{{short description|American politician and park superintendent}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Carlos Ramirez-Rosa | image = Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa speaks at Lucy Gonzalez Parsons honorary street sign event.jpg | caption = Ramirez-Rosa in 2017 | office = General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District | term_start = April 1, 2025 | term_end = | predecessor = Rosa Escareño | successor = | office1 = Member of the Chicago City Council<br>from the 35th Ward | term_start1 = May 18, 2015 | term_end1 = April 1, 2025 | predecessor1 = Rey Colón | successor1 = Anthony Quezada | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|2|18}} | birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | party = Democratic | other_party = Democratic Socialists of America<ref name="ChicagoDSAMembership">{{cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/politics/chicago-city-council-election-democratic-socialists-gain-seats-on-chicago-city-council/5231017/|title=Chicago City Council Election: Democratic Socialists gain seats on Chicago City Council|work=ABC 7 Chicago|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> | education = University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BA) }} '''Carlos Ramirez-Rosa''' (born 1989) is an American politician and public administrator who serves as General Superintendent and chief executive officer of the Chicago Park District, one of the largest urban park systems in the United States.
A democratic socialist, he previously represented Chicago's 35th Ward on the Chicago City Council from 2015 to 2025, where his legislative work spanned housing policy, public safety and policing reforms, immigration and civil rights, and efforts to expand participatory approaches to local governance.
Throughout his career, Ramirez-Rosa has emphasized community-driven policymaking, seeking to involve organized community groups in shaping legislation and local governance.
== Early life and background == Ramirez-Rosa was born on February 18, 1989, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, where he served as senior class president.<ref name="DNAinfo Chicago biography">{{cite web|title=Meet Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, the 26-Year-Old Who Stormed Onto City Council|url=http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150225/logan-square/carlos-ramirez-rosa-26-year-old-who-stormed-his-way-onto-city-council/|publisher=DNAinfo Chicago|access-date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319203307/http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150225/logan-square/carlos-ramirez-rosa-26-year-old-who-stormed-his-way-onto-city-council|archive-date=19 March 2015}}</ref> He then attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where he was an elected member of the Illinois Student Senate. As an elected student senator, he supported funding for women and LGBT student programs,<ref>{{cite news|last=Maloney |first=Andrew |title=Debate over resolution stalls ISS vote |url=http://www.dailyillini.com/news/article_c6910a21-eec2-5385-851d-fc51a263efb3.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150316192441/http://www.dailyillini.com/news/article_c6910a21-eec2-5385-851d-fc51a263efb3.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 March 2015 |access-date=16 March 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=10 October 2008 }}</ref> campus green energy policies,<ref>{{cite news|last=Maloney |first=Andrew |title=Illinois Student Senate passes energy resolution |url=http://www.dailyillini.com/news/article_3591e26b-58d4-516c-882e-bbe2f3622f3a.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150316192330/http://www.dailyillini.com/news/article_3591e26b-58d4-516c-882e-bbe2f3622f3a.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 March 2015 |access-date=16 March 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=5 February 2009 }}</ref> and fair treatment of university employees.<ref>{{cite news|last=McLoughlin |first=Kevin |title=Students rally to support labor |url=http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/article_76dfb99a-7810-5d29-9c46-8b2be70c9ba4.html |access-date=16 March 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=6 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803174448/http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/article_76dfb99a-7810-5d29-9c46-8b2be70c9ba4.html |archive-date=3 August 2014 }}</ref> He graduated from the University of Illinois in 2011.<ref name="Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Questionnaire">{{cite web|title=Carlos Ramirez-Rosa Candidate for City Council, 35th Ward| url=http://elections.chicagotribune.com/candidates/carlos-ramirez-rosa/|publisher=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>
After graduating, he served as a congressional caseworker in the office of Congressman Luis Gutiérrez.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jin|first=Hal|title=Chicago alderman candidate hosts Q&A at teach-in|url=http://dailynorthwestern.com/2015/01/09/campus/9-rosa-chicago-alderman-candidate-hosts-qa-at-teach-in/|access-date=16 March 2015|newspaper=The Daily Northwestern|date=9 January 2009}}</ref> After working for Congressman Gutiérrez, he worked as a family support network organizer with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights until he ran for alderman in 2015.<ref name="Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Questionnaire" />
On April 8, 2014, Ramirez-Rosa was arrested while attempting to block a deportation bus leaving Broadview Detention Center in Broadview, Illinois. The arrest was part of the "[http://www.notonemoredeportation.com/ Not One More] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331222010/http://www.notonemoredeportation.com/ |date=2016-03-31 }}" campaign to pressure President Barack Obama to stop deportations. Ramirez-Rosa said at the time of his arrest: "I'm a U.S. citizen. I don't fear deportation, but I know that when you're taking hard-working and decent people, putting them in detention centers and then putting them on buses and separating them from their families, that is an act of injustice."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-04-08|title=Immigrant Rights Activists Arrested While Protesting Deportations At Broadview Detention Center (VIDEO)|url=https://progressillinois.com/files/quick-hits/content/2014/04/08/immigrant-rights-activists-arrested-while-protesting-deportations-broa/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128102932/https://progressillinois.com/files/quick-hits/content/2014/04/08/immigrant-rights-activists-arrested-while-protesting-deportations-broa/ |archive-date=2020-11-28 |access-date=2021-04-02|website=Progress Illinois |language=en}}</ref>
Prior to his election to the Chicago City Council, Ramirez-Rosa was an elected community representative to the Avondale-Logandale Local School Council.<ref name="WGN">{{cite news|title=Meet the candidates: City Council, 35th Ward| newspaper=WGN-Tv| url=http://wgntv.com/2015/02/17/meet-the-candidates-city-council-35th-ward/|publisher=WGN|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>
He is the nephew of Cook County Judge Ramon Ocasio III,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ivi-Ipo 2015 Chicago Aldermanic Questionnaire - Section 1: Please provide the following background information {{!}} Affordable Housing {{!}} Police|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/252437241/IVI-IPO-Rosa-35-on-12-22-2014|access-date=2021-04-02|website=Scribd|language=en}}</ref> and [https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p078125 Chicanas of 18th Street] author and activist Magda Ramirez-Castaneda.<ref>{{Cite web |last=mauricio |date=2019-08-15 |title=Activist Magda Ramirez-Castañeda, Leader In Pilsen's Chicana Movement, Dies: 'She Was A Warrior' |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/08/15/activist-magda-ramirez-castaneda-leader-in-pilsens-chicana-movement-dies-she-was-a-warrior/ |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa's mother is of Mexican descent and his father is of Puerto Rican descent.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Greenberg|first=Will|title=This rookie Chicago politician is ready to resist Donald Trump's deportation fervor|url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/01/carlos-ramirez-rosa-donald-trump-immigration-deportation-chicago-sanctuary-cities/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Mother Jones|language=en-US}}</ref>
In October 2024, Ramirez-Rosa married his longtime partner, Bryan Bautista, in Logan Square, Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ald. Ramirez-Rosa marries longtime partner |url=https://windycitytimes.com/2024/10/08/ald-ramirez-rosa-marries-longtime-partner/ |access-date=January 12, 2026 |website=Windy City Times}}</ref>
Ramirez-Rosa is profiled in D. D. Guttenplan's book ''The Next Republic: The Rise of a New Radical Majority'' (2019), which examines organizers and leaders associated with contemporary progressive political movements in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Next Republic: The Rise of a New Radical Majority |url=https://shop.thenation.com/products/d-d-guttenplan-book |publisher=Seven Stories Press |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
== Chicago City Council == thumb|Ramirez-Rosa campaigning in 2015
Ramirez-Rosa was first elected the alderman of the 35th Ward on February 24, 2015. He received 67% of the vote, defeating incumbent alderman Rey Colón.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mihalopoulos|first=Dan|date=24 February 2015|title=Carlos Ramirez-Rosa defeats Ald. Rey Colon in 35th Ward race|newspaper=The Chicago Sun-Times|url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/7/71/393849/carlos-ramirez-rosa-defeats-35th-ward-ald-rey-colon|url-status=dead|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225080030/http://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/7/71/393849/carlos-ramirez-rosa-defeats-35th-ward-ald-rey-colon|archive-date=25 February 2015}}</ref> He was re-elected to a second four-year term on February 26, 2019, and to a third term on February 28, 2023.<ref name="CBOE2019">{{cite web |title=Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 26, 2019 Municipal General Election |url=https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2023-12/Proc-2019-02-26.pdf |publisher=Chicago Board of Election Commissioners |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref><ref name="CBOE2023">{{cite web |title=Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 28, 2023 Municipal General Election |url=https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2023-12/Proc-2023-02-28.pdf |publisher=Chicago Board of Election Commissioners |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
Upon his election in 2015, he was the youngest alderman on the City Council at the time and among the youngest in Chicago's history,<ref>{{cite web |last=Cox |first=Ted |title=Who Was Chicago's Youngest Alderman? A Famous Future Colonel Won at Age 23 |url=http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150302/loop/who-was-chicagos-youngest-alderman-famous-future-colonel-won-at-age-23 |work=DNAinfo Chicago |date=9 January 2009 |access-date=16 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304134211/http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150302/loop/who-was-chicagos-youngest-alderman-famous-future-colonel-won-at-age-23 |archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> and one of the city's first two openly LGBT Latino councilors alongside colleague Raymond Lopez.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/May-2015/Carlos-Ramirez-Rosa/ |title=Carlos Ramirez-Rosa on Being a Young, Gay, Latino Alderman |website=Chicago Magazine |date=May 4, 2015 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508185600/http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/May-2015/Carlos-Ramirez-Rosa/ |archive-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref> After a year as alderman, ''Crain's Chicago Business'' distinguished Ramirez-Rosa as a member of their 2016 "Twenty in their 20s" class.<ref>{{cite web|title=Crain's Chicago Business Twenty in their 20s|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/section/20s-profile?recipient=Rosa|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> In 2023, Crain's Chicago Business distinguished Ramirez-Rosa as one of that year's "40 Under 40."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Crain's 40 Under 40, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa |work=Crain's Chicago Business |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/carlos-ramirez-rosa-40-under-40-2023}}</ref> He was a member of the Chicago City Council's Progressive Reform Caucus,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=http://chicagoprogressivecaucus.com/who-we-are/ |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=chicagoprogressivecaucus.com}}</ref> Latino Caucus,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caucus Members |url=https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about/caucus/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420091819/https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about/caucus/ |archive-date=2021-04-20 |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=Chicago City Council Latino Caucus |language=en}}</ref> the LGBT Caucus,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vivanco |first=Leonor |date=3 August 2015 |title=What to know about Chicago's LGBT Caucus |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-chicago-council-lgbt-caucus-20150714-story.html |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=chicagotribune.com}}</ref> and the inaugural chair and dean of the council's Democratic Socialist Caucus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Corey |date=2021-07-26 |title=The Democratic Socialist Caucus Gets to Work |url=https://southsideweekly.com/democratic-socialist-caucus/ |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=South Side Weekly |language=en-US}}</ref>
During the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, Ramirez-Rosa served as the Illinois State Vice-chair for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bernie Sanders taps Illinois co-chairs, including Chicago aldermen |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-bernie-sanders-illinois-chairs-20200219-6b2drd3pnfbt3o3m6os4rxz3iq-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=February 19, 2020 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
After Ramirez-Rosa resigned from the City Council to assume leadership of the Chicago Park District, Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel Quezada to fill the vacant 35th Ward seat, and the Chicago City Council confirmed the appointment in April 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Brandon Johnson Selects Anthony Joel Quezada to Fill 35th Ward Aldermanic Vacancy |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/april/Anthony-Joel-Quezada-to-Fill-35-Ward-Ald-Vacancy.html |website=City of Chicago |date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Anthony Quezada Confirmed as 35th Ward Alderperson by Chicago City Council |url=https://news.wttw.com/2025/04/07/anthony-quezada-confirmed-35th-ward-alderperson-chicago-city-council |work=WTTW News |date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
=== City budget and property tax rebate === In 2015, Ramirez-Rosa opposed Mayor Rahm Emanuel's record $589 million property tax increase, arguing that the city should have "emptied out hundreds of millions in TIF funds before raising property taxes and fees on Chicago's working families."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who Voted 'No' On Rahm's Property Tax Increase? The (Short) List|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151028/downtown/who-votes-no-on-rahms-property-tax-increase-short-list|access-date=2021-04-02|website=DNAinfo Chicago|archive-date=2020-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219070451/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151028/downtown/who-votes-no-on-rahms-property-tax-increase-short-list/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa voted no on Mayor Emanuel's 2016 budget proposal and property tax increase. After the property tax increase passed, Ramirez-Rosa proposed a $35 million property tax rebate for struggling homeowners.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-07-18|title=Activists, Aldermen Want Property Tax Rebate For Renters|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/07/18/activists-aldermen-want-property-tax-rebate-for-renters/|access-date=2021-04-02|language=en-US}}</ref> Ultimately, Ramirez-Rosa joined with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to sponsor and pass a $21 million property tax rebate program.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Chicago City Council Approves $21 Million Property Tax Rebate Program|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-city-council-approves-21-million-property-tax-rebate/2009562/|access-date=2021-04-02|website=NBC Chicago|language=en-US}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa said of the compromise: "this proposal ensures that the poorest homeowners who see the largest property-tax increase get the maximum rebate."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Property Tax Rebate Backed By Rahm Averages $150 To Households Under $75K|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160714/downtown/property-tax-rebate-backed-by-rahm-averages-150-households-under-75k|access-date=2021-04-06|website=DNAinfo Chicago|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304153931/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160714/downtown/property-tax-rebate-backed-by-rahm-averages-150-households-under-75k/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In November 2019, Ramirez-Rosa was one of eleven aldermen to vote against Mayor Lori Lightfoot's first budget.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Spielman|first1=Fran|date=26 November 2019|title=City Council approves Lightfoot's $11.6 billion budget — with 11 'no' votes|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2019/11/26/20983774/chicago-city-council-lightfoot-budget-vote|access-date=2 February 2020|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}</ref> He joined all five other members of the Socialist Caucus in signing a letter to Lightfoot which criticized her budget for "an over-reliance on property taxes" and "regressive funding models" that are "burdensome to our working-class citizens, while giving the wealthy and large corporations a pass."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bremer|first1=Shelby|date=26 November 2019|title=Chicago City Council Passes Lightfoot's Budget Proposal|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/lightfoot-budget-city-council-vote/2161693/|access-date=2 February 2020|publisher=NBC Chicago}}</ref>
In November 2024, Ramirez-Rosa was among Chicago City Council members who voted against Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed $300 million property tax increase during negotiations over the city's 2025 budget.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Council Votes Unanimously to Reject Mayor's $300M Property Tax Hike Proposal |url=https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/14/city-council-votes-unanimously-reject-mayor-s-300m-property-tax-hike-proposal |website=WTTW News |date=November 14, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
=== Chicago Immigration Policy Working Group === In August 2015, Ramirez-Rosa was a founding member of the Chicago Immigration Policy Working Group.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-08-19|title=Immigration Working Group Pitches Six Point Plan to Make Chicago 'Most Immigrant Friendly'|url=https://thedailyline.net/chicago/08/19/2015/immigration-working-group-pitches-six-point-plan-make-chicago-immigrant-friendly/|access-date=2021-04-02|website=The Daily Line|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127221657/https://thedailyline.net/chicago/08/19/2015/immigration-working-group-pitches-six-point-plan-make-chicago-immigrant-friendly/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa and the working group successfully pushed the City of Chicago to provide free or low-cost legal assistance to Chicagoans facing deportation,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schulte|first=Sarah|date=2016-12-14|title=City Council approves $1.3M legal fund for immigrants facing deportation|url=https://abc7chicago.com/1656686/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en}}</ref> provide support for DACA applicants, expand language access, and create a municipal ID.<ref name="southsideweekly.com">{{Cite web|last1=Ramirez-Rosa|first1=Carlos|last2=Sobrevilla|first2=Xanat|date=2021-02-23|title=Op-Ed: How Undocumented Chicagoans Are Ensuring a True Sanctuary City|url=http://southsideweekly.com/op-ed-how-undocumented-chicagoans-are-ensuring-a-true-sanctuary-city/|access-date=2021-04-02|website=South Side Weekly|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, Ramirez-Rosa and the working group succeeded in removing the carveouts from Chicago's sanctuary city ordinance, ensuring the Chicago Police Department could not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in any case.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chicago Socialists Led the Way in Expanding Undocumented Immigrant Protections|url=https://jacobinmag.com/2021/03/chicago-ice-police-welcoming-city-sanctuary|access-date=2021-04-02|website=jacobinmag.com|language=en-US}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa co-sponsored the successful measure alongside Mayor Lori Lightfoot. He first introduced the measure to remove the carveouts in 2017.<ref name="southsideweekly.com"/>
=== Housing and development === Throughout his tenure on the Council, Ramirez-Rosa supported and advanced several affordable housing developments in his ward. Among them was the Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments, a 100-unit, all-affordable transit-oriented development built on a former city-owned parking lot adjacent to the Logan Square Blue Line station. Developed by Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, the project includes units affordable to households earning below 60 percent of the area median income and was named in honor of labor organizer Lucy Gonzalez Parsons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Logan Square's 100 Percent Affordable Housing Proposal Wins Support From Key City Panel |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/10/17/logan-squares-100-percent-affordable-housing-proposal-wins-support-from-key-city-panel/ |work=Block Club Chicago |date=October 17, 2019 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Affordable Apartments Near Logan Square Blue Line Station Named After Labor Icon Lucy Parsons |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/06/14/affordable-apartments-near-logan-square-blue-line-station-named-after-lucy-parsons/ |work=Block Club Chicago |date=June 14, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In Albany Park, Ramirez-Rosa supported the construction of the Oso Apartments, a 48-unit, all-affordable housing development located near Montrose and Kimball avenues.<ref>{{cite news |title=100 Percent Affordable Housing Development Breaks Ground In Albany Park |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/10/12/100-percent-affordable-housing-development-breaks-ground-in-albany-park/ |work=Block Club Chicago |date=October 12, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
After a fire destroyed the Independence Branch Library in Irving Park, Ramirez-Rosa supported rebuilding the library at a new site co-located with affordable housing, combining a new public library with residential units for low-income seniors.<ref>{{cite news |title=After Irving Park Fire, Residents Want New Library |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/6/24/18423934/after-irving-park-fire-residents-want-new-library |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=June 24, 2016 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Independence Library To Get A Permanent Home, And Some Live-In Patrons |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20161021/irving-park/independence-park-library-get-permanent-home-officials-say |website=DNAinfo Chicago |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108101608/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20161021/irving-park/independence-park-library-get-permanent-home-officials-say |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In addition to supporting affordable housing, Ramirez-Rosa has advocated for rent control.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-25|title=To combat gentrification, state should lift ban on rent control|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/forum-ideas-housing/combat-gentrification-state-should-lift-ban-rent-control|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Crain's Chicago Business|language=en}}</ref> In 2021, he sponsored successful ordinances to establish minimum density requirements,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-27|title=Plan To Block Apartment Buildings From Being Turned Into Single-Family Homes Along 606 And In Pilsen Advances|url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/27/plan-to-block-apartment-buildings-from-being-turned-into-single-family-homes-along-606-and-in-pilsen-advances/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Block Club Chicago|language=en}}</ref> and a demolition impact fee for portions of his ward facing high displacement. Ramirez-Rosa argued these ordinances would help preserve naturally-occurring affordable housing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Spielman|first=Fran|date=2021-02-24|title=Demolition surcharge proposed to preserve affordable housing in Pilsen, along 606 trail|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2021/2/24/22299462/demolition-surcharge-pilsen-606-trail-affordable-housing-gentrification-wicker-humboldt-logan|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}</ref>
In September 2024, the City Council approved Ramirez-Rosa's Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance, expanding and codifying anti-displacement protections in portions of Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and West Town. The ordinance strengthened protections for multi-unit residential buildings by restricting demolitions and limiting conversions of multi-unit buildings into single-family homes. It also established tenant purchase protections by providing tenants with a right of first refusal when their building is offered for sale.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Council OKs New Rules to Fight Gentrification, Displacement on Northwest Side |url=https://news.wttw.com/2024/09/19/city-council-oks-new-rules-fight-gentrification-displacement-northwest-side |website=WTTW News |date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In November 2018, he supported the creation of the First Nations Garden on a large city-owned lot in his ward.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carrico|first=Natalya|title='We're still here'|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/tipi-first-nations-garden-albany-park/Content?oid=69017988|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Reader|date=18 March 2019|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213172436/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/tipi-first-nations-garden-albany-park/Content?oid=69017988|url-status=dead}}</ref> The First Nations Garden was created by American Indian youth as a place to heal and connect back to nature. The garden was inaugurated with a land acknowledgement ceremony that included a Chicago City Council resolution passed by Ramirez-Rosa that acknowledged Chicago as an "indigenous landscape."<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Community Garden Aims to Shed Light on Urban Indians|url=https://news.wttw.com/2019/06/18/new-first-nations-garden-albany-park|access-date=2021-04-03|website=WTTW News|language=en}}</ref>
In 2020, Ramirez-Rosa supported the legalization of accessory dwelling units in much of his ward.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-18|title=SBC's Steven Vance helped pass "granny flats" ordinance, enabling new affordable housing|url=https://chi.streetsblog.org/2020/12/18/sbcs-steven-vance-helped-pass-granny-flats-ordinance-enabling-new-affordable-housing/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Streetsblog Chicago|language=en-US}}</ref> He supported historic preservationist efforts in his district, including the allocation of $250,000 in public landmark funds to help restore Logan Square's Minnekirken.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-05|title=Logan Square's Historic 'Red Church' Getting $250,000 City Grant For Restoration|url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/03/05/logan-squares-historic-red-church-getting-250000-city-grant-for-restoration/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Block Club Chicago|language=en}}</ref>
Ramirez-Rosa worked with community organizations and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development on rezoning initiatives along Milwaukee Avenue, including sponsoring the Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District, which established design guidelines intended to preserve the corridor's historic character while allowing context-sensitive development aligned with existing neighborhood patterns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/milwaukee-avenue/home/study-background.html |website=City of Chicago |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In May 2024, Ramirez-Rosa broke ground on a more than $27 million Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Square redesign project — previously known as the Logan Square Bicentennial Improvement Project — which reconfigured the historic Logan Square traffic circle, rerouted Kedzie Avenue, and added new pedestrian and public spaces, a change he championed through a multi-year community input and design process involving Chicago Department of Transportation and Logan Square community organizations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Johnson Announces Streetscape Improvement Project for Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Square |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2024/may/streetscape-improvement-project.html |website=City of Chicago |date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Logan Square Traffic Circle Redesign Project Breaks Ground |url=https://www.logansquarepreservation.org/after-15-years-logan-square-traffic-circle-redesign-project-breaks-ground |website=Logan Square Preservation |date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
=== Participatory democracy === Ramirez-Rosa has consistently expressed his belief in participatory democracy as central to his work as a democratic socialist elected official. In 2017, he told The Nation Magazine: "I'm a big believer that we can build socialism from below. We need to create these opportunities for working people to hold the reins of power and govern themselves."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Guttenplan|first=D. D.|date=2017-07-13|title=This Chicago Politician Is Showing How to Govern From the Left|journal=The Nation|language=en-US|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/meet-chicagos-movement-politician/|access-date=2021-04-03|issn=0027-8378}}</ref> Likewise, in 2017, he told Jacobin magazine: "democratic socialism means that the people govern every facet of their lives, whether it be the economic structure or the government that's determining the policies that impact their lives."<ref name="Carlos Rosa's Political Capital">{{Cite web|title=Carlos Rosa's Political Capital|url=https://jacobinmag.com/2017/09/carlos-rosa-chicago-bds-democratic-party|access-date=2021-04-03|website=jacobinmag.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
As part of this approach, Ramirez-Rosa helped found United Neighbors of the 35th Ward (UN35), a neighborhood-based political organization active in his ward.<ref>{{cite web |title=United Neighbors of the 35th Ward |url=https://convergencemag.com/articles/united-neighbors-35th-ward/ |website=Convergence Magazine |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref> ''In These Times'' described UN35 as an "independent political organization," engaging residents in collective decision-making and electoral activity, and noted that Ramirez-Rosa viewed his City Council seat as an extension of community base-building and co-governance rather than a solely individual mandate.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Socialist Chicago alderpersons are experimenting with co-governance |url=https://inthesetimes.com/article/socialist-chicago-alderperson-cogovernance-ipos-rossana-rodriguez-carlos-rosa |magazine=In These Times |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref>
In 2019, Ramirez-Rosa explained to writer Micah Uetricht how he seeks to put participatory democracy into action in his elected office: "In the thirty-fifth ward we have what we call 'people-power initiatives.' To date, those are three programs that we run through my office. They seek to show people's ability to govern themselves and collectively come together and make decisions. We don't need the Donald Trumps of the world, the Jeff Bezoses of the world... telling us what our communities should look like or how we should live our lives. We collectively, from the grassroots, from below, can determine our own destiny."<ref name="jacobinmag.com">{{Cite web|title="Let's Build a Fighting Force on the City Council"|url=https://jacobinmag.com/2019/06/carlos-rosa-chicago-city-council-socialist-caucus|access-date=2021-04-03|website=jacobinmag.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
The three "people-power initiatives" Ramirez-Rosa supported through his elected office were "community-driven zoning and development" - a local participatory planning process,<ref name="jacobinmag.com"/><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-02-12|title=Fighting the Status Quo: A Conversation with Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa|url=https://logansquarist.com/2019/02/12/fighting-status-quo-conversation-alderman-carlos-ramirez-rosa/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=LoganSquarist|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kapp-Klote|first=H.|date=2020-01-17|title=Under Fire, Aldermanic Prerogative Is Turned to Democratic Ends|url=https://shelterforce.org/2020/01/17/under-fire-aldermanic-prerogative-is-turned-to-democratic-ends/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Shelterforce|language=en-US}}</ref> participatory budgeting for the allocation of infrastructure improvement dollars,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-05-31|title=Ald. Ramirez-Rosa Kicks Off 35th Ward's 2018 Participatory Budgeting Campaign|url=https://logansquarist.com/2017/05/30/ald-ramirez-rosa-kicks-35th-wards-2018-participatory-budgeting-campaign/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=LoganSquarist|language=en-US}}</ref> and a local rapid-response deportation defense network called the "community defense committee." The "community defense committee" distributed immigration know-your-rights cards door-to-door, organized know-your-rights trainings, and trained ward residents in how to engage in civil disobedience to stop deportations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Issa|first=Nader|date=2019-06-21|title=With Chicago's immigrant communities fearing anticipated ICE raids, aldermen and organizers help prepare|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/21/18701580/ice-raids-chicago-immigration-arrests|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Issa|first=Nader|date=2019-06-22|title=Communities organized against ICE raids to remain 'vigilant' following Trump reversal|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/22/18713774/communities-organized-against-ice-raids-to-remain-vigilant-following-trump-reversal|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 8, 2019|first=Aída|last=Chávez|title=Socialists on Chicago City Council Fight for Affordable Housing, Immigrant Rights|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/07/08/socialism-conference-chicago-city-council/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=The Intercept|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-19|title=35th Ward's Immigrant-Defense Efforts Expand Across City|url=https://logansquarist.com/2019/08/19/35th-wards-immigrant-defense-efforts-expand-city/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=LoganSquarist|language=en-US}}</ref>
Ramirez-Rosa has also called himself a "movement elected official," stating his "role is to be an organizer on the inside for those movements that are organizing people-power bases on the outside."<ref name="Carlos Rosa's Political Capital"/>
=== Police reform and No Cop Academy campaign === In 2016, Ramirez-Rosa worked with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression to introduce the Chicago Police Accountability Council (CPA) ordinance. The ordinance sought to enact civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department via an all-elected civilian body. Ramirez-Rosa said the ordinance "could be a model for true police accountability reform across the country."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chambers|first=Bill|date=2016-07-20|title=Chicago Alderman Carlos Rosa to Introduce Community Control of Police Resolution|url=https://chicagomonitor.com/2016/07/chicago-alderman-carlos-rosa-to-introduce-community-control-of-police-resolution/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Monitor|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, Ramirez-Rosa led efforts to join the CPAC ordinance with a rival civilian oversight ordinance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toomey |first=Shamus |date=2021-03-19 |title=Rival Civilian Oversight Plans For Police Department Join Forces For 'People's Ordinance' |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/03/19/rival-civilian-oversight-plans-for-police-department-join-forces-for-peoples-ordinance/ |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en}}</ref> The new ordinance – Empowering Communities for Public Safety – passed the Chicago City Council on July 21, 2021; Ramirez-Rosa was a chief sponsor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Frank |date=2021-08-04 |title=Empowering communities key to public safety in Chicago |url=https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/empowering-communities-key-to-public-safety-in-chicago/ |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=People's World |language=en-US}}</ref> The passage of the ordinance led to the historic election of 66 civilians in the 2023 Chicago municipal election to serve as police district councilors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-03 |title=New Police District Council members sworn in |url=https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/new-police-district-council-members-sworn-in |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=www.audacy.com |language=en}}</ref>
In December 2017, Ramirez-Rosa was the sole member of the Chicago City Council to support the No Cop Academy campaign, a grassroots abolitionist effort to stop the city from spending $95 million on a new police academy building and instead spend that money on education, after-school programs, job training, and social services.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dukmasova|first=Maya|title=The activists and the aldermen: The #NoCopAcademy campaign's crash course in Chicago civics|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2017/12/20/the-activists-and-the-aldermen-the-nocopacademy-campaigns-crash-course-in-chicago-civics|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Reader|language=en}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa would explain his support of the No Cop Academy campaign as follows: "police violence has cost Chicagoans $662 million in settlements since 2004, and CPD is funded to a tune of $4 million per day, $1.5 billion per year. Our nation has witnessed the magnitude of police crimes in the City of Chicago with the murders of Rekia Boyd and Laquan McDonald. The Chicago Police Department is not lacking in resources, it is lacking in accountability and oversight. The $95 million that the City is projected to spend on this new cop academy should be invested in jobs, education, youth programs, and mental health services, not a new shooting range and swimming pool for police.”<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-05-25|title=Alderman Ramirez-Rosa Stands to Defer Cop Academy Vote in Favor of Working Families|url=https://logansquarist.com/2018/05/24/carlos-ramirez-rosa-stands-defer-cop-academy-vote-favor-working-families/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=LoganSquarist|language=en-US}}</ref>
In May 2018, after successfully delaying a vote on the new police academy, Ramirez-Rosa was expelled from the Chicago City Council's Latino Caucus.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahern|first=Mary Ann|date=24 May 2018|title=Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Votes to Expel Ald. Ramirez-Rosa|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/carlos-ramirez-rosa-expelled-chicago-latino-caucus-483608571.html|access-date=18 January 2019|work=NBCChicago.com}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Duffy|first=Sean|date=2018-06-08|title=#NoCopAcademy vs. City Hall|url=https://midwestsocialist.com/2018/06/08/nocopacademy-vs-city-hall/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Midwest Socialist|language=en-US}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa was later readmitted to the Latino Caucus after public outcry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Latino Caucus Should Stop Being Anti-Black|url=https://action.mijente.net/petitions/latino-caucus-should-stop-being-anti-black-and-vote-against-the-cop-academy|access-date=25 January 2019}}.</ref>
In 2020, in the wake of George Floyd protests, Ramirez-Rosa helped dozens of Black Lives Matter protesters recover their bikes which had been confiscated by the Chicago Police.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-03|title=Ramirez-Rosa's office recovers 22 more bikes CPD confiscated from racial justice protesters|url=https://chi.streetsblog.org/2020/09/03/ramirez-rosas-office-recovers-22-more-bikes-cpd-confiscated-from-racial-justice-protesters/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Streetsblog Chicago|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dozens of Protesters Reunited with Bicycles Confiscated by Police in July|url=https://news.wttw.com/2020/08/23/dozens-protesters-reunited-bicycles-confiscated-police-july|access-date=2021-04-05|website=WTTW News|language=en}}</ref>
=== Pandemic response === In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramirez-Rosa used his aldermanic office's resources to initiate and support neighborhood mutual aid networks, and to target support to communities most impacted by the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-17|title=Hermosa Residents At Higher Risk Of Infection, Economic Stress Than Logan Square Residents, Data Show|url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/04/17/hermosa-residents-at-higher-risk-of-infection-economic-stress-than-logan-square-residents-aldermans-office-finds/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Block Club Chicago|language=en}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa's office distributed a bilingual newsletter to 7,000 ward households to provide residents with information on unemployment insurance and resources available to support them during the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-04-20|title=Chicago Alderman Uses Old Fashioned Way To Get Information Out On COVID-19|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/04/20/chicago-alderman-uses-an-old-fashioned-way-to-get-information-out-on-covid-19/|access-date=2021-04-03|language=en-US}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa joined with his socialist colleagues to call for a pandemic response that prioritized "the most vulnerable."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-03-16|title=If we want everybody to stay home during a coronavirus crisis, we need deep change to make that possible|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/3/16/21181845/chicago-city-council-progressive-caucus-democratic-socialists-coronavirus-illinois-recovery-all|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}</ref> He also worked to expand Chicago's emergency rental assistance to undocumented Chicagoans.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-03-27|title=COVID-19 Ramirez-Rosa urges undocumented locals to apply for housing help - Windy City Times News|url=https://www.windycitytimes.com/lgbt/COVID-19-Ramirez-Rosa-urges-undocumented-locals-to-apply-for-housing-help/68258.html|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Windy City Times}}</ref> In December 2020, he helped bring the One Fair Wage High Road Kitchens program to Chicago, which provided grants to restaurants who committed to transition to a full minimum wage with tips on top.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-18|title=Non-Profit 'One Fair Wage' Offering $1 Million In Grants To Struggling Chicago Restaurants|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/12/18/non-profit-one-fair-wage-offering-1-million-in-grants-to-struggling-chicago-restaurants/|access-date=2021-04-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Economic justice and workers' rights === Ramirez-Rosa has advocated for the raising of Chicago's minimum wage to a living wage, and other measures in support of workers' rights. He was a sponsor of the successful Fair Workweek ordinance to provide hourly-workers with stability in their work schedules.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Office of the City Clerk - Record #: SO2019-3928|url=https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3964374&GUID=52BA6EC6-9561-4581-87E2-51C8F279DE2D&Options=Advanced&Search=|access-date=2021-04-03|website=chicago.legistar.com}}</ref> He also sponsored the ordinance to raise Chicago's minimum wage to $15.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Office of the City Clerk - Record #: O2019-4153|url=https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3980324&GUID=AD87B7F0-8B52-49CA-A7B5-A1A14B1A3199|access-date=2021-04-03|website=chicago.legistar.com}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa also worked to create a municipal Office of Labor Standards to protect Chicago workers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-02-24|title=Chicago needs to better enforce labor ordinances, aldermen and advocates say|url=https://www.chicagoreporter.com/chicago-needs-to-better-enforce-labor-ordinances-aldermen-and-advocates-say/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chicago Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref>
On October 4, 2018, Ramirez-Rosa was arrested at a Fight for $15 protest outside McDonald's global headquarters in the West Loop. He was arrested alongside striking workers as they blocked the entrance to the building in an act of civil disobedience. The McDonald's workers were demanding a $15 wage and a union.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/cdrosa/status/1047937261579456515 |title=Courage is a fast food worker in the FightFor15 shutting down... |author=Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa |date=October 4, 2018 |website=Twitter |access-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005074036/https://twitter.com/cdrosa/status/1047937261579456515 |archive-date=October 5, 2018}}</ref> Ramirez-Rosa has spoken at several Fight for $15 demonstrations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Low Wage Fast Food Workers Begin 2 Days Of #FF15 Protests|url=https://chicagoist.com/article/undefined|access-date=2021-04-03|website=The Chicagoist|archive-date=2017-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106193205/https://chicagoist.com/2013/12/02/the_gathering_of_the_juggalos_leavi.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Kari|last=Lydersen|date=2017-05-24|title=Thousands of protesters brand McDonald's the 'Trump of corporations'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/may/24/mcdonalds-chicago-protest-low-wages-harassment-trump|access-date=2021-04-03|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
In 2017, Ramirez-Rosa sponsored and passed an ordinance to designate Kedzie Avenue in his ward as "Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Way," in honor of the late labor organizer and founder of the IWW union. Parsons lived off Kedzie Avenue at 3130 N. Troy. At an honorary street sign unveiling event held on May 1, 2017, International Workers' Day, Ramirez-Rosa said: "The conditions Lucy and other workers were facing... are not too different from the conditions we're facing now. Today we honor Lucy Gonzalez Parsons because she taught us the way, she taught us that you don't take it sitting down, you don't live on your knees, you rise up and you fight back."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chicago Woman Who Led 1st May Day Parade In 1886 Honored With Street Sign|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170501/avondale/lucy-gonzalez-parsons-street-sign-avondale-may-day-1886-labor-organizer|access-date=2021-04-06|website=DNAinfo Chicago|archive-date=2021-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206201515/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170501/avondale/lucy-gonzalez-parsons-street-sign-avondale-may-day-1886-labor-organizer/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2023, Ramirez-Rosa played a central role in the passage of Chicago's One Fair Wage ordinance, which raised the hourly pay for hospitality workers by phasing tipped workers up to the full minimum wage while allowing tips to remain in addition to wages. The policy aligned Chicago with other U.S. jurisdictions that have ended separate wage standards for tipped and non-tipped workers and represented one of the most significant labor policy changes adopted by the City Council in decades.<ref name="JacobinFloorLeader2023">{{Cite web |title=A Victory for the Right on Chicago's City Council |url=https://jacobin.com/2023/11/chicago-city-council-carlos-ramirez-rosa-brandon-johnson-conservatives-right |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=Jacobin |language=en-US}}</ref>
Ramirez-Rosa had supported One Fair Wage legislation for several years as an alderperson and, in 2023, served as a key negotiator and vote counter as City Council Floor Leader. In that role, he worked to secure majority support for the ordinance amid opposition from restaurant industry groups and helped shepherd the measure through the legislative process as part of a broader labor reform package that expanded paid leave and strengthened workplace protections for Chicago workers.<ref name="TRiiBESanctuary2023">{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Tonia |date=2023-12-14 |title=Unpacking the underlying political tensions driving the effort to repeal Chicago's sanctuary status |url=https://thetriibe.com/2023/12/efforts-to-repeal-chicagos-sanctuary-status-is-sowing-discord-between-black-and-latinx-communities/ |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=The TRiiBE |language=en}}</ref>
=== LGBTQ rights and bodily autonomy === In 2016, Ramirez-Rosa sponsored a successful measure to ensure transgender persons had the right to access the public bathroom of their choice.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Debate on Transgender Access to Public Restrooms Heats Up|url=https://news.wttw.com/2016/05/18/debate-transgender-access-public-restrooms-heats|access-date=2021-04-03|website=WTTW News|language=en}}</ref> During City Council debate on the ordinance, Ramirez-Rosa said: "We must do everything we can to legislate love and to reject hate... we can legislate love because we can show that as a city, we will not discriminate against our trans-sisters and brothers, that we will allow equality to reign supreme when it comes to access to public accommodations.”<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-06-27|title=Chicago removes ID requirement for transgender restroom users|url=https://chronicleillinois.com/news/cook-county-news/chicago-removes-id-requirement-transgender-restroom-users/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Chronicle Media|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2022, Ramirez-Rosa supported and helped advance Chicago's Bodily Autonomy Ordinance, which strengthened abortion rights by limiting city cooperation with out-of-state investigations related to abortion care and certain forms of gender-affirming healthcare that are legal in Illinois.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Council Passes Bodily Autonomy Ordinance |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2022/december/bodily-autonomy-ordinance.html |website=City of Chicago |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In 2024, following Ramirez-Rosa's advocacy, Mayor Brandon Johnson established a Transfemicide Working Group by executive order to develop recommendations addressing violence against transgender women and gender-diverse people; the Council later adopted Ramirez-Rosa's ordinance codifying the mayor's executive order.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Johnson Establishes Transfemicide Working Group |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2024/june/transfemicide-working-group.html |website=City of Chicago |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
=== Council leadership roles and controversy === Throughout his tenure on the Chicago City Council, Ramirez-Rosa served in several leadership roles, including chair of the Democratic Socialist Caucus, vice chair of the Latino Caucus, and as a board member of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Corey |date=2021-07-26 |title=The Democratic Socialist Caucus Gets to Work |url=https://southsideweekly.com/democratic-socialist-caucus/ |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=South Side Weekly |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/board |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> From May to November 2023, he served as Mayor Brandon Johnson's City Council Floor Leader and chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago City Council Votes 41-9 to Ratify Johnson's Picks for Leadership Team |url=https://news.wttw.com/2023/05/24/chicago-city-council-votes-41-9-ratify-johnson-s-picks-leadership-team |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=WTTW News |language=en}}</ref>
In November 2023, amid heightened tensions related to a proposed referendum on Chicago's sanctuary city ordinance during the city's migrant crisis, a procedural dispute occurred on the City Council floor. Following the adjournment of a special meeting called by opponents of the ordinance, Alderman Raymond Lopez alleged that Ramirez-Rosa had physically assaulted Alderman Emma Mitts in an effort to prevent a quorum from being reached.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-03 |title=Alderperson's manhandling allegation caps 's- - - show' City Council meeting |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2023/11/3/23945400/ray-lopez-carlos-ramirez-rosa-emma-mitts-city-council-assault-allegation |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}</ref>
Ramirez-Rosa denied the allegation, and video footage released shortly thereafter showed him briefly touching Mitts' arm and standing in her path before moving aside, without evidence of physical assault.<ref name="TRiiBESanctuary2023"/> Mitts later accepted Ramirez-Rosa's apology on the City Council floor, and a motion to censure him failed, with both Mitts and Mayor Brandon Johnson voting against censure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ald. Mitts accepts Ramirez-Rosa's apology following last week's bullying allegations |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/ald-mitts-accepts-ramirez-rosas-apology-following-last-weeks-bullying-allegations/3271975/ |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref>
Following the incident, Ramirez-Rosa resigned from his City Council leadership roles but continued to serve as an alderperson. Progressive elected officials and community leaders characterized the episode leading to his leadership resignation as politically motivated and tied to broader opposition to a progressive legislative agenda, including sanctuary city protections and labor reforms.<ref name="JacobinFloorLeader2023"/><ref name="TRiiBESanctuary2023" />
== Chicago Park District Superintendency ==
In February 2025, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his support for Ramirez-Rosa to serve as General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Park District, and the Park District Board of Commissioners confirmed the appointment; he assumed the role in April 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Brandon Johnson Picks Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa to Lead Chicago Parks |url=https://news.wttw.com/2025/02/28/brandon-johnson-picks-ald-carlos-ramirez-rosa-lead-chicago-parks |website=WTTW News |date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as General Superintendent & CEO of the Chicago Park District |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/february/Carlos-Ramirez-Rosa-Superintendent-Chicago-Park-District.html |website=City of Chicago |date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
During Ramirez-Rosa's first summer as general superintendent, the Park District announced that all 50 of its outdoor pools would operate seven days a week for the summer season, marking the first time the District had maintained daily outdoor pool service since the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |title=It's Pool Season and the Chicago Park District's 50 Outdoor Pools are Ready to Make a Splash 7 Days a Week! |website=Chicago Park District |date=June 2025 |url=https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/about-us/news/its-pool-season-and-chicago-park-districts-50-outdoor-pools-are-ready-make-splash-7 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Public Pools, Public Fun, and the Climate Race |url=https://jacobin.com/2025/08/public-pools-climate-race-disinvestment |work=Jacobin |date=August 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
Under Ramirez-Rosa's leadership, the Park District partnered with city officials and community stakeholders to move forward with plans to convert the Calumet Harbor Confined Disposal Facility (CDF), a site that had been the subject of longstanding environmental concern, into future lakefront parkland known as Park #608, including initial funding for community planning activities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Army Corps Drops Plan to Expand Toxic Dump on Lake Michigan |url=https://news.wttw.com/2025/03/11/army-corps-drops-plan-expand-toxic-dump-lake-michigan |website=WTTW News |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Toxic Dump Set for Transformation Into Chicago's Next Lakefront Destination, Introducing Park 608 |url=https://news.wttw.com/2025/11/12/toxic-dump-set-transformation-chicago-s-next-lakefront-destination-introducing-park-608 |website=WTTW News |date=November 12, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Johnson, Park CEO Ramirez-Rosa Join Community Leaders to Announce Calumet Park Redevelopment |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/november/calumet-park-redevelopment.html |website=City of Chicago |date=November 12, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In November 2025, Ramirez-Rosa presented the Park District's proposed 2026 operating budget to the Board of Commissioners with priorities aimed at expanding programming and addressing infrastructure needs; Ramirez-Rosa's proposal was unanimously approved by the Park District Board of Commissioners at their December 2025 meeting.<ref>{{cite web |title=Park District Superintendent and CEO Ramirez-Rosa Presents 2026 Proposed Budget |url=https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/about-us/news/park-district-superintendent-and-ceo-ramirez-rosa-presents-2026-proposed-budget |website=Chicago Park District |date=November 19, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago Park District Budget Proposal Aims to Tackle New Projects, Address Homeless |url=https://news.wttw.com/2025/11/25/chicago-park-district-budget-proposal-aims-tackle-new-projects-address-homeless |website=WTTW News |date=November 25, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
Local reporting in 2025 noted tensions around immigration enforcement activity in and near public spaces, including parks; Ramirez-Rosa sent a letter urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Chicago to stop what he characterized as trespassing on Park District property in connection with summer cultural events in Humboldt Park. Subsequent action designated Chicago parks as “ICE-free zones,” and signage was posted at parks describing restrictions on the use of public property for civil immigration enforcement operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=In a charged political climate, Colombian Fest opens with a message for ICE: 'Cease and desist' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/07/18/colombian-fest-ice-fear-cease-and-desist |website=Chicago Sun-Times |date=July 18, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs “ICE Free Zone” Executive Order |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/october/city-property-executive-order.html |website=City of Chicago |date=October 6, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
During Ramirez-Rosa's tenure, the Park District adopted updates to its policies related to gender identity and gender expression, strengthening nondiscrimination protections and making explicit inclusive practices across District programs. In 2025, amid national debates over the display of LGBTQ Pride symbols by public institutions, the Park District raised Progress Pride flags at District facilities during Pride Month as part of its annual programming.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago Park District Board Meeting Agenda and Proceedings |url=https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/about-us/board-meetings |website=Chicago Park District |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
As general superintendent and CEO, Ramirez-Rosa serves in several ex officio governance roles associated with the Park District, including representing the Park District on the governing boards of the Adler Planetarium and in regional tourism promotion through Choose Chicago, as well as serving on the Chicago Plan Commission.<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Trustees |url=https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/support/board-of-trustees/ |website=Adler Planetarium |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.choosechicago.com/about-us/board-of-directors/ |website=Choose Chicago |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago Plan Commission |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/chicago_plan_commission.html.html |website=City of Chicago |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
== Electoral history ==
=== Aldermanic elections === {{Election box begin no change | title=Chicago 35th Ward aldermanic general election, 2015<ref name=summarygeneral2015>{{cite web|url=https://app.chicagoelections.com/documents/proclamations/Proc-2015-02-24.pdf |title=Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 24, 2015 Municipal General Election Held in Each of the Precincts in All of the Wards in the City of Chicago |publisher=Chicago Board of Elections |access-date=4 April 2025}}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Nonpartisan politician |candidate = Carlos Ramirez-Rosa |votes = 4,082 |percentage = 67.26 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Nonpartisan politician |candidate = Rey Colon (incumbent) |votes = 1,987 |percentage = 32.74 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 6,069 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title=Chicago 35th Ward aldermanic general election, 2019<ref name=summarygeneral2019>{{cite web|url=https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2023-12/Proc-2019-02-26.pdf|title=Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 26, 2019 Municipal General Election Held in Each of the Precinct in All of the Wards in the City of Chicago|publisher=Chicago Board of Elections |access-date=3 April 2025}}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Nonpartisan politician |candidate = Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (incumbent) |votes = 4,685 |percentage = 59.50 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Nonpartisan politician |candidate = Amanda Yu Dieterich |votes = 3,194 |percentage = 40.50 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 7,908 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title=Chicago 35th Ward aldermanic general election, 2023<ref name=summarygeneral2023>{{cite web|url=https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2023-12/Proc-2023-02-28.pdf|title=Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 28, 2023 Municipal General Election Held in Each of the Precinct in All of the Wards in the City of Chicago|publisher=Chicago Board of Elections |access-date=3 April 2025}}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Nonpartisan politician |candidate = Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (incumbent) |votes = 9,570 |percentage = 100 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 9,570 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}}
=== Democratic committeeman === Ramirez-Rosa served as 35th Ward Democratic Committeeman from 2016 to 2020. In 2019, he supported Anthony Joel Quezada to replace him as Democratic Committeeman in the March 2020 primary election. In 2022, upon Quezada's election to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Ramirez-Rosa was appointed to serve the remainder of Quezada's term as 35th Ward Democratic Committeeman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Progressive Groups Notched Victories in June Primaries. Now Their Focus Shifts to Chicago's 2023 Elections |url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/07/14/progressive-groups-notched-victories-june-primaries-now-their-focus-shifts-chicago-s-2023 |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=WTTW News |language=en}}</ref>
In March 2024, Ramirez-Rosa was elected to a full term as 35th Ward Democratic Committeeperson and also serves as sergeant-at-arms of the Cook County Democratic Party, an officer position on the party's executive committee.<ref>{{cite web |title=35th Ward |url=https://www.cookcountydems.com/ward_commttee_people/35th-ward/ |website=Cook County Democratic Party |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About |url=https://www.cookcountydems.com/about/ |website=Cook County Democratic Party |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In May 2025, Jessica Vasquez, who previously served as Ramirez-Rosa's chief of staff, was selected by local Democratic leaders to fill the Cook County Board of Commissioners vacancy created when County Commissioner Anthony Quezada was appointed to Ramirez-Rosa's vacancy on the Chicago City Council.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jessica Vasquez Picked to Fill Vacant 8th District Cook County Board Seat |url=https://news.wttw.com/2025/05/05/jessica-vasquez-picked-fill-vacant-8th-district-cook-county-board-seat |work=WTTW News |date=May 5, 2025 |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Vazquez appointed to 8th District County Board seat |url=https://chronicleillinois.com/news/cook-county-news/vazquez-appointed-to-8th-district-county-board-seat/ |work=Chronicle Illinois |date=May 5, 2025 |access-date=2026-01-11}}</ref> As Democratic committeeperson for the 35th Ward, Ramirez-Rosa was tasked with convening and presiding over the selection meeting, which included public participation and input from community members and local organizations before the appointment decision was finalized.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vasquez appointed to 8th District County Board seat |url=https://chronicleillinois.com/news/cook-county-news/vazquez-appointed-to-8th-district-county-board-seat/ |website=Chronicle Illinois |access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
=== Campaigns for higher office === Daniel Biss's selected Ramirez-Rosa as his running mate in the 2018 Illinois gubernatorial election on August 31, 2017.<ref name="Byrne">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-daniel-biss-carlos-ramirez-rosa-met-20170831-story.html|title=Biss selects freshman Chicago alderman as running mate|first=John|last=Byrne|work=Chicago Tribune|date=August 31, 2017}}</ref> Only six days later Biss dropped him from the ticket after his ally Brad Schneider rescinded his endorsement due to Ramirez-Rosa's support of the BDS Movement,<ref name="Pearson">{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-dan-biss-ramirez-rosa-israel-met-0907-20170906-story.html|work=The Chicago Tribune|title=Dem gov hopeful Biss drops running mate Ramirez-Rosa over Israel views|date=September 6, 2017|access-date=September 6, 2017|first=Rick|last=Pearson}}</ref> which seeks to impose comprehensive boycotts of Israel until it ends its human rights violations against the Palestinians.
After Luis Gutiérrez announced his retirement from Congress, Ramirez-Rosa announced his candidacy for Gutiérrez's seat, Illinois's 4th congressional district. Ramirez-Rosa withdrew on January 9, 2018, and endorsed Jesus "Chuy" Garcia that same day, citing his desire to not split the progressive vote in the Democratic primary.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Serrato|first=Jacqueline|title=Chuy Garcia gets progressive endorsement|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/hoy/ct-ramirez-rosa-endorses-chuy-garcia-for-congress-20180109-story.html|access-date=2021-03-19|website=chicagotribune.com}}</ref>
==See also== * Chicago aldermanic elections, 2015 * Chicago City Council * List of Democratic Socialists of America who have held office in the United States
==Footnotes== {{Reflist|2}}
==Further reading==
* Guttenplan, D. D. ''The Next Republic: The Rise of a New Radical Majority''. Seven Stories Press, 2019. * Micah Uetricht, [https://web.archive.org/web/20170930095103/https://jacobinmag.com/2017/09/carlos-rosa-chicago-bds-democratic-party "Carlos Rosa's Political Capital: An Interview with Carlos Ramirez-Rosa,"] ''Jacobin,'' September 2017. * Ben Joravsky [https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2018/05/24/why-did-carlos-ramirez-rosa-get-kicked-out-of-the-city-councils-latino-caucus "Why did Carlos Ramirez-Rosa get kicked out of the City Council's Latino Caucus?"] ''Chicago Reader'' May 2018.
== External links == * [http://www.carlosrosa.org/ Official website of Carlos Ramirez-Rosa] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20150319203307/http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150225/logan-square/carlos-ramirez-rosa-26-year-old-who-stormed-his-way-onto-city-council DNAinfo Profile of Alderman-Elect Carlos Rosa] * https://web.archive.org/web/20170616123957/http://www.chicagodsa.org/page9.html
{{Cook county democratic committeemen}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos}} Category:1989 births Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people Category:American LGBTQ city council members Category:Chicago City Council members Category:American gay politicians Category:Hispanic and Latino American city council members Category:Illinois socialists Category:Hispanic and Latino American LGBTQ people Category:LGBTQ people from Illinois Category:Living people Category:Members of the Democratic Socialists of America from Illinois Category:American politicians of Mexican descent Category:Hispanic and Latino American people in Illinois politics Category:Puerto Rican people in Illinois politics Category:University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni Category:Candidates in the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections Category:LGBTQ socialism Category:Chicago Park District people