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  • The Council’s License Committee has a packed agenda today, from appointing a new commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) to walking back parts of the city’s controversial Airbnb rules passed last summer.


    The city's “Share Housing” Ordinance, aimed at regulating platforms like Airbnb in Chicago, has been the subject of two lawsuits since the regulations were approved in June: one filed in federal court in November by the nonprofit Keep Chicago Livable; another filed in Cook County Circuit Court a week later by the Liberty Justice Center, the legal arm of the conservative-leaning Illinois Policy Institute.



  • FEB 14, 2017
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    February 14, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Sophia King (4) early voted (we're thinking it was for herself). Here's her pitch video

    • Ald. Gregory Mitchell (7) is revamping his email newsletter and website in the "near future," and says the 7th ward will receive over 50 new officers this year.

    • Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) shared video from a press conference he held yesterday: "We must continue to expose those that would harm our communities. Silence only gives these criminals cover to shoot more children, kill more innocents, and shatter more communities."

    • Ald. Matt O'Shea (19) participated in the Chicago High School for Ag Sciences Job Shadow Day with @SenatorBillC and @chrisgkennedy. There was a baby pig

    • Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27) has a reminder for his Clean & Sober Steppers Set to benefit the Salvation Army. 

    • Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) delivered this letter to Chicago Public Schools requesting they "put a halt" to the expansion of Speer Academy. "I do not believe that the Northwest Side can afford additional charter schools. They continue to suck resources from our great neighborhood schools like Steinmetz College Prep and North-Grand High School. We have to recognize that our neighborhood schools are more than just schools, they are the center of our communities and will continue to serve that function for decades to come." He thanked a group of fellow aldermen for supporting neighborhood schools, including Ald. Milly Santiago (31), who delivered the letter with him.  

    • Ald. John Arena (45) declared his Valentine's Day party a smashing success.

    • Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) shared this article about a manufacturing tycoon and emigrant from India supporting President Trump, calling him "a fool & an Islamaphobe. Beware Hindu nationalists: @POTUS just sees skin color. So don't think you're safe as an Islamophobic Hindu."

    • Ald. Joe Moore (49) has established "an action committee that will work to promote and improve Rogers Park's neighborhood public schools," The Committee on Rogers Park Schools (CORPS). 

    • City Treasurer Kurt Summers warned there's only a few more days to apply for his office's Black History Month Essay Competition. Top prize is a $2,500 scholarship. He also celebrated Chance's big night at the Grammy's. 



    • Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) was at a "packed" meeting "to protect #RoevWade with HB40 @Fightin47th @SaraFeigenholtz @PersonalPAC@RepAnnWilliams".

    • Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) says Mayor Emanuel's visit to DC to talk infrastructure is a "Good start, shame that no elected officials from Cook County government attended, to proud to ask for fed help/resources = our kids killed."

  • Updated Tuesday February 14 @ 4:40 p.m.: We incorrectly reported that investigators at IPRA’s replacement agency will continue to receive training at Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc. IPRA spokesperson Mia Sissac clarified that IPRA investigators have received training from that firm in the past, but they have not yet determined where future COPA lead investigators will receive their training, as is required under state law. 


    Only one company submitted a bid to assist the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) with its transition to become the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) and the city has decided to accept the bid. The winner is a small, Chicago-based IT firm with experience working on various website and technology upgrades for Cook County.


    Carminati Consulting, Inc., a software and IT management company that built the public websites for Cook County’s Trauma and Burn Unit and the Cook County Health and Hospitals’ System, will be paid up to $200,000 under the contract with the city. IPRA’s selection seems to be a curious one: nowhere in Carminati’s website does it detail experience in anything other than IT management.



  • FEB 13, 2017
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    February 13, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) "sat down with JB Pritzker to discuss some of the problems we see here in the 1st Ward. We both agreed that a good early childhood education system is necessary to curb crime."

    • Ald. Pat Dowell (3) says "Trump senior advisor Stephen Miller looks and acts like Agent Smith from The Matrix movie. Where is Neo when you need him? Jeez..." She also likes Ald. Sophia King (4). King won the endorsement of the Sun-Times this weekend.

    • Ald. Greg Mitchell (7) says he and the 7th Ward Community Education Partners Council "visited every school in the 7th Ward to acknowledge high performing students and provide them with school supplies to support their academic growth." The photos date back to 2013.

    • Ald. George Cardenas (12) declared his Valentine Bingo "A Lovely Success".

    • Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) asked followers to "keep 12 yo Kanari Gentry in your prayers. She was shot yesterday while playing at her playground after fight ends in gunfire."

    • Ald. Matt O'Shea (19) shared info about upgrades coming to Mount Greenwood and Esmond elementary schools.

    • Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. (21), in a rare social media post, shared an article about rape accusations against French police with the comment: "wtf?"  

    • Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) has updates on Finkl Steel hearings, public safety in the ward, and the impact of mid-year CPS cuts on local schools. 

    • Ald. Deb Mell (33) has a menu fund survey. 

    • Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) has a sad goodbye for the Swedish Bakery in Andersonville.

    • Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) shared a story of "Another HERO Apple in the bunch!!!!" Officer Matthew Ruppert, whose tourniquet application saved a life after a shooting. "Officer Ruppert responded to a call, never once stopping to ask WHO needed his help. Chicago's Police and Fire put themselves in harms way day-in and day-out to protect and save lives no matter the Religion, sexual preference, Race or political affiliation of the person on the other end of that call. Job well done Officer Ruppert and thank you for your service!" 

    • Ald. John Arena (45) says he's "deeply saddened at the shooting death of Alvin Stoll. My prayers are with his family. The incident remains under investigation... This murder is particularly shocking, as the 16th District has one of the lowest murder rates in the city." 

    • Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) wrote a long Facebook post about his parents' move to America and path to citizenship: "It's so heartbreaking to see our federal government target immigrants in the same community where my parents and so many other Indian and Pakistani families got their start. We are not Trump's America and #WeWillResist."

    • Ald. Harry Osterman (48) hosted a packed house for a Bike and Pedestrian meeting.

    • Ald. Joe Moore (49) hosted a community meeting over a week ago on a proposal for a seven-story mixed-income and mixed-use development on the 6400 block of N. Sheridan Road. The project includes market rate and affordable rental housing and a small “flexible format” Target store. "Over a hundred residents attended the meeting, which lasted three and a half hours, the lengthiest community meeting I ever have held on any topic." He's got FAQs and responses.  

    • City Clerk Anna Valencia shared lists of city resources in multiple languages suggested by The Chicago is With You Task Force.

  • 4th Ward special election challenger Gregory Livingston takes a call from a volunteer for Ald. Sophia King, who asked him for his vote. (Photo: Mike Fourcher) 4th Ward special election challenger Gregory Livingston takes a call from a volunteer for Ald. Sophia King, who asked him for his vote. (Photo: Mike Fourcher)

    Updated, February 13, 2017, 10:41 a.m.


    Fourth Ward Aldermanic challenger Gregory Livingston was midway through explaining why Mayor Rahm Emanuel was wrong for Chicago when his cell phone jingled. Livingston, sitting in his campaign office, put the call on speaker. The caller made a pitch, then asked, “Are you willing to support Sophia King for 4th Ward Alderman?”


  • Politicians often talk over each other, but this week it seemed to be in overdrive. CPS CEO Forrest Claypool and Gov. Bruce Rauner couldn’t agree on basic facts regarding Chicago Public Schools. Cook County commissioners spent over an hour arguing over two very similar resolutions asking for federal help from President Trump, then another hour talking about the finer points of FOIA. Plus, Mayor Rahm Emanuel pledged to get that longshot express train from O’Hare to the Loop–which had some budget watchers doing a double take.  


  • FEB 10, 2017
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    February 10, 2017


    • Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) shared pictures (including 360 degree ones) from "another packed house for last night's Wicker Park community meeting." Commanders Saldana and Avila, Ald. Brian Hopkins, and Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) attended also. 

    • Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) is "very excited about this plan for a new 70-acre park," a proposal for additional lakefront acreage that he's shared before. "This is one of the best things we can do to improve the city. I think Daniel Burnham would be proud."

    • Ald. Sophia King (4) live-tweeted a candidate forum.

    • Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) strongly advocated for fellow CTU member Sarah Chambers, a special education teacher and visible CTU Executive Board and CORE member whose hours at Saucedo Elementary were apparently cut. "Sarah has always gone above and beyond to put her students first. She is their voice when they can't speak she is their champion when they can't fight. This is a perfect example of a principal putting their personal feeling before the students that they are suppose to educate and nurture." 

    • Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11) was on Radio Free Bridgeport talking "new businesses, the need for more police officers, 31st street bus, waterway access, new revenue, and his passion for hockey."

    • Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) has pics from the Construction Summit this week. Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp, City Clerk Anna ValenciaAld. Jason Ervin (28), Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), and former Ald. Deborah Graham (29) were there

    • Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27) has video from the Green Line at Damen announcement yesterday. 

    • Ald. Jason Ervin (28) spent two evenings in with his daughter, Jeneva, calling it his "new normal..." 

    • Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) shared a "different view" on the proposed O'Hare Express.

    • Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) caught up with "el 'mero mero,' Don @jesuschuygar"

    • Ald. Emma Mitts' (37) pastors' alliance meeting is Saturday. 

    • Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) warned: the canine flu is spreading again. 

    • Ald. Michele Smith (43) says DPD's last public meeting for the North Branch Industrial Corridor is Tuesday, Feb. 21. "You are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and express your support for public recreational space."

    • Ald. Tom Tunney (44) met with parents from Blaine, Nettlehorst, Hamilton, Agassiz, Hawthorne and Inter-American School students last week "to offer Chicago Cubs World Series Championship Banners from City Hall for future fundraising endeavors."

    • City Treasurer Kurt Summers shared Coretta Scott King's letter about AG Jeff Sessions. "During Black History Month, let this serve as a strong reminder that we must not be silenced and that we must continue to fight for each and every one of us."



    • Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) is holding a town hall meeting on his Community Revitalization Act Feb 18. 

    • Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) seems to be rooting for South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg's run for DNC: "Watching my good friend @PeteforDNC on @Morning_Joe w great message- 'show up' for people so U never lose touch"


  • FEB 09, 2017
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    February 9, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) met with parents and officials from Clemente, Wells, and LaSalle II schools to discuss bringing a language academy high school to the ward.

    • Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) and Sheriff Tom Dart invited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms "to use 13th District as joint task force locale." He, Ald. Michele Smith (43), Ald. Ameya Pawar (47), and Ald. Deb Silverstein (50) attended the interfaith meet-up at the recently vandalized Loop synagogue yesterday. 

    • Ald. Pat Dowell (3) and local stakeholders hit "a major milestone" in efforts to build a bigger, better field house at Williams Park in Dearborn Homes.

    • Ald. George Cardenas (12) says his community is "outraged by Trump's statements blaming documented for Chgo violence. Shame on him! Scapegoats!"

    • Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa's (35) statement on President Trump: "“This is another one of President Trump’s ‘alternative facts,’ a continuation of Trump’s attacks on immigrants, Muslims, women, Chicago’s youth, and our working families. It is wrong that the President of the United States would seek to scare and divide the American people." 

    • Ald. John Arena (45) says he's "saddened to see such hateful imagery and language occur in one of Jefferson Park's former beloved Catholic schools and soon-to-be-home of a pre-k center." The school was vandalized and graffitied with hate speech. "Now more than ever, we must open our hearts and minds to one another and be accepting of our differences."

    • Ald. Harry Osterman (48) is proud to see Metropolis Coffee "listed as the first Edgewater food establishment to join the Sanctuary Restaurants movement!"

    • City Clerk Anna Valencia and Ald. Danny Solis (25) co-issued a statement: "The President’s recent statements attempting to link immigration and crime are not only shameful but also incredibly dangerous. The current administration should stop putting out 'alternative facts' that criminalize populations on baseless claims and should instead focus on leading the country."



    • Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) has declared Wu Wednesday the best thing she's ever seen: Wu Tang+Kung Fu+ramen. 

    • Comm. John Daley (D-11) thanked the Civic Federation for their support of the Board's efforts to streamline the meeting schedule.

    • Comm. John Fritchey (D-12) has sworn off Trump posts for 48 hours, opting for a pic of his pup in the meantime. 

    • Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) shared a statement he co-issued with Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) on yesterday's federal help debate: "Sadly, citizens continue to be murdered in record numbers while Cook County elected officials chose partisan politics over needed resources."


  • FEB 09, 2017
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    February 8, 2017

    Ward Reports



  • FEB 09, 2017
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    February 7, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) shared pics of the standing room only crowd at last night's West Town Community Meeting.

    • Ald. Pat Dowell's (3) next town hall meeting will include discussion of COPA and CPD's use of force. 

    • Ald. Sophia King (4) won another big endorsement: Sen. Dick Durbin.

    • Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11) and several other elected officials donned red scarves and posed for a Chinese New Year picture. 

    • Ald. George Cardenas (12) joined EPA workers at a rally against nomination of Scott Pruitt.

    • Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) noted "Oak Park just voted unanimously to adopt model sanctuary ordinance with no carve outs, time for Chicago to catch up."

    • Ald. Michele Smith (43) will join the Jewish Federation of Greater Chicago Wednesday at noon "to rally against hate at the Loop Synagogue".

    • Ald. Joe Moore's (49) "27th Annual FREE VALENTINE’S DAY FILM EXTRAVAGANZA" at the New 400 Theaters will feature kid friendly movies this weekend. 

    • City Treasurer Kurt Summers wrote on Facebook: "I'm a public school kid, and what I learned in school is that experience is important. That's why I urge the Senate to vote NO on Betsy DeVos. This is too important an issue."

    • City Clerk Anna Valencia had a "Great conversation on immigration and access to education this morning with the Latino Caucus."



    • Comm. Pete Silvestri (R-9) presented a "congratulatory resolution to Mayor Arlene Juracek commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Village of Mount Prospect."

    • Comm. John Daley (D-11) was "Disappointed to read about the Chicago Loop Synagogue being vandalized over the weekend. There is no place in our society for such hateful behavior."


  • FEB 09, 2017
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    February 6, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted: "and I thought @ladygaga was fearless when I saw her do the polar plunge. jumping off a stadium roof tops that. great halftime show."

      Ald. Pat Dowell (3) hosted her "8th annual Super Bowl party for my constituents at Studios 1801. I love this event - food from Chicago's Chicken and Waffles, good conversation, laughs, and of course football." State Rep. Julianna Stratton attended. 

    • Ald. Sophia King (4) says she's proud to "support the landmark designation of the former Johnson Publishing Company building... Once home to EBONY and JET Magazines (among other publications), it remains the only office structure in downtown Chicago built by an African American." She also has some tweets from a candidate forum over the weekend. 

    • Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11) congratulated the "108 officers who graduated from the police-training academy and the 200 police veterans who graduated to a higher rank. We wish these officers the best of luck, pray for their safety and will continue to support them."

    • Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) joined Ald. Danny Solis (25) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), organizations like Erie House, SWOP, The Resurrection Project, Instituto Progreso, Indo-American Center, Immigrant Workers Project, Centro Romero, NPNA, Korean American Resource Center, and Heartland Alliance to raise awareness for the city's legal defense fund. 

    • Ald. David Moore (17) wrote on Facebook in response to Sen. Dick Durbin's opposition to Betsy DeVos' confirmation as Secretary of Education: "Senator Durbin, I agree with your assessment, but many of the charter and corporate policies pushed by Arne Duncan and the current Mayor's Administration are very similar to Devoe's [sic] policies. The black community need your voice on these issues when our schools are being privatized for corporate profit. Right now I'm not seeing any difference between Devoe [sic] and Duncan."

    • Ald. Danny Solis (25) periscoped the Chinese New Year parade. 

    • Ald. Scott Waguespack (32), Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Brian Hopkins (2), 14th District Cmdr. Fabian Saldana and other local reps will attend a special Bucktown/Wicker Park public safety meeting Wednesday. 

    • Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared CTU's video from Friday's protest outside the mayor's office: "Stop balancing the budget on the backs of our children, it's time for Bruce Rauner and Rahm Emanuel to ask the rich and big corporations to pay their fair share." He also attended a Democratic Socialists of America mixer Friday. 

    • Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) has the latest coyote news out of Winnemac Park. 

    • Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) shared a survey on the new proposed high school in Dunning. 

    • Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) said of the Loop Synagogue vandalism: "Sickening & wrong. It's sad that these hate groups have been emboldened by our new President."

    • Ald. Michele Smith (43) said of the vandalism: "We must stand together to resist anti-semitism. #neveragain"

    • Ald. John Arena (45) says he's "been surprised by the vitriol that has been directed" at a new mixed-income zoning proposal in the ward that includes housing for veterans. "This meeting is for the exchange of information between the developer and you, my constituent. As such, there will be a strict enforcement of rules of decorum and civility." Those rules: only 45th ward residents can attend, no banners allowed, and anyone being vocally disruptive will be asked to leave.  

    • Ald. James Cappleman's (46) husband Richard, dressed a lot like Ald. Harry Osterman (48). He's got a side by side pic

    • Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) campaigned in Carbondale yesterday. 

    • Ald. Deb Silverstein (50) says CPD has announced new cops in two districts in the ward: "The 24th District, which covers most of the 50th Ward, is getting five new officers, and the 17th District, which covers Peterson Park, is getting four new officers."

    • City Treasurer Kurt Summers attended the Equality Illinois gala this weekend. "The message was clear - while there is much to celebrate, there is still more work to do to advance LGBTQ rights!" He also participated in Rainbow PUSH Coalition's Saturday Morning Forum, joining Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Ariel Investments' John Rogers, Jr., State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, & SEIU's Renaye Manley "to discuss the importance of minority & women-owned firms being included in the money management of pension funds, investments, & endowments."



    • Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) says the Board "will debate a Resolution I introduced with several of my colleagues calling on President Trump and the federal government to bring resources to Chicago's endangered communities" on Wednesday. "Economic investment and additional law enforcement can serve as an immediate solution to the problem, but long-term initiatives are equally important."

    • Comm. John Fritchey (D-12) says as the result of his anti-Trump posts, "I've now blocked more people than Hakeem Olajuwon."

    • Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted a video of praise for President Trump's work ethic: "Go figure government struggling with a private sector mentality that subscribes to work until the task at hand is completed, before u stop." He says he feels sorry for Nancy Pelosi, a "sad bigot".


  • FEB 09, 2017
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    February 3, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) is hosting a public safety meeting Monday with State Rep. Cynthia Soto and other electeds. 

    • Ald. Leslie Hairston (5) met with Becoming A Man (BAM) participants at Hyde Park Academy. 

    • Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) noted "More than a dozen cities have higher rates of shootings and homicides than Chicago."

    • Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) and Comm. Stanley Moore (D-4) were honorary co-hosts for their 2nd Annual Transportation Symposium highlighting the railroad industry yesterday.

    • Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) "had a blast skating in the CFD vs. CPD charity hockey game for our American troops. All proceeds went to Solute Inc."

    • Ald. John Arena (45), Mayor Emanuel, and State Rep. Rob Martwick announced a $36 million plan to address overcrowding at Jefferson Park's Prussing School

    • Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) campaigned in Springfield yesterday. 

    • Ald. Harry Osterman (48) shared a Trib video from yesterday morning's gathering at Swift Elementary in support of immigrants and refugees. 





    • Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) was looking to set the record straight on his ask for federal help from President Trump: "...the inertia and inaction of leaders in the city, state, and county to deal with this issue requires White House leadership and resources... We are witnessing a modern day Genocide."

    • Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) congratulated her Director of External Affairs "@MartyMal1 on his appointment to VP Comms of @YoungIrishFC – well deserved!"


  • FEB 09, 2017
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    February 2, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) will be at a community meeting next Wednesday at Pritzker School to "discuss the recent violence in our neighborhood, what we have been doing to address it, and what remains to be done."

    • Ald. Pat Dowell (3) issued a statement on the state of affairs in her latest newsletter: "Just this past month, we have seen those old fights reignite. I was proud to speak at the Women's March on Chicago and I'm committed to upholding the rights of ALL of Chicago's citizens."

    • Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted of the Ohio pastor who offered to sit President Trump down with Chicago gangs: "Many Chi gangs are block by block, diff leaders over hundreds of streets. Anyone believe some pastor in OH talked to them?"

    • Ald. Matt O'Shea (19) tweeted he was "Proud to be attending the annual @IlliniRestAssoc meeting. The IRA supports restaurant operators & advocates for the hospitality workforce."

    • Ald. Walter Burnett (27) shared an invite to Clean & Sober Steppers Set to benefit the Salvation Army. 

    • Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) is hosting a know your rights training session for immigrants this weekend. 

    • Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) says State Rep. Chris Welch is a "great pick" for Chairman of the Higher Education Committee. 

    • Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) has info on the new high school planned for the Northwest Side. "We will be assisting Taft High School and the Local School Council (LSC) in conducting numerous meetings with CPS to gain your feedback. I would also encourage you to contact your grade school LSC, attend their meetings and share your thoughts."

    • Ald. Michele Smith (43) has a new Facebook page. 

    • Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) will participate in a "Not My President's Day" on January 20. 

    • Ald. Harry Osterman (48), Swift Elementary Parents and public school advocate Troy LaRaviere will rally in front of Swift "to send a message of hope, change, and support for its immigrant and refugee families." 

    • City Clerk Anna Valencia handed out #ChiBags in Englewood with Streets and San, CPD, and Chicago Budget & Management employees.

    • City Treasurer Kurt Summers' office is giving away a $2500 black history month scholarship as part of an essay contest. 

    • The Progressive Caucus' next "Tour de Fork" fundraiser is next month. Host sponsorship will cost $1000.


  • FEB 09, 2017
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    February 1, 2017

    Ward Reports



    • Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) supports the mayor's efforts to host welcoming events "& look fwd to setting up like dinners w/ @eriehouse & other 1st Ward community orgs".

    • Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared a pic from last night's immigration workshop. 

    • Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) thanked those who showed up to his 2017 First Quarter Ward meeting: 9th District Commander Stephen Chung, CPD, OEMC & BACP... Special thanks to Chief Judge Timothy Evans for giving a very spirited presentation on the courts & the active role they play in shaping justice in our communities."

    • Ald. Deb Mell (33) introduced the ward's new alderpup, Penny. 

    • Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) posted a flashback pic from a year ago in Iowa, where he campaigned for Bernie Sanders

    • Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) penned a missive about presidential fiats. "How can these good goals become so disdainful? I have come to the conclusion that the answer is twofold. First, a good goal for a bad reason can be harmful and insidious and second, the stated goals can be pretexts to achieve goals that, if articulated, would be universally rejected as inappropriate for a civilized society."

    • Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted about income inequality: "In the 1970's, the difference between highest paid worker and lowest paid worker was around 40%. Today, it's around 400%. Not sustainable."

    • Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) says it's time for the city to sue the Trump administration over the sanctuary city directive. 



    • Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) is hosting a Neighborhood Revitalization Act Town Hall meeting February 4th. There will be free hot breakfast served.

    • Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) congratulated Andrew Holmes, who was "named a 2016 recipient of #FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award today in Chicago." He is the president of Operation Restoring Innocence and a 2014 FBI Chicago Citizens Academy graduate. He shared this tweet from Bill Mitchell, which he said was "Poignant".

  • Tense debate over how commissioners should ask the federal government for help addressing violence dominated the day at the Cook County Board Wednesday. Changes to increase FOIA accountability and a new role for the Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership to help tax break recipients fill vacancies were also approved. And as Board President Toni Preckwinkle again admonished President Donald Trump for his rhetoric, she and other Democratic commissioners introduced new measures aimed at protecting the county's immigrants.