Raymond A. Lopez

Raymond A. Lopez is the alderperson for Chicago's 15th Ward.

Contact

Email: Ward15@cityofchicago.org
Ward office: 2650 West 51st Street, Chicago 60632, (773) 823-1539
City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, (312) 744-4321 / 4322
Website: http://www.the15thward.org
Updates: RSS feed of votes and legislation

Voting record this term

Attendance: 100% of 1163 key roll calls (0 absent)
Nay votes: 46
Voted with the majority on 47.3% of 91 divided votes
Legislation filed as lead sponsor: 136 (49 passed)
Most-filed topics: Municipal Code Amendments (51), Committee/Public Hearings (26), Restricted Residential Zones (20), City Council (17), Budget & Appropriations (4)

Committees

AI profile

AI-written synthesis from this member's votes, legislation, and words in 78 meetings. Each claim cites its source; estimates, not statements of intent.

Alderman Raymond A. Lopez represents Chicago's 15th Ward and serves on eight standing committees, including Aviation, Budget and Government Operations, and Public Safety. He has a perfect attendance record and has cast 46 nay votes, often opposing tax increment financing and tax incentive measures V1 V2. Lopez has filed 136 pieces of legislation, with recent bills focusing on housing restrictions, senior citizen tax relief, and street honorifics L1 L2 L4.

Priorities

Restricted Residential Zones: Filed multiple designations to prohibit additional shared-housing units in precincts throughout the 15th Ward L2 L3 L5 L6 L7 L8 L9 L10
Senior Citizen Property Tax Holiday: Proposed a temporary property-tax holiday for senior citizens from September to December 2026 L1
Honorary Street Designation: Introduced an ordinance to name a street “Claudette Soto Way” in honor of a community leader L3
Geofencing Oversight: Called for public hearings on the use of geofencing technology by the Chicago Police Department and scooter-rental companies L4
Tax Incentive Revocation Review: Filed an amendment adding additional review criteria before revoking property-tax incentives L11
Package Goods Licenses: Amended the municipal code to allow extra packaged-goods licenses on South Ashland Avenue to benefit the Back of the Yards community L25

Positions

Tax Increment Financing for Parks: Voted against TIF agreements for Hermosa, Avondale, and Clarendon Parks, indicating opposition to those financing projects V16 V19 V21
Class 6(b) Tax Incentive: Opposed a tax incentive for a property at 501 N Sacramento Blvd V17
Housing Debt Waiver: Voted no on an amendment authorizing the Commissioner of Housing to waive debts for certain buildings V2
Police Political Participation Restriction: Opposed an amendment that would prohibit Chicago Police Department members from participating in politics V10
Gas Station Permit Removal: Voted against removing permit requirements for gas stations in specific zoning districts V26
Formal Apology for Slavery: Voted no on a resolution apologizing to Black citizens for historical slavery injustices V34
Historic Landmark Designation: Opposed the landmark designation for St. Adalbert Parish Complex V39
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Fair Access Ordinance: Recorded a no vote on the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance V9

Approach: Lopez frequently moves motions, such as remote-participation requests and agenda items, and asks clarifying questions during committee meetings. He has been noted for advancing motions to adjourn, supporting remote participation under Rule 59, and engaging in procedural votes S4 S5 S8 S27 S35 S36.

What to watch: Given his extensive filings, Lopez is likely to remain active on restricted residential zone designations, tax-incentive revocation hearings, and oversight of geofencing technology L2 L4 L11.

Nay votes on key legislation

Jul 15, 2026: Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-44-140 authorizing Commissioner of Housing to waive debts for certain buildings included in Department of Housing revitalization programs, Passed 48 yea, 1 nay
May 20, 2026: Amendment of Municipal Code Title 2 by adding new Chapter 2-200 titled The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance and establishment of The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Advisory Council on Access to Democracy, Passed 42 yea, 8 nay
May 20, 2026: Amendment of Municipal Code Title 2 by amending Section 2-78-120 (e-5) and adding new Section 2-84-530 prohibiting members of Chicago Police Department from participating in any extremist activity, Passed 28 yea, 21 nay
Apr 15, 2026: Amendment of Municipal Code Section 5-12-130 to require sufficient written notice from landlord prior to rental agreement termination or filing of eviction actions, Passed 46 yea, 4 nay
Apr 15, 2026: Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture securing Second Lien Water Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series 2026A, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Mar 18, 2026: Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvements at Hermosa Park at 2240 N Kilbourn Ave, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Mar 18, 2026: Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 501 N Sacramento Blvd, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Mar 18, 2026: 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, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Mar 18, 2026: 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, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Mar 18, 2026: 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, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Feb 18, 2026: 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, Failed to Pass 16 yea, 31 nay, 1 absent
Feb 18, 2026: 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, Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
Sep 25, 2025: Issuance of formal apology from City Council to Black citizens of Chicago for historical injustices of slavery, Adopted 43 yea, 4 nay, 1 absent
Jul 16, 2025: Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 2-44-140 and 2-45-110 regarding property liens, waivers, debt and transfer definitions, reporting, and mandatory consultation by Commissioner, requiring agreements with prohibitions and time frames for development of approved plans, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Jun 18, 2025: Historical landmark designation for St. Adalbert Parish Complex at 1622-1658 W 17th St and 1633-1659 W 16th St, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
May 7, 2025: Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-44 by adding new Section 2-44-170 establishing not-for-profit residential investment corporation with the City's participation in the financing structure, acquisition, ownership, and on-going operations of affordable, mixed-income, environmentally sustainable housing, Passed 30 yea, 18 nay, 2 absent
Apr 16, 2025: Issuance of financial assistance to 208 LaSalle Affordable L.P. and 208 LaSalle Market Landlord LLC for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipping of affordable and market rate housing projects at 208 S LaSalle St, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Apr 16, 2025: Issuance of financial assistance to 111 Monroe Affordable L.P. and 111 Monroe Market Landlord LLC for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipping of affordable and market rate housing projects at 111 W Monroe St, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Apr 7, 2025: Standing Committee member name changes, Adopted 32 yea, 11 nay, 4 absent
Apr 7, 2025: Appointment of Alderperson Anthony Quezada (35th Ward), Approved 32 yea, 11 nay, 4 absent
Feb 26, 2025: Issuance of general obligation bonds to finance improvements to public rights-of-way, infrastructure and transportation, loans and grants, acquisition of property, construction and maintenance of public buildings, economic programs, lead service line replacements, as amended, Passed 26 yea, 23 nay
Feb 19, 2025: Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-12-070 establishing maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour on streets, 15 miles per hour in alleys, and absolute statutory nonurban limit of 55 miles per hour, Failed to Pass 21 yea, 28 nay
Dec 16, 2024: Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 3, 4, 9 and 10 (2025 Municipal Code Revenue Ordinance) and Property Tax Levy for Year 2025, as amended, Passed 27 yea, 23 nay
Dec 16, 2024: Revised redevelopment agreement with Hudson Michigan Avenue Owner LLC to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Hudson House, 2222 S Michigan Ave, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Dec 16, 2024: Provision of TIF funds for redevelopment of Congress Theater by BR Congress Owner LLC, Revised, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
…and 21 more

Key legislation sponsored

Designation of 1st Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027210), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 18th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027228), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 15th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027226), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 13th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027223), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 4th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027214), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 3rd Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027213), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 10th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027219), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 11th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027220), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 9th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027218), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 6th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027215), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 7th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027216), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 19th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027229), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 20th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027230), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 14th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027225), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 5th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027209), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 8th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027217), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 17th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027227), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 12th Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027222), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Designation of 2nd Precinct of 15th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units (O2026-0027211), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (12.109) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Ashland Ave (O2026-0026046), Passed Jul 15, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-74 by adding new Section 2-74-076 to establish Department of Human Resources hiring preference for children and spouses of Chicago first responders killed in line of duty (SO2025-0019977), Passed Jul 15, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (11.111) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of S Ashland Ave (O2026-0024913), Passed May 20, 2026
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 Mar 18, 2026
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 Mar 18, 2026
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 Jan 21, 2026

In their own words

Moments from meeting recordings, summarized by AI from the transcript. Each links to the video at that point.

Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Explained that the September 29 meeting would be needed only if the parking meter deal were deferred at the special meeting. (watch at 5:22:10)
Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Opposed two Guevara-related settlements because they relied on certificates of innocence issued under former State's Attorney Kim Foxx. (watch at 4:08:26)
Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Thanked Corporation Counsel Lowry for providing stability and paths forward on issues like settlements and Bally's. (watch at 2:59:49)
Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Proposed suspending Rule 28 so the last mile warehouse ordinance could be referred directly to a joint committee. (watch at 4:30:08)
Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Supported Dr. Walker and urged CDPH to reach all communities and finish programs it starts. (watch at 3:46:37)
Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Supported the Boutros resolution while saying the law should be applied consistently, citing the Cook County State's Attorney. (watch at 3:30:33)
Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Supported The 78 agreements, citing 14 community meetings, the need to expand the tax base and the jobs the project would bring. (watch at 2:38:02)
Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Supported the disability resolution and urged funding of home repair programs, citing his proposed 2.5% housing bond set-aside for the disability community. (watch at 1:45:40)
Jul 14, 2026, Committee on Health and Human Relations: Thanked the chair and offered remarks to the nominee. (watch at 36:21)
Jul 14, 2026, Committee on Health and Human Relations: Was recognized by the chair to ask a question or comment on the nominee. (watch at 36:08)
Jul 13, 2026, Committee on Finance: Asked for a list of state grants related to libraries. (watch at 1:30:19)
Jul 13, 2026, Committee on Finance: Oversaw the motion to adopt the Rule 45 report. (watch at 1:11:48)