Find out the latest legislative updates from this month’s City Council, as well as what’s coming up in May!
Legislative Updates
Tipped Minimum Wage Freeze
Mayor Johnson vetoed O2025-0017549, a partial repeal of the One Fair Wage Ordinance. A group of alders attempted to overturn the veto, but did not reach the required 2/3rds majority.
Ald. Vasquez did not vote to overturn the veto. Through discussions with small businesses, workers, and fellow City Council members, it became clear that City Council had not yet done their due diligence in fully assessing how this ordinance is affecting restaurants––especially in light of all of the many economic pressures that have impacted them this year––and how a freeze would impact workers, who are struggling under the same financial pressures.
Our hope is that this will lead to a more in-depth assessment about the impact of One Fair Wage, and allow for more conversation with all of those who are affected, so we can land on the right balance that protects workers’ rights to earn a fair wage, while also making sure that small businesses with small margins are not unduly burdened.
Lawful Sports Wagering
City Council passed an ordinance (O2026-0022510) that would require a license for internet sports wagering this month in City Council. The license requirement for sports wagering already existed, but this ordinance clarified that wagers that happen over the internet are also included in the license requirement, if the patron is present in the City of Chicago at the time of placing the wager.
[Andre’s position on the issue]
This ordinance was passed by the full City Council.
30 Day Eviction Notice for <6 Month Leases
City Council also passed an ordinance (SO2025-0019933) extending the time a tenant may stay in their rental unit if a landlord fails to give at least 30 days’ notice before the termination of a rental agreement. Ald. Vasquez was in support of this bill, and it passed via full City Council vote!
TIF Funding Allocation for Workforce Solution Program
City Council also passed an ordinance allocating additional TIF Funding to the Workforce Solution Program, which provides reimbursement grants to businesses looking to upskill their current employees through trainings and certifications and/or hire additional staff in the near future. Through this program, the City reimburses eligible training expenses and provides on-the-job training wage support for new hires, who must be Chicago residents.
There are 6 TIF Districts eligible for this program in the 40th Ward:
- Edgewater/Ashland
- Foster and California
- Pratt/Ridge
- Lincoln Avenue
- Touhy/Western
- Clark/Montrose
If you have a business or organization in any of these districts, we encourage you to apply! The current application period is open until April 30th.
Legislative Introductions
City Hiring Prohibition for Convicted Federal Immigration Officers
Ald. Vasquez introduced resolution (R2026-0024900), calling for the Commissioner of Human Resources to reject or disqualify applicants for City employment who violated state and local laws in conducting duties of immigration enforcement or detention.
The matter has been referred to the Committee on Workforce Development, and we look forward to scheduling a hearing in the near future!
Calls to Action
Data Order Rule 41
This February, Ald. Vasquez introduced order (Or2026-0023367), calling for comprehensive data on any and all interactions between city employees and federal agents regarding immigration enforcement from January 20th, 2025 to 30 days after the order’s passage.
In light of the many conversations from the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights and CCPSA about reports of interactions between the Chicago Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, we believe it is crucial that the City be as transparent as possible on any interaction city employees have with federal immigration agents, so we can ensure Welcoming City Laws are being upheld.
The order was sent to the Committee on Rules, but we anticipate reintroducing it to City Council next month. We invite members of the public to submit written comment in support of this legislation, or join us in person to express your support!
- When: Wednesday, May 20th, 10am
- Where: City Hall (121 N LaSalle St), 2nd Floor, Council Chambers
To find out how to give public comment, visit 40thward.org/CIRR!