One hundred days ago, I was humbled to once again take the oath of office as mayor of Waukegan. On that day, I made one promise to the people of Waukegan: We will rebuild Waukegan together. I was not just referring to roads, bridges and sidewalks. We will rebuild the pride in Waukegan.
Since then, my administration has hit the ground running. Streets are getting repaved, lighting is being enhanced and long-delayed infrastructure projects are finally moving forward. These may seem like small victories, but in a city that has been overlooked and underinvested in for far too long, these changes matter.
Rebuild Waukegan is more than a slogan. It is a vision. It is a commitment. It is a call to action.
We are not just pouring concrete. We are laying the foundation for a future where every Waukeganite, in every neighborhood, can thrive. We are investing in the infrastructure so that businesses can grow, so that families feel safe, and so that there is opportunity in every ward.
We are also rebuilding something less visible, yet just as important: Pride in Waukegan. Too often, the pride has been buried under headlines that only tell one side of our story. But, we know better. We know the beauty of our lakefront, the work ethic of our people, the creativity of our artists and the heart of our neighborhoods.
In these 100 days, I have visited schools and businesses and participated in community events. What I see every day is a city that is ready to grow, ready to thrive and ready to be Waukegan proud.
Rebuilding Waukegan means creating a city where all individuals and families can live, work and thrive. It means making sure our infrastructure supports more jobs. It means investing in our youth and keeping our streets safe. It means bringing life back to downtown Waukegan, improving the housing, and ensuring clean, accessible public spaces for all.
But most of all, it means making sure every Waukeganite feels seen, heard and valued.
We have made progress already, but we have got a long road ahead. Rebuilding is not instant. With every street and sidewalk we repave, every blighted property we transform, every child we inspire, we are rebuilding Waukegan.
Waukegan, as your mayor, I am asking you to join me to rebuild Waukegan together.
Sam Cunningham is the mayor of Waukegan.
