A strong economy starts with good jobs, fair pay, and a county government that isn’t afraid to stand with working people.
Locally, that means honoring our agricultural roots while building a future that supports every kind of worker: tradespeople, small business owners, healthcare workers, educators, and everyone in between. Our economy is changing fast and we should be out ahead of it.
Standing With Labor and Trades
If we want strong communities, we need strong labor standards. That means:
- Requiring project labor agreements on all major county construction and infrastructure projects
- Partnering with unions and trades before proposals are up for a vote with the board, ensuring workers have a seat at the table, not just a spot on the job site
Fair wages and safe working conditions keep money local, build long-term careers, and get us quality work on projects our families will use for decades.
Supporting a More Diverse Workforce
Kendall County keeps growing and our workforce has to grow with it. That means expanding job training and skills programs that match a changing economy. Not every resident wants or needs a four-year degree, but every resident should have a path to a stable career that pays a livable wage.
We can:
- Partner with local trades, community colleges, and businesses to create hands-on training with clear paths to employment
- Advocate for more workforce development funding and grants
- Promote apprenticeships and internships that give residents skills for jobs in construction, clean energy, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and tech
- Make sure our local workforce can get the training and career pathways to enter the trades, which strengthens the talent pipeline and turns our county’s rapid growth into local jobs that last
None of this replaces the industries we have. It gives the next generation of Kendall County residents options, whether they want to work with their hands, run a business, or serve their community some other way.
Investing in Our Own Growth
Sustainable growth means investing in the people and businesses already here instead of chasing outside developers.
We succeed by:
- Supporting small businesses with resources and fewer barriers
- Attracting employers that fit our values and strengthen our communities
- Making economic development decisions based on local needs rather than big promises