City of Rockford Update
 
      Mayor Tom McNamara was sworn-in as the 41st mayor of Rockford on May 1, 2017.
     Prior to becoming Mayor, Tom served the community as 3rd Ward Alderman, representing constituents on Rockford’s east and west sides, as well as downtown.  As Alderman, Tom introduced and sponsored key legislation to invest in neighborhoods, make our community safer, and protect taxpayer dollars.
     As Mayor, Tom focuses on developing and implementing plans to reduce crime, increase police technology and training, strengthen neighborhoods and schools, and encourage economic development. He advocates for lower tax rates and appoints members to taxing bodies who are fiscally responsible and share a likeminded responsibility to use taxpayer funding efficiently and effectively.
     Tom serves on many boards across the community, including the Alignment Rockford Governing Board, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Illinois Community Revitalization Task Force, Illinois Municipal League Board of Directors, JB Pritzker’s Budget and Innovation Team, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Rockford Area Economic Development Council Board of Directors, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Workforce Connection Board.  He is also a honorary member of Rockford Rotary.
     Tom was born and raised in Rockford and is a graduate of Rockford’s Boylan Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in sociology and criminology and a master’s degree in non-profit administration, both from John Carroll University in Cleveland.
     The Mayor will most likely give us an update on the state of the city while concentrating on the positive things that have happened and what he sees for the city moving forward.  This will be an excellent opportunity to bring a guest or prospective member.  Paul Logli has agreed to introduce the Mayor and act as Rotary host.