Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant. Courtesy: Village of Robinson
Just a few years ago Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant made headlines when he became the youngest African American mayor in Illinois. Now he is making headlines again because of the accomplishments he has achieved for Robbins since being elected in May 2021 at the age of 29.
CEO Lakia Colquitt of the From the Roof Down Organization has announced the 2023 Mayor of the Year Award has been bestowed upon Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant. The award presentation took place on December 28th during the From the Roof Down Organization’s 2023 Community Service Awards Gala, held at the Hidden Manor Restaurant in Matteson, Illinois.
In recognition of Mayor Bryant’s achievements during his first term in office, Colquitt stated, “What Mayor Bryant has exhibited as a first-term Mayor is simply amazing. He lured $40 million of development to a town that had seen no significant new development in over five decades. The $20-plus million Metropolitan Water Reclamation District project initiated under his leadership has ignited enthusiasm and restored the pride that Robbins residents have been known for.”
Mayor Bryant successfully negotiated and resolved the long-standing police contract dispute in Robbins, which he inherited from the previous administration. He did so, by not only increasing the pay rate to record-setting levels but also is providing state-of-the-art resources, such as body cameras and bulletproof vests that had been lacking for decades.
Additionally, Mayor Bryant has been a staunch advocate for improving the town’s water flow system, securing an additional $20 million in funding, including $4 million for the repair of the water tower and pumping station through his efforts in Springfield. Furthermore, he has initiated a $3 million commercial complex development bid to revitalize downtown Robbins. It will be the first commercial development in over 20 years, with the remaining $13 million allocated for infrastructure and building improvements across the Village.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mayor Bryant acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Village Board of Trustees and the robust support from the residents, stating, “I could never have achieved this much success without a strong and vibrant Village board. Moreover, we collectively have benefited from the enormous support we have received from our residents. The Robbins Pride is back and more energized than ever.”
Mayor Bryant has also spearheaded modernization efforts within the government, ushering the town into the 21st century with notable advancements in technology. The 5,000-resident community now enjoys expedited services and shorter wait times at Village Hall. Beyond the administrative improvements, the town has witnessed positive changes in the community, with the demolition of distressed properties, reducing that number from over 160 to 100, thanks to Bryant’s leadership in the Public Works Department.
Mayor Bryant concluded, “There is so much more work to do, but I am primed, energized, and prepared to complete our mission of a more efficient, effective, and engaging Robbins.”
