West Cook News

In 2023, the Village Board approved a reorganization that included the creation of a standalone Neighborhood Services department to oversee and elevate housing programs, code compliance, and grants management. This initiative aims to place a renewed focus on neighborhood and community engagement, as well as civic education and participation. Jonathan Burch has been appointed Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director to lead this new department.

Burch’s role will also strengthen the Village’s capacity to accelerate the implementation of the Climate Ready Oak Park plan, a comprehensive and long-range plan developed in response to the global climate crisis. "Our aim in standing up a separate Neighborhood Services department is to continue to align with industry standards across the country and elevate Oak Park as a world-class community," said Jackson. "We are thrilled that we were able to identify the best fit to lead this group from right here in our own backyard. Jonathan’s depth of knowledge, wealth of experience, and innovative approach to the role will allow him to hit the ground running and make an immediate and important impact for Oak Park, a place that he loves to call home."

Burch, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), has worked for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) since 2012. As a Principal Planner for CMAP, Burch managed a large portfolio of grants, research, and technical assistance projects, including all housing technical assistance. He worked on several important projects such as Regional Housing Solutions, Homes for a Changing Region, and the Regional Housing Initiative. Between these three developments, Burch and his team were awarded $1.7 million in funding. Additionally, he oversaw the launch of CMAP’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) technical assistance program and secured $3 million in funding from the State of Illinois within nine months.

"As a resident, I see the passion and care that Village staff brings to issues big and small," said Burch. "I am excited to tackle these challenges and improve the community where I live as the leader of the new Neighborhood Services department."

Prior to his work with CMAP, Burch served as a Senior Planner with Lake County Community Development Division where he managed approximately $9.5 million in HOME, CDBG, and NSP grants received by Lake County, Illinois.

From 2006-2010, Burch was an Associate Planner and Senior Planner with Heyer Gruel & Associates. In those roles, he served as the firm’s lead affordable housing planner creating plans for more than 18 municipalities among other duties.

Overall, Burch has played a significant role in creating over 60 affordable housing plans in Illinois and New Jersey.

In addition to his professional experience, Burch has volunteered as Commissioner and Chair on Oak Park's Housing Programs Advisory Committee (HPAC) since 2021. HPAC advises on enhancing residential property quality attracting diverse populations developing affordable housing options increasing residential property values.

Burch is also affiliated with the American Planning Association graduated from St Olaf College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in History Economics earned Masters City Regional Planning from Rutgers University New Jersey 2006.

Burch resides in east Oak Park with his family.

The Village of Oak Park located nine miles west downtown Chicago offers distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle thriving multi-cultural community known progressive values tree-lined streets bustling business districts ideal place live work play longstanding community choice benefits convenient access local regional transit high-quality public schools arts cultural attractions including Frank Lloyd Wright home studio acclaimed Unity Temple recently designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

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