The Winnetka Caucus is a participatory form of self-government for the Village of Winnetka; it is designed to involve all citizens of the Village in matters of Village government. After 90 years, the Winnetka Caucus is still a strong forum for defining and developing platforms on current issues and selecting the candidates for the Village Council and School, Library and Park Boards.

The Winnetka Caucus is represented by the Caucus Council, which is composed of approximately 72 volunteers from the community. Four of these representatives are selected from each of the 17 voting precincts. There are also several at-large members who are not Village residents, but who live within the Library, Park or School Districts.

Caucus Council members, who are all volunteers, serve either two- or three-year terms. Terms are staggered so that approximately half of the Council is replaced each year. Any resident who has lived in Winnetka for at least twelve months is eligible to serve.

The Council's two main functions are: (1) to develop platforms that reflect residents' views, and; (2) to nominate qualified candidates to serve on the Village Council and the Park, Library and School Boards. The Council is able to accomplish these tasks by surveying residents annually on their views concerning village issues and their suggestions for volunteers to serve on the Village Council and Boards.

The Caucus Council is supported solely by voluntary donations. It receives no tax dollars or government funds.

The Caucus Council is a key mechanism by which residents of Winnetka maintain and improve upon their 90-year legacy of self-government.