Omari Bektemba is an educator, affordable-homebuilder, and urban planner running for alderperson of Chicago's 35th Ward.
Omari began working in the community by teaching and managing various programs at several Chicago Public Schools, including Logan Square's Goethe Elementary School.

Working with students, parents, teachers, and school staff gave him a close view of how decisions made at City Hall affect families, neighborhoods, and future generations of Chicagoans.

Omari earned a master's degree in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois Chicago. He went on to develop municipal plans and zoning codes for more than 31 communities across 13 states, specializing in housing, local economies, and demographic change. To him, neighborhood planning needs to be collaborative, inclusive, and focused on both fine details and the bigger picture.

Today, Omari is a Senior Project Manager working in affordable housing. He works with public agencies, lenders, construction contractors, ward offices, and community partners to build and preserve affordable housing in Chicago. The projects he has worked on represent more than $452 million in investment and more than 766 affordable apartments-all in Chicago. These projects have curbed displacement and created meaningful jobs that pay livable wages.

Omari is running to bring that practical experience to City Council and to give the 35th Ward thoughtful, responsive leadership that can move good ideas from conversation to completion.

In his spare time, Omari enjoys creating oil paintings, playing soccer (futbol!), and going to art museums & galleries.