Shakedia Jones for 1st Ward Alderman
1st Ward Priorities
Building a Stronger 1st Ward Together
An alderman's job is to show up, listen and fight for the block. These are the four things Shakedia Jones will work on first for the 1st Ward, and how she will report back to you.
Priority 1
Add more speed bumps to make our ward safer.
Why it matters
Cars that speed down residential streets put kids, seniors and families at risk. Children walk to Carman-Buckner Elementary and to the parks along the lakefront, and they should be able to cross the street safely.
Speed bumps are a simple way to slow traffic on a block. Neighbors know which streets need them most.
What Shakedia will do
- Will push for more speed bumps on 1st Ward residential streets, starting near schools and parks.
- Will work with the city so neighbors and block clubs know how to request one and can see where a request stands.
- Will report back on which blocks were reviewed and what the city decided.
Priority 2
Advocate for the removal of old and abandoned buildings.
Why it matters
An old building left empty for years wears on the whole block. It collects trash, it sits dark at night, and it tells the families next door that no one is paying attention.
Neighbors who have watched the same empty building for years deserve a clear answer about what happens next.
What Shakedia will do
- Will push the city to act on old and abandoned buildings in the 1st Ward, with repair by the owner or removal when a building cannot be saved.
- Will work with neighbors to list the empty buildings that concern them most, and bring that list to city staff.
- Will ask for regular updates on each building and report back to the ward.
Priority 3
Support the renovation and revitalization of homes in the 1st Ward.
Why it matters
The 1st Ward is full of homes that families have kept up for generations. Keeping those homes in good shape keeps neighbors in the neighborhood and makes every block stronger.
Repairs are expensive, and many owners do not know what help exists. Fixing up one house can lift the whole street.
What Shakedia will do
- Will push for home repair and revitalization efforts that reach 1st Ward homeowners, including seniors and longtime residents.
- Will work with the city and local partners to share what repair help is available, in English and Spanish.
- Will ask that 1st Ward blocks get their fair share of attention when the city plans neighborhood investment.
Priority 4
Create a community center for the 1st Ward with resources for all ages.
Resources for all ages
- Youth enrichment and after-school programs
- Career, workforce, and small business resources
- Family support and senior services
Why it matters
Nearly one in four Waukegan residents is under 18. Kids need somewhere to go after school, adults need help with training and work, and seniors need services close to home.
A community center can bring those resources under one roof, open to every age, right here in the 1st Ward.
What Shakedia will do
- Will push for a community center that serves the 1st Ward, with programs for youth, working adults, families and seniors.
- Will work with the city, the Waukegan Park District, schools and community groups to find the right place and partners.
- Will ask neighbors what they want inside it, and report back as the plan takes shape.
Her record with young people
- Founded Furthering the Lives of Youth (FLY) in 2014. More than 600 young people helped.
- Has coached the Waukegan High School girls track team.
Furthering the Lives of Youth is a nonprofit organization. It is separate from this campaign and does not endorse candidates.
How she'll work
Show up, listen, and report back.
Shakedia pairs an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management with more than ten years running a nonprofit. She will bring that same discipline to the 1st Ward.
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Show up
At the park, the block club and the ward meeting, in person and on time.
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Listen
Hear from each block about what it needs most before deciding what comes first.
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Make a plan
Turn each priority into clear steps, with dates neighbors can check.
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Report back
Every month, in English and Spanish: what moved, what is stuck and what comes next.
In her words
I tell them whatever it is you do, make it your Olympics.
It is what she tells young people. It is also the standard she will hold herself to in the 1st Ward.
Join the team
These priorities need a team.
Help put Shakedia on the ballot, talk with your neighbors, or tell her what your block needs most.