Chicago City Council
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.[1] 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.
Chicago City Council | |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Type | |
| History | |
| Founded | December 13, 1837 |
| Leadership | |
Vice Mayor | |
President pro tempore | |
Floor Leader | Vacant since November 6, 2023 |
Assistant President pro tempore | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 50 |
Political groups |
|
Length of term | 4 years |
| Elections | |
| Two-round system | |
Last election | 2023 |
Next election | 2027 |
| Meeting place | |
| Council Chambers in Chicago City Hall | |
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 elected to the position of President Pro Tempore serves as the presiding officer.[2][3]
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 edit
The most recent city council election was the 2023 Chicago aldermanic elections. The current 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.[4] Active caucuses include the Black Caucus, Democratic Socialist Caucus, Latino Caucus, LGBT Caucus, and Progressive Reform Caucus.[4][5]
Standing committees edit
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.[34]
The committees are created, and their leaders and members are selected, through a resolution passed by the whole council.[2] Historically, mayors have played a central role in selecting committee chairs.[3][35]
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:[36][37]
| Committee | Chair | Vice Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation | Matt O'Shea | Derrick Curtis |
| Budget and Government Operations | Jason Ervin | Nicole Lee |
| Committees and Rules | Michelle Harris | William Hall |
| Contracting Oversight and Equity | Emma Mitts | Daniel La Spata |
| Economic, Capital and Technology Development | Gil Villegas | Ronnie Mosley |
| Education and Child Development | Jeanette Taylor | Angela Clay |
| Environmental Protection and Energy | Maria Hadden | Timmy Knudsen |
| Ethics and Government Oversight | Matt Martin | Maria Hadden |
| Finance | Pat Dowell | Bill Conway |
| Revenue (subcommittee) | William Hall | Pat Dowell |
| Health and Human Relations | Rossana Rodríguez | Julia Ramirez |
| Housing and Real Estate | Byron Sigcho-Lopez | Greg Mitchell |
| Immigration and Refugee Rights | Andre Vasquez | Jeanette Taylor |
| License and Consumer Protection | Debra Silverstein | Peter Chico |
| Pedestrian and Traffic Safety | Daniel La Spata | Ruth Cruz |
| Police and Fire | Chris Taliaferro | Lamont Robinson |
| Public Safety | Brian Hopkins | Desmon Yancy |
| Special Events | Nick Sposato | Monique Scott |
| Transportation and Public Way | Greg Mitchell | Andre Vasquez |
| Workforce Development | Mike Rodriguez | Jeylú Gutiérrez |
| Youth Employment (subcommittee) | Jessie Fuentes | Michael Rodriguez |
| Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards | Vacant | Bennett Lawson |
History edit
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.[38]
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.[39]
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.[40][41] However, some members of City Council continue to use the term alderman or instead use alderwoman or alder.[42]
Corruption edit
Chicago City Council Chambers has long been the center of public corruption in Chicago.[43][44] The first conviction of Chicago alderpersons and Cook County Commissioners for accepting bribes to rig a crooked contract occurred in 1869.[43] Between 1972 and 1999, 26 current or former Chicago alderpersons were convicted for official corruption.[45][46][47] 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.[43][48]
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.[49] 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.[50]
Over half of elected Chicago alderpersons took illegal campaign contributions totalling $282,000 in 2013.[51][52][53]
Election edit
(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 on the third Monday in May following the election.[54]
Authority and roles edit
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2019) |
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 edit
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.[55] The Municipal Code of Chicago is the codification of Chicago's local ordinances of a general and permanent nature.[55][56] 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.[57]
Aldermanic privilege edit
Chicago's alderpersons are generally given exceptional deference, called "aldermanic privilege" or "aldermanic prerogative", to control city decisions and services within their ward.[58][59] 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.[60][61] Political scientists have suggested that this facilitates corruption.[60][61] The system has been described as "50 aldermen serving essentially as mayors of 50 wards."[62]
See also edit
- 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 edit
References edit
- ^ "65 ILCS 20/ Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941". Illinois General Assembly – Illinois Compiled Statutes. from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
- ^ a b g.angelo (September 21, 2015). "About City Government & the Chicago City Council". City Clerk of Chicago. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
- ^ a b Pratt, John Byrne, Juan Perez Jr , Gregory. "Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot aces first test of her power: City Council overhaul approved". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "City Council Caucus Chairs on Chicago's Future". WTTW News. July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
- ^ Joravsky, Mick Dumke, Ben (May 20, 2015). "The real caucuses in the Chicago City Council". Chicago Reader. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Sandvoss, Steven S., ed. (October 20, 2022). "State of Illinois Central Committees". Springfield, Illinois: Illinois State Board of Elections. pp. 75–78. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ^ "2nd Ward candidate for alderman: Brian Hopkins". February 15, 2019.
- ^ Robinson, Lamont (October 28, 2018). "Democratic nominee in Illinois House 5th District: Lamont J. Robinson Jr" (Interview). Interviewed by Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board. Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
- ^ Yancy, Desmon (March 15, 2023). . 2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide (Interview). Interviewed by WTTW. WTTW. Archived from the original on May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ^ Hall, William E. (March 15, 2023). . 2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide (Interview). Interviewed by WTTW. WTTW. Archived from the original on May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ^ Lee, Nicole (March 15, 2023). . 2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide (Interview). Interviewed by WTTW. WTTW. Archived from the original on May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ Ramirez, Julia (March 15, 2023). . 2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide (Interview). Interviewed by WTTW. WTTW. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ Quinn, Marty (March 15, 2023). . 2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide (Interview). Interviewed by WTTW. WTTW. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ Taylor, Jeanette (December 10, 2018). (PDF) (Interview). Interviewed by Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
- ^ Reed, Atavia (May 22, 2023). "Ronnie Mosley, City Council's Youngest Member, Wants To Make The New 21st Ward 'The Best' In Chicago". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
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.
- ^ Spielman, Fran (June 15, 2018). "Mayor Emanuel taps Mike Madigan ally Silvana Tabares for 23rd Ward seat". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
- ^ "Monique L. Scott, Incumbent | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election".
- ^ "Jessica "Jessie" Fuentes | 2023 Chicago Election".
- ^ Rodriguez, Rossana (December 10, 2018). (PDF) (Interview). Interviewed by Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- ^ "Bill Conway | 2023 Chicago Election".
- ^ Cherone, Heather; Nitkin, Alex (November 1, 2019). . The Daily Line. Archived from the original on November 2, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
- ^ . DNAinfo.com. October 10, 2017. Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
- ^ Nugent, Samantha (January 27, 2019). "39th Ward candidate for alderman: Samantha 'Sam' Nugent" (Interview). Interviewed by Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
- ^ Vasquez, Andre (December 11, 2018). (PDF) (Interview). Interviewed by Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
- ^ . The Daily Line. February 4, 2019. Archived from the original on July 11, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
- ^ "Timmy Knudsen, Incumbent | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election".
- ^ "Bennett Lawson | 2023 Chicago Election".
- ^ "Angela Clay | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election".
- ^ Martin, Matt (December 21, 2018). (PDF) (Interview). Interviewed by Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
- ^ "Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth | 2023 Chicago Runoff Election".
- ^ "Meet Leni".
- ^ "Maria Hadden, Incumbent | 2023 Chicago Election".
- ^ @erin_hegarty (February 6, 2021). "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):" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Haider, Annum (February 12, 2019). "Chicago City Council". Better Government Association. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
- ^ Dumke, Mick (May 15, 2019). "At Chicago's City Council, Committees Are Used to Reward Political Favors and Fund Patronage". ProPublica. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
- ^ Spielman, Fran (May 8, 2023). "Mayor-elect Johnson forges 'Unity Plan' to reorganize the new City Council". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ^ Kapos, Shia (May 8, 2023). "Winners and losers in Johnson's world". POLITICO. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
- ^ "Ward System". www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org. from the original on February 23, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
- ^ "Why Chicago Has 50 Aldermen". NBC Chicago. March 29, 2011. from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
- ^ "Pritzker signs law that will make alderman name more inclusive". FOX 32 Chicago. June 18, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB0825". www.ilga.gov. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ Sabella, Jen (June 18, 2021). "State Adopts 'Alderperson' To Describe Chicago City Council Members — But Some Alderpeople Aren't Thrilled". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ a b c Simpson, Dick; Nowlan, James; Gradel, Thomas J.; Mouritsen Zmuda, Melissa; Sterrett, David; Cantor, Douglas (February 15, 2012). "Chicago and Illinois, Leading the Pack in Corruption; Anti-Corruption Report Number 5" (PDF). University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Political Science. (PDF) from the original on December 2, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
- ^ Grossman, Ron (July 31, 2013). "Chicago political history rife with nepotism, aldermanic dynasties". Chicago Tribune. Tronc, Inc. from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
- ^ Reardon, Patrick T. (January 31, 1999). "Aldermen Rogues' Gallery Opens '99 Wing; Jones Is 25th City Council Member Convicted Since 1972". Chicago Tribune. from the original on September 16, 2013.
- ^ Gradel, Thomas J.; Simpson, Dick; Zimelis, Andris (February 3, 2009). "Curing Corruption In Illinois: Anti-Corruption Report #1" (PDF). University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Political Science. (PDF) from the original on March 26, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ Bogira, Steve (January 27, 2012). "Aldermanic rap sheet". Chicago Reader. from the original on April 2, 2015.
- ^ "Chicago's 'hall of shame'". Chicago Tribune. February 24, 2012. from the original on February 26, 2012.
- ^ Christoffer, Erica; Schlikerman, Becky (May 19, 2008). . Chicagotalks. Archived from the original on February 3, 2012.
- ^ Christoffer, Erica; Schlikerman, Becky (May 19, 2008). "Out of Order: Council Committees Evade The Law". The Beachwood Reporter. from the original on March 1, 2012.
- ^ "FBI seizes files as Chicago aldermen oust oversight". illinoispolicy.org. November 17, 2015. from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ "Report: Aldermen Got $282,000 in Illegal Campaign Contributions in 2013". wttw.com. from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ "More than half of Chicago aldermen took illegal campaign cash in 2013". chicagonow.com. from the original on May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ "State of Illinois Candidate's Guide 2019" (PDF). State Board of Elections. August 6, 2018. p. 32. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
- ^ a b Julia Ellis, Chicago City Clerk Legislative Counsel (November 20, 2013). The Making of Chicago City Law – How It Works. OpenGov Foundation / YouTube. from the original on January 20, 2014. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ Chicago City Council Journal of 27 June 1990 December 3, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, p. 17764
- ^ Dumke, Mick (August 30, 2011). "New City Council, just about the same as the old City Council". Chicago Reader. Wrapports LLC. from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
- ^ "Curious City: What duties Chicago alderman are responsible for – WBEZ 91.5 Chicago". wbez.org. from the original on March 31, 2015.
- ^ Aldermanic Privilege. March 17, 2015, at the Wayback Machine Christopher Thale, Encyclopedia of Chicago.
- ^ a b "Crony chronicles: Aldermanic privilege – Prohibition, prostitution and Chicago's mini-fiefdoms". Illinois Policy – An independent government watchdog. from the original on April 2, 2015.
- ^ a b Sisson, Patrick (May 31, 2019). "How aldermanic privilege shaped Chicago". Curbed Chicago. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
- ^ "Chicago City Council; budget; parking meters". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. May 15, 2013. from the original on April 2, 2015.
External links edit
- Chicago City Council
- Chicago City Council legislation from the City Clerk of Chicago
- Chicago City Council calendar from the City Clerk of Chicago
- Journal of the Proceedings (c. 1981–present) from the City Clerk of Chicago
- Journal of the Proceedings (c. 1908) from Google Books
- Chicago City Council meeting reports from the City Clerk of Chicago
- Map of Chicago Wards
- Your City Council: Who's who and what they can do from the Chicago Reader
- The Untold Stories of Alderman Don Parrillo June 7, 2010, at the Wayback Machine by Anthony DeBartolo, Hyde Park Media
- Chicago City Council archive at the Chicago Reader