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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2025 Budget Vote
Statement from Ald. Vasquez on 2025 Budget Vote Five years ago, neighbors in our ward elected me as Alderperson of the 40th Ward because they…
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2025 Budget Update: Management Ordinance
Budget Hearings concluded this week! You can visit the City Clerk’s Vimeo page if you want to catch up on any of the hearings you…
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40th Ward Budget Briefing
Missed yesterday’s budget briefing? We’ve got you covered! Check out a video of the briefing and read through the presentation below. Special thanks to Geoffrey…
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2025 City Budget Analysis: Week 1
This past week, we’ve been digging into the proposed 2025 City of Chicago budget to closely scrutinize the revenue and appropriations in this year’s budget…