Our Town Winnetka

Winnetka Caucus History

From its inception in 1915, the Winnetka Caucus's intention was well-defined and aspirational: to provide a process for evaluating and recommending elected official candidates.

Led by a group of leaders at that time who were "grieving over the nonsense of municipal elections in which, except for personalities, there were no real issues," organized what today is the Winnetka Caucus Council.

For 109 consecutive years, the Caucus form of nonpartisan self-government has allowed everyone who has a vote to have a voice.

That is no longer the case. Today only a small number of voices are heard.

A few 2024 Caucus Facts

1,623 Survey Responses
1,217 Comments
Only 43 of 68 possible Caucus Council leadership positions were filled, and not every neighborhood of Winnetka is represented

Of note, the Caucus Survey gave us interesting insights into our community:

Almost 50% of results came from 35-54-year-olds
Nearly 60% of the responses were from women
Nearly 40% have lived here for 2-10 years

The Caucus Process Needs to be Updated

With the increased access to information and the changing demographics of Winnetka’s families -- the need for and engagement in -- the Winnetka Caucus has changed.

Fewer community members are choosing to get involved in the Caucus Process for a variety of reasons:

Time commitment
Confusion regarding the process itself
Lack of belief that we can impact community progress

As a result, we aren’t attracting all prospective community leaders who have the opportunity to serve.

It is time that all the voices of Winnetka can speak and be heard, especially those residents who are raising children, using the park district and library, and seeking more options in the central business districts.

Our Town WInnetka Bill of Rights

Our Town Winnetka believes in sensible, smart, and open government.

These are our Bill of Rights:

The right to transparency. Everyone has the right to transparency in all government activities, ensuring open access to everything that plays a role in public service.
The right for all voices to be heard. Everyone is entitled to fairness, respect, and equity in all community matters. We have the right to participate in open discussions on issues impacting the community, fostering an environment where dialogue and debate are embraced.
The right to an inclusive process. All community members shall require all boards -- village, parks, schools, and library -- to be held accountable so that issues are discussed fully in a sensible and professional manner.
The right to community and belonging. All community members should feel included and welcome in their community, contributing to and benefiting from shared experiences.
The right for collaboration. All residents and officials alike have the right to collaborate effectively in building solutions, fostering mutual trust, and pursuing shared goals for the town's good.
The right for sensible leadership. All residents shall feel trust that their elected officials are responsible, ethical, and dedicated to serving the best interests of the entire community. This involves smart and informed decision-making that represents the interests of the broad community, rooted in accurate information, and attention to both short- and long-term impacts on our town and our residents.
The right for protection of homeowner property rights. Every homeowner has the right to fair and respectful consideration of property rights in all town decisions, preserving the integrity, safety, and enjoyment of their homes.
The right to fiscal responsibility. All residents shall feel trust in our town government to properly manage public funds, prioritize fiscal responsibility, and ensure sustainable growth and prosperity.
The right to progress with purpose. Winnetka has the right to grow and improve thoughtfully, with progress guided by the values of the town and the well-being of its residents.