{{short description|Legislative body for Chicago}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox legislature |name = Chicago City Council |coa_pic = |house_type = Unicameral |foundation = {{start date and age|1837|12|13}} |leader1_type = Mayor |leader1 = Brandon Johnson |party1 = (D) |election1 = May 15, 2023 |leader2_type = Vice Mayor |leader2 = ''Vacant'' |party2 = <!-- (D) --> |election2 = August 7, 2025 |leader3_type = President pro tempore |leader3 = Sam Nugent |party3 = (D) |election3 = May 15, 2023 |leader4_type = Floor Leader |leader4 = Jason Ervin |party4 = (D) |election4 = January 8, 2025 |leader5_type = Assistant President pro tempore |leader5 = Stephanie Coleman |party5 = (D) |election5 = May 15, 2023 |leader6_type = Secretary |leader6 = Anna Valencia |party6 = (D) |election6 = January 25, 2017 |seats = 50 |structure1 = Chicago City Council 2023.svg |structure1_res = 250px |political_groups1 = *{{nowrap|{{Color box|#3333FF|border=darkgray}} Democratic (48)}}{{efn|name=pledged|Aldermanic elections are officially nonpartisan; party affiliations are informational only.}} *{{nowrap|{{Color box|#DDDDDD|border=darkgray}} Independent (2)}} |voting_system1 = Two-round system |term_length = 4 years |last_election1 = 2023 |next_election1 = ''2027'' |session_room = Chicago City Council Chambers.jpg |meeting_place = Council Chambers in Chicago City Hall }} The '''Chicago City Council''' is the legislative branch of the government of the city of Chicago in Illinois. It consists of 50 alderpersons elected from 50 wards to serve four-year terms.<ref>{{cite web|title=65 ILCS 20/ Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941.|url=http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=006500200Hprec%2E+Sec%2E+21-22&ActID=803&ChapterID=14&SeqStart=2900000&SeqEnd=3200000|website=Illinois General Assembly – Illinois Compiled Statutes|access-date=April 8, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417132523/http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=006500200Hprec%2E+Sec%2E+21-22&ActID=803&ChapterID=14&SeqStart=2900000&SeqEnd=3200000|archive-date=April 17, 2015}}</ref> The council is called into session regularly, usually monthly, to consider ordinances, orders, and resolutions whose subject matter includes code changes, utilities, taxes, and many other issues. The Chicago City Council Chambers are located in Chicago City Hall, as are the downtown offices of the individual alderpersons and staff.
The presiding officer of the council is the mayor of Chicago, who is usually non-voting, except in rare cases, such as to break a tie. The secretary is the city clerk of Chicago. Both positions are city-wide elected offices. In the absence of the mayor, an alderperson is elected to the position of President Pro Tempore serves as the presiding officer.<ref name="g.angelo">{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicityclerk.com/city-council-news-central/council-agenda|title=About City Government & the Chicago City Council|author=G. Angelo|date=September 21, 2015|website=City Clerk of Chicago|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190036/https://www.chicityclerk.com/city-council-news-central/council-agenda|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Pratt">{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-chicago-city-council-lori-lightfoot-reorganization-20190528-story.html|title=Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot aces first test of her power: City Council overhaul approved|author1=Gregory Pratt|author2=John Byrne |author3=Juan Perez Jr|website=Chicago Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529175555/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-chicago-city-council-lori-lightfoot-reorganization-20190528-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Originally established as the '''Common Council''' in 1837, it was renamed City Council in 1876. The Council assumed its modern form of 50 wards electing one alderperson each in 1923.
==Composition== {{See also|List of Chicago Alderpersons since 1923}}
The most recent city council election was the 2023 Chicago aldermanic elections. The sitting term began on May 15, 2023.
Alderperson elections are officially nonpartisan; party affiliations below are informational only. Council members also self-organize into caucuses, or blocs that address particular issues.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://news.wttw.com/2019/07/03/city-council-caucus-chairs-chicago-future|title=City Council Caucus Chairs on Chicago's Future|date=July 3, 2019|website=WTTW News|language=en|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704010400/https://news.wttw.com/2019/07/03/city-council-caucus-chairs-chicago-future|url-status=live}}</ref> Active caucuses include the Black Caucus, Democratic Socialist Caucus, Latino Caucus, LGBT Caucus, and Progressive Reform Caucus.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/city-council-aldermen-caucuses-mayor-rahm-emanuel/Content?oid=17774160|title=The real caucuses in the Chicago City Council|author1=Ben Joravsky|author2=Mick Dumke|website=Chicago Reader|date=May 20, 2015|language=en|access-date=May 31, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414193534/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/city-council-aldermen-caucuses-mayor-rahm-emanuel/Content?oid=17774160|url-status=live}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders mw-collapsible" |+ Current composition of the Chicago City Council !scope="col" |Ward !scope="col" |Name !scope="col" |Start !scope="col" colspan="2" |Party{{efn|name=pledged|Aldermanic elections are officially nonpartisan; party affiliations are informational only.}}<!-- If you are planning to add or revise the political party section, please note: • Political parties must be established political parties that run candidates in partisan elections. Examples include Democratic, Republican, Green, Libertarian, and Constitution. Other organizations that may endorse are not necessarily political parties. • Political party affiliation must be based on the self-identification of the Alderperson (for example, holding office in a particular political party, holding previous office with a party affiliation, statements in interviews, etc.) They cannot be assumed or speculated. Remember that Illinois open primaries and does not have party registration. • Any edits that do not comply with this consensus will be reverted and/or undone without warning. --> !scope="col" |Main community areas{{Efn|Main community areas overlapping with the ward. Only community areas that make up 15% of the area of the ward or more are listed.|name=wardCA|group=lower-alpha}} |- |1 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Daniel|La Spata}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |West Town, Logan Square |- |2 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Brian|Hopkins|Brian K. Hopkins}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/2/14/18377626/2nd-ward-candidate-for-alderman-brian-hopkins |title=2nd Ward candidate for alderman: Brian Hopkins |date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525210543/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/2/14/18377626/2nd-ward-candidate-for-alderman-brian-hopkins |url-status=live }}</ref> |Near North Side, Lincoln Park |- |3 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Pat|Dowell}} |{{dts|May 21, 2007}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections">{{cite web|editor-last=Sandvoss|editor-first=Steven S.|title=State of Illinois Central Committees|publisher=Illinois State Board of Elections|location=Springfield, Illinois|date=October 20, 2022|access-date=May 26, 2023|pages=75–78|url=https://archive.org/details/il-political-party-officials-22-10-20}}</ref> |Grand Boulevard, Near South Side, Douglas |- |4 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Lamont|Robinson}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Robinson|first=Lamont|title=Democratic nominee in Illinois House 5th District: Lamont J. Robinson Jr.|interviewer=Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|location=Chicago, Illinois|date=October 28, 2018|access-date=November 11, 2018|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/democratic-candidate-for-illinois-house-in-5th-district-lamont-j-robinson-jr/|archive-date=November 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112101714/https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/democratic-candidate-for-illinois-house-in-5th-district-lamont-j-robinson-jr/|url-status=live}}</ref> |Douglas, Kenwood, Near South Side |- |5 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Desmon|Yancy}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Yancy|first=Desmon|title=Desmon Yancy: City Council 5th Ward|interviewer=WTTW|work=2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide|publisher=WTTW|date=March 15, 2023|access-date=May 26, 2023|url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/desmon-yancy|archive-date=May 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526190504/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/desmon-yancy}}</ref> |Hyde Park, South Shore, Woodlawn |- |6 !scope="row" |{{sortname|William|Hall|dab=Illinois politician}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Hall|first=William E.|title=William E. Hall: City Council 6th Ward|interviewer=WTTW|work=2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide|publisher=WTTW|date=March 15, 2023|access-date=May 26, 2023|url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/william-hall|archive-date=May 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526185639/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/william-hall}}</ref> |Greater Grand Crossing, Chatham |- |7 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Greg|Mitchell|Gregory Mitchell}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |South Deering, South Chicago, South Shore |- |8 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Michelle|Harris|Michelle A. Harris}} |{{dts|December 13, 2006}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Avalon Park, Pullman |- |9 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Anthony|Beale}} |{{dts|May 3, 1999}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Roseland, West Pullman, Riverdale |- |10 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Peter|Chico}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name=":3" /> |South Deering, Hegewisch |- |11 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Nicole|Lee|dab=politician}} |{{dts|March 28, 2022}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Lee|first=Nicole|title=Nicole Lee: City Council 11th Ward|interviewer=WTTW|work=2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide|publisher=WTTW|date=March 15, 2023|access-date=May 31, 2023|url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/nicole-lee|archive-date=May 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526001452/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/nicole-lee}}</ref> |Bridgeport, New City, Armour Square |- |12 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Julia|Ramirez}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Ramirez|first=Julia|title=Julia Ramirez: City Council 12th Ward|interviewer=WTTW|work=2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide|publisher=WTTW|date=March 15, 2023|access-date=May 31, 2023|url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Julia-Ramirez|archive-date=May 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525205755/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Julia-Ramirez}}</ref> |Brighton Park, McKinley Park, New City |- |13 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Marty|Quinn|dab=Illinois politician}} |{{dts|May 16, 2011}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Quinn|first=Marty|title=Marty Quinn: City Council 13th Ward|interviewer=WTTW|work=2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide|publisher=WTTW|date=March 15, 2023|access-date=May 31, 2023|url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Marty-Quinn|archive-date=May 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525205751/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Marty-Quinn}}</ref> |Clearing, Garfield Ridge |- |14 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Jeylú|Gutiérrez}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<br>{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} |Archer Heights, Gage Park |- |15 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Ray|Lopez|Raymond Lopez}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |New City, Gage Park, West Englewood |- |16 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Stephanie|Coleman}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |West Englewood, Englewood, Chicago Lawn |- |17 !scope="row" |{{sortname|David|Moore|David H. Moore}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Auburn Gresham, West Englewood, Chicago Lawn |- |18 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Derrick|Curtis}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Ashburn |- |19 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Matt|O'Shea|Matthew O'Shea}} |{{dts|May 16, 2011}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park |- |20 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Jeanette|Taylor}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Taylor|first=Jeanette|interviewer=Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization|title=2019 IVI-IPO Chicago Aldermanic Questionnaire|date=December 10, 2018|page=3|access-date=October 9, 2019|url=http://www.iviipo.org/2019QResps/2019QALD20_Taylor_Jeanette.pdf|archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302225754/http://www.iviipo.org/2019QResps/2019QALD20_Taylor_Jeanette.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |New City, Washington Park, Woodlawn |- |21 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Ronnie|Mosley}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite news|first=Atavia|last=Reed|title=Ronnie Mosley, City Council's Youngest Member, Wants To Make The New 21st Ward 'The Best' In Chicago|date=May 22, 2023|newspaper=Block Club Chicago|access-date=May 25, 2023|url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/05/22/ronnie-mosley-city-councils-youngest-member-wants-to-make-the-new-21st-ward-the-best-in-chicago/|quote=Back home in Chicago, Mosley worked for Ald. Michelle Harris’ (8th) office and former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2015 reelection campaign. Shortly after, he founded a consulting firm to aid the likes of Gov. JB Pritzker and the Obama Foundation.}}</ref> |Washington Heights, West Pullman, Morgan Park |- |22 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Mike|Rodriguez|Michael Rodriguez (politician)}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |South Lawndale, Garfield Ridge |- |23 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Silvana|Tabares}} |{{dts|June 28, 2018}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite news|last=Spielman|first=Fran|title=Mayor Emanuel taps Mike Madigan ally Silvana Tabares for 23rd Ward seat|date=June 15, 2018|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=June 16, 2018|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/state-rep-silvana-tabares-appointed-23rd-ward-alderman/|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616005122/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/state-rep-silvana-tabares-appointed-23rd-ward-alderman/|url-status=live}}</ref> |Garfield Ridge, West Lawn, West Elsdon |- |24 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Monique|Scott}} |{{dts|June 22, 2022}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/monique-scott |title=Monique L. Scott, Incumbent | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election }}</ref> |North Lawndale |- |25 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Byron|Sigcho-Lopez}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Lower West Side, South Lawndale |- |26 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Jessie|Fuentes}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Jessica-Fuentes |title=Jessica "Jessie" Fuentes | 2023 Chicago Election |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525205747/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Jessica-Fuentes |url-status=live }}</ref> |Humboldt Park, West Town, Logan Square |- |27 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Red|Burnett|dab=politician}} |{{dts|September 25, 2025}}{{Efn|name=apptyear|Date of appointment, not of first election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mercado |first1=Melody |title=Walter Redmond Burnett Confirmed As 27th Ward Alderman |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/25/walter-redmond-burnett-confirmed-as-27th-ward-alderman/ |date=25 September 2025 |work=Block Club Chicago}}</ref>}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Near West Side, West Town, Humboldt Park, Near North Side |- |28 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Jason|Ervin}} |{{dts|January 13, 2011}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Near West Side, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park |- |29 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Chris|Taliaferro}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Austin |- |30 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Ruth|Cruz}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>https://www.commondreams.org/news/medicare-for-all-bill</ref> |Portage Park, Belmont Cragin, Irving Park |- |31 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Felix|Cardona|Felix Cardona Jr.}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Belmont Cragin, Hermosa |- |32 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Scott|Waguespack}} |{{dts|May 21, 2007}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Logan Square, Lincoln Park, North Center |- |33 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Rossana|Rodríguez|Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Committeepersons - Cook County Democratic Party |url=https://www.cookcountydems.com/committeepersons/ |access-date=6 April 2025 |website=Cook County Democratic Party |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406163536/https://www.cookcountydems.com/committeepersons/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |Albany Park, Irving Park |- |34 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Bill|Conway|dab=politician}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Bill-Conway |title=Bill Conway | 2023 Chicago Election |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525205744/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Bill-Conway |url-status=live }}</ref> |Near West Side, Loop |- |35 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Anthony|Quezada}} |{{dts|April 7, 2025}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Avondale, Logan Square |- |36 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Gil|Villegas|Gilbert Villegas}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cherone|first1=Heather|last2=Nitkin|first2=Alex|title=Villegas says he wants to replace Arroyo as 36th Ward Democratic committeeperson|date=November 1, 2019|newspaper=The Daily Line|access-date=November 2, 2019|url=http://thedailyline.net/chicago/11/01/2019/villegas-says-he-wants-to-replace-arroyo-as-36th-ward-democratic-committeeperson/|archive-date=November 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102054420/http://thedailyline.net/chicago/11/01/2019/villegas-says-he-wants-to-replace-arroyo-as-36th-ward-democratic-committeeperson/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |Belmont Cragin, West Town, Montclare |- |37 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Emma|Mitts}} |{{dts|January 7, 2000}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Austin, Humboldt Park |- |38 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Nick|Sposato|Nicholas Sposato}} |{{dts|May 16, 2011}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Independent}}" | |Independent<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20171010/dunning/nicholas-sposato-democrat-38th-ward-democratic-commiteeman-robert-martwick |title='Independent' Sposato To Step Down As Dem Committeeman, Stay On As Alderman |newspaper=DNAinfo.com |date=October 10, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127004433/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20171010/dunning/nicholas-sposato-democrat-38th-ward-democratic-commiteeman-robert-martwick |archive-date=January 27, 2018 }}</ref> |Dunning, O'Hare, Portage Park |- |39 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Sam|Nugent|Samantha Nugent}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Nugent|first=Samantha|subject-link=Samantha Nugent|interviewer=Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board|date=January 27, 2019|title=39th Ward candidate for alderman: Samantha 'Sam' Nugent|access-date=November 2, 2019|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/1/27/18372897/39th-ward-candidate-for-alderman-samantha-sam-nugent|archive-date=November 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102054839/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/1/27/18372897/39th-ward-candidate-for-alderman-samantha-sam-nugent|url-status=live}}</ref> |North Park, Forest Glen |- |40 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Andre|Vasquez}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Vasquez|first=Andre|interviewer=Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization|title=2019 IVI-IPO Chicago Aldermanic Questionnaire|date=December 11, 2018|page=3|access-date=October 9, 2019|url=http://www.iviipo.org/2019QResps/2019QALD40_Vasquez_Andre.pdf|archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302231648/http://www.iviipo.org/2019QResps/2019QALD40_Vasquez_Andre.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |Lincoln Square, West Ridge |- |41 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Anthony|Napolitano}} |{{dts|May 18, 2015}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Independent}}" | |Independent<ref>{{cite web |title=As Napolitano runs for a second term, unions that powered his 2015 run fall silent |url=http://thedailyline.net/chicago/02/03/2019/as-napolitano-runs-for-a-second-term-unions-that-powered-his-2015-run-fall-silent/ |website=The Daily Line |access-date=January 24, 2020 |date=February 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711185739/https://thedailyline.net/chicago/02/03/2019/as-napolitano-runs-for-a-second-term-unions-that-powered-his-2015-run-fall-silent/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> |O'Hare, Norwood Park |- |42 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Brendan|Reilly|dab=politician}} |{{dts|May 21, 2007}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Near North Side, Loop |- |43 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Timmy|Knudsen}} |{{dts|September 21, 2022}}{{Efn|name=apptyear}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/timmy-knudsen |title=Timmy Knudsen, Incumbent | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525195745/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/timmy-knudsen |url-status=live }}</ref> |Lincoln Park |- |44 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Bennett|Lawson}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Bennett-Lawson |title=Bennett Lawson | 2023 Chicago Election |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525205747/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Bennett-Lawson |url-status=live }}</ref> |Lake View |- |45 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Jim|Gardiner|dab=Chicago politician}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |Jefferson Park, Forest Glen, Portage Park |- |46 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Angela|Clay}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/angela-clay |title=Angela Clay | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412033237/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/angela-clay |url-status=live }}</ref> |Uptown, Lake View |- |47 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Matt|Martin|dab=Chicago politician}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite interview|last=Martin|first=Matt|interviewer=Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization|title=2019 IVI-IPO Chicago Aldermanic Questionnaire|date=December 21, 2018|page=3|access-date=November 2, 2019|url=http://www.iviipo.org/2019QResps/2019QALD47_Martin_Matt.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302231818/https://www.iviipo.org/2019QResps/2019QALD47_Martin_Matt.pdf|archive-date=March 2, 2019}}</ref> |North Center, Lincoln Square, Lake View, Uptown |- |48 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Leni|Manaa-Hoppenworth}} |{{dts|May 15, 2023}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/leni-manaa-hoppenworth |title=Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525195745/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023-runoff/leni-manaa-hoppenworth |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lenifor48th.com/meet-leni |title=Meet Leni |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525195050/https://www.lenifor48th.com/meet-leni |url-status=live }}</ref> |Edgewater, Uptown |- |49 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Maria|Hadden}} |{{dts|May 20, 2019}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Maria-Hadden |title=Maria Hadden, Incumbent | 2023 Chicago Election |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525195806/https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/Maria-Hadden |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=erin_hegarty |number=1358189447263768578 |title=Still deliberating, but here's the weighted vote breakdown in the appointment to fill the vacant seat of former state Sen. Heather Steans (taken from an emailed public notice from the 48th Ward Dems, and with Maria Hadden as proxy for Cassidy and Osterman proxy for Silverstein)}}</ref> |Rogers Park |- |50 !scope="row" |{{sortname|Debra|Silverstein}} |{{dts|May 16, 2011}} |style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}" | |Democratic<ref name="IL Board of Elections"/> |West Ridge |}
== Standing committees == [[File:Chicago City Hall postage stamped November 9, 1914 postcard (front).tiff|thumb|right|240x240px|Chicago City Hall, 1914]]
The city council is internally organized into subject-specific standing committees. Once proposed legislation is drafted, it is assigned to a specific standing committee. After a hearing and deliberation process, the committee votes on whether to report the proposed legislation to the full council, along with recommendations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bettergov.org/backstory/chicago-city-council/|title=Chicago City Council|last=Haider|first=Annum|date=February 12, 2019|website=Better Government Association|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529211819/https://www.bettergov.org/backstory/chicago-city-council/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The committees are created, and their leaders and members are selected, through a resolution passed by the whole council.<ref name="g.angelo"/> Historically, mayors have played a central role in selecting committee chairs.<ref name="Pratt"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/chicago-city-council-legislative-committees-chairs-aldermen-political-favors-patronage|title=At Chicago's City Council, Committees Are Used to Reward Political Favors and Fund Patronage|last=Dumke|first=Mick|date=May 15, 2019|website=ProPublica|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528165757/https://www.propublica.org/article/chicago-city-council-legislative-committees-chairs-aldermen-political-favors-patronage|url-status=live}}</ref>
As of May 2023, a majority of incoming City Council members after the 2023 election had agreed to a plan for the following subcommittees and chair assignments:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spielman |first=Fran |date=2023-05-08 |title=Mayor-elect Johnson forges 'Unity Plan' to reorganize the new City Council |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2023/5/7/23714779/mayor-elect-johnson-forges-unity-plan-to-reorganize-the-new-city-council |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516125815/https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2023/5/7/23714779/mayor-elect-johnson-forges-unity-plan-to-reorganize-the-new-city-council |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kapos |first=Shia |date=2023-05-08 |title=Winners and losers in Johnson's world |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2023/05/08/johnson-and-the-winners-and-losers-00095744 |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516125815/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2023/05/08/johnson-and-the-winners-and-losers-00095744 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" !scope="col" |Committee !scope="col" |Chair !scope="col" |Vice Chair |- !scope="row" |Aviation |{{sortname|Matt|O'Shea|Matthew O'Shea}} |{{sortname|Derrick|Curtis}} |- !scope="row" |Budget and Government Operations |{{sortname|Jason|Ervin}} |{{sortname|Nicole|Lee|dab=politician}} |- !scope="row" |Committees and Rules |{{sortname|Michelle|Harris|Michelle A. Harris}} |{{sortname|William|Hall|dab=Illinois politician}} |- !scope="row" |Contracting Oversight and Equity |{{sortname|Emma|Mitts}} |{{sortname|Daniel|La Spata}} |- !scope="row" |Economic, Capital and Technology Development |{{sortname|Derrick|Curtis}} |{{sortname|Ronnie|Mosley}} |- !scope="row" |Education and Child Development |{{sortname|Jeanette|Taylor}} |{{sortname|Angela|Clay}} |- !scope="row" |Environmental Protection and Energy |{{sortname|Maria|Hadden}} |{{sortname|Timmy|Knudsen}} |- !scope="row" |Ethics and Government Oversight |{{sortname|Matt|Martin|dab=Chicago politician}} |{{sortname|Maria|Hadden}} |- !scope="row" |Finance |{{sortname|Pat|Dowell}} |{{sortname|Bill|Conway|dab=politician}} |- |Revenue (subcommittee) |{{sortname|William|Hall|dab=Illinois politician}} |{{sortname|Pat|Dowell}} |- !scope="row" |Health and Human Relations |{{sortname|Rossana|Rodríguez|Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez}} |{{sortname|Julia|Ramirez}} |- !scope="row" |Housing and Real Estate |{{sortname|Byron|Sigcho-Lopez}} |{{sortname|Greg|Mitchell|Gregory Mitchell}} |- !scope="row" |Immigration and Refugee Rights |{{sortname|Andre|Vasquez}} |{{sortname|Jeanette|Taylor}} |- !scope="row" |License and Consumer Protection |{{sortname|Debra|Silverstein}} |{{sortname|Peter|Chico}} |- !scope="row" |Pedestrian and Traffic Safety |{{sortname|Daniel|La Spata}} |{{sortname|Ruth|Cruz}} |- !scope="row" |Police and Fire |{{sortname|Chris|Taliaferro}} |{{sortname|Lamont|Robinson}} |- !scope="row" |Public Safety |{{sortname|Brian|Hopkins|Brian K. Hopkins}} |{{sortname|Desmon|Yancy}} |- !scope="row" |Special Events |{{sortname|Nick|Sposato|Nicholas Sposato}} |{{sortname|Monique|Scott}} |- !scope="row" |Transportation and Public Way |{{sortname|Greg|Mitchell|Gregory Mitchell}} |{{sortname|Andre|Vasquez}} |- !scope="row" |Workforce Development |{{sortname|Mike|Rodriguez|Michael Rodriguez (politician)}} |{{sortname|Jeylú|Gutiérrez}} |- |Youth Employment (subcommittee) |{{sortname|Jessie|Fuentes}} |{{sortname|Mike|Rodriguez|Michael Rodriguez (politician)}} |- !scope="row" |Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards |{{sortname|Gil|Villegas|Gilbert Villegas}} |{{sortname|Bennett|Lawson}} |}
== History == {{See also|Political history of Chicago}}
[[File:Map of city of Chicago Ward System by population 1904.jpg|thumb|Map of city of Chicago ward system in 1904. Wards with lower populations have larger boundaries. External link: [http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/about/banners/WardsOverviewMap.pdf current map of Chicago wards]|240x240px]]
Chicago has been divided into wards since 1837, beginning with 6 wards. Until 1923, each ward elected two members to the city council. In 1923, the system that exists today was adopted with 50 wards, each with one council member elected by the ward. In accordance with Illinois state law, ward borders must be shifted after every federal census. This law is intended to give the population of the ward equal representation based by the size of the population of Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Ward System|url = http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1316.html|website = www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org|access-date = April 13, 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150223191337/http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1316.html|archive-date = February 23, 2015}}</ref>
Chicago is unusual among major United States cities in the number of wards and representative alderpersons that it maintains. It has been noted that the current ward system promotes diverse ethnic and cultural representation on the city council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Why-Chicago-Has-50-Aldermen-118836619.html|title=Why Chicago Has 50 Aldermen|work=NBC Chicago|date=March 29, 2011 |access-date=August 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801124825/http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Why-Chicago-Has-50-Aldermen-118836619.html|archive-date=August 1, 2015}}</ref>
In June 2021, the state of Illinois adopted a statute that changed the title of City Council members to ''alderperson'' (plural: ''alderpersons''), replacing the gendered term ''aldermen''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-18 |title=Pritzker signs law that will make alderman name more inclusive |url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/pritzker-signs-law-that-will-make-alderman-name-more-inclusive |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=FOX 32 Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB0825 |url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=825&GAID=16&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=133452&SessionID=110&GA=102 |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=www.ilga.gov |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210050846/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=825&GAID=16&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=133452&SessionID=110&GA=102 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, some members of City Council continue to use the term ''alderman'' or instead use ''alderwoman'' or ''alder''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sabella |first=Jen |date=2021-06-18 |title=State Adopts 'Alderperson' To Describe Chicago City Council Members — But Some Alderpeople Aren't Thrilled |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/06/17/state-adopts-alderperson-to-describe-chicago-city-council-members-but-some-alderpeople-arent-thrilled/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202224542/https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/06/17/state-adopts-alderperson-to-describe-chicago-city-council-members-but-some-alderpeople-arent-thrilled/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Corruption=== Chicago City Council Chambers has long been the center of public corruption in Chicago.<ref name="corruption5">{{cite web|url=http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols/ChicagoPolitics/Anti-corruptionReport.pdf|title=Chicago and Illinois, Leading the Pack in Corruption; Anti-Corruption Report Number 5|date=February 15, 2012|last1=Simpson|first1=Dick|last2=Nowlan|first2=James|last3=Gradel|first3=Thomas J.|last4=Mouritsen Zmuda|first4=Melissa|last5=Sterrett|first5=David|last6=Cantor|first6=Douglas|publisher=University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Political Science|access-date=February 15, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202151712/http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols/ChicagoPolitics/Anti-corruptionReport.pdf|archive-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/07/31/chicago-political-history-rife-with-nepotism-aldermanic-dynasties/|title=Chicago political history rife with nepotism, aldermanic dynasties|last=Grossman|first=Ron|date=July 31, 2013|publisher=Tronc, Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032941/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-31/news/ct-per-flash-aldermen-0728-20130728_1_chicago-alderman-deb-mell-city-council|archive-date=January 6, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=July 29, 2017|newspaper=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The first conviction of Chicago alderpersons and Cook County Commissioners for accepting bribes to rig a crooked contract occurred in 1869.<ref name="corruption5" /> Between 1972 and 1999, 26 current or former Chicago alderpersons were convicted for official corruption.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/01/31/aldermen-rogues-gallery-opens-99-wing/|title=Aldermen Rogues' Gallery Opens '99 Wing; Jones Is 25th City Council Member Convicted Since 1972|last=Reardon|first=Patrick T.|date=January 31, 1999|work=Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916192643/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-01-31/news/9901310179_1_aldermen-operation-silver-shovel-operation-incubator|archive-date=September 16, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols/ChicagoPolitics/Anti-corruptionReport.pdf|title=Curing Corruption In Illinois: Anti-Corruption Report #1|publisher=University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Political Science|author=Gradel, Thomas J.|author2=Simpson, Dick|author3=Zimelis, Andris|date=February 3, 2009|access-date=February 23, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326004235/http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols/ChicagoPolitics/Anti-corruptionReport.pdf|archive-date=March 26, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2012/01/27/aldermanic-rap-sheet|title=Aldermanic rap sheet|last=Bogira|first=Steve|date=January 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402173619/http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2012/01/27/aldermanic-rap-sheet|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live|newspaper=Chicago Reader}}</ref> Between 1973 and 2012, 31 alderpersons were convicted of corruption. Approximately 100 alderpersons served in that period, which is a conviction rate of about one-third.<ref name="corruption5" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-aldermen-convicted-0224-20120224,0,1832624.story|title=Chicago's 'hall of shame'|date=February 24, 2012|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226002656/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-aldermen-convicted-0224-20120224,0,1832624.story|archive-date=February 26, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
Fourteen of the Chicago's City Council's nineteen committees routinely violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act during the last four months of 2007 by not keeping adequate written records of their meetings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotalks.org/2008/05/19/off-the-record-chicago-city-council-committees-evade-the-law-experts-say/|title=Off the Record: Chicago City Council Committees Evade The Law, Experts Say|last1=Christoffer|first1=Erica|last2=Schlikerman|first2=Becky|date=May 19, 2008|publisher=Chicagotalks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203101218/http://www.chicagotalks.org/2008/05/19/off-the-record-chicago-city-council-committees-evade-the-law-experts-say/|archive-date=February 3, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Chicago City Council committees violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act and their own rules by meeting and taking actions without a quorum at least four times over the same four-month span.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.beachwoodreporter.com/politics/out_of_order_council_committee.php|title=Out of Order: Council Committees Evade The Law|last1=Christoffer|first1=Erica|date=May 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301185304/http://www.beachwoodreporter.com/politics/out_of_order_council_committee.php|archive-date=March 1, 2012|url-status=live|publisher=The Beachwood Reporter|last2=Schlikerman|first2=Becky}}</ref>
Over half of elected Chicago alderpersons took illegal campaign contributions totalling $282,000 in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.illinoispolicy.org/fbi-seizes-files-as-chicago-aldermen-oust-oversight/|title=FBI seizes files as Chicago aldermen oust oversight|date=November 17, 2015|website=illinoispolicy.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507160820/https://www.illinoispolicy.org/fbi-seizes-files-as-chicago-aldermen-oust-oversight/|archive-date=May 7, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2015/11/13/report-aldermen-got-282000-illegal-campaign-contributions-2013|title=Report: Aldermen Got $282,000 in Illegal Campaign Contributions in 2013|website=wttw.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118234424/http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2015/11/13/report-aldermen-got-282000-illegal-campaign-contributions-2013|archive-date=November 18, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagonow.com/city-limits/2015/11/more-than-half-of-chicago-aldermen-took-illegal-campaign-cash-in-2013/|title=More than half of Chicago aldermen took illegal campaign cash in 2013|website=chicagonow.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527150531/http://www.chicagonow.com/city-limits/2015/11/more-than-half-of-chicago-aldermen-took-illegal-campaign-cash-in-2013/|archive-date=May 27, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2018}}</ref>
==Election== {{Main|City Council elections in Chicago}} thumb|Map of the 50 wards of the City of Chicago in use since 2023<br>({{maplink|from=City of Chicago Wards (2023–).map|text=Interactive version}})
Chicago alderpersons are elected by popular vote every four years, on the last Tuesday in February in the year following national mid-term elections. A run-off election, if no candidate garners more than fifty percent of the vote, is held on the first Tuesday in April. The election is held on a non-partisan basis. New terms begin at noon Central Time on the third Monday in May following the election.<ref name="CandidateGuide">{{cite web |title=State of Illinois Candidate's Guide 2019 |url=https://www.elections.il.gov/downloads/votinginformation/pdf/2019canguide.pdf |publisher=State Board of Elections |access-date=March 1, 2019 |page=32 |date=August 6, 2018 |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024621/https://www.elections.il.gov/downloads/votinginformation/pdf/2019canguide.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Authority and roles== {{Expand section|date=May 2019|small=no}}
The council, in conjunction with the Mayor of Chicago, hears recommendations from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and then may grant individual properties Chicago Landmark status. The Council also has the power to redraw ward boundaries, resulting in the heavily gerrymandered map seen today.
===Law=== {{further|Law of Illinois}}
The ''Journal of the Proceedings of the City Council of the City of Chicago'' is the official publication of the acts of the City Council.<ref name=Ellis>{{cite AV media|people=Julia Ellis, Chicago City Clerk Legislative Counsel|date=November 20, 2013|title=The Making of Chicago City Law – How It Works|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGV5CtYdB94|access-date=November 28, 2013|publisher=OpenGov Foundation / YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120193056/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGV5CtYdB94 |archive-date=January 20, 2014}}</ref> The ''Municipal Code of Chicago'' is the codification of Chicago's local ordinances of a general and permanent nature.<ref name=Ellis/><ref>[http://docs.chicityclerk.com/journal/1990/june27_1990/june27_1990_part2.pdf Chicago City Council Journal of 27 June 1990] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000533/http://docs.chicityclerk.com/journal/1990/june27_1990/june27_1990_part2.pdf |date=December 3, 2013 }}, p. 17764</ref> Between May 18, 2011, and August 2011, the first 100 days of the first term of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, 2,845 ordinances and orders were introduced to the Council.<ref>{{cite news |title=New City Council, just about the same as the old City Council |first=Mick |last=Dumke |date=August 30, 2011 |url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2011/08/30/new-city-council-just-about-the-same-as-the-old-city-council |newspaper=Chicago Reader |publisher=Wrapports LLC |access-date=July 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729223505/https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2011/08/30/new-city-council-just-about-the-same-as-the-old-city-council |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref>
=== Aldermanic privilege === Chicago's alderpersons are generally given exceptional deference, called "aldermanic privilege" or "aldermanic prerogative", to control city decisions and services within their ward.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/pregnancy-tests-pigeon-poo-what-chicago-aldermen-really-do-107648|title=Curious City: What duties Chicago alderman are responsible for – WBEZ 91.5 Chicago|work=wbez.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331021448/http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/pregnancy-tests-pigeon-poo-what-chicago-aldermen-really-do-107648|archive-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2197.html Aldermanic Privilege.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317014318/http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2197.html|date=March 17, 2015}} Christopher Thale, Encyclopedia of Chicago.</ref> This is an unwritten and informal practice that emerged in the early 20th century and gives alderpersons control over "zoning, licenses, permits, property-tax reductions, city contracts and patronage jobs" in their wards.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/5/31/18646174/chicago-politics-city-council-corruption-aldermanic-privilege|title=How aldermanic privilege shaped Chicago|last=Sisson|first=Patrick|date=May 31, 2019|website=Curbed Chicago|access-date=June 4, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604151434/https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/5/31/18646174/chicago-politics-city-council-corruption-aldermanic-privilege|url-status=dead}}</ref> Political scientists have suggested that this facilitates corruption.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.illinoispolicy.org/crony-chronicles-aldermanic-privilege-prohibition-prostitution-and-chicagos-mini-fiefdoms/|title=Crony chronicles: Aldermanic privilege – Prohibition, prostitution and Chicago's mini-fiefdoms|work=Illinois Policy – An independent government watchdog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114150/https://www.illinoispolicy.org/crony-chronicles-aldermanic-privilege-prohibition-prostitution-and-chicagos-mini-fiefdoms/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The system has been described as "50 aldermen serving essentially as mayors of 50 wards."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-15/opinion/ct-edit-budget-20130515_1_chicago-infrastructure-trust-aldermen-city-council|title=Chicago City Council; budget; parking meters|work=tribunedigital-chicagotribune|date=May 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121958/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-15/opinion/ct-edit-budget-20130515_1_chicago-infrastructure-trust-aldermen-city-council|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==See also== *Council Wars, a period of conflict within the City Council *Cook County Board of Commissioners *Workingmen's Party of Illinois *City Council elections in Chicago *List of Chicago Alderpersons since 1923
==Notes== {{Clear}} {{notelist}} {{reflist|group="nb"}}
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== *[http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/about/council.html Chicago City Council] *[https://chicago.legistar.com/Legislation.aspx Chicago City Council legislation] from the City Clerk of Chicago *[https://chicago.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx Chicago City Council calendar] from the City Clerk of Chicago *[http://chicityclerk.com/council/journals.php Journal of the Proceedings] (c. 1981–present) from the City Clerk of Chicago *[https://books.google.com/books?id=37EVAAAAYAAJ Journal of the Proceedings] (c. 1908) from Google Books *[http://chicityclerk.com/council/reports.php Chicago City Council meeting reports] from the City Clerk of Chicago *[http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/about/banners/WardsOverviewMap.pdf Map of Chicago Wards] *[http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/citycouncil/ ''Your City Council: Who's who and what they can do''] from the ''Chicago Reader'' *{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100607005201/http://www.hydeparkmedia.com/Alderman_Parrillo.html ''The Untold Stories of Alderman Don Parrillo'']}} by Anthony DeBartolo, Hyde Park Media *[http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ArticleArchives?tag=Chicago%20City%20Council Chicago City Council archive] at the ''Chicago Reader''
{{Chicago City Council}} {{Chicago municipal government officials}} {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Council, Chicago City}} Chicago City Council Category:1837 establishments in Illinois