Committee on Transportation and Public Way meeting, May 13, 2026
- When: Wed, May 13, 2026, 10:30 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Transportation and Public Way
- Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1191621840
- Transcript: full text (14,586 words, automatic captions)
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.
The Transportation and Public Way Committee held a quorum, approved remote participation, and considered the mayor’s appointment of William Cheeks Jr. as CDOT commissioner, which was approved. The committee then approved a Rule 45 report, a direct introduction for the appointment, and several ordinances concerning public alley vacations and dedications. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
Topics: Remote participation request, Rule 45 report approval, Mayoral appointment of CDOT commissioner, Ordinance approvals for public alleys, Adjournment
Agenda items discussed
- 18:09 Motion to allow remote participation under Rule 59: passed
- 39:05 Approval of Rule 45 report for April 8th, 2026 meeting: passed
- 39:48 Direct introduction for mayoral appointment of CDOT commissioner: passed
- 40:11 Appointment of William Cheeks Jr. as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation (2026-0025158): passed
- 1:37:37 Approval of 18 miscellaneous ordinances (pages 3-4): passed
- 1:38:14 Vacate portion of public alley at 2171 North Rockwell Street (Substitute Ordinance) (2025-0019499): passed
- 1:40:23 Dedication of two public alleys (Ordinance 2026-0024644) (2026-0024644): passed
- 1:43:34 Vacate public alleys at 6200 Higgins LLC (Ordinance 2026-0023406) (2026-0023406): passed
- 1:46:39 Motion to adjourn the meeting: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Gregory I. Mitchell (chair): Called on Alderman Brian Hopkins for first questions after the appointment. (45:21)
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (chair): Requested remote participation under Rule 59. (18:04)
- William Conway (alderperson)
- Jason C. Ervin (other)
- Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson)
- Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson)
- Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Noted her presence during the public comment period. (38:14)
- Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Invited to ask first questions after the appointment. (45:21); Praised Cheeks’ qualifications and urged cultural change at CDOT. (45:32); Expressed full support for the nomination. (48:17)
- David H. Moore (alderperson): Listed order of speakers after the appointment. (1:04:58)
- Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Asked Cheeks about equity and funding for the 21st Ward. (49:00); Follow-up question on menu program equity and collector streets. (50:10); Inquired about CDOT partnership with the state on pothole repairs. (51:50)
- Samantha Nugent (alderperson)
- Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Moved to allow remote participation. (18:13); Moved to recommend approval of miscellaneous ordinances. (1:37:55)
- Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Listed order of speakers after the appointment. (1:04:58)
- Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson)