The Latest Breaking News from City Council

Repealing Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinance would put immigrants at risk of deportation

A repeal would not stop migrants from arriving in Chicago, and the debate over the ordinance has worsened tensions between Black and Brown communities.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 28, 2023

Field Museum worker testifies about phone call with then-Ald. Ed BurkeL ‘I perceived it as a threat.’

Prosecutors say the former City Council dean was upset that he had failed to land an internship at the Field Museum for the daughter of a close friend.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 20, 2023

Lexington affordable housing head says need for additional units remains significant

The man who oversees the City of Lexington’s affordable housing program says there continues to be a tremendous need for more units. Affordable Housing Manager Rick McQuady presented an update to a City Council committee last week.

WEKU · Nov 20, 2023

Decorum call: City Council moves to rein in unruly crowds, threatening behavior at its meetings

New rules ban profane, vulgar, threatening, abusive or disruptive language at Chicago City Council meetings. Also out: banners, signs, large bags and sharp objects.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 14, 2023

City Council committee creates quiet zone around West Loop abortion clinic

Ald. Bill Conway moved to ban bullhorns, speakers from streets around Family Planning Associates, 659 W. Washington Blvd., after ‘increasingly aggressive’ protests during which activists would ‘harass’ and stop women.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 13, 2023

Mayor Brandon Johnson won’t pay a price for floor leader’s ouster, top aide says

One day after the mayor cast the tie-breaking vote that saved Ald. Carlo Ramirez-Rosa from a Council censure, senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee said it was not a mistake for Johnson to empower the chair of the Council’s Socialist Caucus as both floor leader and Zoning Committee chair.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 8, 2023

Ramirez-Rosa narrowly escapes City Council censure — with help from mayor and Ald. Mitts

Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the tie-breaking vote against censure of his former floor leader, accused of “manhandling” Ald. Emma Mitts while trying to prevent her entrance to Council chambers.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum to reduce homelessness through tax on high-end property sales clears City Council

Tuesday’s 32-17 vote is a major political victory for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Next comes a battle between Johnson’s progressive coalition and the business community and real estate industry.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

Shouts, tears, boos from crowd force recess of City Council committee meeting during heated migrant debate

Several people in the gallery were escorted out by security after an observer singled them out as supporters of welcoming migrants. Later, the full Council voted to accept donated land at 115th and Halsted streets that will become the temporary site of a winterized tent camp for migrant.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

Mayor Johnson’s next floor leader has to get along with colleagues — and let democracy work

With Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa departing as zoning chairman and floor leader, Mayor Brandon Johnson has to select a replacement who can help the City Council function effectively and solve the city’s many challenges.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023