Re-Elect Jon Center for City Council:
Bringing forward looking leadership and financial expertise to activate all of Highland Park
Jon is not just your average candidate; he is a born and raised Highland Park resident who embodies the spirit of our community. Since being sworn in to the City Council in 2025, Jon has brought critical discipline and fresh thinking to the Council's decisions — and there's still real work ahead.
Jon’s background as a CPA and current SVP at a real estate development and investment firm provides financial expertise no other candidate or current councilmember can match — professional skepticism and a deep understanding of the economics behind real estate development, growth initiatives, and budgetary considerations that's critical to smart, transparent, and well-informed Council decision-making.
Jon is passionate about activating all of Highland Park's business districts — downtown, Ravinia, and the west side — supporting incentives that help local entrepreneurs succeed and draw visitors and investment, with the appropriate guardrails to protect taxpayer dollars, while making sure every part of Highland Park shares in that growth.
As a working parent, Jon brings a perspective that's critical to the diversity of thought on the Council — he understands firsthand what families look for and need in this community, and represents an important demographic whose participation and investment are paramount for future generations.
Jon lives in the downtown HP neighborhood with his wife, two children, and dog and is energetic about the unlocked potential that he sees. He is a licensed CPA and current SVP of a real estate development and investment firm.
Jon’s energy, enthusiasm, and relevant skill set make him uniquely qualified to continue representing you on the council.
-
Highland Park's business districts — downtown, Ravinia, and the west side — hold tremendous, untapped potential. Nearby towns have created vibrant hubs filled with premium retailers, unique restaurants, and lifestyle brands that attract a diverse mix of visitors and boost local economies.
By offering innovative incentives and meaningful support to small businesses — with the appropriate guardrails to protect taxpayer dollars — we can empower local entrepreneurs to succeed, creating a dynamic environment that enriches residents and visitors alike. And this growth has to reach every corner of our city, not just one corridor — every part of Highland Park should share in that momentum.
-
As a licensed CPA with 10+ years of Big 4 audit experience, and current SVP at a real estate development and investment firm, I bring professional skepticism and a deep understanding of the economics behind real estate development, growth initiatives, and budgetary considerations — expertise no other candidate or current councilmember can match.
Establishing and maintaining proper financial oversight is essential to enhance accountability, streamline processes, and maximize the impact of every tax dollar spent. By implementing best practices and enhanced transparency, we ensure informed decisions that prioritize the needs of our residents.
-
I want to direct capital investment toward infrastructure that serves as a platform for business growth and development, while also preserving and enhancing the natural beauty that's a core reason residents choose to call Highland Park home — now and for the future.
My background in large-scale real estate investment and development has given me experience with the kind of big-picture, long-horizon decision-making this requires — the same skills I want to bring in guiding the city thoughtfully through the planning and execution of Highland Park's next comprehensive plan.
Jon’s Core Priorities
Jon’s Additional Priorities
-
While the priorities above are where I'm focused, I also care deeply about the City's foundational responsibilities to residents:
Infrastructure: I'm proud of the infrastructure improvements made as part of the city's capital improvement plan, and I look forward to continuing to direct appropriate capital investment to maintain and enhance Highland Park's infrastructure as a platform for future growth.
Public Safety: I'm grateful for the tremendous work and dedication of our local police officers and firefighters, who work tirelessly to keep us safe every day. I'm committed to ensuring these critical entities remain well-funded and properly equipped to continue their invaluable service to our community.