For more than two decades, Mayor Robert Straz has guided Palos Heights through a period of transformation. From stabilizing finances to enhancing public amenities, Straz has worked to ensure the city’s growth is sustainable and its residents’ quality of life continues to improve. As he seeks reelection, the mayor reflects on his accomplishments and outlines his vision for the future.
When Straz first took office in 2002, Palos Heights faced significant financial challenges. “We had just $250,000 in the general account—and even that was borrowed,” he said. Leveraging his background in banking, Straz prioritized fiscal responsibility, leading the city to maintain a budget surplus for 23 consecutive years.
This financial stability has been the foundation for major community projects. New parks, such as the permeable-paved municipal parking lot, have been developed to serve residents and visitors alike. The popular farmers market and various beautification initiatives also reflect the mayor’s commitment to improving the city’s livability.
“For me, it’s about making decisions that benefit the people,” he said. “People no longer have to leave town to enjoy well-maintained parks or engaging community events.”
Under Straz’s leadership, Palos Heights has invested in modern public safety measures. Officers are now equipped with body cameras, and the city has implemented license plate readers at key entry points.
“These tools have practical applications for everyday safety,” he said, emphasizing their potential in situations like Amber Alerts or finding missing seniors. However, Straz acknowledges the challenge of funding new technologies while maintaining budgetary discipline. “It’s critical to keep up with advancements, but we also have to manage costs wisely,” he said.
One of Straz’s priorities is the revitalization of Palos Heights’ downtown area. With a business district fund in place, the city plans to address parking issues, improve traffic flow, and incentivize storefront renovations. “We need to modernize while maintaining the charm of our city,” he said.
A shift in business types—moving from specialty shops to popular restaurants—has increased parking demand. “People used to spend 15 minutes at a clothing store. Now, they’re enjoying meals with friends and staying longer,” he said. Solutions, such as a newly added municipal parking lot, aim to ease these challenges.
Beyond logistics, the mayor highlighted the city’s growing diversity in dining and retail options. “From Ethiopian coffee to Italian cuisine, we’re proud to offer something for everyone. It reflects the vibrancy of our community,” he said.
Straz describes his leadership style as collaborative and community-focused. “I don’t do this job for myself—it’s about helping people and making decisions that improve their lives,” he said. His approach emphasizes listening to diverse perspectives and seeking consensus.
Grassroots initiatives, such as the adopt-a-pot beautification program and volunteer-driven events, exemplify his philosophy. “When people are invested in an idea, it thrives,” he said. “It’s about empowering residents to take pride in their community.”
As Palos Heights nears its 65th anniversary, Straz is focused on maintaining infrastructure and preparing for future needs. Aging water lines and sewer systems require proactive planning to avoid disruptions. “These issues don’t come overnight, but they need attention before they become crises,” he said.
The mayor is also working to position Palos Heights as a desirable destination for families and businesses. “We’ve seen a new generation moving back to the city, and we want to keep that momentum,” he said.
As the election approaches, Straz’s focus remains on maintaining financial stability, embracing innovation, and fostering a strong sense of community. His decades of leadership reflect his commitment to making Palos Heights a place where families can thrive and businesses can grow.
Straz faces Ward 1 Alderman Jeffery Key in the upcoming election.
Key has said he wants to prioritize improving communication among city leaders.
Mayor Straz declined to comment on his opponent and said he’s focusing on his record and vision for the future of Palos Heights.
The post Palos Heights mayor touts quality of life improvements during reelection push appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.