Chibuike Enyia

candidate for 2025 OAK PARK VILLAGE Trustee

1. What motivates you to seek this office? What skills do you bring to the office? What sets you apart from other candidates?  What does success look like for you after four years in the position?

I’m running for Village Trustee because we are at a pivotal moment. Locally, we’re facing housing affordability challenges, increasing pressure on village services, staff and the urgency of advancing our sustainability efforts. This is all while ensuring equity remains at the center of our decisions. And this is all happening under a backdrop of federal authoritarianism. We need leadership that is progressive, thoughtful, and committed to upholding Oak Park’s values. 

My past 4 years in office have provided deep experience in policy, budgeting, and community engagement, working with many stakeholders to implement solutions that center equity, sustainability, and community well-being. What sets me apart is my ability to deeply listen to all Oak Park voices, and be open to viewpoints as well as experiences that are different from my own. I am strong in my personal values, and always leave space for counter narratives and new information.  

Success after four years means we’ve expanded affordable housing, strengthened renter protections, centered our seniors, made real progress on sustainability, invested in public safety models that prioritize prevention and care, and ensured Oak Park remains accessible and inclusive for all—especially working families, renters, and longtime residents. I’m running to bring consistent, community-driven leadership to these urgent issues and keep Oak Park moving forward.

2. What do you see as the three biggest challenges or opportunities facing the Village in and what role do you see the Board playing to address them over the next four years?

Over the next four years, Oak Park has the opportunity to expand housing affordability, enhance public safety in all its forms, and drive thoughtful economic development—ensuring our community remains welcoming and vibrant. 

1. Expanding Housing Options & Affordability – Rising rents and home prices continue create challenges, but we have a chance to expand affordable housing, strengthen renter protections, and update zoning to support a range of housing options. Investing in rental assistance and homeownership programs can help keep Oak Park diverse and accessible for all. This can all be a preventative measure when dealing with our rising homeless population.

2. Creating Safer Streets & Stronger Community Support – Safety goes beyond policing. We can improve walkability, commuter safety, and emergency response models by investing in better street design, lighting, and alternative crisis response programs. These efforts create a safer, more connected community.

3. Growing a Thriving, Inclusive Economy – Oak Park’s economy can grow in ways that support local businesses, attract investment, and balance revenue generation with affordability. By working with businesses, improving public spaces, and encouraging responsible development, we can strengthen our tax base while keeping Oak Park a great place to live and work.

3. What is your decision making process? What steps are steps the Board can take to ensure transparency, clear communication, and community engagement, hearing from the broad spectrum of Village constituents?

Good decision-making starts with listening to residents, gathering facts, and understanding the impact of each choice. I focus on engaging with those affected and reviewing data, as well as talking with my colleagues at the board table, to ensure decisions reflect Oak Park’s values while being practical and forward-thinking.

The Village Board has an opportunity to improve transparency and community engagement by making information easier to access and ensuring all voices are heard. This means providing clear updates on key issues and making public meetings more accessible. We should also actively reach out to residents who may not typically engage with local government. Expanding language access and digital communication will help connect with more people. Beyond meetings, the Board should meet people where they are at neighborhood events and community spaces. Stronger connections with residents lead to better decisions that reflect the needs of the whole village. Utilizing commissions to help expand our reach, start conversations and report back on progress as well as roadblocks is essential. 

4. Volunteer citizen boards, commissions, and committees advise the village trustees. Do you believe that these entities are utilized effectively? What (if any) changes would you like to see to their authority, responsibilities, and oversight?

Over the past four years, the Village has made great progress in strengthening the role of citizen boards, commissions, and committees. Their involvement in decision-making has improved, and their recommendations are being taken more seriously. This has led to stronger community input and better policy outcomes.

There is still room to do more. The Village Board can further clarify expectations, improve communication, and ensure follow-through on recommendations. Expanding outreach will also help bring in a wider range of voices, making these groups more representative of Oak Park’s diversity. By continuing to strengthen these advisory bodies, we can ensure community expertise leads to real action and keeps Oak Park moving forward.

5. Please share your thoughts about the Village’s current financial picture. What’s your understanding of the Board’s role in the budgeting process and the allocation of resources? Do you have organizational finance experience?

Oak Park is in a strong financial position, but uncertainty at the federal level and broader economic trends require us to be proactive in maintaining stability. Careful planning, responsible spending, and a commitment to our values will be key to keeping the village on solid ground.

Our interim CFO brought a very high level of expertise and strong financial leadership, ensuring we have the right guidance in the budgeting process. Earlier this week Village Manager Jackson hired a new Finance director to the village that should build upon the great work that was done. As a Trustee, my role is to ensure our budget reflects our community’s values—investing in housing affordability, sustainability, public safety, and essential services in a responsible way. The Board must ask tough questions, ensure transparency, and make strategic decisions that keep Oak Park both financially stable and responsive to community needs.  Shifting to make the budget a year long process allows for a more consistent pace of analysis, responsible spending and brings a holistic approach to some uncertain times.

6. What would you say to voters who are worried about Oak Park’s overall tax burden?

I get why residents are worried about Oak Park’s tax burden. We all want to keep our community strong—with great schools, public services, and local resources—without making it too expensive to live here. 

One way to help is by growing our tax base—supporting small businesses, attracting responsible development, and working with other taxing bodies to find smarter ways to fund services. But we also need to push for a fairer state tax system, including a graduated income tax, to shift some of the burden off property owners. At the local level, we have to be smart about spending—making sure new investments make sense, existing programs are working, and tax dollars are being used wisely. Oak Park’s finances are strong, but we can’t take that for granted. 

I recently brought forth a motion at the board table for staff to draft an ordinance taxing the sale of unregulated THC products and have been working with local business owners, state officials and the business association that are supportive of such efforts. We need to be creative when thinking of how to grow our tax base and this is one way. My goal is to make sure people feel the value of their tax dollars while working toward a system that’s fairer and more sustainable for everyone.

7. Given the Village’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement, what steps should the Village take to support underrepresented and disadvantaged people and businesses?  Give an example that is or would significantly advance the Village in achieving its aspirations. Have recent discussions in the larger community and or at the national level informed or changed your thinking?

Oak Park’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement is only meaningful if we back it up with real policies that make the village more accessible and inclusive. Government plays a key role in making sure housing, economic opportunity, and public services truly work for everyone, especially those who have historically been left out.

One way to make a real impact is by expanding affordable housing. That means boosting rental assistance, updating zoning laws, and working with developers who prioritize affordability. A diverse Oak Park starts with making sure people can afford to stay here. We also need to support minority-owned businesses by making it easier to get grants, mentorship, and resources to grow. That can be done in many different ways like utilizing the Oak Park Chamber as we have the past 4 years by investing funds to expand its memberships, activities, and internships. We should look to offer more grants that help reduce the barriers to access, and attract more women and minorities to join. We should also look to sponsor or co-sponsor grants with partners that give access to the Leadership Lab program allowing small businesses to make healthy relationships and mentorships with minority business owners look to become established. A strong, inclusive economy lifts up the entire community.The national pushback against DEI should be a wake-up call that our work isn’t done. While some are trying to roll back progress, Oak Park can keep moving forward by removing barriers, creating real opportunities, and making equity something people experience—not just something we talk about.

8. What policies and programs should the Village undertake to improve its tax base and help local businesses, and continue to develop a diverse mix of businesses? Are there specific geographic areas on which you would focus? Please share your thoughts about the proposed Economic Vitality Strategic Plan? 

Oak Park’s long-term success depends on a strong, diverse local economy that supports businesses and grows our tax base without overburdening residents. The Economic Vitality Strategic Plan is a good start, but it needs more depth and refinement. We need to make it easier for small businesses to open and thrive by streamlining permits, offering targeted grants, and ensuring minority- and women-owned businesses have access to resources.

The village should also focus on overlooked business districts like Harrison Street, Roosevelt Road, North Avenue, and Chicago Avenue to ensure they get the investment and attention needed to attract businesses and bring more activity. We can also rethink vacant spaces, encouraging pop-ups, arts initiatives, and flexible storefront models to bring energy back to commercial areas.

9. What do you see as the most pressing issue relating to housing in Oak Park? What policies would you advocate to address this issue? Do you consider support for affordable housing to be a core function of our village government? Please explain.

The biggest housing challenge in Oak Park is affordability and stability—too many renters and homeowners are struggling to keep up with rising costs. If we want Oak Park to stay diverse and welcoming, we need to expand affordable housing and strengthen renter protections. Supporting affordable housing is definitely a core function of village government. Housing impacts everything—economic opportunity, school stability, and the overall health of our community. The village has tools to help, like rental assistance, zoning updates that allow more housing options, and incentives for developers who prioritize affordability. We also need to strengthen our Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance to require more affordable units in new developments, making sure growth benefits everyone. Protecting renters from displacement is also important. Strengthening tenant protections and ensuring policies work for people at all income levels will help keep Oak Park accessible. We have a long history of leading on housing equity, but we need to take action now to keep it that way. By focusing on affordability and stability, we can make sure Oak Park remains a place where people of all backgrounds can build their lives and stay long term. We need to repair the relationship with the Regional Housing Center and work on a model that addresses the concerns of today's aspiring homeowner and renter.

10. Rental units comprise about 41% of Oak Park’s housing stock. How can the Village better serve the needs of renters in our community?

With 41% of Oak Park’s housing being rentals, renters make up a huge part of our community, but too often, village policies focus more on homeowners. We need to do more to protect renters, expand rental assistance, and make sure they have a voice in village decisions. That means just-cause eviction protections, stronger enforcement of housing codes, and making sure new developments actually include affordable units. The village should also make it easier for renters to get legal aid and know their rights. We need to continue to work with agencies like Hope fair housing that work to ensure housing opportunities and maintain a level of education and transparency.

For disabled residents and those wanting to age in place, we need to keep making Oak Park more accessible. The village can incentivize home upgrades for accessibility, require universal design in new buildings, and expand financial help for home modifications. We also need to make sure public spaces, transit, and village services actually meet the needs of residents as they age.

11. How can the Village better serve the needs of the disabled in our community? Those who wish to age in place here in Oak Park?

With 41% of Oak Park’s housing being rentals, renters make up a huge part of our community, but too often, village policies focus more on homeowners. We need to do more to protect renters, expand rental assistance, and make sure they have a voice in village decisions. That means just-cause eviction protections, stronger enforcement of housing codes, and making sure new developments actually include affordable units. The village should also make it easier for renters to get legal aid and know their rights. We need to continue to work with agencies like Hope fair housing that work to ensure housing opportunities and maintain a level of education and transparency.

For disabled residents and those wanting to age in place, we need to keep making Oak Park more accessible. The village can incentivize home upgrades for accessibility, require universal design in new buildings, and expand financial help for home modifications. We also need to make sure public spaces, transit, and village services actually meet the needs of residents as they age.

12. Oak Park adopted the Welcoming Village Ordinance in 2017 regarding immigrants, and has often championed expanded rights for marginalized persons. What role should the Village Board play in the face of current national challenges?

Oak Park has always been a place that shows up when it matters. When more than 200 new arrivals came here seeking shelter and aid, the Village didn’t hesitate. We worked with community groups, faith organizations, and volunteers to make sure people had basic necessities. That’s what it means to lead with our values—not just talking about being a welcoming community, but proving it with action.

In the next four years, more challenges will come—whether it’s immigration, housing, or unexpected crises. The Village Board needs to be ready to step up, not step back. That means keeping Oak Park a Welcoming Village, making sure vulnerable residents feel safe, and strengthening partnerships so we can respond quickly when people need help. When things get tough, we don’t turn away from our neighbors. Oak Parkers deserve to know that no matter what happens, we’re in this together—and we’ll keep working to make this a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

13. How do you define public safety and effective policing?  How would you work to create an Oak Park where all community members feel safe?

Public safety isn’t just about policing—it’s about making sure everyone is secure in their homes, on their streets, and in public spaces. A “safe” community has food access, stable shelter options, and medical support. As the Village Board liaison to the Community Police Oversight Committee (CPOC), I have been deeply involved in conversations about accountability, trust, and how we build a public safety system that serves all residents fairly. Continuing to invest in officers compensation, training, mental health, work life balance and establishing a stronger relationship with the Oak Park community as a whole is extremely important to me. 

I know firsthand what it means to be a victim of a crime, and I also know what it means to be accused of a crime based on the color of my skin. These experiences don’t contradict each other—they shape a nuanced, balanced approach to public safety that recognizes the need for both effective crime response and protection from bias and over-policing. Oak Park can continue investing in alternative crisis response programs, youth engagement, and public space improvements to ensure every resident—regardless of race, income, or background—is safe and supported.

14. What is your opinion of the Village’s Climate Action Plan and its implementation so far?

Just yesterday I received the news that I was one of three candidates to be endorsed by the Sierra Club. They are a grassroots environmental organization that advocates for the protection of the planet, people, and places founded in 1892 and is the oldest environmental organization of its kind in the United States. They fight to protect wildlife and wild places, Ensure clean air and water for all, Fight climate change, Transition to a clean energy economy, and Preserve public lands and waters. 

Oak Park’s Climate Action Plan may seem ambitious, but it’s really the bare minimum for what we need to do given the reality of climate change. Great progress is underway, but implementation needs to move faster. We can focus on making it easier for residents and businesses to switch to clean energy, improving public transit and walkability, and making sure sustainability efforts are accessible to everyone. This also means ensuring lower-income residents can benefit from energy efficiency programs and sustainable upgrades without financial barriers. Intergovernmental cooperation is important for tackling big issues like early childhood education, housing, and public health. My family knows first hand the benefits of the Collaborations for Early Childhood and I remain a strong vocal advocate.  The Collaboration for Early Childhood is a great example of how working together makes it easier for families to access the resources they need. We can build on that model by expanding partnerships in areas like mental health services, affordable housing, and workforce development—issues that can’t be solved in isolation. Oak Park doesn’t exist in a bubble. Sustainability, economic development, and public health all require regional solutions. The more we continue to partner with neighboring communities and nonprofits, the bigger the impact we can make.

15. What approach should the Village take towards intergovernmental cooperation initiatives such as the Collaboration for Early Childhood. Are there other specific initiatives that you would like to implement or expand upon with other local and or regional governing bodies and nonprofits? 

Just yesterday I received the news that I was the only Trustee candidate to be endorsed by the Sierra Club. They are a grassroots environmental organization that advocates for the protection of the planet, people, and places founded in 1892 and is the oldest environmental organization of its kind in the United States. They fight to protect wildlife and wild places, Ensure clean air and water for all, Fight climate change, Transition to a clean energy economy, and Preserve public lands and waters. 

Oak Park’s Climate Action Plan may seem ambitious, but it’s really the bare minimum for what we need to do given the reality of climate change. Great progress is underway, but implementation needs to move faster. We can focus on making it easier for residents and businesses to switch to clean energy, improving public transit and walkability, and making sure sustainability efforts are accessible to everyone. This also means ensuring lower-income residents can benefit from energy efficiency programs and sustainable upgrades without financial barriers. Intergovernmental cooperation is important for tackling big issues like early childhood education, housing, and public health. My family knows first hand the benefits of the Collaborations for Early Childhood and I remain a strong vocal advocate.  The Collaboration for Early Childhood is a great example of how working together makes it easier for families to access the resources they need. We can build on that model by expanding partnerships in areas like mental health services, affordable housing, and workforce development—issues that can’t be solved in isolation. Oak Park doesn’t exist in a bubble. Sustainability, economic development, and public health all require regional solutions. The more we continue to partner with neighboring communities and nonprofits, the bigger the impact we can make.


16. Should the Village Board spend its time to make proclamations or take stances on national or international issues? Please explain your thinking.

It’s hard to give a blanket answer to this question without nuance and context. Oak Park has a history of taking stands on issues that directly affect our community—whether it was becoming a Welcoming Village, protecting abortion access, or declaring ourselves a nuclear-free zone back in the day. Each of these decisions was made in response to specific circumstances and reflected the values of the people who live here.

If the question is whether the Village Board should have voted on a ceasefire resolution as requested by community members, my answer is yes. We should have voted, and I would have voted yes. Our residents brought this issue forward because it mattered to them, and as elected officials, we should engage with the concerns of our community, even when they involve national or international matters. While it may not be a normal course of business for the board, calling a vote on the issue may have moved us forward instead of deepening wounds of many groups who are in so much pain right now.

That doesn’t mean the Board will—or should—issue proclamations on every global issue. But I reject the idea that our choices must be all or nothing. We are living in extraordinary times, and on certain issues, it is important to be on the record about where we stand.

I strongly am opposed to any war and ethnic cleansing as I am a son and nephew to those who fought in the Biafra Civil War which saw over 3 million of my fellow Igbo's tragically lose their lives.

17. One of the Village Board’s primary responsibilities is oversight of the village Manager. What criteria do you believe the Board should use to evaluate the performance of the Village Manager?

The Village Manager is the Board’s only direct employee, responsible for running village operations and making sure policies set by the Board actually get implemented. It’s a tough job—they’re not elected, but they answer to seven elected officials who don’t always agree. A good Village Manager knows how to balance different perspectives, work with diplomacy, and stay accessible to both the Board and staff.

When evaluating their performance, we should look at how well they manage those priorities, implement policy effectively, and keep clear communication with both the Board and Village Hall staff. Just as important is the work culture at Village Hall—staff morale matters, and the Village Manager plays a big role in setting the tone.

Any employee, especially a top administrator, should always be growing as a leader. The best Village Managers adapt, listen, and improve, making sure Oak Park’s government runs well and serves the community the way it should.


18. Last November, Oak Park voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative that proposed that voters be able to approve ordinances and policies though a direct vote. At this point the vote on the ballot initiative was advisory or non-binding. The next step is for the Village or any other taxing body in Oak Park (as reported by the Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2024) to decide whether or not to place the issue on the ballot as a binding referendum. Please share your views on this initiative. 

As a point of clarification, this initiative is about allowing voters to get an issue placed on the Village Board’s agenda for a direct vote—not about voters directly passing ordinances themselves. That distinction is important because it could be misunderstood as a shift to a direct democracy model, which it’s not.

While I don’t see a huge need for this initiative, I don’t oppose it. Engaging with the community is part of our job, and ultimately, trustees can vote however they choose on issues that come before us. If this helps bring more resident-driven topics to the table, I don’t see harm in that. That said, implementing it in a way that works smoothly will take some effort. The Village Clerk and Village.

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