Candidate's
name:
Joanne R. Johnson
How
long have you lived in Buffalo Grove?
37 years
Please
provide brief biographical information:
I am an
incumbent candidate for the Buffalo Grove Village Board having served as
Trustee since 2015. My husband and I raised our two adult children in Buffalo
Grove. I’m a member of the Suburban Municipal Conference Legislative Committee
and serves as the Village’s Communications Department liaison. As the Board
President of the nonprofit GiveNKind, I continue to drive meaningful change. I
spearheaded the successful effort to establish the Vernon Township Community
Mental Health Board and proudly served on its inaugural board.
Are
you affiliated with any political party? If so, to what extent are you
being supported by that party?
I am not formally affiliated with any party and this race
is nonpartisan.
What
civic activities, if any, have you been involved with?
For over three
decades, I’ve been proud to serve and strengthen Buffalo Grove, leading
initiatives that create real impact. Before joining the Village Board, I
dedicated five years each to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Buffalo
Grove Days Committee, shaping the future of our community.
Prior to that,
I had the privilege of helping celebrate BG’s 50th anniversary as editor of an
88-page history book, ensuring every home and business received a piece of our
shared story. Later, I also spearheaded the successful referendum that
established Lake County’s first Community Mental Health Board, serving as its
Vice President and Treasurer.
Beyond policy,
I’m passionate about giving back. As President of GiveNKind, I help connect
nonprofits with essential resources. Last year alone, we donated over $17
million in goods to Chicagoland nonprofits. Whether volunteering as a room mom
or serving as an elected Trustee, I’ve always stepped up to lead, collaborate,
and drive positive change. In every role, my peers have entrusted me with
leadership, and I’m ready to continue working hard for the residents of Buffalo
Grove.
Why
are you running for the Village Board?
Buffalo Grove is thriving, and I’m dedicated to keeping
that momentum going! Over the past four years, we’ve made smart, strategic
investments—$225 million in infrastructure—to enhance our community for
generations to come. We’ve transformed key properties, replacing the outdated
Town Center with The Clove and revitalizing the vacant Rohrman properties into
the dynamic Tesla mixed-use development. Best of all, we’ve achieved these
major milestones while maintaining fiscal responsibility—holding the tax levy
steady for six consecutive years with ZERO increases. The future is bright, and
I’m excited to keep moving Buffalo Grove forward!
Have
you served on a village committee or commission before? If yes, which one and
how long did you serve and in what capacity?
· Planning and Zoning Commission – five years
· Buffalo Grove Days Committee – five years
·
50th Anniversary Committee – 3 years
The
village has continued to attract new businesses. What do you think of the
recent initiatives related to economic development?
Our strategy is working. We’ve transformed blighted and
vacant areas into vibrant, thriving commercial properties, boosting economic
growth and easing the financial burden on taxpayers. Many people may not
realize it, but by attracting major companies to our industrial district, the
driving force of Buffalo Grove’s economy, we’ve strengthened our revenue base
without putting residents at risk. Through smart, strategic agreements that
benefit both businesses and our community, we’ve increased revenue while
keeping the tax levy flat for six consecutive years. These partnerships ensure
that revenue-generating companies stay and grow right here, building a strong
and sustainable future for Buffalo Grove!
Should
the village continue with its current economic development strategies or
consider alternatives? Why?
Our current
economic development strategies have proven to be extremely successful, as
evidenced by the impressive progress we’ve made in areas like the Lake-Cook
Road corridor, Dundee Road, and more. These strategies have helped attract
high-quality businesses, revitalize key properties, and maintain a flat tax
levy for six consecutive years. However, I’m always open to considering new
approaches if there’s an opportunity that benefits Buffalo Grove and its
residents.
If a new type
of incentive or approach can aid a particular business and further our
community’s growth, we should absolutely explore it. That said, I firmly
believe in the principle that “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Our current
strategies are working, and I see no reason to depart from an approach that’s
already yielding outstanding results. By staying flexible and receptive to
innovative ideas while continuing to build on what has been successful, we can
keep Buffalo Grove moving forward optimally, ensuring long-term prosperity for
generations to come. for a few seconds. In essence, we will continue doing what
works while staying receptive to fresh, effective ideas. After all, when we
build on a proven formula and remain agile enough to consider alternatives, we
pave the way for an even brighter future for Buffalo Grove.
A
key component in the village's economic development plans is "The
Clove" which will, when completed, include retail stores, restaurants,
open space and multi-family housing. Are the existing restaurants and
rumored future restaurants strong enough anchors to make "The Clove"
a success?
The Clove is designed for long-term success, integrating
residential, retail, dining, and entertainment into a dynamic mixed-use
development. Each component plays a role in creating a vibrant destination, but
the overall success isn’t measured by any single business. It’s more about the
synergy of the entire space. Just like The Glen or Deer Park, businesses may
come and go, but the development itself continues to thrive. With each element
working together to draw people in, The Clove will remain a strong and
sustainable asset for Buffalo Grove.
Which
business development plan do you think should be a priority? Lake-Cook Road
corridor, Dundee Road, Milwaukee Avenue or the Prairie View concept? Please
explain your priorities.
All of these
corridors are a priority, and we are well-equipped to handle multiple
developments simultaneously. Our dedicated staff is prepared to evaluate and
manage any and all proposals that come our way, ensuring that we can capitalize
on opportunities as they arise. Buffalo Grove’s ability to pivot and respond
efficiently means we don’t have to choose just one focus. We can drive progress
on Lake-Cook Road, Dundee Road, Milwaukee Avenue, and the Prairie View concept
simultaneously. Each of these areas plays a unique role in strengthening our
local economy, attracting businesses, and enhancing the overall vibrancy of our
village. By remaining flexible, proactive, and strategic, we can ensure smart
growth and sustainable development in every key corridor, keeping Buffalo Grove
a thriving place to live, work, and do business.
Is
the village’s economic development incentive policy clear? Do you think
it adequately creates predictability and appropriately assists in making the
most efficient use of limited local resources when supporting proposed
development projects. If not, how would you update the policy?
Buffalo
Grove’s approach to development is both clear and flexible, built on a
comprehensive Economic Development Plan that guides every decision. While we
don’t operate under a rigid incentive policy, we tailor our incentive deals on
a case-by-case basis always ensuring that every agreement delivers real
benefits to our village and its residents. Our strategy is designed to maximize
the efficient use of local resources. We assess each project individually,
focusing first on what’s best for the community and then customizing the
incentive to fit the specific needs of the business involved. This proactive
method not only creates predictability but also enables us to form mutually
beneficial partnerships that drive growth.
A great
example of this approach is our deal with Woodmans. When the intersection of
Milwaukee and Deerfield needed expansion to support new development, Woodmans
stepped up by contributing $7 million upfront for vital infrastructure
improvements. In return, we structured a sales tax revenue-sharing agreement
that repaid them over several years. This innovative partnership demonstrates
how a flexible, case-specific strategy can address immediate needs while
securing long-term benefits for our community. By continuously adapting and
embracing tailored solutions, we ensure that Buffalo Grove remains a leader in
smart, sustainable development, one that consistently supports our residents
and fuels our future success.
Do
you think the village should continue using Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
districts to entice economic development?
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been a powerful tool for
revitalizing and transforming blighted areas in Buffalo Grove. Our two TIF
districts have clearly delivered outstanding results, sparking new development
that has breathed new life into our community. By using a TIF, we’re able to
make necessary infrastructure improvements—such as new roads and sewers—while
attracting businesses and supporting the growth of existing ones, all without
dipping into general funds or raising property taxes. This strategy allows us
to reinvest in areas that need it most, creating vibrant spaces that benefit
both residents and businesses. However, we must always balance the need for
economic development with fiscal responsibility. That’s why, in Buffalo Grove,
we ensure that the success of a TIF district relies on the developer, not the
taxpayer. We don’t underwrite TIFs, which encourages developers to plan with
the utmost attention to ensuring their success. As federal and state support
for economic development continues to decrease, TIFs provide a vital
alternative for local governments, allowing us to attract high-quality private
development without burdening local property owners. In an era where businesses
and developers are often looking for incentives, TIF has become an essential
tool for fostering a competitive edge and driving growth. With a responsible
approach, TIF not only revitalizes our community—it’s a transformative tool for
securing a prosperous future for Buffalo Grove.
Do
you think there are forms of incentives other than TIFs that the village should
consider using to entice economic development. If so, what manner or type of
incentives do you think would be helpful and effective?
As a
candidate, I believe that our economic development strategy should be as
dynamic and multifaceted as our community. While TIFs have proven effective in
addressing critical infrastructure needs and jumpstarting growth, we must also
explore other innovative incentives to attract and support businesses.
Incentives aren’t always financial. They can be designed to address specific
barriers to development. For instance, we can implement streamlined permitting
processes and regulatory reforms that help businesses launch more quickly and
efficiently. Additionally, targeted workforce training programs and temporary
tax credits or abatements could create a more attractive environment for both
new enterprises and expanding companies. The key is to customize our approach
on a case-by-case basis. We need to ensure that any incentive offered directly
addresses a hurdle that might otherwise block a promising development. By doing
so, we protect our resources while providing the support necessary for
sustainable growth. My vision is to build on our proven success by offering a
full range of creative, flexible incentives that not only stimulate economic
activity but also enhance the quality of life in Buffalo Grove. Together, we
can ensure that our community remains vibrant, competitive, and ready for the
future.
How
do you think the village should encourage redevelopment of existing retail
areas that are struggling?
Buffalo Grove
has a tremendous opportunity to revitalize our struggling retail areas by
transforming them into dynamic, multi-use destinations that serve both
residents and businesses. Successful redevelopment requires three key elements:
a motivated seller, an interested buyer, and a proactive government partner to
help facilitate the process.
While we
cannot dictate which businesses move into our community, nor can we exclude
businesses that align with our comprehensive plan, we can take strategic action
to attract quality investment and foster vibrant commercial areas. As a
Trustee, I strongly advocate for tailored redevelopment initiatives that go
beyond financial incentives to include:
·
Streamlining permitting processes – Making it easier
and faster for businesses to invest and grow in our village.
·
Infrastructure improvements – Enhancing streetscapes,
accessibility, and public amenities to make these areas more appealing.
·
Reimagining spaces – Encouraging a mix of retail,
dining, entertainment, and community gathering spots to create engaging
destinations.
·
Public-private partnerships – Collaborating with
developers, property owners, and businesses to unlock new possibilities.
By taking a
creative and proactive approach, we can turn struggling retail corridors into
thriving hubs of economic and social activity. I am committed to leveraging
every available tool to attract new investment, support local businesses, and
enhance the overall quality of life in Buffalo Grove. Together, we can build a
future where every part of our village is vibrant, thriving, and full of
opportunity!
The
village has engaged in intergovernmental partnerships for programming and
sharing facilities. Do you think the village should continue to pursue
partnerships? If so, to what extent?
I believe in
harnessing the power of collaboration to benefit our community. Our
intergovernmental partnerships have delivered outstanding results. For
instance, our agreement with the Buffalo Grove Park District for BG Days has
combined the strengths of both entities, boosting event quality while reducing
taxpayer costs. The 2024 BG Days event generated an impressive $100,000 profit
that we shared with the Park District, a clear testament to the value of
working together.
Similarly, our
partnership with Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102, where we lease space in
our new Public Works facility at a highly competitive rate, has not only
provided the district with affordable space but also accelerated our building’s
debt repayment. As your candidate, I will actively pursue and expand these
partnerships. By continuing to collaborate with neighboring agencies, we can
maximize resources, enhance services, and create more win-win scenarios for
Buffalo Grove. Together, we’ll build a stronger, more innovative community.
Is
the village properly managing its workforce costs? Is there a need for
adjustments in the number of employees and/or compensation levels at the
village? If you deem adjustments are necessary, how would you implement them?
I’m proud to
say that Buffalo Grove is managing its workforce costs in an exceptionally
responsible way. Compared to similar-sized municipalities, we maintain one of
the leanest, most efficient staffs—strategically optimized over the past 15
years. We’ve smartly outsourced services like grass cutting and golf course
maintenance to lower costs while still delivering top-quality results. At the
same time, we’ve bolstered our team in areas such as communications and
permitting, ensuring our operations remain transparent and responsive to
current needs.
Our commitment
to competitive wages has attracted and retained a talented workforce that saves
taxpayers millions. A shining example is our Engineering Department, which
proactively secures funding through diligent project planning—our
Infrastructure Modernization Plan, with a cost of $225 million over the last
four years, has been funded at least 75% by external sources, totaling around
$170 million.
Moreover, we
ensure fairness by keeping our non-represented employees on par with those in
collective bargaining agreements, conducting market analyses every three years
to position our pay rates at the third highest spot among comparable
municipalities. This approach not only makes Buffalo Grove a destination
workplace but also guarantees that every dollar is spent wisely, delivering
maximum value to our community.
The
Village recently made a major capital investment and operational change by
moving Public Works from its location on the Village campus to Leider Lane. Do
you agree with the decision to do so? Are there other projects you would like
to see the village undertake?
With our
growing population, we recognized 25 years ago that Buffalo Grove had outgrown
its public works building. Every day, our staff had to spend valuable time
maneuvering vehicles in a space that was too small, so we took decisive action.
By repurposing an existing building, we saved at least $20 million and solved a
problem that had persisted for a quarter of a century, a smart,
forward-thinking decision.
Since 2017,
our board and staff have been actively planning for our future facilities. With
both Village Hall and the Police Department aging and requiring costly repairs,
we’re carefully evaluating our options: should we invest in repairs, build new
facilities, or repurpose an existing structure? A comprehensive facilities
study will equip us with the data needed to make informed, thoughtful
decisions.
I’m
particularly excited about the potential of combining Village Hall and the
Police Department into a single, shared facility. This proven model not only
reduces costs but also creates a vibrant community hub where residents can
connect and access essential services more easily. We’ll pursue funding through
a mix of grants, bonds, and revenue generated by new business ventures and
ongoing redevelopment projects.
Together,
we’re building a brighter, more efficient future for Buffalo Grove - one that
meets the needs of today and sets the stage for tomorrow’s success.
The
village has spent considerable money on a "rebranding" effort that
touts the village being "Smart. With Heart." Do you think the
plan is effective and what do you think a measurable outcome or return on
investment should be?
Buffalo
Grove’s new brand is an exciting and meaningful step forward for our village,
and I truly believe it has been a great success. Through extensive input from
residents, community leaders, and neighboring officials, we shaped a brand that
authentically represents who we are today. “Smart. With Heart.”
perfectly captures Buffalo Grove’s identity—blending innovation, intelligence,
and excellence with the warmth and compassion that make our community special.
"Smart" highlights our strong educational foundation, highly
skilled workforce, and commitment to forward-thinking growth. "With
Heart" reflects the generosity, kindness, and community spirit that we
see every day, from philanthropic initiatives to the way we support one another
as neighbors.
While
measuring the direct impact of branding in government can be challenging, we
have already taken steps to assess its effectiveness through our Brand
Barometer survey, which gathers feedback on how Buffalo Grove is perceived as a
place to live, work, and visit. We can revisit these insights in 18-24 months
to track progress. Additionally, the brand’s success can be seen in growing
economic activity, rising home values, and an energized sense of community
pride.
The
overwhelmingly positive reception to this effort, with minimal pushback,
reinforces that we are on the right path. Our new brand is not just a
slogan—it’s a reflection of the dynamic and caring community we continue to
build together. Buffalo Grove’s future is brighter than ever, and I’m excited
to see how we grow with this inspiring vision!
Some
of our volunteer groups (commissions, committees) have seen shrinking
membership. What would you do to engage the community on a broader scale? Do
you think the community engagement initiative is an effective program to get
residents involved? What would you do to encourage broader demographic
participation?
Our volunteer
commissions and committees have evolved over time, not due to a lack of
engagement, but as part of a strategic effort to streamline and enhance
participation. By focusing on impactful initiatives, we ensure that volunteers
are engaged in meaningful ways that truly benefit our community. Community
engagement is about building strong partnerships between residents, businesses,
and the village to foster transparency, address key issues, and contribute to
the public good. A program I hold close to my heart is our Community Champions
initiative, which has been thriving since 2019. As the board liaison, I have
had the privilege of watching this program grow, bringing together passionate
residents who want to stay informed and involved. We meet quarterly to keep
community leaders up to date on village news and serve as a resource for anyone
with questions or concerns. More importantly, we empower our Champions to share
information within their own networks, helping to strengthen communication and
engagement across all corners of the village. Based on participation levels and
community response, this program has been a resounding success.
To encourage
even broader demographic participation, I am committed to building
relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. We have already seen
positive progress, with participation trends becoming more reflective of our
village’s diversity. I am confident that by continuing to foster connections
and provide inclusive opportunities, we will further strengthen community
engagement and create an even more dynamic and representative volunteer base.
Buffalo Grove is filled with people who care deeply about our community, and I
am excited to keep expanding the ways we engage and connect with them!
Do
you think the Village communicates well with residents? If not, what changes
would you like to see made?
Buffalo Grove
is committed to strong, transparent, and accessible communication with our
residents. Over the years, we have made tremendous strides in how we engage
with the community, thanks to our new Communications and Community Engagement
Department. The shift from traditional "government-speak" to a more
dynamic, engaging, and approachable style has helped us connect with
residents in meaningful ways.
We now offer
multiple ways for residents to stay informed:
·
Weekly e-newsletter, The Trail – A
quick, digestible update on key happenings.
·
Quarterly mailed newsletter, The BG Brief
– Ensuring all residents, including those less active online, receive important
updates.
·
Enhanced social media presence – Engaging content
that keeps residents informed in real-time.
·
Website upgrades with accessibility and translation
features – Making information easier to find for everyone in our diverse
community.
·
Live-streamed Village Board meetings on Facebook –
Bringing government closer to the people in a format that fits their lifestyle.
We recognize
that in today’s fast-paced world, capturing attention can be challenging.
That’s why Buffalo Grove has proactively adapted, creating multiple,
accessible, and engaging avenues to ensure our residents always have the
information they need. Our commitment to innovative and transparent
communication remains strong, and we will continue to explore new ways to
connect, listen, and engage with our community!
