Alicia Castillo announces run for Yorkville mayor

Alicia Castillo, an outdoor educator and resident of Yorkville, has declared her intention to run for mayor in the 2027 local election. Castillo's campaign platform centers on addressing the city's affordability crisis, particularly the lack of affordable housing, which she states has personally impacted her and her children. Beyond housing, Castillo is also pushing for the repeal of a public camping ban recently enacted by Yorkville aldermen. She argues that the ordinance disproportionately affects homeless individuals and others, such as truck drivers, and seeks to replace it with a citizens' panel to develop more supportive solutions. A key component of Castillo's mayoral bid is her call for a moratorium on data center developments within Yorkville. She asserts that the public has clearly expressed opposition to these projects, although she acknowledges the city's need to explore alternative strategies for job creation and tax revenue. Castillo plans to dedicate the summer to learning more about the mayor’s office and preparing for her campaign.