Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Comm. Brandon Johnson are running for Chicago mayor. [Provided photo for Vallas, Colin Boyle/Block Club for Johnson]

A new Chicago Index survey shows public safety, schools and transit matter most to likely voters and an increase in name recognition for Cook County Comm. Brandon Johnson (D-1) and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in the upcoming mayoral election. 

The survey, administered by The Chicago Index, in conjunction with the Colorado-based firm Polco, collected answers between Feb. 9 and 20 from 1,332 people who said they lived in Chicago. The survey was weighted to better reflect disparities in the actual demographics of those who responded to the survey. The survey’s weighting was applied to demographic metrics such as race, gender, area of residence and housing tenure. Its margin of error is 3 percent.

An early voting location in Bucktown. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line] 

The number of Chicagoans casting their vote early — by mail and in-person — has jumped from the 2019 municipal election as the way residents vote in the city shifts. And the increase in voter turnout so far could also mean better turnout on Election Day than in recent municipal elections, some officials say. 

The residential building proposed for 1016 W. Jackson Blvd. [City of Chicago presentation] 

A key City Council committee on Thursday approved proposals for two new mixed-use office buildings in Fulton Market and a 370-unit residential building with 74 affordable units on the Near West Side.  

The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards met virtually Thursday, marking the last scheduled council committee meeting before Tuesday’s election. 

From top left across, Ald. Monique Scott, Creative Scott, Vetress Boyce and Edward Ward. From bottom left across, Traci "Treasure" Johnson, Drewone Goldsmith and Luther Woodruff. Not pictured is Larry Nelson. [Courtesy photos] 

Despite an eight-way race for 24th Ward alderman, no challenger has been able to compete in the fundraising sphere with the incumbent, who was handpicked by the mayor last year. The 24th Ward includes North Lawndale and a part of Little Village.

City of Chicago Public Safety Headquarters 

Aldermen were unsatisfied with conflicting and evasive answers Chicago Police Department officials gave during a committee hearing Wednesday about the department’s policy on dealing with officers alleged to have been associated with far-right groups.

The building proposed for 640 W. Randolph St. [City of Chicago presentation] 

With less than one week before the Feb. 28 election, the agenda for Thursday’s meeting of the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards is light with proposals for two separate mixed-use office buildings up for consideration.

Seated from left to right: Ed Mullen, attorney for petition challenger; Andrew Finko, attorney for Shawn Walker; and candidate Shawn Walker. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line] 

A candidate who was initially kicked off the ballot in the race for 28th Ward alderman but reinstated following an order from the Illinois Appellate Court will remain on the ballot following a Tuesday decision from the Chicago Electoral Board. 

The public safety committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line] 

The City Council Committee on Public Safety on Wednesday will hold an in-person hearing on Chicago Police officers who are members of the far-right anti-government organization Oath Keepers and a separate hearing on Chicago Police officer Robert Bakker who lied about his tied to Proud Boys, another far-right extremist group. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot responded to allegations of directing the city’s police pension board to deny benefits to officers disabled by a COVID-19 infection, and Anjanette Young endorsed one of Lightfoot’s opponents in the mayor’s race.

Aldermen spent more than $1.65 million on cameras in 2022. [Chicago Inspector General's Office] 

Aldermen in 2022 spent more than $1.65 million in discretionary menu money on police surveillance cameras and license plate readers, records from the city’s budget department show. 

From top left across, William Hall, Kim Egonmwan, Aja Kearney, second row across from left Patrick Brutus, Paul Bryson and Sharon Pincham and third row across from left Barbara Bunville, Kirby Birgans and Richard Wooten. Tavares Briggs is in the bottom left corner, and Sylvester Baker is not pictured. [Courtesy photos]

Despite a crowded race to fill the 6th Ward seat being vacated by mayoral candidate Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6), one candidate has outpaced others in fundraising in the final weeks before the election, according to public campaign finance data as of Feb. 17. 

The South Side ward includes Auburn-Gresham, Chatham, Chesterfield, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and Park Manor.

Members of the Chicago Plan Commission unanimously approved a new citywide plan Thursday. [City of Chicago livestream]  

The Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution adopting the We Will Chicago Framework Plan — the citywide plan creating goals and objectives for the next decade. 

A joint City Council committee heard from representatives from businesses specializing in equipment that could prove crucial in preparing for future airborne disease pandemics. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced several actions aimed at making reentry easier for Chicagoans leaving prison. 

The City Council in December approved a new tax-increment financing district to help fund the Red Line Extension south. [City of Chicago presentation] 

Members of the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday will hear an informational presentation on potential future development along the planned 5.6-mile Red Line Extension that will stretch the train line from its existing terminus at 95th Street to 130th Street.

City Council Committee on Health and Human Relations chairman Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) is pictured during a City Council meeting Dec. 14, 2022. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council Joint Committee on Health and Human Relations and Economic, Capital and Technology Development will convene Thursday for a subject matter hearing on technology that can be used to combat the spread of COVID-19 and other future airborne viruses.