Rich Hofeld and his family have lived in Homewood since 1970. He has served as your Village President since 1997, during which time he has spearheaded exciting business and other development projects throughout the Village, creating a climate of economic growth. He was twice named "Municipal Leader of the Year" by the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau (in 2004 and 2014) and has served as the 2011-2012 President of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA).

Over the years, Homewood has seen Bath & Body Works, Burlington, Old Navy, Five Below, Best Buy, T.J. Maxx, Culture, Starbucks, Copper Still, Home Depot, Target, Petco, Kohls, Famous Footwear, and Ross come into town. Menards has expanded, and a Super Walmart has opened. Super Target continues to thrive on Halsted.

New restaurants abound, including Five Guys, Smoothie King, MOD Pizza, Juanchos Tacos, Smallcakes Cupcakery, Freddie's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Chick-fil-A, Portillo's, LaVoute, Chipotle, Blueberry Hill, Grady's Grille, Buffalo Wild Wings, Maple Tree Inn, Twisted Q Barbeque, Burrito Express, Coldstone, Asian Harbor, Empanadus, Eat Rice, Panda Express, Culvers, Chili's, Potbelly, Krispy Kreme, Panera Bread, Redbird Cafe, and Parks Pastries. Eight tax-producing businesses are now in the Prairie Lakes Business Park. C.N. has established its U.S. headquarters in Homewood and constructed a state-of-the-art training center here. When many auto dealerships were closing, he successfully led negotiations that allowed Chevrolet of Homewood to remain open and a viable dealership. The construction of the La Banque, a boutique hotel on the site of a former bank, and the adjacent "green space" Martin Avenue Square breathe new life into our downtown. New TIF Districts were created to renovate deteriorating business areas. Over the past 20 years, TIF areas have returned over 50 million dollars in surplus funds to local taxing bodies, indicating responsible management and leadership in this commercial area. Rich's efforts have succeeded in having Wind Creek Casino located at I-80 and Halsted. Rich has successfully lobbied for, and Homewood has received, more than two million dollars in State of Illinois grants for infrastructure improvements. He has overseen a decrease in the Village tax rate for residents and businesses. Additionally, the Metra will be renovating the Homewood station and making ADA improvements to both the Homewood Metra station and Amtrak station. Upcoming projects include Homewood Brewery Co. which will be located along Dixie Highway and The Hartford building in the heart of Downtown Homewood. The Hartford building will boast luxury apartments and a vivacious, lively first floor restaurant space. The new restaurant, Stoney Point Grill, is a Northwoods-themed American grill with great food, charismatic drinks, and great service in an exciting rustic setting.  The Village's outstanding debt is near zero.

His leadership has brought about the preservation and rehabilitation of the Village Hall, as well as the construction of the Linden/Gladville storm sewer system and the Merchants Park retention basin to bring flood relief to the Central Homewood and Downey Manor areas. The Storm Water Resource Committee was formed to address local flooding concerns and has implemented solutions. The Senior Advisory Committee was formed to meet the needs of seniors, and the Senior Identification bracelet program was instituted at his urging. The Veterans Committee was established to acknowledge the contributions of current and former servicemen and women. The Tree Committee has been involved in Village-wide reforestation and "Green Thumb" activities and the Rail Committee has developed our Rail Park and Rail Watching Platform with funds obtained through Rich's efforts.

Rich has fostered the establishment of annual family-oriented community events, including our Farmers' Markets, Chocolate Fest, Homewood Artisan Street Fair, Fall Fest, Holiday Lights in Homewood, Beautification Awards Ceremony, and New Years Eve DAY celebration.

He has promoted open communications through the televising of Board meetings and his active participation in community events, particularly neighborhood block parties. Rich maintains regular "office hours" on Saturday mornings 9-noon in the lobby of the Village Hall. He has served as a member of Homewood's Civil Service Commission, Plan Commission, a Village Trustee, and is the Ex-officio Board Liaison to the Ethics Commission. He currently serves as the Liquor Commissioner. His community activities include having served as Cub Scout leader, Homewood coordinator for the American Cancer Society, a member of the local United Way Board, and a member of the B'nai B'rith Board. He is also a member of the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve, American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, AARP, and he belongs to the Nature Conservancy and the National Wildlife Federation.

Throughout his tenure as Village President, Rich has donated his Village salary to religious and community organizations serving Homewood.

Board Liaison to:
• Stormwater Committee
• Economic Development Committee