Why I'm Running

Hi, I am Josh Vanderberg, and I’m running for Village Trustee.

I’ve lived in the Chicago area for 30 years and in Oak Park for the last 13. My wife and I have raised three amazing children here and I’m an Irving Dad. I am tremendously grateful to this community for the love and inclusiveness my family has experienced here — and I’ll never compromise those values.

I serve on the Citizen Information Systems Commission where I’ve focused on data transparency and worked with the board and police department to create new regulations that give citizens a voice in the use of police surveillance tech. 

In my professional life, I co-founded a successful energy analytics firm that helps renewables projects integrate with the electrical grid, then founded an Internet startup in Oak Park designed to spur independent citizen journalism and support our business community.

Because of my background, I believe in the power of data to inform our decisions — good data makes for good policy and transparent government. Modern technology holds the promise to make our Village easier to live in and easier to do business with. I’ll advocate for much faster modernization.

For years, Oak Park hasn’t created enough housing to meet our community’s needs. This has resulted in rising costs and rents that are impacting our cultural and economic diversity.  I want to change that by enabling more diverse and affordable housing options so seniors can stay in the community they love and the next generation has the opportunity to build their future here.

I love Oak Park for its walkable streets and vibrant business districts, and I want to double down on what makes that work. I will invest in economic vitality and support our business community.

To make our village more welcoming, sustainable and safe, I’m fully committed to Vision Zero and our Bike Plan. My kids bike to school every day, but I always worry about them. I am confident we can make changes to our streets that will make them safer for everyone.

I have a bold vision for Oak Park that champions affordability, safer streets, thriving local businesses and modernizes village government to keep our community diverse, flourishing and ready for the future.

I hope you’ll vote for me for Village Trustee April 1st.