We endorse Llilian Jiménez.
Lilian clearly understands the transportation challenges faced in her district and our City, and that it is a critical compontent to addressing climate change.
And, we love that she describes herself as an “avid walker!”
Read Lilian’s responses to our 2026 questionnaire
What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?
I share a car with my husband, so half of the time I drive and half of the time I walk, carpool, take the CTA or ride share. Having this diverse experience really helps me understand our diverse transportation needs.
What are some transportation challenges in your district?
Walking in West Humboldt park with my son is challenging because the sidewalks and streets in some areas are in need of repair. I noticed this especially when when I had an accident and had to use a wheelchair and when I had my son in a stroller. It made me realize that we need to make walking, biking and alternative cycling more accessible.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) plays a significant role in transportation throughout the state, in Chicago, and Cook County. What is your opinion on their role with the Chicago Department of Transportation, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, local communities, and the impact that has?
I feel that they could be more interconnected and helpful to local departments if they worked closer together rather than in silos. For example this past summer, I contacted them when a resident identified an issue at Grand and Division a three way intersection where dozens of children cross daily. IDOT simply referred me to the city without providing any guidance or information on how to resolve the issue. I was not able to provide any type of guidance to the resident and it left me feeling disconnected. Thankfully the resident advocated with the local alderman who finally agreed to conduct a traffic study.
How do you view the Illinois General Assembly’s role in setting IDOT’s priorities for public transit, passenger rail, and strengthening accessibility in transportation?
I am not familiar with it but would like to play a more active role in the future to advocate for pedestrian and cyclists.
States like Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia have passed legislation that has shifted their transportation infrastructure spending towards projects that prioritize safety, transit and cycling, and greenhouse gas mitigation. What’s your position on Illinois’ current transportation infrastructure spending, and if you could change anything, what would it be?
I would like to see more funding dedicated to improving mass transit and green house mitigation.
This fall, the Illinois General Assembly passed a historic investment in transit operations – as well as significant governance reforms in the establishment of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. How do you view the Assembly’s role in ensuring both the short- and long-term success of this legislation?
I am committed to ensuring that funding continues to be secure for the NITA transformation to be successful. We must also ensure that the Integration of transit agencies is accomplished in a way that benefits transit riders and taxpayers.
What is your position on investing to expand passenger rail service in Illinois, including the development of high-speed rail?
I am a supporter of expanding passenger rail services throughout illinois to connect all of our cities and towns. I regularly travel by Amtrak to Springfield for work and to Kankakee for pleasure. However when I want to travel to other cities, I have to travel by car. It is a travesty that one can only travel through illinois by car to see the beauty and diversity. I would love to see rail service from Chicago so that we can have access to beautiful illinois gems such as Shawnee Forest and Starved Rock.
Federal funding for Illinois transportation projects – such as the Red Line Extension and Red-Purple Modernization projects – has come under threat from the Trump administration. How can legislators shore up funding for critical infrastructure projects under a hostile federal climate?
We must look at progressive revenue sources in 2026 to ensure that our transportation projects do not get delayed.
Read Lilian’s responses to our 2024 questionnaire
What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?
I use my car, Lyft, the bus and the train, and I am an avid walker. Using all types of transportation allows me to see the broader context of structural public transportation deficits in underfunded areas.
What are some transportation challenges in your district?
My district needs more reliable bus service and access to trains. Parts of the Metra and CTA Blue line are in my district, but for the majority of the fourth district population, they are not within walking distance of a CTA or Metra train stop. The CTA needs to be on time, reliable and accessible to encourage Chicagoans to use public transportation instead of driving.
How can the State of Illinois address the impending combined $700 million fiscal cliff facing the CTA, Metra, and Pace in a way that ensures sustained and adequate funding for the future?
The State needs to correct the long held practice of underfunding the CTA, Metra and Pace that have led to a reduction in ridership. We cannot let the fiscal cliff go unaddressed, which would result in dramatically worse service for riders and the halting of needed improvements.
A federal rule allows for states to flex up to 50% of federal highway funds towards transit instead. New Jersey currently flexes 15%, and California flexes 12% compared to Illinois at just under 3%. Would you make any changes to this amount, and if so why?
Yes, I would support this change and increase the percentage to 15% at minimum. Large amounts of federal highway dollars come from gas taxes. It makes sense that a system that taxes the use of gasoline should then reinvest that money in improving more environmentally friendly modes of transportation like trains and buses.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) plays a significant role in transportation throughout the state and in Chicago. What is your opinion on their relationship with the Chicago Department of Transportation, local communities, and the impact that has?
IDOT needs to collaborate with CDOT and take into consideration the needs of the CTA and the working class people who depend on transportation for their daily needs. I also believe that the CTA workforce needs to create a system to train and recruit employees and subsequently retain them by improving wages and working conditions.
How do you view the Illinois General Assembly’s role in setting IDOT’s priorities for public transit, passenger rail, and strengthening accessibility in transportation?
IDOT’s role is to ensure that Illinoisans can reach their destinations safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. IDOT has a responsibility to build and maintain infrastructure that connects all communities to robust transportation networks. I believe that IDOT needs to prioritize transportation improvements through the lens of climate change and serving low-income communities. New construction needs to consider the impact on the environment and residents of the locations they are building.
What is your position on IDOT’s current proposals for rebuilding North Du Sable Lake Shore Drive?
IDOT needs to prioritize modes of transportation on Lake Shore Drive outside of cars. I would like to see more rapid bus lanes and protected bike lanes. Lake Shore Drive is dangerous, loud and inefficient. If we invest in infrastructure that makes it easier, safer and more cost-effective for working people to get to their jobs and recreational spaces without cars, the environment and the city will benefit. As someone who grew up without access to a car, I believe in policies that work towards zero fatalities and overall pedestrian and biker safety.