Arlington Heights, IL – Carina Santa Maria, a candidate for Village Trustee, is focusing her campaign on enhancing community services, supporting economic development, and fostering inclusivity. With a background in social work and nonprofit leadership, she emphasizes collaboration and strategic investment to address the needs of residents.
Santa Maria, a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of Shelter, Inc., has lived in Arlington Heights for 11 years with her husband and two children. Her campaign theme, “It Takes a Village,” highlights her belief in collective action to strengthen the community.
A key component of her platform is expanding access to essential social services, including mental health support, food security programs, and affordable childcare. She plans to work with local organizations to ensure these resources are accessible and inclusive. “Every resident deserves access to the support they need,” she states on her campaign website.
Public safety is another priority for Santa Maria, who supports a collaborative approach between law enforcement, fire services, and social programs. She advocates for community policing initiatives, mental health crisis response teams, and proactive safety measures.
Her campaign also emphasizes creating opportunities for residents of all ages, including investments in after-school programs, mentorship initiatives, and senior wellness services.
Economic growth remains a central focus. Santa Maria supports small businesses, responsible development, and workforce training initiatives. She believes public-private partnerships can help create fiscally responsible programs that benefit the community. “A strong economy relies on a skilled and diverse workforce,” she notes, stressing the importance of balancing economic expansion with long-term sustainability.
Santa Maria also addresses the rising cost of living in Arlington Heights, proposing incentives for mixed-income housing, support for first-time homebuyers, and fiscal transparency to manage property taxes. “We need to explore creative solutions to ensure Arlington Heights remains an affordable and vibrant place to live,” she says.
Regarding the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights, Santa Maria sees economic opportunities but emphasizes careful planning. She advocates for a development approach that prioritizes fiscal responsibility and community input. If the project does not materialize, she envisions a mixed-use development incorporating housing, retail, and green spaces.
As a first-generation American and daughter of immigrants, Santa Maria is committed to inclusivity. She supports expanding multilingual resources, promoting cultural events, and collaborating with organizations to remove barriers for non-English-speaking residents. “Diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” she says.
Looking ahead, Santa Maria envisions a financially stable, inclusive, and thriving Arlington Heights, where residents feel connected and empowered. “By working together, we can address challenges and seize opportunities,” she concludes.
Santa Maria’s campaign reflects her background in policy development, community advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. With a focus on practical, results-driven solutions, she hopes to bring a collaborative approach to the Village Board.
For more information on Carina Santa Maria’s campaign, visit her website or follow her on Facebook.
This article was compiled using publicly available information from Carina Santa Maria’s campaign materials. Despite multiple attempts, the candidate has not responded to requests for additional comments.
