Alicia Maria Ruiz is a respected leader in community development, urban planning, real estate, and public service, with a career dedicated to expanding opportunity and advancing equity in the communities she serves. Alicia is now serving as the Director of Community Development for the Village of Richton Park. Where she will focus on guiding thoughtful growth, strengthening neighborhood vitality, and ensuring transparent, resident-centered development practices.
Alicia brings more than two decades of experience as the Principal Owner of AMR Real Estate, a women- and minority-owned brokerage committed to making homeownership more accessible—particularly for working families and underrepresented communities. Her professional work has consistently centered on housing equity, reinvestment, and community engagement, grounded in the belief that homeownership is a right, not a privilege.
From 2017 to 2025, Alicia made history as the first elected Latina Alderman of Berwyn, Illinois, representing the Sixth Ward. During her tenure, she served as Aldermanic Chair of the Public Works, Parking, Trees, Traffic, Streets & Sewers Committee, where she led infrastructure investments, neighborhood improvements, and service-focused initiatives that improved quality of life across the city. She also spearheaded impactful programs such as the Sixth Ward Beautification and Adopt-A-Block initiatives, regular community engagement forums, and citywide efforts including the Adelante Award for Women, Young Latina Day Proclamation, subsidized free vehicle stickers for Veterans, and the Hispanic Heritage Parade and Festival.
Born and raised in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood as the eldest of five siblings, Alicia brings a deep understanding of grassroots leadership and the importance of community-driven solutions. Her leadership extends beyond elected office through service as Chair of the Chicago Association of Realtors West Towns Chapter and Foundation Board of Trustees, President of the Prairie Oak Elementary School PTO, and Commissioner on Berwyn’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Historic Preservation Commissions.
In Richton Park, Alicia’s goals include strengthening planning and zoning practices, streamlining permitting and inspections, supporting local businesses and reinvestment, advancing and moving key initiatives through collaboration and transparency. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is most proud of her role as a mother and grandmother.