Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. has one overarching ambition-to serve the people of North Chicago and represent their interests at the local, state, and federal levels. As an elected official, Leon Rockingham believes transparency is the key to a vibrant democracy.

For the past two decades, Mayor Rockinham has taken strategic steps to improve the City of North Chicago for its residents. His focus areas include economic growth, community enhancements, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure investment.

Mayor Rockingham is seeking a sixth term to serve the Citizens of North Chicago. He has bold plans to keep North Chicago moving forward.

Leon Rockingham and the Campaign Team want to hear from you. If you have questions, concerns or suggestions, fill out our contact form, or email us rockingham4mayor@gmail.com.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. 

Leon Rockingham, Jr. 

Why I Started This Campaign

I started this campaign with a simple yet powerful belief: a better  North Chicago is within our reach. Together we've seen and tackled unprecedented challenges and we need continued bold and visionary leadership to navigate the path to a brighter future. Please explore our website or reach out to us to discover the values and vision that fuel our campaign.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

Together, we can continue to make North Chicago a great place to raise a family, open a business, and enjoy a good quality of life. 

For more than two decades, the Citizens of North Chicago have trusted Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. and his team to lead the city into the future. During his tenure, Mayor Rockingham, along with the support of the City Council and many other elected officials, North Chicago is a community on the move. Here are just a few notable accomplishments over the past few years:

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Since 2021, the City of North Chicago has made good progress with residential development and new businesses.

• 23 New Home Builds
• 55 Home Remodels
• 76 New Businesses
• Sheridan Crossing will begin remediation this summer.
• Compass recently broke ground on a new gas, diesel, and EV station. 
• Planning is underway for a solar farm on the site of the former landfill on Casmir Pulaski with the added benefit of access to community solar.
• Planning is underway for a diverse housing stock development project at Dugdale and Arrington.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Over the past four years, the City of North Chicago has invested in new technology.

• Placed closed-circuit cameras throughout the troubled spots in the city.
• Deployed license plate reader technology.
• Usage of Shot Spotter has resulted in reduction of shots fired incidents.

2021 – 408 reported shooting incidents (benchmark)

2022 - 399 a decrease of 2.3%

2023 – 234 a decrease of 41.4%

2024 – 84 (through May 2023 the City of North Chicago has had 146 incidents) year-to-date; a decrease of 42.5%

Overall decrease in shots fired between 2021 and 2023 – 64.2%

INTERGOVERNMENTAL FUNDING

Since 2021, and through successful intergovernmental relationships, the City of North Chicago has received grants totaling $21.8 million.  These monies have been used to repair roads, conduct lead service line replacements, construct the Lewis Avenue detention basin, invest in public safety, and enhance staffing.

Also, the city has an additional $23.4 million either in progress or pending for Flood Mitigation on Route 41, Lead Pipe Replacement, Broadway Street and Sewer Rehabilitation as well as Public Safety Communication Technology.

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 2021

106 Lead services lines replaced.

A total of amount of 16,835 feet of sanitary sewer pipes rehabilitated between May 2021 to September 2024.

ROADS RESURFACED TOTAL 6.22 MILES.

Thanks to Mayor Rockingham’s experience, his track record for fiscal responsibility, and his reputation as a trusted leader, the City of North Chicago has received significant grant money to fund important projects throughout the city.

SINCE 2021, THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO HAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING GRANTS:

• Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $6,271,106.00
• American Rescue Plan Act SFY23    $540,000.00
• Construction/Renovation to Buildings, Additions, or Structures $1,000,000
• City of North Chicago   $200,000.00
• COPS Hiring Program 2020 2020-UM-WX0301     $750,000.00
• Rebuild Illinois Competitive Public Infrastructure Program $2,000,000.00
• Motor Fuel Local Rebuild Illinois Bond Program $357,792.46
• Lead Service Line and Water Main Replacement $500,000.00
• Library CAPITA Grant $45,369.53
• Library Live and Learn Grant $83,122.00
• Lewis Avenue Detention Basin Project Phase 1 $2,750,000.00
• Lewis Avenue Detention Basin Project Phase 2 $1,750,000.00
• City of North Chicago Hiring Program PW   $200,000.00
• Public Safety and Economic Development $250,000.00
• The Edward Byrnes Memorial (JAG) Grant (Special Response Team) $9,458.00
• Sheridan Crossing Cleanup $4,000,000.00
• Opioid Care $600,000
• Senator Johnson Public Safety Grant ICJIA $600,000
• IN PROGRESS- Rt. 41 Flood Mitigation $9,000,000 FEMA/SMC
• PENDING- $11,000,000 Lead Pipe Replacement Senator Dick Durbin
• CPF $3,500,000 Broadway Rehabilitation Congressman Brad Schneider
• CPF $558,272 Radios Congressman Brad Schneider