Committee on Transportation and Public Way meeting, March 13, 2026
- When: Fri, Mar 13, 2026, 12:00 PM (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/1173343297
- Transcript: full text (9,174 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 Committee on Transportation and Public Way heard five public commenters, most speaking in support of Cristian Diaz's appointment to the Metra board, with one questioning his qualifications on finance and operations. The committee approved its Rule 45 report and recommended approval of fifteen miscellaneous ward ordinances, the repeal of taxi cab stand number 17, the Bellmore Estate subdivision in the 1st Ward, and the Commerce Park Chicago subdivision in the 10th Ward. Members questioned Diaz about Elevated Chicago, Metra service, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, and commitments to share information and attend hearings; Alderperson Scott Waguespack said he would vote no, while Alderpersons Rodriguez and Fuentes voiced support. After a tense exchange between Alderpersons Ervin and Vasquez over a question about pastors, the chair called a recess and the appointment was then held in committee.
Topics: Metra board appointment, subdivisions, taxi stands, transit-oriented development, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, transit governance, environmental remediation
Agenda items discussed
- 23:30 Rule 45 report for February 11, 2026 meeting: passed
- 24:18 Fifteen miscellaneous ordinances from wards 21, 24, 26, 27, 29, 32, 36, 47, 48 and 50: passed
- 24:48 Repeal of taxi cab stand number 17 (substitute ordinance): passed
- 25:09 Bellmore Estate Subdivision, 1st Ward (substitute ordinance): passed
- 30:53 Commerce Park Chicago Subdivision, 10th Ward: passed
- 39:12 Appointment of Cristian Diaz as director of the Commuter Rail Board (Metra): held
Alderpersons who spoke
- Gregory I. Mitchell (chair): Asked the Bellmore subdivision attorney about building types, comparable sale prices and project costs, noting financial details are publicized for projects in other wards. (27:36); Asked what besides slag was remediated at the Commerce Park site and whether the state signed off. (37:33); Reminded members the meeting is recorded and asked them to stop the exchange and mute. (1:11:33)
- Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Said he has known Diaz as a young leader, supports his appointment, and asked him to describe his work with Elevated Chicago. (44:33); As Workforce Development chair, said transit funding shortfalls should not lead to austerity for labor and that he would hold people accountable on it. (48:10)
- William Conway (alderperson): Asked Diaz what Metra could do better for Chicago residents. (49:37); Asked how often Diaz rides Metra and plans to ride it as a board member. (53:48)
- Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Said council members across caucuses have worked to address systemic barriers and that he would be a no vote while wishing Diaz well. (55:04); Said the council wants people with expertise at the table and will watch every appointee closely. (57:05)
- Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Asked how Diaz would protect the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program as it faces federal challenges. (58:01); Asked whether the Metra board position is paid and how much. (59:48); Asked whether Diaz had reviewed the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority legislation to ensure Chicago has a strong voice. (1:00:42)
- Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Praised Diaz's work on equitable transit and affordable housing near the Bloomingdale Trail and said he has her support. (1:03:50)
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Asked whether Diaz is a pastor, saying past appointments focused on who knows whom rather than skill set. (1:06:39); Asked Diaz to commit to sharing Metra customer experience best practices with the council. (1:07:17); Asked Diaz to commit to attending council hearings if requested, similar to the codified CTA quarterly hearings. (1:08:03)
- Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Asked the previous speaker what his concern was about whether the appointee was a pastor. (1:10:26); Said the comment was inflammatory and cautioned about the words used regarding pastors in the African American community. (1:10:53)
Exchanges between members
- 57:26 The chair thanked Waguespack and praised his statement.
- 59:48 Villegas asked the chair whether the Metra board is a paid position.
- 1:00:33 The chair returned the floor to Villegas to continue his questions.
- 1:06:07 The chair responded to Fuentes after her remarks.
- 1:10:26 Ervin asked Vasquez what his concern was about whether the appointee was a pastor.
- 1:10:42 Vasquez answered Ervin that his concern was about appointees lacking relevant experience.
- 1:10:53 Ervin said Vasquez's comment was inflammatory and cautioned him about his words.
- 1:11:06 Vasquez replied he never mentioned any community and would say what he wants to say.
- 1:11:33 The chair asked Ervin and Vasquez to end the exchange and mute.