City Council meeting, February 18, 2026

When: Wed, Feb 18, 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/showcase/citycouncil?video=1165773679
Transcript: full text (32,843 words, official 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 February 18, 2026 City Council meeting opened with public comment on the Chicago Park District swim club, leadership at Chicago Animal Care and Control, the hemp ordinance veto, an alley vacation and a planned closure at Legion Park, followed by a tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and honorary resolutions for Black History Month (including Buddy Guy and William Cates) and a memorial for library foundation CEO Brenda Langstraat Bui. A motion to pass the hemp products ordinance (SO2025-0021018) over the mayor's veto received 26 yeas and 20 nays and failed, after debate over protecting children versus regulating the industry. The council passed the municipal depositories ordinance 46-0 along with finance committee settlements and loan agreements, but rejected a parking enforcement dispatch ordinance (SO2024-0010993) 16-31. Zoning items passed, including the Foundry Park map amendment for the former Lincoln Yards site over objections from Alderperson Brian Hopkins, while a COPA powers amendment was deferred and published and a police video footage ordinance was re-referred. A 15-minute recess passed 31-13 and the meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for March 18, 2026.

Topics: hemp ordinance veto, Animal Care and Control leadership, Black History Month honors, Jesse Jackson tribute, police settlements, parking enforcement, Lincoln Yards / Foundry Park zoning, COPA powers, places of worship noise zones, park district swim club

Agenda items discussed

21:40 Remote participation of members under Rule 59: passed
26:04 Public comment
58:03 Mayor's remarks and moment of silence for Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.: discussed
1:05:16 Recognition of Imelda Salazar on her retirement: discussed
1:09:41 Resolution honoring Ted Rebelski for service with the Sheffield Neighbors Association: passed
1:22:11 Black History Month resolution honoring Buddy Guy, William Cates and Barbara McGowan: passed
2:03:35 Memorial resolution honoring Brenda Langstraat Bui, Chicago Public Library Foundation CEO: passed
2:33:31 Motion to pass the hemp products regulation ordinance over the mayor's veto (SO2025-0021018): failed
3:06:00 Designation of municipal depositories for the City and Board of Education for 2026: passed
3:09:51 HUD Section 108 loan and redevelopment agreement amendment for the Congress Theater rehabilitation: passed
3:11:29 Resolution asking the clerk to send the Illinois Gaming Board a certified copy of the video gaming terminal ordinance: passed
3:12:01 Settlement orders in police misconduct cases including Santiago, Negron, Gomez, Diaz and Johnson: passed
3:15:11 Settlement order in Rogel v. City of Chicago officers (do-not-pass recommendation)
3:17:06 Pilot program for wheel tax license renewals for qualified veterans: passed
3:22:01 Expression of continued support for the Chicago Area Waterway System study (SR2025-0018658): passed
3:22:21 Recognition of Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago Bird Alliance rat contraceptive pilot (SR2025-0018763): passed
3:23:06 Sale of city-owned property at 1014 S. California Avenue to In Good Company in Chicago NFP (O2026-0022514): passed
3:23:54 Resolution urging the Illinois Commerce Commission to halt utility disconnections: passed
3:25:07 Substitute ordinance on issuance of retail tobacco licenses: passed
3:25:36 Liquor moratoriums in the 14th and 17th wards: passed
3:26:55 Parking enforcement dispatch system routing aides to 311 reports of vehicles in crosswalks and bus and bike lanes (SO2024-0010993): failed
3:33:01 Requirement that CDOT report to committee at least 30 days before bridge closures (SO2025-0021022): passed
3:34:12 Replacing 'churches' with 'places of worship' in noise sensitive zones: passed
3:35:51 Procedures for police to request private camera footage from licensed premises (re-referred to joint committee): deferred
3:36:50 Transportation and public way ordinances including a citywide honorary street designation amendment: passed
3:39:15 Intergovernmental agreement with the RTA for a Belmont Blue Line equitable transit-oriented development plan: passed
3:39:40 Zoning amendment on permit requirements and expansions of gas stations (O2025-0018183): passed
3:41:11 Zoning amendment on parking ratios near CTA or Metra stations in downtown districts (O2025-0021721): passed
3:41:40 Replacement of boundaries for additional dwelling unit areas (O2026-0022453): passed
3:41:58 Landmark designations for Logan Square Boulevards extensions and Original Providence Baptist Church: passed
3:42:52 Zoning map amendments including the Foundry Park (former Lincoln Yards north) amendment (O2025-0021731): passed
3:51:49 Amendment expanding COPA powers to investigate complaints against CPD members (O2025-0020004): deferred
3:52:58 Agreed calendar of congratulatory and commemorative resolutions: passed
4:04:21 Motion for a 15-minute recess: passed
4:46:49 Unfinished business item filed by Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson: held
4:47:36 Ordinance setting the next meeting for March 18, 2026: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Honored Ted Rebelski for decades of civic work with the Sheffield Neighbors Association in Lincoln Park. (1:09:41); Said intoxicating hemp products contain unknown synthetic compounds, should be banned, and that he would vote to override the veto. (2:44:56); Presented the public safety committee report, including the places of worship noise zone amendment and re-referral of the video footage ordinance. (3:33:58)
Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Echoed congratulations to Ted Rebelski and credited his expertise on neighborhood development projects. (1:11:20)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Congratulated Ted Rebelski on decades of work with neighborhood groups. (1:12:50); Asked for a copy of the veto letter and asked what alderpersons should do when businesses sell synthetic products, saying the burden is now on the administration. (2:59:40); Supported the Foundry Park plan, saying transportation needs will be addressed through coordination with city departments and the developer. (3:47:40)
Marty Quinn (alderperson): Thanked Imelda Salazar for her work for the West Lawn community. (1:07:57)
Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): Thanked Imelda Salazar for her advocacy on the southwest side and across the city. (1:08:46)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Welcomed City Year AmeriCorps members and described their work in 30 schools. (1:13:57); Praised William Cates as a generous supporter of African American leaders across the city. (1:39:09); Presented the agreed calendar of 140 congratulatory and commemorative resolutions for the omnibus. (3:52:58)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Congratulated Let's Boogie Records and Tapes on 50 years in business on Halsted. (1:15:59); Thanked William Cates for employing hundreds of people and supporting the business community. (1:40:40)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Welcomed the Redemption Project from West Garfield Park and its director Rev. Marshall Hatch Jr. (1:17:09); Credited William Cates with helping many people start and grow businesses. (1:43:19); Said children must be protected but people previously shut out of cannabis should not be shut out again, and hoped for a stronger ordinance after the veto is sustained. (2:41:41)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Recognized Joe McCarthy for more than 35 years in the city's urban forestry work. (1:18:32); Congratulated Buddy Guy on his ninth Grammy and his contributions to music. (1:31:52); Spoke in support of the memorial resolution for Brenda Langstraat Bui. (2:15:10)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Praised Joe McCarthy's work protecting the tree canopy, including during the Asian longhorned beetle threat. (1:19:57)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Introduced the resolution honoring Buddy Guy and described Chicago as the world capital of the blues. (1:22:11); Thanked William Cates and his family and called him an example for young people. (1:48:04)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Supported the Buddy Guy resolution and described his own connection to the blues. (1:26:19); Thanked William Cates for his work for the city. (1:46:13)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Honored Buddy Guy and said blues history should be included in school curriculum. (1:28:00); Said small businesses were not brought to the table, criticized carve-outs for THC drinks, and welcomed the veto. (2:43:02); Presented the housing committee report on the sale of city-owned land at 1014 S. California Avenue. (3:22:53)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Honored Buddy Guy and described his significance to her family and the South. (1:29:37)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Credited Buddy Guy's music with influencing hip hop. (1:32:37); Said the city cannot properly test or regulate hemp edibles, criticized state cannabis licensing, and accepted the veto. (2:46:57); Presented the joint committee's recommendation to expand COPA's powers to investigate complaints against CPD members. (3:51:20)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Thanked Buddy Guy and spoke about the importance of documenting history. (1:33:23); Honored William Cates and Larry Huggins for caring about people beyond business. (1:44:58); Asked whether the citywide honorary street designation amendment was in the transportation call and asked to be recorded as no. (3:37:29)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Congratulated William Cates and his family. (1:42:19); Presented the finance committee report, including depositories, Congress Theater financing, and settlement orders, and noted a do-not-pass recommendation on the Rogel settlement. (3:05:45)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Thanked the honorees and Commissioner Barbara McGowan for their leadership. (1:49:46)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Recognized Larry Huggins for setting the tone for minority business joint ventures in construction. (1:51:04); Spoke in support of the veterans wheel tax pilot and listed other council actions for veterans. (3:18:24); Presented the economic and capital development committee's appointments. (3:19:55)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Honored William Cates on behalf of the Black Caucus, citing his support for Englewood events and community. (1:52:36); Explained the recess was so members could have a discussion before a matter was introduced. (4:05:24)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Remembered Brenda Langstraat Bui as a champion of public libraries and literacy. (2:16:00)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Asked when the council could take up an override of the hemp ordinance veto. (2:33:31); Urged colleagues to override the veto to protect children from products packaged like candy, noting 33 votes for the original ordinance. (2:35:42)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Agreed with overriding the veto, saying products are marketed to children with packaging resembling snacks. (2:38:59)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Said the hemp ban lacks evidence, would push products to the black market, and urged a no vote. (2:40:57); Presented the health committee report and a subject matter hearing on federal immigration enforcement. (3:23:44)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Said he was now unsure on the hemp ban and wanted subject matter hearings to bring stakeholders back to the table. (2:48:59); Asked for the reason behind the recess request. (4:05:05)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Said the ordinance harms an entire industry for a few bad actors and called for the state and city to work on regulation. (2:53:05)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Compared hemp products to the 2020 e-cigarette flavor ban and urged colleagues to support the override. (2:54:25); Supported the places of worship language change and urged making protections easier without individual ordinances. (3:34:47); Said he was not comfortable supporting the gas station zoning amendment and asked to be recorded as no. (3:40:08)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Presented the parking enforcement dispatch ordinance routing aides to 311 reports of vehicles in crosswalks and bus and bike lanes. (3:26:39); Presented the bridge closure notice ordinance and 431 routine traffic items. (3:32:56)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Presented the license committee report on retail tobacco licenses and liquor moratoriums. (3:24:50)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Presented the transportation committee report on ward ordinances and a resubdivision. (3:36:37)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Presented the zoning committee report, including the Belmont Blue Line plan, gas station and parking amendments, landmarks and map amendments. (3:38:55); Asked to hold his unfinished business item. (4:46:49)
Silvana Tabares (alderperson): With Alderpersons Beale, Napolitano and Lopez, moved to defer and publish the COPA powers amendment. (3:52:22)

Exchanges between members

1:11:04 Hopkins yielded to Knudsen, who represents the other half of the area, on the Rebelski resolution.
1:12:26 Knudsen thanked Hopkins for the resolution.
1:20:03 O'Shea joined Hadden in supporting the resolution honoring Joe McCarthy.
1:52:47 Coleman addressed Ervin in a lighthearted remark about the West Side while honoring Cates.
2:15:23 Hadden thanked Nugent for the Brenda Bui memorial resolution.
2:35:54 Beale credited Quinn with building consensus on the hemp ordinance.
2:39:11 Napolitano said he agreed wholeheartedly with Beale on overriding the veto.
2:41:52 Ervin agreed with the alderperson from the 9th Ward that further conversation on the issue is needed.
2:53:07 Fuentes responded to Sposato's question about a third path on hemp regulation.
2:53:10 Fuentes said Hadden had articulated a third path of more time to work on regulation.
2:57:40 Lopez cited the 2nd Ward colleague's remarks on the health impact of hemp products.
3:19:25 Villegas thanked Chairman Jason C. Ervin after speaking on the veterans item.
4:05:05 Sposato asked why the recess was requested.
4:05:24 Coleman answered that members wanted a discussion before a matter was introduced.
4:46:43 Mitchell deferred to Lawson on the unfinished business item Lawson filed.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (14.326) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Pulaski Rd (O2026-0022527): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 17-3-0308 and 17-4-0301 regarding new construction Minimum Automotive Parking Ratios near Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or METRA rail stations (SO2025-0021721): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-32-096 directing Comptroller to publish proposed rules on Department of Finance public website (O2026-0022512): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-8-040 allowing Alderpersons to propose up to four honorary street designations per calendar year (O2026-0022535): Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 3-56-040 to establish pilot program for wheel tax license renewals for qualified veterans (O2025-0020999): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (16.118) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W 69th St (O2026-0022487): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amended redevelopment agreement with BR Congress Owner LLC and Congress Theater NFP to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for property at 2135 N Milwaukee Ave (SO2026-0022524): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Call on Chicago City Clerk to provide Illinois Gaming Board with certified copy of Council ordinance allowing video gaming terminals (R2026-0022536): Adopted 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-108 by adding new Section 9-108-025 establishing public enforcement pilot program for residents to submit recorded evidence of covered parking offenses (SO2024-0010993): Failed to Pass 16 yea, 31 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (14.68) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W 51st St (O2026-0022528): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-7-0574 to replace in its entirety regarding additional dwelling unit-allowed RS areas (SO2026-0022453): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (17.214) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Racine Ave (O2026-0022472): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Historical landmark fee waiver recertification for property at 4543 S Ellis Ave (Or2026-0022498): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Taxicab Amendment - 29th Ward (SO2026-0022151): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-102 by adding new Section 2-102-110 to require City Council approval to close bridges of Chicago for improvement, maintenance, repair or other public work (SO2025-0021022): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Expression of continued support for remediation and reclamation of legacy contaminated waterways like Bubbly Creek, such as Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) efforts and other local, state and national projects (SR2025-0018658): Adopted 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Authorization of U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 108 loan agreement with BR Congress Owner LLC for rehabilitation of Congress Theater at 2135 N Milwaukee Ave (O2026-0022523): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Regional Transportation Authority for Belmont Blue Line Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) study plan (O2026-0022516): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Recognition of collaboration initiative regarding Rat Contraceptive Pilot Program by 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen, Chicago Bird Alliance, Lincoln Park Zoo's Urban Wildlife Institute, Department of Streets and Sanitation, and their partners (SR2025-0018763): Adopted 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Historical landmark designation for Humboldt and Sacramento Extension to Logan Square Boulevards District at 1600-1800 blocks of N Humboldt Blvd, 1000-1100 blocks of N Sacramento Ave and East Side of 900 block of N Sacramento Blvd (O2025-0021479): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Historical landmark designation for Original Providence Baptist Church at 515 N Pine Ave (O2026-0022515): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Title 17 by modifying Section 17-3-0207 to remove permit requirements for gas stations in B3, C1, and C2 zoning districts and by modifying Section 17-9-0109 restricting expansions of gas stations in certain circumstances (SO2025-0018183): Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
Call on Governor J.B. Pritzker to direct Illinois Commerce Commission to cease all utility disconnections for non-payment universally and to adopt flexible, temporary credit and collection procedure (R2025-0021047): Adopted 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 105 W Adams Street/210 S Clark St (Or2025-0021609): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-64 by modifying Section 4-64-100 and adding new Section 4-64-530 regarding issuance of retail tobacco licenses (SO2025-0021726): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 8-32-060 and 8-32-120 to replace the term "churches" with "places of worship" regarding designation of and restrictions within noise sensitive zones (O2026-0022493): Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent