Sam is a proven strong leader and makes the tough decisions necessary to run a major city. He has dedicated his life to serving and representing all of the people of Waukegan. Sam conducted a thorough assessment of the city’s major operations to increase efficiency and identify opportunities. Directing and working with his team, Sam designed and implemented a long-term capital improvement plan which was the first ever for the City of Waukegan. Additionally, Sam led the implementation of process efficiencies and initiation of infrastructure improvements, management of city crises including but not limited to police shooting, catastrophic explosion and major sinkhole, and he managed the city through a worldwide pandemic!

Sam’s leadership style is anchored in integrity, dedication, trust, transparency, and accountability. Sam prides himself on being accessible and entrenched in Waukegan’s neighborhoods and supportive of the businesses. Sam is a hands-on leader who rolls up his sleeves to do the necessary hard work and is always visible at city events, community occasions, local happenings and residential activities.

Sam’s honors include; 2017 Jim Edgar Fellow, the U.S. Minority Contractors Association 2017 Municipal Administrator of the Year, the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Parren J. Mitchell Outstanding Service Award, and the 2019 United Hellenic Voters of America Mayor of the Year. Prior to his election, Mayor Cunningham served for 18 years as the 1st Ward Alderman.

Sam’s 21st Century policing strategy will provide a grassroots approach that will assist our Waukegan Police Department and the community to strengthen and collaborate by focusing on building trust and legitimacy through technology, community policing, social media, oversight, training, education, and officer wellness and safety. Officers will protect and serve Waukegan and engage with the community to collaboratively identify problems while enforcing laws. Sam believes this approach will afford the community an opportunity to become more involved and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community. We will also assure that all of our emergency responders have the appropriate personnel and equipment in order to provide the level of service to our Waukegan residents and business community.

During Sam’s administration, he led the implementation of process efficiencies and initiation of infrastructure improvements. His plan for the future of Waukegan includes allocating funds for continued improvement of the physical systems in the city to support and enhance essential flows of streets (including curbs, sidewalks and gutters), clean water, sanitation and waste management necessary for the city’s functioning and development.

Sam has proven fiscal responsibility. His administration inherited a huge financial deficit, yet he was able to successfully manage the city’s budget. In fact, Sam left the city in a much better financial position than when he took office. Prior to the pandemic, Sam set the city on a trajectory toward fiscal stability which the current administration has unraveled. Sam’s plan is to once again assess city processes and spending to determine appropriate actions to stabilize the city budget. Sam will have begun working with engineers, urban planners and grant writers to plan exactly how fast we can create a dynamic lakefront destination that will be Waukegan’s version of Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Sam's plan includes enhancing green spaces and recycling. Sam remains mindful of how the city's actions may affect the environment and is committed to ensuring the environmental impact is routinely considered. When appropriate, input from stakeholders and regulatory agencies may be solicited with project-specific or environmental interests.