# Keep Chicago Clean Press Event 6.26.26 - Date: June 26, 2026 - Type: Video - Length: 19:26 - Topic: Press conferences - Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDdumgEp_r0) - Transcript: Machine transcription, 2,588 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/aDdumgEp_r0.txt)) - Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor) ## Description Mayor Brandon Johnson attends the Keep Chicago Clean Press Event. ## Transcript [1:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=111) I don't think of it. Good morning, everyone. Good morning. Thank you all for being here today. This is more of a, like, what I call a happy occasion because I have community members throughout, not only the 17th Ward community, but throughout the city of Chicago, which I'm excited about. Whether you're on Facebook or whether you see people on social media, people are concerned about how our neighborhoods look. and we have to make sure that we're keeping our community clean one of the things that i've been [2:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=145) trying to push is um like when i used to say no um say no to drugs campaign and people would help we decided to do a keep chicago clean campaign and absolutely and i'm so excited because i've been trying to get this done under um i was trying to get this done in the previous administration But when I presented it to the mayor's team, they immediately got on board. The mayor was very supportive of it. But I tell you, the person who's responsible for making sure that this city stays clean and is charged with it, Commissioner Cole Stallard, was all over it. [3:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=186) And he got along with him and Commissioner Tovar got together, and her heart was in it from the beginning. And I just want to thank them so much because even as I get busy in the ward, they were where we at on this. Keep Chicago clean, Alderman. I was like, we're going to get it done and we're going to keep pushing it. But it's not just a saying we had to get some money behind it to run it in a campaign. And although we had a tight budget last budget season, the mayor said this is important. And because part of us keeping our community clean, guess what? Helps us save money. [3:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=219) It helps us save money. And so one of the things that the mayor committed to doing was putting money behind this campaign. So I'm so excited as we get behind keep Chicago clean campaign, making sure that our young people who are behind us are not only keeping it clean, but they do their part. So many adults throw McDonald's bags out the car and you see it. And so we have to encourage and keep pushing people to keep Chicago clean. So without further ado, I want to bring up the person who helped make this happen, because if he wouldn't have said, let's go, let's do it. [4:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=255) I'm with it. It wouldn't have gotten done. So you all make some noise for our mayor, the mayor of this great city, Mayor Brandon Johnson. Yeah. Well, thank you, Alderman Moore. I was telling him I feel like I'm extra clean today. I know I don't have on the other work clothes. I do have a service to attend, but I am so grateful to be here in the 17th Ward with Alderman David Moore. His leadership and his friendship over the years has just been remarkable. [4:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=288) And this incredible campaign, Keep Chicago Clean, it is the effort that I believe culminates what we're ultimately building, which is the safest, most affordable big city. city in America. And again to Alderman David Moore and the other Alders who made sure that this initiative was able to be funded. Deputy Mayor Lori Lipson, thank you for your leadership. Cole Stallard and Angela Tovar, both of those commissioners, we thank them for their leadership. [5:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=319) And all of the organizations and most importantly the community leaders who are here today helping to ensure that Chicago becomes a more vibrant and the full beauty of our city can be fully expressed. And before I begin, let me also just do something that I think is appropriate as a former social studies teacher. I wonder how many people actually know the other motto of Chicago. I know I always say this is the greatest freaking city in the world, but the other motto of Chicago is herbs in horto, [5:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=351) which means city in a garden. I've always thought that's a remarkable way to describe Chicago because a garden just doesn't happen by accident. It takes people who are willing to plant, to nurture, to protect and invest in something that's bigger than themselves. It requires patience, care, and the belief that the work that you do today will allow someone else to flourish tomorrow. But that's Chicago. That's who we are. We're a city built by generations of people who invested in one another [6:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=383) Who created opportunity where others saw obstacles Who transformed neighborhoods through resilience and hope And who understood that our greatest strengths has always been our people and how we look out for one another And today we are continuing that tradition And together we're planting the seeds for a stronger, safer and a more equitable Chicago And one that will continue to grow and thrive for generations to come was designated as our motto when Chicago became a city in 1837, recognizing the coexistence of urban agriculture and green spaces here. [6:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=418) I think anyone who spent a day playing basketball in our parks or exploring the nature garden at Ogden Park would agree, we are truly a city and a garden. Chicago is a city of beautiful parks, green spaces, and natural beauty among our beautiful built environment. And the launch of our Keep Chicago Clean campaign, we commit to nurturing our environment and keeping our city the beauty that it truly is. Our city departments and crews work hard every day to keep our city beautiful, and I do want to acknowledge that work. [7:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=453) And through our Our Root Chicago program, our departments of streets and sanitation, transportation, environment work, They're doing this to ensure that all of our communities enjoy the benefits of trees, such as reduce the benefit of trees so that we can continue to reduce temperatures, have cleaner air, and increase curb appeal for our homes and our businesses. And finally, I'm very proud that more than 69,000 trees have been planted since the start of the initiative, particularly in the communities that were lacking tree canopy. [8:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=487) And through the Climate Infrastructure Fund, the Department of Planning, Development, and Environment, all of these departments are helping small businesses and nonprofits implement green infrastructure projects that make their surrounding neighborhoods more resilient, but also the ability to withstand flooding while also increasing the beauty. But maintaining that beauty and safety of our city isn't just a responsibility of city workers. It's everyone's responsibility. [8:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=519) And whether you are a Chicago resident or you're visiting the city for the first time, you have an important role to play in keeping Chicago clean. By picking up your trash and disposing of your recycling in blue carts, you take a big step towards making sure that our streets, parks, and our schools, our libraries, and businesses are able to look their very best. These spaces are for everyone, and it's going to include everyone. These spaces are for you to enjoy your picnics, baseball games, and just quiet time, being able to read and just enjoy the nature. [9:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=552) They're for you to celebrate birthdays and graduations with friends, families, and family members and neighbors. They're spaces that you can feel proud of. So I'm asking you all to be good stewards of our city to keep it clean. I want to thank all of the groups that are here today who played an incredible role. So, of course, shout out to Team Englewood, the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, the Chatham Business Association, and so many others who couldn't be here today. So thank you all for your commitment. Of course, I also want to thank all of our city employees for their work to preserve the beauty, the healthy, and the safety of our city. [9:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=586) In particular, I do want to give another shout out to Streets and Sanitation and the entire team for their hard work to ensure that our streets, sidewalks, and parkways and alleys are safe and clean. I also want to thank you. Thank again, Alderman David Moore for his dedication. When Alderman Moore is on your side, you've got a true champion, and you can basically anticipate that it's going to get done. So thank you all again. Without further ado, please welcome to the podium the Department of Street and Sanitation Commissioner, Mr. Kohlstaller. [10:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=624) Brought a couple of visuals today. Pull them out as we go, but I just want everybody to notice we've got our electric quality of life vans back there. to show our commitment, work with fleet. And then we have a hybrid garbage truck back there as a visual. So just wanted to know that's our commitment, and I'll pull out the bag in a minute. But, Mayor, thank you very much. Alderman Moore, thank you very much. [10:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=654) Everybody, thank you for being here, community people as well. Good morning. My name is Cole Stollard, Commissioner of Park Streets and Sanitation. I'd like to, again, thank Alderman Moore for leading the effort and the City Council to secure funding for this important initiative. I'd also like to thank Mayor Johnson and his administration for their support to ensure our department can carry out our mission every day. I'd also like to thank Commissioner Tovar and her team at the Department of Environment for their continued partnership [11:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=685) in creating a vibrant, sustainable Chicago for current and future generations. Streets and Sanitation is one of the largest non-emergency departments with a team of more than 2,300 employees. And we're responsible for 9,400 lane miles of roadway. We're a 24-7 operation that is out citywide every day, regardless of conditions, the working hard people to keep this city clean. [11:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=716) But Chicago is home to almost 3 million people. I think it's 2.7 and a million more that visit this city each day. We simply cannot do it alone. I constantly say 2,300 people cannot pick up for 2.7 million people plus the million that come in on public transit and visit this city. So here's my visual. [12:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=747) no one in my lifetime since i was born has ever said oh that's a small person right there okay for the record six to about 280 here's the visual i can fit in this bag we pick up 62 000 the department alone that doesn't include the [13:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=789) community efforts but we pick up 62,000 of these bags a year in one year and that's not talking about the garbage cans that are lined on the main streets it's not talking about the garbage in the alley that's actually litter 62,000 of those so we continue to try to make efforts and strides towards that we continue to work with our partners at the state hopefully you can see on the Dan Ryan and on these expressways, on 290 coming in, you can see the effort there. [13:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=822) You can see the on and off ramps that are there. But I say all that to say, and then I'll get back to the script, we need everybody's help. And if everybody just didn't litter, just cleaned up their car when they got home, just didn't throw the bag out in the parking lot, clean out their ashtrays, it'd be a better place. I'll get back to the script. Chicagoans are known for taking pride in our communities and our neighborhoods. [14:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=854) So what we're asking today is for residents and visitors to display that pride and put their litter where it belongs, in the black and blue carts. We encourage residents to visit chicago.gov slash kcc to learn more about the city's various waste diversion and sustainable initiatives. You can also download the Recycling Coach app for your waste and recycling collection schedule and other helpful tips on how to properly dispose of waste. Lastly, we want people to know that DSS is here to help you. [14:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=885) If you're thinking about organizing a community cleanup event, cleanup groups of all sizes can notify 311 about your event, and DSS will provide garbage bags and lend tools and other supplies. Thank you for joining us. us today. I appreciate it. And now let's work together to keep Chicago beautiful, safe and clean. And at this point, I'd like to introduce Mr. Kayim Anderson. Good morning, everyone. Good [15:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=921) morning. On behalf of GAGDC CEO Carlos Nelson, it's an honor to stand here today as a special service area manager in support of the Keep Chicago Clean campaign. This campaign is more than a clean-up effort. It is a call to action. It reminds us that every block, every corridor, every parkway, every storefront, every vacant lot tells us a story about who we are as a city and how deeply we care for our communities. As an [15:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=954) SSA manager, I see every day how clean, welcoming, and well-maintained public spaces can change the way people feel about their neighborhoods. A swept sidewalk, a planted flower bed, a clear viaduct, a business corridor. These things may seem small, but together create pride. They create safety. They create belonging. The Keep Chicago Clean campaign is powerful because it invites us all to be a part of the solution. City [16:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=985) departments, as Cole said, can't do the work alone. Community organizations can't do it alone. Businesses can't do it alone. Residents cannot do it alone. But when we come together, we can transform the look and feel of our neighborhoods block by block. I want to thank Mayor Johnson. I want to thank Alderman Moore, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sands, and the Department of Environment for leading this effort and recognizing the [16:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=1017) importance of neighborhood beautification as a form of civic pride and community care. Today's cleanup is not just about picking up litter. It's about making visible statements that our community matters. Our residents matter. Our businesses matter. Our city matters. As we roll up our sleeves today, let us remember that keeping Chicago clean is not a one-day campaign. It's an ongoing commitment it's a shared responsibility and it is one of the simplest most [17:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=1051) powerful ways that we can show love to our city and not for one love Chicago I'll never go anywhere else this is this is home thank you and let's keep Chicago clean beautiful and proud thank you again thank everybody for coming out I thank all our community organizations including the greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, Resident Association of Greater Inglewood, Rage, the Chatham Business Association, I see our Executive Chairman there, Melinda Kelly, [18:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=1086) thank you for being here, and Block by Block of Auburn-Gresham. All of these communities, and I can't not forget 7th District Police who showed up here today. Y'all got to understand, our police officers and our violence prevention leaders out here, They out here doing not only violence prevention, but they also out here doing the work and help keeping clean. Because one of our mottos in the 17th Ward, our motto is a clean community, is a safe community, is a working community. [18:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0?t=1118) Because if you keep a community clean, it tends to be safe. When it's safe, we can bring economic development in and put people to work. And so that's why it's important that we're going to keep Chicago clean. Let me hear you all say, keep Chicago clean. Keep Chicago clean. All right. All right. Thank you all so much. Sources and methods: [how we get and count this data](/about#methods) · [report an error](/about#corrections) --- Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/aDdumgEp_r0 · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. 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