Hello, Kankakee County and friends! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a chapter coming to a close—and a new one just beginning—for one of our county’s most trailblazing community leaders. In our latest episode of the Kankakee Podcast, I sat down with Jamie Hawkins, Grant Park’s first female mayor, as she reflects on her impactful journey, unexpected challenges, and her hope for the future.
A Mayor Who Made History—and Halloween Hot Dogs
As Jamie Hawkins exits her role, she leaves an indelible mark on Grant Park. Not only was she the village’s first female mayor, but her tenure is also remembered for the warmth, honesty, and community engagement she brought to the office.
“My main focus when I ran for mayor was to bring our town back to life after Covid,” Jamie recalled. She did just that, reviving beloved community events—from organizing epic Halloween festivities complete with hundreds of hot dogs for trick-or-treaters, to launching a tree lighting tradition and hosting her favorite Easter egg hunt. “Those are the three things that I’m most proud of…that’s what I set out to do, and I’m so glad they’re going to continue.”
Facing Hard Choices: Housing, Community, and Honesty
Life has a way of shaking our plans. As Jamie candidly shared, the rising cost and scarcity of housing in Grant Park forced her to leave the village—and ultimately, her role as mayor. “I was renting… and then my landlord sold the house. I had 30 days to find somewhere to live.” Unable to secure a home in Grant Park, Jamie moved in with her parents, and soon realized, “Being 45 and living with my mom was like, no, that wasn’t it.”
Honesty was her guiding principle, even when relocation sparked political scrutiny. “I’m not going to hide anything from the residents. I’m a very open politician.”
Strengthening Civic Life: Safety, Sidewalks, and Community Growth
Beyond community events, Hawkins tackled big-picture projects, too. She played a vital role in developing safe walking paths with proper lighting. One of her proudest initiatives was securing state funds for a “Safe Routes to School” path, giving students a safe journey to school. “That was my main project. I started and saw it to the finish.”
Under her leadership, Grant Park also prepared for the new cannabis dispensary—navigating state requirements, community input, and even a few construction setbacks. “That was definitely a fight to get that up and running,” Jamie commented, always mindful of balancing economic opportunity with residents’ concerns.
Leadership Lessons: Grit, Grace, and Sweatpants
Public office isn’t for the faint-hearted. Jamie faced personal and political storms, including an arrest tied to a family crisis. She owned her story, never shying away from the truth but staying focused on serving the community. “I learned that I can’t please everyone. I’m a people pleaser, but some people just want to complain.”
Perhaps most relatable, though, was the playful jab she received about her attire: “They can call me Mayor Sweatpants—it wasn’t even sweatpants, it was scrubs from work, because I was working three jobs!”
Women in Local Government: Breaking Barriers, Building Community
“I was the first female police officer at KCC; you always need female police officers, and we definitely need women in all fields…and then being the first female mayor in Grant Park, that was definitely something,” Jamie reflected. As she passes the torch, she was excited to see more women leaders—like Manteno’s new female mayor—taking charge in the county.
What’s Next for Jamie Hawkins?
Having recently moved to Bourbonnais, Jamie isn’t slowing down. She talked about her desire to continue serving, possibly partnering with local mentor programs. “I want to do things. I want to be involved. There’s so much I can do, I don’t even know where to start!”
Her final message for all of us rang true: “Treat others how you want to be treated…If you want someone to be nice to you, be nice to them. It’s that easy.”
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- First Female Mayor: Jamie Hawkins made history in Grant Park and redefined what local leadership looks like.
- Community Revitalization: She helped bring back cherished events, started new traditions, and fostered togetherness.
- Civic Achievements: Jamie secured funding for safe sidewalks, supported new local businesses, and advocated for public safety.
- Transparent Leadership: She was open about her challenges, personal setbacks, and the realities of serving in public office.
- Looking Ahead: Jamie plans to continue her community involvement—so don’t be surprised if you see her launching something new in Kankakee County!
Quotes to Remember
- “I’m not going to hide anything…I’m a very open politician.” – Jamie Hawkins
- “I just want people to know…treat others how you want to be treated. It’s that easy.”
- “Those are the three things I’m most proud of…that’s what I set out to do and I’m so glad they’re going to continue.”
Thank You, Jamie!
Jamie—thank you for your years of service and making Grant Park a stronger, kinder, more connected place. We can’t wait to see what you do next.
For more inspiring stories from local leaders and changemakers, subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast and join us on our social channels. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and consider joining our Patreon to help keep these stories alive!
This is Jake LaMore, signing off with gratitude and local pride—reminding you that our stories make Kankakee County shine. Stay kind, stay curious, and stay tuned!
