Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin is sworn in for her third term in office (Photo Provided).
On April 1, Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin was re-elected to her third term with nearly 90% of the vote. In addition, the mayor’s entire slate enjoyed overwhelming victories as well. Village Clerk Yumeka Brown was re-elected after running unopposed. Incumbent Trustees Adam Shorter and Carolyn Palmer received tremendous support in their successful quest for re-election, as did businessman Stacy Leak, who was also overwhelmingly elected as a first-time trustee.
Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin delivered her inaugural address, outlining her continued bold vision for the Village of Matteson. Her remarks highlighted future plans for strategic economic development and sustained investments in public safety. A capacity crowd attended this public gathering and witnessed the dedication of public servants committed to advancing Matteson’s promising future.
Over the past several years, Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin has led Matteson through a transformative journey. Inheriting a challenging landscape defined by the departure of major retail chains, she immediately spearheaded a dynamic economic development strategy. Her leadership attracted Amazon, facilitated the development of 400 new housing units, and welcomed dozens of new businesses, positioning Matteson as a regional leader in sustainable, inclusive growth. With the steadfast support of the Village Board of Trustees and administrative team, the Village has been proudly recognized as the new Diverse Mecca of Cook County—a place where opportunity and quality of life flourish for all residents.
“Matteson is a community in ascension,” said Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin. “Thanks to the unwavering support of our residents, we’ve built a foundation that honors our past while investing in a future that includes everyone. Together, we’ve proven that smart governance, community engagement, and inclusive planning can achieve real, lasting change. The best days of Matteson are still ahead of us.”
Photo Provided
The Village’s financial turnaround further underscores the success of this leadership. From a historic low point in 2013 when the Village was rated as a “junk bond” investment, Matteson has achieved an AA-credit rating from Standard & Poor’s, a recognized “High-Grade” municipal rating. Annual sales tax revenue has surpassed even the peak years of Lincoln Mall, reaching $9.59 million in 2023, a testament to Matteson’s restored local economy.
“Matteson is a regional leader in not only its economic base but also because of the tremendous housing stock in which thousands of residents have lauded. Matteson is not only a destination point, but it’s a community in which everyone wants to reside. Mayor Chalmers-Currin’s leadership is second to none,” says Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin
In addition, Matteson has earned the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for four consecutive years (2020–2023), reflecting its strong fiscal governance and transparency. As of April 2024, the Village is projected to have $25 million in reserves, with $15 million earmarked for long-term stability—an extraordinary leap from the $350,000 balance just four years prior. Notably, the Village has also held the line on property taxes, choosing not to increase the levy for the past three years and committing to no increases through at least 2026.
From robust middle-class housing opportunities that rival Northwest Suburban communities to a revitalized economy that welcomes innovation, Matteson continues to embody progress and potential.
Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan added, “Mayor Chalmers-Currin and the entire Village Board has become the gold standard as it relates to best-in-class municipal services. We are all so proud of the work that they have accomplished.”
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