What is Chicago City Council?
Most meaningful legislative activity happens in committee meetings, where committee members debate proposed legislation. These meetings are open to the public. Each committee has a Chair, who controls the committee meeting agenda (and the legislation to be considered). Committee jurisdiction, memberships, and appointments all require City Council approval.
City Council Committees
Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights (CIRR)
Ald. Vasquez, 40th Ward – Chair
The Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights (CIRR) is responsible for considering all legislation regarding the security and stability of immigrants and refugees in Chicago.
Ald. Vasquez also serves on the following committees:
Transportation and Public Way
Ald. Vasquez, 40th Ward –Vice Chair
Oversees all matters relating to the Chicago Transit Authority, the subways and the furnishing of public transportation within the City.
Budget and Government Operations
The Committee on the Budget and Government Operations has jurisdiction over the expenditure of all funds appropriated and expended by the City of Chicago.
Committees and Rules
Reviews and revises proposed legislation before it goes to City Council for a vote. They also set agendas, oversee committee meetings, provide opportunities for public comment and ensure transparency and accountability in government.
Ethics and Government Oversight
This committee aims to ensure that City officials and employees avoid conflicts of interest and maintain transparency in their actions. They work to prevent corruption and promote ethical behavior in government.
Public Safety
Oversees matters relating to the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, the Independent Police Review Authority, and matters affecting emergency city services generally.
Workforce Development
Designates resources for workforce development initiatives focused on meeting the needs of Chicago’s most vulnerable residents, investing in workforce programs for individuals who are low-income and have limited work skills.
City Council Updates
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City Council Round-up: May 2025
It was a busy month in City Council, with two full City Council meetings, and several major pieces of legislation being passed and introduced. Read…
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Statement on the Proposed Curfew Ordinance
On Wednesday, April 30th, Ald. Vasquez joined members of the Progressive Caucus in speaking out against the proposed curfew ordinance, O2024-0010163. See below for the…
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City Council Round-up: April 2025
It was an active month in City Council, with several key pieces of legislation being debated, and several exciting new pieces of environmental legislation introduced.…
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City Council Round-up: March 2025
At the latest City Council meeting on March 12th, members of City Council discussed a potential fur ban, voted on a settlement from a police…