public service is the power of the people. When residents come together—whether by organizing, signing petitions, placing items on the ballot, or advocating for change—it is a clear reminder that democracy thrives when the voices of the community are heard. As an elected official, it is my responsibility to listen, engage, and respond accordingly. The will of the people shapes the decisions we make, and I remain committed to upholding that covenant of trust and accountability.

Through this journey, I have grown in humility and perseverance. Public service is not about personal agendas—it is about representing the collective vision of our community. I have served on multiple boards and committees, always prioritizing collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity. Every challenge has reinforced the importance of patience, adaptability, and staying focused on solutions that serve the best interests of all Skokie residents.

Looking ahead, I remain dedicated to finishing what I started. With Skokie’s new government structure, I am eager to continue working in a way that is even more representative and responsive to the needs of our entire village. I have demonstrated my ability to work with all of Skokie, and I look forward to serving as an At-Large Trustee, ensuring that every resident has a voice in shaping the future of our community.