Key Issues & Achievements

  • As a member of the Mental Health Taskforce, Chibuike played a key role in shaping Oak Park’s upcoming Alternative Calls for Response Unit, an initiative designed to ensure that mental health emergencies are met with compassionate, expert-driven responses.

    • Personally recruited mental health experts and key stakeholders to participate in feedback sessions

    • Addressed a critical concern raised in the ARPA-funded Village questionnaire: community safety and mental health during law enforcement interactions

    • Led collaboration between mental health providers, first responders, and residents to shape the response program

    • Helped design a wraparound services model to provide crisis intervention while reducing the likelihood of dangerous outcomes

    This initiative marks a major step forward in ensuring that mental health crises are met with care and expertise, rather than solely with law enforcement.

  • Chibuike has been a strong advocate for improving resources and technology for Oak Park’s Fire Department, ensuring that first responders have the tools they need to keep residents safe.

    • Supported the acquisition of a third fire engine to enhance emergency response capacity

    • Advocated for the rebuilding of station sleeping quarters to improve firefighter wellness and readiness

    • Approved advanced technology upgrades to enhance efficiency, safety, and service quality

    These improvements directly impact response times, the well-being of first responders, and the overall safety of Oak Park residents.

  • As part of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) Mini Grant Program, Chibuike helped direct funding to impactful grassroots initiatives that bring meaningful programs to Oak Park residents.

    • Identified and selected credible applicants for $10,000 in grant funding

    • Ensured funding was directed to community-led initiatives that offer enrichment, education, and engagement opportunities

    • Supported programs that depend on these resources to provide high-quality services to residents

    By empowering community members with funding and support, Chibuike continues to champion local leadership and innovative programming.

  • Chibuike actively participated in the BerryDunn Report process, a critical review aimed at improving Oak Park’s public safety and crisis response systems.

    • Recruited community members and organizations for listening sessions to ensure broad representation

    • Engaged in discussions that shaped policy recommendations focused on equity, safety, and efficiency

    • Helped validate the need for the Alternative Calls for Response Unit, reinforcing the importance of mental health-informed public safety

    • Advocated for improvements in communication strategies, policy reviews, and first responder training

    This report provided key insights into systemic gaps and laid the groundwork for a more responsive, inclusive, and prepared Oak Park.

Looking Ahead

Chibuike is proud of the work accomplished over the past four years, but there’s more to do. His focus remains on:

✅ Strengthening public safety and crisis response
✅ Expanding mental health resources and accessibility
✅ Supporting community-led initiatives and local programs
✅ Advocating for equity, inclusion, and transparency in governance

With a deep love for Oak Park and a commitment to meaningful progress, Chibuike is ready to continue building a stronger, safer, and more connected community.