Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss announced Wednesday his choice to fill the 9th Ward vacancy on the City Council is Juan Geracaris, who, if approved, would become the city’s first Latino alderman.
“Juan has demonstrated his commitment to making Evanston more affordable, accessible and sustainable through extensive community involvement,” Biss said in a news release. “I am grateful for his willingness to serve, and I extend my deepest thanks to the wonderful candidates who applied for this position.”
The mayor had announced last month the open application process to fill the ward seat, after Cicely Fleming said in December she would be stepping down. The city also held a community forum to further vet the candidates.
Fleming attended her final City Council meeting Feb. 14.
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According to the release, Geracaris is a first-generation Argentine immigrant who has lived in Evanston for over 20 years, and his two sons attend Evanston School District 65 schools. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in mechanical engineering and currently works at the university’s Kellogg School of Management.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the 9th ward and the greater Evanston community on [the] City Council,” Geracaris said in the release. “I will do my best to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard.”
It was not immediately clear how many people applied for the open seat.
The release lists a host of civic roles Geracaris has held or is currently holding in Evanston, including being a member of the city’s Skate Park Advisory Board.
According to state law, Geracaris would serve as the 9th Ward alderman until the next municipal election in 2023. To stay in the role, he would need to run to be elected to the seat.
The full City Council would have to approve his appointment, and aldermen are expected to consider it at the Feb. 28 meeting.
Emily Little is a freelancer.