Knudsen has helped foster community participation in local developments through his leadership as Chairman of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals. As Chairman, he ensures local residents, neighborhood groups and stakeholders of all kinds are fully heard and fairly represented. Navigating complex real estate projects and government agencies has equipped Knudsen to be an effective problem solver, which he will take to City Hall.

As an active member of the community, Knudsen has worked as a steadfast grassroots organizer organizing a large (and “socially distanced”) food drive during the pandemic, serving as a local voter protection officer on election days, and mobilizing on policy issues like HB40 to protect women’s reproductive rights. He also serves as Chairman of the 43rd Ward Judicial Candidate Review Panel, which was created by Committeeperson Lucy Moog to champion independent and merit-based endorsement processes. Knudsen has had an ear to residents’ priorities for years and will continue to take a community-centric approach as alderman.

Knudsen lives in Old Town Triangle and works remotely from an assortment of beloved Lincoln Park coffee shops. He was born and raised in Wheaton, attended undergraduate and law school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and has been a 43rd Ward resident ever since. Knudsen is a doting “guncle” to two nieces, recent graduate of Leadership Greater Chicago and avid tennis fan. From his earliest Chicago days — which were documented on HGTV’s House Hunters — Knudsen has been proud to call the 43rd Ward home and would be honored to be your advocate in city council.