Biography
Mayor Katrina R. Thompson serves as the eighth Mayor of the Village of Broadview and is the first African American woman elected to lead the community in its history. Since her initial election in 2017 and re-elections in 2021 and 2025, she has established herself as a transformative, collaborative, and people-centered leader. Her administration is defined by strengthening families, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that Broadview remains a vibrant place to live, work, play, and prosper.
Before taking office, Mayor Thompson served as Executive Director of the Broadview Park District and led the West Humboldt Park Development Council, where she advanced economic development, community revitalization, and neighborhood health initiatives. These roles shaped her commitment to equity, inclusive growth, and strong municipal systems. She holds a B.A. from Concordia University and an M.A. from Roosevelt University, where she has returned as an invited speaker on leadership and public service.
Throughout her tenure, Mayor Thompson has championed four core pillars: unity, economic vitality, public safety, and sustainability. Her administration stabilized Broadview’s sales-tax base, strengthened long-term pension and healthcare obligations, and secured major capital investments in water infrastructure, alleys, sidewalks, and mobility improvements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided steady leadership, guiding Broadview through crisis conditions while maintaining financial stability and supporting residents and small businesses.
One of the most complex leadership challenges of her administration has been managing public tension surrounding the decades-old federal ICE processing facility located in Broadview. Because the facility operates exclusively under federal jurisdiction through the Supremacy Clause, local governments have no authority over its operations. Mayor Thompson’s responsibility has been clear: safeguard residents, maintain public order, and uphold Illinois law including the Illinois Trust Act, while facilitating lawful First Amendment expression. Her disciplined approach during periods of large-scale demonstrations protected families, businesses, and public property. She earned regional respect for leading with calm, clarity, and constitutional fidelity during an issue of national sensitivity.
Mayor Thompson is also recognized nationally for her leadership in environmental justice and climate resiliency, particularly for communities historically burdened by pollution. As an Executive Member of the Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4), she champions clean energy, decarbonization, PFAS mitigation, composting, and air-quality initiatives. Her work has positioned Broadview as a model for small municipalities pursuing sustainable development. She previously chaired the National League of Cities’ Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee and continues to advocate for equitable climate solutions, water-infrastructure funding, and direct-pay tax credits.
Her administration remains deeply committed to youth development and community wellness. Signature initiatives, including the Broadview Freedom School, Broadview Young Scholars, the Mayor’s Perfect Attendance Initiative, and the Prioritize Your Health Program, reflect her belief that strong communities grow from education, access, and intentional partnerships. She has built collaborative relationships with school districts, nonprofits, national organizations, and philanthropic partners to expand opportunities for students and working families.
Mayor Thompson’s service extends far beyond village borders. She was elected Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League, is Past President of the West Central Municipal Conference, and holds board seats with the Cook County Land Bank, PLCCA, Triton College Foundation, and Westlake Specialty Hospital. She also serves on the National League of Cities Board of Directors, bringing Broadview’s voice to national policy discussions.
Grounded in faith, family, and purpose, Mayor Thompson leads with integrity, compassion, and unwavering resolve. Under her leadership, Broadview continues to move forward stronger, safer, more united, and more prepared for the future.
