A commitment to accessibility, accountability and inclusion.
A statement from Vanessa Johnson-McCoy
I am proud to announce my candidacy for City Clerk of Evanston, a community that I deeply care about and have had the privilege of calling home. I am dedicated to ensuring that our city reflects the diverse voices of ALL our residents. My platform focuses on Accessibility, Accountability, and an unwavering commitment to Inclusion within our city boards, commissions, and committees.
Evanston is a city with a rich blend of cultures and perspectives, and I believe that every voice deserves to be heard and represented in our decision-making processes. As City Clerk, I will work diligently to ensure that our civic structures are not only inclusive but also transparent and responsive to the needs of our community, “with the highest degree of integrity”, respect, equity and professionalism.
Accessibility means making sure that city information, meetings, and services are easy to reach and understand for everyone. Accountability means holding our city government to the highest standards, providing clear communications, and ensuring that our residents feel empowered to engage and advocate for the issues that matter most.
Together, we can make Evanston a model for inclusive and transparent governance. I am ready to serve, to listen, and to work with each of you to make Evanston “the most livable city in America”. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to the opportunity to earn your trust and your vote on 4/1/25
About Vanessa
This is a sampling to illustrate that Vanessa is a trusted, diligent, competent, capable and committed servant-leader who is ready, willing and able to proudly and cheerfully serve as the next Evanston City Clerk.
Asking you to “Write her name in so she can win”, when you VOTE on April 1, 2025. It’ll be a WIN for us ALL!
Born and raised in Evanston, with nothing but love for her hometown.
Born at Evanston Community Hospital
Grew up in Evanston’s 2nd Ward in a loving, stable two-parent home
Attended: Dawes, College Hill, Timber Ridge (now Bessie Rhodes), Chute Middle School and ETHS
Served in Student Council from third grade through high school, including Treasurer in 5th grade and Vice President in 7th grade
National Honor Society and cheerleader at ETHS, spoke during the Class of 1986 graduation and received many awards and recognitions
Graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Concentration: Organizational Behavior
Over 20 years of successful, professional experience in Human Resources
Over seven years of experience as a licensed real estate broker
Owner of VAJM Consulting LLC for over six years
Member of Faith Temple Church since childhood and served in various administrative and ministry capacities for the past 15+ years
Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
First Black President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS North Shore
Founding President of the NAREB (National Association of Real Estate Brokers) North Shore REALTIST Association
Community Partner on the Joining Forces/Connections for the Homeless Equitable Zoning Project & member of their Zoning Subcommittee
Worked on the CEDA 2020 Census Ambassador Team
Serve on the City of Evanston Reparations Committee’s Housing & Community Unity Working Groups
Worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) at Open Communities on their Fair Housing Team and partnered with the League of Women Voters to produce the Evanston Fair Housing Enforcement Report
Participated in the Second Baptist Interfaith Anti-Racism/Racial Education Coalition
NAACP member for many years and Housing Committee member
And so much more…
About Evanston
Evanston is an amazing, beautiful suburb just north of Chicago.
What is the City Clerk?
“The City Clerk’s Office is the central hub for Evanston’s administrative functions, playing a vital role in various aspects. The Clerk’s Office maintains the City Code and publishes Ordinances and Resolutions to retain them as permanent records in the municipal library. Annual updates to the Municipal Code are executed through amendatory ordinances. The City Clerk is also the custodian of the City seal, affixing it to necessary documents.
Operating within state statute and the municipal code, the City Clerk safeguards and oversees a range of critical documents, including minutes and legal papers. The City Clerk is involved in Election services, facilitating voter registration, petitions, and absentee ballots as the local election official. Additionally, the City Clerk’s Office provides access to information through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and Vital records. The City Clerk also handles Temporarily Accessible Parking Placards, manages City Council referrals, digitizes and maintains records, and issues meeting notices, schedules, and voting orders.
Additionally, the City Clerk serves as the local election authority, OMA compliance, Financial disclosure compliance, and manager of Boards, Commissions, and Committees appointments, terms, and resignations. The City Clerk is also the deputy registrar, overseeing various election-related activities. Collaborating with the Mayor, Council Members, and staff, extends support on particular projects, and represents the city at pertinent meetings upon request. “
Why Vanessa is the best candidate
- Her education, experience and skills have properly prepared her for the role
- Her ability to learn fast, her resourcefulness and positive attitude will allow her to succeed
- Her values align with those of the City’s
- And so much more…