About the Candidate
Name: Maya Hodari
DOB: June 13, 1968
Family: I’m a mother raising my 11-year-old son in Chicago’s 20th Ward. I come from a large family deeply rooted on the Southside of Chicago. I am one of seven children (six girls and one boy) and I’m a twin.
Occupation: I serve as the Director of (Real Estate) Development for a public sector agency.
Political Experience: This is my first time running for office.
Website: 700neighborschicago.org
Candidate Statement
Hello, I’m Maya Hodari and I’m asking for your support to become the next Alderman of the 20th Ward.
I’m simply a proud product of Chicago’s Southside – I’m deeply rooted. I made my home in the 20th Ward many, many years ago.
I’m simply a mother with an 11-year-old son who has lived in the 20th Ward his whole life – at a time when gun violence has been high on our streets.
I’ve never run for office – I’ve just consistently raised my voice advocating for a better quality of life for ALL of our families.
I’m running for Alderman because I’m a passionate, committed neighbor who has been hard at work for the last ten years.
When violent crime increased, I stepped up and participated in the Mid South Anti-Violence Collaborative and the Woodlawn Public Safety Alliance.
When the 2008 national recession devastated 20th Ward neighborhoods, I stepped up serving on an organizational Board that supports small businesses as well as business district improvements; participating in beautification efforts; advocating for home improvement grants to neighbors, and when property taxes rose, I stepped up working with neighbors to appeal Property Taxes
I’m ALSO running for Alderman because I’ve spent my professional career being of service to people. I’ve spent my career working with neighbors, stakeholders and political leaders to redevelop blighted tracks of land across the City.
The challenges confronting the 20th Ward have been difficult and often harsh. Our neighborhoods have experienced disinvestment.
I’m running for Alderman in order to work EVERYDAY at restoring our 20th Ward neighborhoods:
1. transform the blighted areas,
2. restore transparency between government and citizens,
3. and renew our neighbors’ pride & spirit.
I’m hoping for your vote on February 26, 2019.
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
I wish to improve transparency in government and bolster the voice of ordinary neighbors in decision-making to improve our families’ lives.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
The most pressing issue facing families in Chicago’s 20th Ward is their limited access to opportunity. In the short term, I am working to put a strategy in place that connects residents in the 20th Ward with the construction job opportunities on 20th Ward development sites.
