RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Chamber are proud to congratulate our friend and colleague, Alderman John Arena, on his eight years of dedicated and outstanding service to the people of the 45th Ward and the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Alderman Arena settled down in Portage Park on Chicago's Northwest Side, where he and his wife Jill ran a successful advertising and graphic design business and raised their two children, sending them to public schools. An active member ofthe Portage Park community for more than 15 years prior to seeking election as Alderman, John Arena supported local businesses and served twice as vice-president ofthe Portage Park Neighborhood Association; and
WHEREAS, First elected as Alderman ofthe 45th Ward in 2011, Alderman Arena served two consecutive terms in office; and
WHEREAS, A strong, independent voice on the City Council, who prioritized revitalization of the local economy, Alderman Arena worked with local chambers of commerce to bring more than 100 new businesses to the 45th Ward. He secured millions of dollars in small business improvement funds for local entrepreneurs; brought $100 million in infrastructure improvements to the Ward; facilitated the creation and implementation of community informed Master Plans for the development of Six Corners and Jefferson Park; supported a $25 million renovation of the Jefferson Park Transit Center; and funded 20 projects throughout the Ward through the participatory budgeting process, which gives 45th Ward residents decision-making power in how their tax dollars are spent; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to improving Chicago's public schools.and to creating new educational opportunities for children, Alderman Arena secured more than $40 million for 45lh Ward schools; secured $1.5 million in TIF funds to modernize and improve the Jefferson Park Branch Library; obtained funding for a new Independence Park Branch Library; supported teachers and fair funding for neighborhood schools;...
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