Clare Pledges To…
Strengthen Equity And Social Justice In Evanston
Embracing, encouraging and respecting the input and voice of Evanston’s Black and Brown...
Strengthen The Integrity Of Our Local Government
Clare proposed a lobby ordinance to bring transparency to our city government. Together with Steve...
Promote Community-Focused Growth
Clare has worked relentlessly for good development in the first ward and in Evanston and for...
Defend Our Environment
Clare is a long time clean air and environmental energy and justice advocate. Clare spearheaded a...
Protect Our Community History
Clare has always supported, valued, and publicly defended historic Evanston sites, preservation,...
Stop Wasteful Spending of Tax Dollars & Support Valued Public Services
Evanston ranks tops in the state and nation for tax burden. Evanston leads in Illinois and the...
Invest in small businesses
Saving our local businesses should be one of our City’s highest priorities. Our small businesses...
Negotiate NU Fair Share Contribution
I have deep roots and respect for Northwestern University. My great great grandfather, Elhanan...
Meet Clare
A lifelong Evanston resident and ETHS teacher for 30 years, Clare has a proven record of leadership, collaboration, and fighting for government accountability, transparency, and social justice.
Clare has always been committed to the ideals of equity, justice, democracy, and transparency in government. She has led successful grassroots campaigns that have benefited the Evanston community. Clare is an inspiring organizer whose effective strategizing and collaboration had a big impact on change at local, state and national levels.
Growing up in the First Ward , Clare has deep roots in Evanston dating back to her great, great grandfather who graduated with Northwestern University’s first class in 1859. Her two children, Nico and Gus, went through Evanston’s public schools and graduated from Vanderbilt and NU, respectively. She has two brothers, Mike and Max. Clare teaches Spanish at ETHS and is head debate coach for the Spanish Language Debate Team (of ETHS Speech and Debate Team). She has an MA in Spanish Linguistics and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Clare will retire next year in order to fully dedicate her time to the needs of the First Ward and the City of Evanston.
Clare is Endorsed by
What They’re Saying
John Moore
Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council*
I saw firsthand how Clare Kelly united our community to bring about the closure of a dangerous medical waste incinerator at Evanston Hospital. As alderman she will put the “public” back in public interest in representing the First Ward and the citizens and businesses in Evanston.
*Organization name provided for identification purposes only and not to imply any endorsement by the organization.
Cam Davis
Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
A healthy democracy requires a healthy dose of citizens who are willing to step into the arena, step out on a limb, and step up. Clare is taking those steps for Evanston.
Evanston Fire Fighters
Union Local 743
Clare Kelly is a long time Evanston resident and activist. She is in touch with the needs and people of the 1st Ward and has been for years. She will bring ideas and another perspective to the City Council. Clare will do good things not only for the citizens of the 1st Ward, but for the citizens of Evanston.
Reclaim Evanston
Evanston residents committed to racial, economic, educational, and environmental justice
In the 1st Ward we have endorsed Clare Kelly. Clare is a long-time Evanston resident and ETHS teacher for 30 years. She has been active on a number of local issues in Evanston including organizing a successful campaign to compel Evanston Hospital to close its incinerator, which was polluting air in the northeast section of town. In contrast to her opponent, a multi-term incumbent, Clare has favored greater involvement of residents in deciding public issues.