News Updates

CMAP Board Spotlight: Matt Brolley, Montgomery village president represents Kane/Kendall

In the sixth installment of the CMAP Board Spotlight, learn more about Matt Brolley. Matt is the village president of Montgomery. He represents Kane/Kendall counties on the CMAP Board.

Tell us about yourself: why were you inspired to join the Board?

I think my inspiration for serving in this position stems from my career path. Early in my career as a civil engineer, I was involved in the design of a myriad of projects in the region from stormwater to transportation and private development — followed by 17 years of local government service on the Village of Montgomery’s Planning Commission, elected Trustee, and now Village President.

Couple the planning and design experiences together, and it seems to be a great fit for our region’s planning organization.

What are you hoping to accomplish?

It’s a simple goal really: to be a voice for Kendall and Kane counties in a room of regional planning and transportation leaders.

What is a hidden gem in your community?

The people. Our community was built by hardworking families nearly 200 years ago. While the population has boomed since then (and drastically over the last 25 years), the mindset remains the same. We are a diverse, hardworking, family-centric village.

What is a project you are working on right now?

At present, Montgomery is joining forces with Oswego and Yorkville to secure Lake Michigan drinking water. Our existing water source deep underground is being depleted. This is the largest, most impactful project any of us will every work on as elected officials. I’m humbled to be involved.

Have you received an award or honor that meant a great deal to you?

Ten years ago, the village submitted to FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). From FEMA’s website, the CRS “is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.”

Staff was elated when our village earned a score of 5, which unlocks a 25 percent discount to all flood insurance premiums in town. Only one community in Illinois has a higher rating (props to the Village of Ottawa).

If you’ve never heard of this program, it’s because you probably don’t have flood insurance. This rating means a great deal to me personally, not because I’m a civil engineer, but because of what it means for our dedicated staff.