Jon Center for City Council: Financial Expertise, Fresh Perspective

Jon is not just your average candidate; he is a born and raised Highland Park resident who embodies the spirit of our community. With Jon on the council, you can expect a leader who listens, engages, and puts Highland Park first.

  • Jon’s background as a CPA and CFO provides critical financial expertise to the community, filling a gap on the City Council. He believes that transparency is the cornerstone of effective governance.

  • Jon is dedictaed to building a connected community, striving to ensure that every voice in our community is heard and valued, fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive and enjoy the beauty of Highland Park.

  • He is passionate about supporting small business and economic development, recognizing that a thriving local economy starts with empowering entrepreneurs and responding to community needs for progress. 

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 CFO/COO of a real estate investment company that owns and operates facilities tenanted by mission-critical governmental agencies.

Jon’s energy, enthusiasm, and relevant skill set make him uniquely qualified to represent you on the council.

  • As a graduate of the top-ranked undergraduate and graduate accounting programs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a licensed CPA with over a decade of Big 4 audit experience, I bring much needed financial discipline and experience.

    Establishing and maintaining proper financial oversight is essential to enhance accountability, streamline processes, and maximize the impact of each tax dollar spent.

    By implementing best practices and enhanced transparency, we can ensure informed decisions that prioritize the needs of our residents.

  • Highland Park’s business districts—particularly downtown and Ravinia—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, we can empower local entrepreneurs to succeed, creating a dynamic and bustling environment that enriches both residents and visitors.

  • I am dedicated to enhancing Highland Park as a welcoming, family-oriented community where shared spaces and events bring us together.

    My vision includes improving green spaces, gathering areas, and public amenities that foster connection, with a commitment to inclusive events for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

    By investing thoughtfully in infrastructure and embracing the beauty of what we already have, I aim to strengthen Highland Park as a place where everyone feels they belong.

Jon’s Priorities