3rd Ward: Three candidates, three generations
JANUARY 8, 2025, EVANSTON NOW - A young political activist, Gennifer Geer moved to Evanston in 2020 while earning her master’s degree at Northwestern University. Since then, she’s become an engaged volunteer in the local political sphere.
Geer, 27, grew up in a military family but says she has memories of visiting Evanston’s beaches and parks as a child. She attended Rice University in Houston earning a bachelor’s in history and Asian studies. She’s currently an outreach coordinator at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
She’s also the treasurer of the Democratic Party of Evanston and a national committeeperson for the Young Democrats of Illinois.
“As an advocate and leader, I have always been called to public service. Whether fighting for environmental justice or standing up for workers’ rights, I am driven by a deep commitment to listening, understanding and finding meaningful solutions,” Geer said.
Geer is an advocate for ranked-choice voting, a participatory budget process and increased civic engagement and transparency. She also says she would “prioritize environmental resilience and embrace cutting-edge practices that protect our natural landscape.”
She supports improved bike lanes, sidewalks and public transit options, affordable housing and tenant protections and updating the city’s lakefront protection plan.
If elected, Geer would be the first Japanese American and first Gen Z member of the Evanston City Council.
