City Council meeting, January 21, 2026

• When: Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
• Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
• Status: Scheduled & Published
• Body: full City Council
• Video: https://vimeo.com/1156547113
• Transcript: full text (24,350 words, automatic captions)

Video chapters

• 24:49 Public comment period
• 55:58 Resolution memorializing LGBTQ activist Rick Garcia
• 56:17 Lamont J. Robinson: Honored Rick Garcia as an LGBTQ trailblazer on behalf of the LGBTQ Caucus and asked for…
• 58:47 Bennett R. Lawson: Described Rick Garcia's role in passing the 1988 human rights ordinance and the state…
• 1:02:12 Resolution commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day
• 1:02:29 Debra L. Silverstein: Introduced the Holocaust Remembrance Day resolution, citing a 58% rise in antisemitic…
• 1:07:34 Maria E. Hadden: Thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein and connected Holocaust remembrance to current…
• 1:11:28 Raymond A. Lopez: Supported the Holocaust resolution and said the city must do more to call out antisemitism.
• 1:28:52 Pat Dowell: Presented the Finance Committee report, including the 30 North LaSalle TIF agreement, Congress…
• 1:29:07 TIF redevelopment agreement with 30 North LaSalle MF Redevelopment LLC (34th Ward)
• 1:32:22 Amended TIF agreement with Sinai Health System to convey property to Lawndale Children's Discovery Center
• 1:33:36 HUD Section 108 loan application for rehabilitation of the Congress Theater
• 1:34:02 Ordinance amending effective dates in the 2026 Municipal Code Revenue Ordinance alternative
• 1:34:20 Resolution calling a public hearing on the Chicago Tourism Improvement District
• 1:35:47 Settlement in Tim Anderson et al. v. David Brown et al. ($875,000)
• 1:36:08 Pat Dowell: Recused herself from the Anderson settlement under Rule 14 because the plaintiff is a…
• 1:37:11 Raymond A. Lopez: Opposed the $875,000 settlement, saying few of the 21 plaintiffs filed reports or…
• 1:43:14 Settlement in estate of Angel Alvarez Montesinos case ($22 million)
• 1:44:44 Matthew J. O'Shea: Presented the Aviation Committee ordinance on fines for violations at Midway and O'Hare.
• 1:44:52 Aviation: fines for violations at Midway and O'Hare airports
• 1:45:46 Budget: library board appointments and 2026 appropriation amendments for CVI funding
• 1:45:47 Jason C. Ervin: Presented Budget Committee items, including library board appointments and an amendment…
• 1:47:31 Gilbert Villegas: Presented the Economic, Capital and Technology Development report on appointments, SSA…
• 1:48:58 Appointment of Fernando Diaz to the City Colleges board
• 1:49:03 Jeanette B. Taylor: Reported the appointment of Fernando Diaz to the City Colleges board.
• 1:49:48 Housing and Real Estate: land sales including property for the Till-Mobley House Museum garden
• 1:49:48 Byron Sigcho-López: Presented Housing and Real Estate land sales and encouraged public comment on the city's…
• 1:51:49 Jeanette B. Taylor: Said the land sale to Blacks in Green would help honor Emmett Till's legacy in Woodlawn.
• 1:53:15 Walter R. Burnett: Supported the land sale to Blocks Together for green space in the 27th Ward.
• 1:55:45 Daniel La Spata: Reported 340 routine traffic items from the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee.
• 1:56:21 Substitute ordinance on dispersal of disruptive youth gatherings
• 1:57:14 Brian Hopkins: Explained the substitute replaces a time-and-site curfew with dispersal of disruptive youth…
• 2:01:23 Matthew J. O'Shea: Said he was uncomfortable with the youth gatherings substitute introduced on short notice…
• 2:03:09 Brian Hopkins: Said the substitute would allow advance declarations and protective custody of minors just as…
• 2:04:58 Matthew J. O'Shea: Asked whether apprehending youths and holding them until parents arrive would expose the…
• 2:06:09 Samantha Nugent: Thanked Hopkins but asked for more time to review the substitute because it differed from…
• 2:06:35 Brian Hopkins: Agreed to hold the substitute until the next meeting.
• 2:06:54 Ordinance adding antisemitism to the Chicago Declaration of General Rights
• 2:07:22 Resolution condemning violence, intimidation or harassment based on political or religious beliefs
• 2:07:53 James M. Gardiner: Described his resolution condemning violence and harassment based on political or…
• 2:10:19 James M. Gardiner: Criticized protesters who entered a Minnesota church during services and asked colleagues…
• 2:13:36 Daniel La Spata: Responded to the sponsor's remarks by referencing a biblical temple protest and saying he…
• 2:14:43 Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth: Asked the sponsor to clarify whether the resolution was meant to condemn protests…
• 2:16:24 Raymond A. Lopez: Supported the political violence resolution as written, saying it condemns assassinations…
• 2:19:47 Nicholas Sposato: Supported the resolution and described receiving a threatening message in 2020, saying…
• 2:22:15 James M. Gardiner: Clarified that the resolution does not condemn protest but says protests should not…
• 2:25:46 Transportation and Public Way: miscellaneous ordinances
• 2:27:07 Emma Mitts: Honored West Side senior advocate Lillian Drummond, who died at about 104.
• 2:29:24 Emma Mitts: Urged colleagues to press Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act to protect senior…
• 2:40:14 Substitute hemp regulation ordinance
• 2:40:51 Marty Quinn: Presented a compromise hemp ordinance that bans unregulated hemp products while allowing…
• 2:42:56 Anthony Beale: Supported the hemp compromise as protecting children and commended Quinn for listening to all…
• 2:44:21 William Conway: Said he voted no in committee but now supported the hemp ordinance after Quinn adopted his…
• 2:45:45 Debra L. Silverstein: Supported the hemp ordinance, saying Alderperson Marty Quinn made the changes he…
• 2:46:38 Maria E. Hadden: Opposed the hemp ordinance, saying it falls short on safety goals and would harm…
• 2:50:27 Anthony V. Napolitano: Supported the hemp ordinance, noting it can be amended over time while protecting…
• 2:52:19 Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez: Opposed the hemp ordinance, arguing bans push products to the black market and…
• 2:53:38 Brendan Reilly: Supported the hemp ordinance, saying it narrows the focus to products like laced snacks sold…
• 2:55:12 Nicholas Sposato: Said he initially opposed the hemp ordinance but now supported it, calling Quinn's process…
• 2:56:12 Daniel La Spata: Opposed the hemp ordinance, saying responsible businesses selling edible products would be…
• 3:04:15 Ordinance setting next meeting for February 18, 2026

Meeting notes

AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

At the January 21, 2026 City Council meeting, ten public commenters spoke, many on Alderperson Marty Quinn hemp regulation ordinance. The council honored LGBTQ activist Rick Garcia and adopted a resolution recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, after which Holocaust survivor Yvonne Aronson addressed the body. Committee reports were approved, including a TIF agreement for 30 North LaSalle (47-0), a HUD Section 108 loan application for the Congress Theater, several police-related settlements (one, opposed by Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez, passed 31-16), an ordinance adding antisemitism to the city's Declaration of General Rights, and a resolution condemning violence and harassment based on political or religious beliefs, which drew debate. Alderperson Brian Hopkins held a substitute ordinance on dispersing disruptive youth gatherings after Alderpersons O'Shea and Nugent raised concerns. The council passed Alderperson Marty Quinn substitute hemp ordinance 32-16 and set the next meeting for February 18, 2026.

Topics: hemp regulation, Holocaust Remembrance Day, youth gatherings and curfew, police settlements, political violence resolution, TIF and Congress Theater, public comment

Agenda items discussed

• 24:49 Public comment period: discussed
• 55:58 Resolution memorializing LGBTQ activist Rick Garcia
• 1:02:12 Resolution commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day: passed
• 1:24:31 Communications from the mayor, including municipal depositories and Congress Theater agreements
• 1:29:07 TIF redevelopment agreement with 30 North LaSalle MF Redevelopment LLC (34th Ward): passed
• 1:32:22 Amended TIF agreement with Sinai Health System to convey property to Lawndale Children's Discovery Center: passed
• 1:33:36 HUD Section 108 loan application for rehabilitation of the Congress Theater: passed
• 1:34:02 Ordinance amending effective dates in the 2026 Municipal Code Revenue Ordinance alternative: passed
• 1:34:20 Resolution calling a public hearing on the Chicago Tourism Improvement District: passed
• 1:35:47 Settlement in Tim Anderson et al. v. David Brown et al. ($875,000): passed
• 1:43:14 Settlement in estate of Angel Alvarez Montesinos case ($22 million): passed
• 1:44:52 Aviation: fines for violations at Midway and O'Hare airports (O2025-0021682): passed
• 1:45:46 Budget: library board appointments and 2026 appropriation amendments for CVI funding: passed
• 1:48:58 Appointment of Fernando Diaz to the City Colleges board (A2025-0021675): passed
• 1:49:48 Housing and Real Estate: land sales including property for the Till-Mobley House Museum garden: passed
• 1:56:21 Substitute ordinance on dispersal of disruptive youth gatherings: held
• 2:06:54 Ordinance adding antisemitism to the Chicago Declaration of General Rights: passed
• 2:07:22 Resolution condemning violence, intimidation or harassment based on political or religious beliefs: passed
• 2:25:46 Transportation and Public Way: miscellaneous ordinances: passed
• 2:40:14 Substitute hemp regulation ordinance: passed
• 3:04:15 Ordinance setting next meeting for February 18, 2026: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

• Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Honored Rick Garcia as an LGBTQ trailblazer on behalf of the LGBTQ Caucus and asked for continued support for the community. (56:17)
• Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Described Rick Garcia's role in passing the 1988 human rights ordinance and the state human rights bill, and invited members to co-sponsor the resolution. (58:47)
• Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Introduced the Holocaust Remembrance Day resolution, citing a 58% rise in antisemitic hate crimes in Chicago and recent attacks. (1:02:29); Supported the hemp ordinance, saying Alderperson Marty Quinn made the changes he promised after it passed committee. (2:45:45)
• Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein and connected Holocaust remembrance to current federal immigration enforcement and other forms of hatred. (1:07:34); Opposed the hemp ordinance, saying it falls short on safety goals and would harm responsible small hemp and CBD businesses, while commending Quinn's process. (2:46:38)
• Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Supported the Holocaust resolution and said the city must do more to call out antisemitism. (1:11:28); Opposed the $875,000 settlement, saying few of the 21 plaintiffs filed reports or identified officers or injuries, and requested a roll call. (1:37:11); Supported the political violence resolution as written, saying it condemns assassinations and upholds free speech and religious liberty. (2:16:24)
• Pat Dowell (alderperson): Presented the Finance Committee report, including the 30 North LaSalle TIF agreement, Congress Theater loan and settlements. (1:28:52); Recused herself from the Anderson settlement under Rule 14 because the plaintiff is a constituent she has interacted with. (1:36:08)
• Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Presented the Aviation Committee ordinance on fines for violations at Midway and O'Hare. (1:44:44); Said he was uncomfortable with the youth gatherings substitute introduced on short notice and asked how it would prevent another shooting downtown. (2:01:23); Asked whether apprehending youths and holding them until parents arrive would expose the city to unlawful detention lawsuits. (2:04:58)
• Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Presented Budget Committee items, including library board appointments and an amendment moving CVI funding to the proper account. (1:45:47)
• Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Presented the Economic, Capital and Technology Development report on appointments, SSA service providers and Class 6B incentives. (1:47:31)
• Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Reported the appointment of Fernando Diaz to the City Colleges board. (1:49:03); Said the land sale to Blacks in Green would help honor Emmett Till's legacy in Woodlawn. (1:51:49)
• Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Presented Housing and Real Estate land sales and encouraged public comment on the city's five-year homelessness plan. (1:49:48)
• Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Supported the land sale to Blocks Together for green space in the 27th Ward. (1:53:15)
• Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Explained the substitute replaces a time-and-site curfew with dispersal of disruptive youth gatherings, citing flexibility and fewer constitutional questions. (1:57:14); Said the substitute would allow advance declarations and protective custody of minors just as the curfew proposal would have. (2:03:09); Agreed to hold the substitute until the next meeting. (2:06:35)
• Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Thanked Hopkins but asked for more time to review the substitute because it differed from the committee version. (2:06:09)
• James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Described his resolution condemning violence and harassment based on political or religious beliefs, including recent assassinations. (2:07:53); Criticized protesters who entered a Minnesota church during services and asked colleagues to co-sponsor the resolution. (2:10:19); Clarified that the resolution does not condemn protest but says protests should not disrupt houses of worship during services. (2:22:15)
• Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Reported 340 routine traffic items from the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee. (1:55:45); Responded to the sponsor's remarks by referencing a biblical temple protest and saying he felt dissonance with the framing. (2:13:36); Opposed the hemp ordinance, saying responsible businesses selling edible products would be shut down while beverages are allowed. (2:56:12)
• Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Asked the sponsor to clarify whether the resolution was meant to condemn protests against immigration enforcement, saying his remarks changed her understanding. (2:14:43)
• Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Supported the resolution and described receiving a threatening message in 2020, saying intimidation of worshippers is unacceptable. (2:19:47); Said he initially opposed the hemp ordinance but now supported it, calling Quinn's process a blueprint for collaboration. (2:55:12)
• Emma Mitts (alderperson): Honored West Side senior advocate Lillian Drummond, who died at about 104. (2:27:07); Urged colleagues to press Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act to protect senior funding. (2:29:24)
• Marty Quinn (alderperson): Presented a compromise hemp ordinance that bans unregulated hemp products while allowing beverages, additives, topicals and pet products, with a 21-and-over age limit and an April 1, 2026 effective date. (2:40:51)
• Anthony Beale (alderperson): Supported the hemp compromise as protecting children and commended Quinn for listening to all sides. (2:42:56)
• William Conway (alderperson): Said he voted no in committee but now supported the hemp ordinance after Quinn adopted his requested changes on beverages, age limits, enforcement and timing. (2:44:21)
• Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Supported the hemp ordinance, noting it can be amended over time while protecting children. (2:50:27)
• Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Opposed the hemp ordinance, arguing bans push products to the black market and calling for evidence-based policy. (2:52:19)
• Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Supported the hemp ordinance, saying it narrows the focus to products like laced snacks sold in corner stores while exempting beverages and topicals. (2:53:38)

Exchanges between members

• 57:49 Robinson thanked Lawson for drafting the Rick Garcia resolution.
• 1:07:34 Hadden thanked Silverstein for bringing the Holocaust Remembrance Day resolution.
• 1:12:29 Lopez cited Silverstein's figure on the increase in antisemitic hate crimes.
• 1:51:40 Sigcho-López deferred to Taylor to speak on the Till-Mobley garden land sale.
• 1:53:04 Sigcho-López deferred to Burnett to speak on the Blocks Together land sale.
• 2:01:23 O'Shea questioned how Hopkins's substitute would prevent another downtown shooting.
• 2:03:09 Hopkins responded directly to O'Shea's question about what the substitute would do.
• 2:04:58 O'Shea asked whether apprehensions under the substitute would create litigation risk.
• 2:06:09 Nugent thanked Hopkins and asked him to allow more time to review the substitute.
• 2:06:35 Hopkins agreed to hold the substitute until the next meeting.
• 2:13:36 La Spata responded to Gardiner's remarks, saying he felt dissonance with the framing.
• 2:14:46 Manaa-Hoppenworth said she shared La Spata's confusion about the resolution.
• 2:15:52 Manaa-Hoppenworth asked Gardiner to clarify the intent of the resolution.
• 2:18:25 Lopez answered Manaa-Hoppenworth's question by reading the resolution at face value.
• 2:22:06 Sposato told Gardiner he agreed with him completely.
• 2:22:15 Gardiner clarified the resolution's intent in response to the request for clarification.
• 2:42:58 Beale congratulated Quinn on reaching the hemp compromise.
• 2:43:44 O'Shea thanked Quinn for his leadership on the hemp ordinance.
• 2:44:51 Conway thanked Quinn for adopting his requested changes.
• 2:45:47 Silverstein congratulated Quinn on revising the ordinance.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

• Amendment of Municipal Code Chapters 4-4, 4-60 and 8-16 by adding new sections regarding cannabinoid hemp product definitions, regulations, health requirements and hemp product offenses involving minors and deletion of Section 4-4-333 in entirety (Vetoed) (SO2025-0021018): Passed 32 yea, 16 nay
• Condemnation of acts of violence, intimidation or harassment targeting individuals on basis of political or religious beliefs (R2025-0019997): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (35.82) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Milwaukee Ave (O2025-0021699): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 6-10 by modifying Sections 6-10-010 and 6-10-020 to include antisemitism as discrimination in Chicago City Council declaration of general human rights (O2025-0019984): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Redevelopment agreement with 30 N LaSalle MF Redevelopment LLC to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for 30 N LaSalle St (SO2025-0021691): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (48.10) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Sheridan Rd (O2025-0021885): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (27.375) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of S Morgan St (O2025-0021326): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• First amendment to redevelopment agreement with Sinai Health System to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for property at 3100-3158 W Ogden Ave and 3142 W 16th St (SO2025-0021656): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 10-36-351 and 10-36-355 thru 10-36-358 adding provisions regarding fines for violations occurring at airports (O2025-0021682): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Second amendment to right-of-entry use agreement with Columbia Yacht Club for renewed access to City-owned parking lot located under northbound lanes of S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, north of E Randolph St (O2025-0020518): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 10459 S Muskegon Ave (O2025-0020979): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (14.261) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Kedzie Ave and W 49th Pl (O2025-0021707): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 1532 W Fulton St (O2025-0020980): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
• Call for fixed time and place for public hearing on formation of Chicago Tourism Improvement District (CTID) (SR2025-0021936): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (20.310) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of on W Garfield Blvd (O2025-0021772): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay

Legislation on the agenda

• Appointment of Sergio Candelaria as member of Community Development Commission (A2025-0021662), Approved
• Reappointment of Eve Moran as member of Special Servia Area (SSA) No. 16 (Greektown) (A2025-0021665), Approved
• Appointment of John Dale (J.D.) Van Slyke as member of Chicago Public Library Board (A2025-0021674), Approved
• Appointment of Jacquelyn Rosa as member of Chicago Public Library Board (A2025-0021676), Approved
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Battle Vending LLC (O2025-0021127), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Little Makers LLC (O2025-0021318), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Mar Chi-V LLC (O2025-0021327), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Mar Kaiz LLC (O2025-0021329), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Prime Auto Glass and Tint, Inc. (O2025-0021496), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Development Group LLC Quantum Capital (O2025-0021525), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Firebird Community Arts (O2025-0021597), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Sergio's Truck and Auto LLC (O2025-0021598), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Flipside Custom Body Shop No. 7 (O2025-0021600), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for West Details III LLC (O2025-0021601), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Windy City Parts Pro's LLC (O2025-0021631), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Interior Garden Services, Inc. (O2025-0021748), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for 5251 N Elston LLC (O2025-0021767), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Lopez Quartz and Granite Corp. (O2025-0021846), Passed
• Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for HUB 32 LLC (O2025-0021964), Passed
• Opening of public streets at 879-881 E Oakwood Blvd and 3928 S Lake Park Ave (O2025-0021967), Passed
• Amendment of Article XXVI: Effective Dates of 2026 Municipal Code Revenue Ordinance (Alternative) (SO2025-0021719) (O2025-0021972), Signed
• Amendment of Special Service Area No. 59-2022 (59th Street) regarding interim service provider and service provider agreement and 2025 tax… (O2026-0022147), Passed
• Amendment of Special Service Area No. 3 (Chicago Southwest) regarding interim service provider and service provider agreement and 2025 tax… (O2026-0022149), Passed
• Amendment to 2026 Annual Appropriation modifying Appropriations Code under Chicago Department of Public Health (O2026-0022416), Passed
• Annual Appropriation Ordinance Year 2026 amendment within Fund No. 925 for Dept. of Housing, Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events,… (O2026-0022417), Passed
• Time fixed for next City Council Meeting February 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM, Council Chamber (O2026-0022540), Passed
• Settlement agreement regarding case of Nicolas Sintos v. City of Chicago, cited as Case No. 21 C 5327 (Or2026-0022294), Passed
• Settlement agreement regarding case of Tim Anderson, et al. v. David Brown, et al., cited as Case No. 1:23-cv-2245 (Or2026-0022295), Passed
• Settlement agreement regarding case of Orlando J. Ramirez and Jesus Alvarez Vasquez and as Joint Special Co-Administrators of the Estate… (Or2026-0022298), Passed
• Appointment of Ivy Speck as member of Special Service Area No. 17-2025 (Central Lakeview/Wrigleyville Commission) (SA2025-0019860), Approved as Substitute

…and 4 more items: the legislation tracker has every one.

Documents

• Agenda
• Notice

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