For 14 years, Alderman Jeffery Key of Ward 1 has been a steadfast advocate for Palos Heights, serving its residents with a collaborative spirit and a dedication to preserving the city’s charm while preparing it for the future.
Now, as a mayoral candidate, Key emphasizes the importance of transparency, clear communication, and fostering unity among city leaders.
“One thing I want to prioritize is improving communication among city leaders,” Key said. “As mayor, I would ensure regular, transparent updates to all council members—not just those on specific committees—about our goals and progress. This kind of communication helps foster unity and shared purpose.”
Key’s life reflects a deep commitment to service and community. A resident of Palos Heights for 22 years, he shares his life with his wife, Dianne, their three grown children, and four grandchildren. Professionally, he spent 35 years as a junior high teacher and 11 years as a substitute teacher. Outside the classroom, his passion for music led to a 26-year career as a music director and worship pastor, roles that continue to influence his community involvement.
“I do not live a duplicitous life,” he said. “My compassions for life, my passion for my marriage, and my passion for serving the people of Palos Heights—it happens all day long.”
Key’s achievements on the City Council highlight his focus on collaboration and long-term planning. As chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, he spearheaded the $6.3 million renovation of the city’s recreation center. The project created a gym, fitness center, and walking paths to serve residents of all ages.
“We wanted to create a space where residents of all ages could come together,” he said. “Seeing it thrive is incredibly rewarding.” Key also played a pivotal role in creating the annual Kris Kringle Market, a beloved holiday tradition that brings families together to shop, eat, and celebrate. “When a fellow alderman told me how proud the market made him feel to live here, it meant the world to me,” he said.
His commitment to fostering community partnerships is evident in his work with Lake Katherine, a nonprofit supported through an agreement with the city. Key helped negotiate a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allowed Lake Katherine to retain funds normally reimbursed to the city, enabling the nonprofit to hire a professional fundraiser.
“The goal was to put Lake Katherine on a healthier operational path,” Key said. However, he expressed concern about the stalled progress on renewing the agreement, which expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The lack of follow-through highlights the need for stronger communication and leadership to move projects forward,” he said.
While he is proud of these accomplishments, Key is also mindful of the challenges that come with leadership.
Addressing concerns about change, he said, “Our residents treasure the city’s small-town charm, balanced budget, and safe streets. None of that will change. But we must also articulate a clear vision for the future and manage those goals effectively to keep improving.”
His ability to balance progress with tradition is evident in his work on projects like the recreation center and Dream Big Park, both of which aim to meet the needs of families while preserving the city’s unique character.
Public safety remains one of Key’s top priorities. Early in his tenure, he identified delays in crime lab processing through the Cook County system as a major issue and advocated for using a private lab to expedite results.
“It was clear that we needed faster results to serve our residents better,” he said. More recently, in his role as president of his homeowners’ association, he worked with police to install license plate readers on subdivision cameras, a move that significantly reduced crime.
“Public safety is the foundation of a strong community,” Key said. “It will always remain a top priority.”
Key’s passion for supporting small businesses is another cornerstone of his vision for Palos Heights. He frequents local establishments such as Franklin’s, the Harvest Room, and Golden Shoes and begins many mornings at American Bagel, where he enjoys a cinnamon raisin bagel with scallion cream cheese while solving crossword puzzles.
“Small businesses are the heart of our community,” he said. “It’s essential that the city partners with them to keep our local economy thriving.”
As he looks ahead, Key’s campaign reflects a deep belief in proactive communication and teamwork.
“Strong communication isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for progress,” he said. He sees opportunities to build on Palos Heights’ strengths while addressing new challenges. “If our eye isn’t on the next ten years, we risk falling behind,” he said. “Whether it’s updating facilities, supporting businesses, or planning for growth, we need to articulate a vision that honors our past while embracing new opportunities.”
Whether leading council meetings, playing his bugle at community events, or connecting with residents over coffee, Key’s passion for Palos Heights shines through.
“I want to bring new energy and a shared vision for Palos Heights,” he said. “Together, we can continue to make this city a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.”
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