Mayors are invited to join Caucus committees to advance important regional issues; connect to other municipalities addressing these issues, and access resources to help them take local action.

ADA Coordinators Group
This group convenes professional municipal staff coordinating compliance with the American with Disabilities Act to share information and best practices.

Meetings occur quarterly.

Chairman: David Robb, Disabilities Services Coordinator, Village of Arlington Heights, drobb@vah.com
Staff: Brian Tomkins, Project Assistant, btomkins@mayorscaucus.org  

Diversity Issues Task Force  

This committee helps municipalities adapt to the changing demographics in their communities by engaging in productive discussions with their peers, sharing successes and learning from each other.

The Task Force usually meets the first Tuesday of every other month. Elected officials and municipal staff are invited to attend.

Co-Chairman: Rodney Craig, President, Village of Hanover Park and William McLeod, President, Village of Hoffman Estates.
Staff: Kyle Smith, Director of Housing Initiatives, ksmith@mayorscaucus.org

 Environment Committee

This committee guides the implementation of consensus sustainability goals articulated in the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2). In collaboration with partnering organizations the Committee addresses policy and regional program development for GRC2 goals most impactful for municipalities. It has recently focused on clean energy policy, especially solar energy; protecting water resources; green fleets; electronic waste disposal; and climate.

The Committee meets about 10 times a year, usually on the third Tuesday, in various locations. Elected officials and municipal staff are invited to attend.

Chairman: John Ostenburg, Mayor, Village of Park Forest, jostenburg@aol.com
Staff: Edith Makra, Director of Environmental Initiatives, emakra@mayorscaucus.org

Energy Subcommittee

The newly-formed subcommittee engages municipal leaders and energy experts and to discuss the impact of new energy policies and laws on municipalities and constituents. It was specifically convened to address the Future Energy Jobs Act, sweeping legislation that will change policies and investments related to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The committee meets in response to energy policy demands, at convenient times for members, usually downtown.  Elected officials and municipal staff are invited to attend.

Chairman: John Ostenburg, Mayor, Village of Park Forest, jostenburg@aol.com
Staff: Edith Makra, Director of Environmental Initiatives, emakra@mayorscaucus.org

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee brings together mayors and municipal staff from throughout the region to address housing issues impacting community sustainability and vitality.  The committee has recently launched a Regional Housing Solutions website; collaborated to strengthen the effectiveness of housing codes and policies; considered land-banking; and many other important housing policy issues.

The committee typically meets on the second Tuesday every other month in downtown and suburban locations.  Elected officials and municipal staff are invited to attend.

Chairman: Jeffrey Sherwin, Mayor, Village of Northlake
Staff: Kyle Smith, Director of Housing Initiatives, ksmith@mayorscaucus.org

Legislative Committee

In concert with member councils of governments (COGS), the Committee recommends the Caucus’ annual legislative priorities and monitors activities in Springfield and Washington to determine whether Caucus action is required. The committee meets as needed.

Chairman:  Gerald Bennett, Mayor, City of Palos Hills
Staff: Dave Bennett, Executive Director, dbennett@mayorscaucus.org

Regional Economic Development Committee

This committee interacts with various economic development organizations and agencies in the region and makes recommendations on actions or policies the Caucus and its members ought to consider.

The committee meets as needed.

Chairman: Karen Darch, President, Village of Barrington
Staff: Dave Bennett, Executive Director, dbennett@mayorscaucus.org

Service Delivery Task Force

The committee is investigating innovative and efficient ways to deliver local government services.

Meets as needed.

Chairman: open
Staff: Dave Bennett, Executive Director, dbennett@mayorscaucus.org

Transportation Committee
This committee develops the Caucus’ strategy on federal and state transportation issues and alternative funding mechanisms.

Meets as needed.

Chairman: Jeffery Schielke, Mayor, City of Batavia
Staff: Dave Bennett, Executive Director, dbennett@mayorscaucus.org