Mayor Murphy Announces Retirement

Mayor William F. Murphy, Jr. has announced that he will not seek another term as Mayor of the Village of Woodridge in April, 2013.

Having served the community as Mayor since 1981 and as a Village Trustee eight years prior, Mayor Murphy has led the community during a significant transition from a mostly residential Chicago suburb to a regional community that is a mix of diverse housing, retail and industrial businesses at the crossroads of two major regional expressways.  During his term as Mayor, Woodridge grew 46% from a population of 22,561 to 32,971; nearly doubled in size from 5.7 square miles to over 10 square miles and increased property values to over $3 billion.

Several community initiatives were undertaken under his leadership, including the creation of the Quality Community Task Force to address neighborhood needs; development of a residential license program to protect property investment and the quality of local housing; the acquisition of 44 acres within Town Centre to preserve for future generations for recreational, civic and open space uses and the development of the first senior housing facility in the community.

Mayor Murphy presently serves as Vice Chairperson on the DuPage Water Commission.  He has served as President of the Illinois Municipal League and is presently a member on their Executive Board.  Murphy has served two terms as President of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference and is presently serving on the Board of Directors.  He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities and served on the Advisory Council.  He served as Vice Chairperson of the Illinois International Port District Board for 12 years.

“I am most proud of the quality staff of the Village of Woodridge and the elected officials who, as a team, have made good governance decisions in the best interests of Woodridge,” said Mayor Murphy.  “It is the expertise of the Village staff, Board Members, and commissions that has led to significant community improvements, economic development, quality local housing, and an enhanced community image.”

Mayor Murphy’s decision to retire is based upon his desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other ways to contribute to the community.  As a former Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Personnel administrator with Woodridge School District 68, Mayor Murphy commitment to the community has spanned over five decades.

*The above was a media announcement from the village of Woodridge.