December 9
At its meeting, the Chicago City Council Committee on Transportation and Public Way passed an ordinance permitting outdoor dining in the 49th Ward on N. Glenwood Ave. between W. Morse Ave. and Farwell Ave. This permit gave a restaurant, already offering limited outdoor dining, permission to expand the service year-round. It also introduced an opportunity for alders in other wards to submit and consider outdoor-dining requests on a street-by-street basis. City regulations will apply—restaurants must allow for snow removal and street sweeping, for example, and for emergency work. Public commenter George Blakemore, who frequently voices his opinion at public meetings, said he was frustrated at the committee for scheduling its meeting at the same time as the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. He also advocated for “revolution.” Committee Chair Gregory L. Mitchell (7th Ward) thanked Blakemore, said he would take Blakemore’s comments under advisement, and then moved for adjournment.
Two substitute ordinances to fund Special Services Areas (SSAs) were presented by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and approved by the Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development at its meeting. They are to be presented at the next City Council meeting. These SSAs contain sections of 59th and 63rd streets. In general, SSAs can be controversial because they require raising local taxation, and some residents contend that they don’t benefit equally from the expanded services they pay for. Some committee members complained that the Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC), which services these SSAs, failed to meet expectations for communication. In his presentation, Mark Roschen, an assistant DPD commissioner, explained that the department wants to advance “budget only” ordinances for taxing levies that can support SSAs in 2026. Committee member Silvana Tabares (23rd Ward) asked whether all projects approved by the SSAs in 2025 will be completed by 2026, to which Roschen responded they would be. He also said these ordinances support snow removal, litter abatement, and security, and that the city is not obligated to use GSDC in the future. One ordinance would allow the selection of an interim service provider by mid-January. Given Council member concerns with GSDC, Roschen said, a replacement service provider could be selected by the six Council members whose SSAs are affected and begin services as early as May 1, 2026.
December 10
Thirty-six members attended a meeting of the Chicago City Council, three virtually, and fourteen were absent. The Committee heard from public speakers on several topics: dissatisfaction with current property taxes, opposition to a hemp product ban (see our City Council story for more info), the desire for greater support for U.S.-born residents, criticism of Alders proposing to cut some five thousand youth summer jobs, and a request for the City Council to ask Mayor Johnson to acquire federal government assistance for heating issues this winter. Washington, namely the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has previously provided support for other challenges, such as flooding. David Barboza, speaking on behalf of the Southeast Environmental Task Force, expressed support for the Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance, which was introduced last spring. The proposed ordinance “aims to address the disproportionate environmental burdens on Chicago’s South and Southside neighborhoods,” according to the Chicago Reporter. The Council recognized the De La Salle Institute Boys Varsity Soccer Team for winning the 2025 state championship.
December 11
At its brisk twenty-one-minute meeting, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) unanimously approved a series of motions and ordinances related to the 2026 budget, including a 2.75 percent pay raise for MWRD staff. The special meeting was called specifically to adopt the district’s 2026 budget, and there was no discussion. Board President Kari K. Steele and Clerk/Director of Finance Jacqueline Torres read each item, and the Board then proceeded directly to a vote, unanimously approving the six ordinances in the budget. The Board observed a moment of silence for MWRD Police Officer Darren Davidson, who passed away the week before the meeting.
At its meeting, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability heard The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), the Chicago Police Board, and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) present their goals for 2026. Officials from COPA said their goals included improving the disciplinary process and enhancing community engagement. The Chicago Police Board said they plan to work with stakeholders to improve the Rules of Conduct for officers. They also stated their intention to work with COPA to improve the police disciplinary process. CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling’s goals include increasing transparency, strengthening the forensics team, and helping residents understand investigation processes. One public speaker mentioned an upcoming hearing on ICE/CPD interactions. Another public speaker asked about the city’s budget plans to cover police misconduct, saying city residents are feeling the financial burden of settlements. New business saw the Commission approve a series of closed meetings for the maximum time allowed under the state’s Open Meetings Act, which is designed to ensure Illinois residents have access to an open and accountable government.
December 16
At its meeting, the board of the newly created Chicago Residential Investment Fund (RIF) noted that an executive search firm, Maneva Group, had been retained to find the fund’s first CEO. Board members agreed that real estate investment knowledge and an understanding of public sector financing were requirements. The Green Social Housing (GSH) Ordinance passed by the City Council last May laid the groundwork for such a fund, which is designed to support development of “high-quality, permanently mixed-income housing.” The group has access to a $135 million revolving fund that can replace private equity investments in housing. It’s seeking“partnerships with developers and impact investors interested in making mixed-income development happen in Chicago,” according to its website. The thirteen-member board includes executives from an investment management firm, an environmental justice organization, a construction company, a land trust, and a labor organization. Ex officio are a member of the City Council Committee on Finance and the city’s top staff leadership in housing, procurement, sustainability, and planning and development.
This information was collected and curated by the Weekly in large part using reporting from City Bureau’s Documenters at documenters.org.