Office
449 E. 35th St.
Chicago, IL 60616
(773) 924-1755
(773) 924-1775 (fax)
Capitol Office
240A-W Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-2023
(217) 558-1092(fax)
Face Book Bio:
Christian was raised by his mother, who has been a nurse for 30 years, and his grandfather, who was a union steelworker and an elder at his church in Maywood. Their hard work and commitment to community inspired him to enter public service after graduating from the University of Chicago.
Christian began his career as a faith based community organizer on the south side and in the south suburbs. As an organizer, Christian worked with people, in their communities, to fight for living wage jobs, adequate housing, improved transportation, and equitable schools.
In 2009, in consultation with community leaders and state legislators, Christian drafted the legislation that would become the Urban Weatherization Initiative, a $425 million dollar state jobs program focusing on insulation, weatherproofing and upgrading of single family homes in low and moderate urban areas in the state of Illinois – and a requirement to hire workers from those communities.
Christian’s efforts as an organizer also led to several other measurable improvements. Including working to help pass a bill in Springfield to create a universal fare card for transit systems in Chicago. By 2015 the people of Chicago land region will be able to transfer between Metra, Pace and CTA.
As a product of Christian’s organizing work in the south suburbs, residents won an agreement with the EPA, the state legislature, and their congressman to secure funding to repair and replace the sewer system in Riverdale, IL – which had not been repaired since the early 1920s – to ease flooding during times of heavy rain, lessening property damage and allowing families to raise their children in a clean and safe environment.
Christian is also experienced in campaign work – he was a Deputy Field Director for Illinois Lisa Madigan’s re-election campaign in 2010, working with local elected officials in Chicago and other faith and community leaders to increase voter turnout and participation. Christian was also campaign manager for Will Burns’ successful campaign for Alderman of the 4th Ward in 2011.
He recently served as a member of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s senior staff, advising the President on issues and connecting members of the community with services and programs the county provides.
Christian graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Studies.
