City Council meeting, March 18, 2026

When: Wed, Mar 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=1174131349
Transcript: full text (41,369 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 March 18, 2026 City Council meeting began with acknowledgments, a moment of silence for firefighter and EMT Michael Altman, a memorial resolution for Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. with remarks from many alderpersons in the presence of the Jackson family, and a Women's History Month resolution. Public comment focused largely on the One Fair Wage tipped wage phase-out, along with the cumulative impact ordinance and the Animal Care and Control director appointment. The council approved finance items including affordable housing financing, park TIF agreements, the Chicago Tourism Improvement District and a $27 million settlement, and confirmed Susan Capello as Animal Care and Control director and LaKeena White as COPA chief administrator. Under unfinished business, a motion to re-refer the ordinance letting COPA investigate Welcoming City violations was tabled 28-20 and the ordinance passed. Through a Rule 41 discharge, the council accepted a substitute freezing the tipped wage credit at 24 percent of the minimum wage (33-16), tabled a motion to refer it to committee (28-21), and passed it 30-18.

Topics: Jesse Jackson memorial, Women's History Month, tipped minimum wage, COPA Welcoming City investigations, Animal Care and Control director, affordable housing finance, Tourism Improvement District, police settlements, Rule 41 procedure, public comment

Agenda items discussed

27:26 Remote participation of a member under Rule 59: passed
28:12 Suspension of the rules for acknowledgments and resolutions: passed
29:09 Acknowledgment of the Savoy Big Five, originators of the Harlem Globetrotters: discussed
46:04 Moment of silence for firefighter and EMT Michael Altman: discussed
48:30 Memorial resolution honoring Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.: passed
2:01:46 Resolution honoring Women's History Month: passed
2:25:50 Public comment
3:01:59 Multifamily loan increase and housing revenue bonds for Prairie District Apartments, 1801 S. Wabash: passed
3:04:55 Multifamily funds for Park Manor Senior Residences of Chatham: passed
3:05:28 Bond inducement for affordable housing at 11420 S. Halsted: passed
3:06:05 TIF agreements for Avondale, Clarendon and Hermosa parks and Carter G. Woodson South Elementary: passed
3:08:47 Permit fee waivers for the Public Building Commission through 2031: passed
3:09:24 Ordinance establishing the Chicago Tourism Improvement District: passed
3:12:14 Settlement orders including Harrell and Myers v. City of Chicago ($27 million): passed
3:14:35 Budget amendments including ward wage allowances and a Neighborhood Opportunity Fund agreement with Food Love LLC: passed
3:17:56 Class 7B tax incentive for 501 N. Sacramento Boulevard: passed
3:19:10 Subject matter hearing on Peoples Gas pipe retirement program and rate filing: discussed
3:19:44 Appointments of Esther Nieves and Bob Glaves to the Board of Ethics (A2026-0023419): passed
3:20:48 Resolution calling on Congress to pass the Medicare for All Act of 2025: passed
3:22:03 Appointment of Susan Capello as Director of Animal Care and Control: passed
3:43:57 Housing items including a proactive rental inspection working group and library property acquisition (O2025-0019991): passed
3:47:04 License requirements for lawful sports wagering (O2026-0022510): deferred
3:48:00 Items recommended do not pass by the license committee (SO2025-0021968): deferred
3:50:31 Appointment of LaKeena White as COPA Chief Administrator and an Emergency Telephone System Board member (A2026-0023417): passed
3:53:56 Animal cruelty ordinance increasing fines: passed
3:54:20 Ordinance on minors' curfew, drag racing and parental accountability (do-not-pass recommendation): deferred
3:55:44 Open space impact fee expenditures for school outdoor spaces (O2026-0022518): passed
3:58:23 Agreed calendar of commemorative resolutions: passed
4:09:27 Ordinance authorizing COPA to investigate complaints alleging Welcoming City ordinance violations (O2025-0020004): passed
4:36:26 Rule 41 discharge and substitute freezing the tipped wage credit at 24 percent of minimum wage: passed
5:14:52 Ordinance setting the next meeting for April 15: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

David H. Moore (alderperson): Honored the Savoy Big Five, formed by Wendell Phillips High School alumni, as the originators of the Harlem Globetrotters. (29:12); Remembered Rev. Jackson's ties to Fellowship church and thanked the family. (1:03:33); Recognized Dominique Smith for her work with young people. (2:13:34)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Thanked the Savoy Big Five families and recalled an honorary street sign for the Harlem Globetrotters. (32:22); Credited Rev. Jackson with paving the way for David Dinkins in New York and thanked Jesse Jackson Jr. for supporting her. (1:33:11); Presented the finance committee report on housing finance, park TIF agreements, the Tourism Improvement District and settlements. (3:01:41)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Recognized the Perspectives Charter School girls basketball champions and their coach. (33:10)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Honored the North River Commission's Community Choice Awards and a retired city clerk on her 90th birthday. (35:11); Presented the health committee report including the Medicare for All resolution, the Capello appointment and advisory council appointments. (3:20:39)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Introduced the 49th Ward Youth Advisory Council. (37:36); Described Rev. Jackson's influence on her family and her path into public service. (1:06:26); Supported the Capello appointment and said budget cuts to Animal Care and Control cost animal lives. (3:27:06)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Welcomed a delegation from Cascia, Italy, and St. Rita parish marking a twinning ceremony. (39:16); Recalled Rev. Jackson's humility in encounters with airline workers. (1:49:30); Opposed the Class 7B incentive for 501 N. Sacramento, saying it was not a proper use of a tax incentive. (3:18:14)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Honored Arise Chicago on its 35th anniversary for worker rights advocacy. (42:15); Said Rev. Jackson called immigrants essential workers and built bridges across communities. (59:03); Asked whether the substitute had to be accepted before a separate passage vote. (5:03:35)
Angela Clay (alderperson): Recognized the People's Music School on its 50th anniversary. (44:16)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Thanked the Jackson family and said Rev. Jackson told him to keep cultivating young leadership. (55:30); Said no feasibility study was done before the One Fair Wage ordinance, that businesses were closing, and that the referral motion was out of order. (4:40:24); Moved to table the motion to refer the tipped wage substitute to committee. (5:08:34)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Thanked the Jackson family and recalled first hearing Rev. Jackson in 1973. (57:22); Presented 107 agreed calendar resolutions for the omnibus. (3:58:27)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Recalled Rev. Jackson's support for Kennedy-King College and urged members to support Rainbow PUSH. (1:00:50)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Said Rev. Jackson stood with the Asian American community, including after Vincent Chin's killing. (1:11:57); As Women's Caucus chair, noted a record number of women on the council and honored retired election worker Jane Lau. (2:08:12)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Recalled registering to vote at a Rev. Jackson high school event and circulated a letter supporting HB 4339 on voter registration for graduating seniors. (1:15:08)
Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Noted Rev. Jackson was the first major presidential candidate to include LGBTQ rights in his platform. (1:17:31)
Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Mourned Rev. Jackson as a 5th Ward resident and recalled meeting him as a labor organizer. (1:18:56)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Shared a story about advice from Mrs. Jackson and wished her a happy birthday. (1:20:37)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Said Rev. Jackson and Rainbow PUSH welcomed immigrant communities and kept hope alive. (1:21:57); Presented the housing committee report on appointments, rental inspection, a library acquisition, a lease and land sales. (3:43:37); Described federal immigration enforcement incidents as lawless and supported COPA investigating Welcoming City violations. (4:23:11)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Described Rev. Jackson's impact on West Side leaders and residents. (1:25:41)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Said Operation Breadbasket was about economic parity and urged continuing the fight for economic justice. (1:29:23); Presented the budget committee report, including a Rule 33 substitute adding Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez. (3:14:24); With several colleagues, moved to defer and publish two items recommended do not pass by the license committee. (3:48:19)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Recalled Rev. Jackson's visit to a Humboldt Park church and his importance to the Puerto Rican community. (1:31:43); Honored Sandy Ruiz as a Puerto Rican community leader and business person. (2:05:43); Brought the COPA Welcoming City investigations ordinance under unfinished business and moved passage. (4:09:31)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Recalled Rev. Jackson securing a plane of supplies for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. (1:35:17); Supported the Capello appointment after a meeting on concerns and described a working group to support the department. (3:24:25); With Alderperson Anthony Beale, moved to defer and publish the sports wagering license ordinance. (3:47:25)
William Conway (alderperson): Cited a Rev. Jackson convention quote about lifting people up as what binds council members together. (1:37:18); Supported the COPA ordinance, saying COPA is the agency tasked with investigating police misconduct and the Welcoming City ordinance is settled law. (4:19:21)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Reflected on Rev. Jackson's message of hope and quoted him on leadership. (1:38:49); Said body camera footage from a June 4 incident showed CPD coordinating with ICE and supported clarifying that COPA investigates. (4:28:06)
Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Said her father worked alongside Rev. Jackson, who was the first to comfort her when her father died. (1:42:48)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Credited Rev. Jackson's advocacy over a fire department exam with his hiring as a firefighter. (1:44:22)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Spoke for the 4th Ward, home of Operation PUSH, and credited Rev. Jackson with expanding the country's moral imagination. (1:51:46); Thanked Tina Feldstein for bringing South Loop families together. (2:14:54); As vice chair, presented the Police and Fire committee's appointments of a COPA chief administrator and an emergency telephone board member. (3:50:17)
Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Honored four 20th Ward women for youth programs, mental health support and community leadership. (2:02:37)
Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Spoke as a new mother on the council and honored Maria Estela, who sews United Center banners. (2:11:29)
Anthony J. Quezada (alderperson): Honored Sandy Ruiz for her business's partnerships in the 35th Ward. (2:16:39); Said the COPA ordinance is not political and only clarifies the investigatory process. (4:32:11); Opposed the tipped wage freeze, citing his own experience as a subminimum wage worker, and urged a no vote. (4:42:24)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Presented the ethics committee's Board of Ethics appointments and a hearing on two OIG reports. (3:19:31)
Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Supported the Medicare for All resolution, saying health care is a human right. (3:21:06); As vice chair, presented 302 routine traffic items. (3:49:22)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Supported the Capello appointment, citing underfunding and about 50 animal surrenders a day. (3:22:29); Presented the special events committee's open space impact fee items. (3:55:29); Said he had supported the COPA ordinance in committee but would vote no after the floor debate. (4:33:49)
Marty Quinn (alderperson): Thanked Susan Capello for her work at Animal Care and Control. (3:25:30)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Supported the Capello appointment, said past budget cuts hurt the department, and suggested every ward help with collections. (3:25:49)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Supported the Capello appointment, citing her help at animal events in his ward. (3:28:47)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Supported the Capello appointment and said resources, action on backyard breeding and low-cost spay and neuter programs are needed. (3:34:50); Presented the public safety committee report including higher animal cruelty fines. (3:53:43)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Commended the working group compromise and said the culture at Animal Care and Control must change to adopt best practices. (3:36:44)
Silvana Tabares (alderperson): Supported the Capello appointment, citing her decades of experience in the department. (3:39:06)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Presented the license committee report on sports wagering, liquor moratoriums and items recommended do not pass. (3:46:53)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Presented the transportation committee report on ward ordinances, a taxicab stand repeal and subdivisions. (3:57:15)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Moved under Rule 41 to discharge the tipped wage ordinance from the Rules Committee. (4:36:26); Said the substitute freezes the tipped wage at 24 percent of minimum wage while employers must still make up any shortfall to minimum wage. (4:37:59)

Exchanges between members

32:06 Moore noted Phillips High School is in Dowell's ward and asked that she be allowed to speak.
32:43 Dowell thanked Moore for bringing the Savoy Big Five acknowledgment forward.
45:23 Dowell thanked Clay for recognizing the People's Music School.
1:04:41 Moore said Beale put it best about giving Rev. Jackson his flowers while he lived.
1:44:25 Gardiner said he would follow Beale's advice to be brief.
1:49:15 Gardiner said Napolitano was also given an opportunity through Rev. Jackson's advocacy.
2:16:39 Quezada thanked Fuentes for honoring Sandy Ruiz.
3:24:09 Sposato remarked that he and the health committee chair agreed on the Capello appointment.
3:25:59 O'Shea said he completely agreed with Sposato on Animal Care and Control funding.
3:35:14 Hopkins agreed with Lopez that a national search was not needed and backyard breeding must be addressed.
3:36:44 Waguespack commended Cruz for the working group compromise.
3:36:44 Waguespack commended Villegas for the working group compromise.
4:15:30 Fuentes moved to table Lopez's motion to re-refer the COPA ordinance.
4:19:57 Conway thanked Fuentes for keeping the COPA ordinance simple.
4:27:25 Sigcho-López thanked Fuentes for bringing the COPA ordinance.
4:30:25 Vasquez said he was grateful to Fuentes for seeking clarity on who investigates.
4:33:49 Sposato told Quezada he agreed the COPA ordinance was not a big deal.
4:34:02 Sposato responded to Conway's mention of his legal experience.
4:42:11 Beale said Ervin's motion to refer the tipped wage item was out of order.
4:46:58 Hadden echoed Ervin's concerns about bypassing the committee process.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Expenditure of Open Space Impact Fee funds for outdoor space improvements at Nettelhorst Elementary School at 3252 N Broadway (O2026-0023318): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvements at Hermosa Park at 2240 N Kilbourn Ave (O2026-0023327): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 501 N Sacramento Blvd (O2025-0018794): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (32.48) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Western Ave (O2026-0023219): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Acquisition of property at 1725 N Harlem Ave for use as Chicago Public Library branch (O2026-0023324): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Repeal of Taxi Cab Stand No. 710 at 1166 N State St (SO2026-0023068): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
First amendment to lease agreement with Archer Avenue LLC for property at 5672 S Archer Ave (O2026-0023323): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of Multi-Family Program Funds to support development of Park Manor Senior Residences of Chatham at 8320 S Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr (O2026-0023337): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Appointment of Susan Cappello as Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care and Control (A2026-0023751): Approved 49 yea, 1 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 7-12-290 regarding cruelty to animals and increasing fines to $5,000 for each offense. Passed as amended in committee. (SO2025-0015393): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue bonds to support rehabilitation of MHL 2 Prairie District Apartments-Wabash at 1801 S Wabash Ave (O2026-0023334): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Expenditure of Open Space Impact Fee funds for development of turf field at Frank W. Reilly Elementary School, 3650 W School St (O2026-0022518): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (16.149) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Ashland Ave (O2026-0023144): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
First amendment to intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvements at Avondale Park at 3516 W School St (O2026-0023325): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvements at Carter G. Woodson Elementary School at 4414 S Evans Ave (O2026-0023328): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (15.111) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Hermitage Ave (O2026-0023381): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
M4All Resolution (R2025-0018946): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Expenditure of Open Space Impact Fee funds for outdoor space improvements at Disney II Magnet Elementary School, 3815 N Kedvale Ave (O2026-0022519): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-78-120 to modify powers and duties of Civilian Office of Police Accountability to include conducting investigations into complaints made against members of Police Department (O2025-0020004): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Third amendment to intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvements at Clarendon Park at 4532-4534 and 4538 N Clarendon Ave (O2026-0023326): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Issuance of tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue bonds to support development of Morgan Park Commons Phase 1 project at 11400-11458 S Halsted St and 800-912 W 115th St (O2026-0023330): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Redevelopment agreement with Food Love LLC to provide Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) assistance for improvement of Evelyn's Food Love Rooftop Bar & Deck at 5522 S State St (O2026-0023340): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 6-105-030 entitling employers of occupations where gratuities are customary to an allowance for gratuities as part of hourly wage rate not to exceed 24 percent of minimum wage rate (SO2025-0017549): Passed 30 yea, 18 nay