Vance D. Wyatt (North Chicago City Treasurer, Illinois, candidate 2025)
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Vance D. Wyatt (Democratic Party) ran for election to the North Chicago City Treasurer in Illinois. He was on the ballot in the general election on April 1, 2025.[source]
Wyatt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Vance D. Wyatt provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on February 15, 2025:
- Birth date: May 29, 1990
- Birth place: Lake County, IL, Illinois
- High school: North Chicago Community High School
- Graduate: Concordia University Chicago, 2018
- Bachelor's: National-Louis University, 2013
- Associate: Roosevelt University, 2009
- Gender: Male
- Religion: African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Profession: Financial Analyst
- Prior offices held:
- City Treasurer (2021-Prsnt)
- Park Commissioner (2019-Prsnt)
- Lake County Board (2017-2018)
- Library Trustee (2011-2017)
- Incumbent officeholder: Yes
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Elections
General election
General election for North Chicago City Treasurer
Vance D. Wyatt ran in the general election for North Chicago City Treasurer on April 1, 2025.
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Vance D. Wyatt (D)  | ||
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Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wyatt in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Vance D. Wyatt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wyatt's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Vance D. Wyatt, is the Treasurer of the City of North Chicago. He also is currently serving his second term on the Foss Park District Board of Commissioners. He was raised in North Chicago, Illinois; the son of Carl Lorenzo Wyatt and Angela Jones. A second generation graduate of North Chicago High School. Before later earning his bachelor of science in business management with a minor in public policy from National-Louis University, Vance took a hiatus from his schooling to run for alderman of North Chicago’s 4th ward. Although he gracefully lost in the primary to the incumbent, the young aspiring public servant’s persistence caught the eye of the North Chicago mayor who appointed him as a Trustee of the North Chicago Public Library. In 2017, following the passing of long-standing and well regarded county board member Ms. Audrey Nixon, Vance Wyatt was nominated by the County Board Chairman to serve as a Lake County Board Member and Forest Preserve Commissioner for District 14. Vance was eager to continue in the legacy of Ms. Nixon, by putting the people of Lake County, and District 14 first. After losing the Democratic Primary in March 2018; he left the County Board in November 2018. In April 2019, Vance ran for the Foss Park Board again and was elected in a three way race with 48% of the vote. In February 2021, Vance won the Democratic Primary for Treasurer of the City of North Chicago with 81% of the vote. He then won the General Election in April 2021.
- Wealth Fitness for Adults and Youth: As City Treasurer, I launched Wealth Fitness Classes to promote financial literacy for all residents. However, the City Attorney ruled the initiative was beyond my official responsibilities, and I was instructed to stop. I drafted an ordinance to authorize resuming the classes, but it is currently awaiting approval by City Council. In my next term, I will work with the city council to pass this ordinance and empower residents with financial literacy to address homeownership challenges. I also plan to collaborate with North Chicago School District 187 to make personal finance a mandatory part of the student curriculum.
- Start a Saving Initiative: In the city of Chicago, the treasurer's office utilizes its position to promote savings among both youth and adults. As Treasurer, I am committed to implementing a similar program here in North Chicago. By focusing on the youth, we can cultivate financially responsible citizens who will contribute to leading our city into the future. We face a savings challenge in America and within our community, where numerous families struggle to weather a $400 emergency. This program aims to address that issue.
- Open Government: I believe in an open-door policy to ensure public involvement in city decisions. Residents should have the opportunity to voice their opinions and easily access project expenditure details online and in print. Rather than decisions being made solely by officials, the community should be empowered to take charge of their government. As Treasurer, I am committed to this transparency and have already taken steps to digitize all financial documents under my department’s jurisdiction to promote open access.
Vance D. Wyatt, the Treasurer of North Chicago since May 2021, is deeply committed to financial literacy and community engagement. He has introduced Wealth Fitness Classes aimed at educating residents on personal finance. Additionally, Wyatt is an advocate for open government, promoting transparency and public involvement in city decisions. He has implemented policies to digitize financial documents, ensuring residents have easy access to information. Wyatt also collaborates closely with the North Chicago School District 187 to incorporate personal finance education into the curriculum, equipping students with essential financial knowledge for adulthood.
This role is at the local level and is primarily focused on the security of the city’s Treasury.
When I first got into politics, I looked up to President Obama for a few reasons. He was the first person I had the opportunity to vote for, but more importantly, he exemplified grace under pressure. Despite facing intense hate and bigotry, he maintained his composure and never responded to negativity. I admire that resilience and continue to work on applying that same approach in my own life.
There isn’t one singular book that has shaped my political philosophy. While I may lean more progressive on some issues, I also hold conservative views on others. I’ve read works by and about Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, which have helped broaden my perspective. My primary focus is ensuring citizen leadership—leaders who emerge from the community they serve, rather than an Ivy League elite—so that government remains grounded in the needs and experiences of everyday people.
Patience is the most important characteristic, as enacting policy and achieving meaningful change in government often takes time. It’s essential to stay committed while navigating the slow pace of progress. Honesty and transparency are equally vital to build trust and credibility with the community. Additionally, elected officials must be good listeners, especially when engaging with those who may not share their views. Understanding diverse perspectives fosters collaboration and better decision-making for the benefit of the entire community.
As mentioned before, I make it a priority to listen. Regardless of how small or unimportant someone else may view a person or their concern, I strive to find value in every conversation. You never know what idea or insight you might gain from truly listening to someone’s perspective.
The core responsibilities are to actively listen to the people they represent and ensure transparency, honesty, and openness in all actions and decisions. Elected officials must clearly communicate the reasons behind their decisions to build trust and foster an informed, engaged community. Additionally, they should act as responsible stewards of public resources, ensuring accountability and working in the best interest of their constituents.
Simple, that I got things done.
The first historical event I vividly remember was the September 11th attacks. I was 11 years old and grew up in a military town. After the attacks, we were no longer allowed to attend Fourth of July celebrations on the base, which, in my view, contributed to a growing sense of separation between the military base and the surrounding community.
My first job was at a retail store. I chose it over working at Six Flags because it allowed me to work year-round instead of just during the summer. I believe I worked there for about a year and a half.
Black Boy by Richard Wright. My mother bought this book for me when I was young, and it was the first adult-like book I read as a child. It resonated with me because my father grew up in Alabama and moved to North Chicago at a young age. I lost him when I was young and didn’t get to hear much about his upbringing directly from him—just from stories shared by others in the community. Reflecting on this now, I think it’s time for me to re-read the book.
I grew up loving Batman, so I guess Batman.
Not Like us, by Kendrick Lamar
Patience has been a challenge for me, especially since I started holding office at a young age. Growing up during the transition from book-based research to the rapid pace of online information, I fell into the trap of expecting everything to move quickly. Over time, I’ve learned the value of patience, which has helped me not only in my public service but also in other areas of my life, including tennis.
Many people assume that the City Treasurer is a full-time position or that I have the same powers as the comptroller. However, similar to the state’s financial structure, our city has dual finance officers—one being the Treasurer and the other the Comptroller—to prevent any one person from having full control over the city’s finances. This system is designed to safeguard public funds and ensure greater accountability in financial management. Also the role is a Part-time role.
The main benefit of government experience is understanding how funds flow in and out of public institutions. Unfortunately, some use the Office of Treasurer—from the local to state level—as a springboard to higher office, but it should be seen as an essential role in its own right. Given the critical nature of the position, a financial background is more valuable than just holding prior elected office. However, someone with both financial expertise and government experience is best equipped to ensure the office runs efficiently and serves the public effectively.
As mentioned previously, having a financial background is essential for this role. My experience in the private sector, managing an annual budget more than 10 times the size of the city’s, has better equipped me to handle the complexities of this office.
When I took office, the city’s investment portfolio had an average return of just 1%. Despite inheriting a largely low-interest-rate investment fund, I’ve successfully minimized losses and maximized gains as interest rates rose. Today, our return on investment is just under 4%, demonstrating the importance of financial expertise in this role.
When I took office, the city’s investment portfolio had an average return of just 1%. Despite inheriting a largely low-interest-rate investment fund, I’ve successfully minimized losses and maximized gains as interest rates rose. Today, our return on investment is just under 4%, demonstrating the importance of financial expertise in this role.
Local government is the closest to the people. We’re likely to encounter residents on the street or at the grocery store, and many in our community even have my personal cell phone number to reach out for assistance or to voice concerns—whether or not the issue is directly related to my role. This accessibility makes the office unique and often the most rewarding, as sometimes people just want to be heard. Being responsive and approachable is critical to fostering trust and ensuring the community feels supported.
The Kansas City chief's OL in the super bowl.
I haven't posted any endorsements but Waukegan Township Dems
Transparency is essential for a functioning government that truly serves the people. Unfortunately, money has become too deeply embedded in our electoral system, favoring those who can raise or possess substantial financial resources. I support efforts to reduce the influence of money in politics, even if it removes my advantage as an incumbent.
Regarding government accountability, while serving as a County Board member, I made all my government spending publicly available. As City Treasurer, I’ve ensured that city bills, as well as monthly and annual treasurer reports, are accessible online. This allows residents to see how their tax dollars are spent without needing to file a Freedom of Information Act request.
Regarding government accountability, while serving as a County Board member, I made all my government spending publicly available. As City Treasurer, I’ve ensured that city bills, as well as monthly and annual treasurer reports, are accessible online. This allows residents to see how their tax dollars are spent without needing to file a Freedom of Information Act request.
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See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
