Juan Sebastian Arias

Executive Director, Elevated Chicago

Juan Sebastian Arias is the executive director of Elevated Chicago. Previously, he served as first deputy of policy under Mayors Brandon Johnson and Lori E. Lightfoot, where he played a leadership role in stewarding strategic policy initiatives, including the landmark 2022 Connected Communities (Equitable Transit-Oriented Development) Ordinance, the We Will Chicago citywide plan, establishing Chicago’s first ever Food Equity Council, and advancing the Bring Chicago Home proposal to generate dedicated revenue for addressing homelessness, among other initiatives. He has previously worked with the Metropolitan Planning Council, Enterprise Community Partners and Living Cities, among other positions.