# Matthew J. O'Shea

Matthew J. O'Shea is the alderperson for Chicago's 19th Ward.

## Contact

- Email: Ward19@cityofchicago.org
- Ward office: 10400 South Western Avenue, Chicago 60643, (773) 238-8766
- City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200, (312) 744-3072 / 5682 /2679
- Website: http://the19thward.com/
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/19.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **100%** of 1164 key roll calls (0 absent)
- Nay votes: **15**
- Voted with the majority on **85.7%** of 91 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **26** (17 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Alley (7), Streets (6), Municipal Code Amendments (5), Signs/Signboards (4), Committee/Public Hearings (3)

## Committees

- [Aviation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/aviation) (Chair)
- [Budget and Government Operations](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/budget-and-government-operations)
- [Committees and Rules](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/committees-and-rules)
- [Education and Child Development](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/education-and-child-development)
- [Ethics and Government Oversight](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/ethics-and-government-oversight)
- [Finance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/finance)
- [License and Consumer Protection](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/license-and-consumer-protection)
- [Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/special-events-cultural-affairs-and-recreation)

## 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.

Alderperson Matthew J. O'Shea represents Ward 19 and chairs the Aviation Committee while serving on eight other committees. He has a perfect attendance record and voted yes on the vast majority of measures, including several tax-increment financing agreements, but cast 15 no votes on selected ordinances. In 2026 he filed 26 pieces of legislation covering zoning, public-safety hearings, and honorary street designations. His public remarks show active participation in committee debates and frequent questioning of city officials.  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B1C2A64-CE22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/97212E8F-7175-F111-AB0C-001DD80EDD69)  [S7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=11866)

**Priorities**

- **Peddling regulation**: Filed an amendment to municipal code Section 4-244-140 to prohibit peddling in specified areas of the 19th Ward.  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/97212E8F-7175-F111-AB0C-001DD80EDD69)
- **Fiscal oversight**: Filed a request for a public hearing on the city’s cash-flow and advance pension payment requirements.  [L10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/3027893B-F1F6-F011-8406-001DD80AC054)
- **Electric-scooter safety**: Filed a call for a hearing on the safety, regulation, and use of electric scooters on public ways.  [L16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/FA8FB494-6362-F011-BEC1-001DD8305CC6)
- **Crossing-guard program safety**: Filed a hearing request addressing safety risks from the reduction of crossing guards and options to restore the program.  [L15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7964A864-409A-F011-B4CB-001DD802A35E)
- **Small-box retailer zoning**: Filed an amendment adding a new article on “Small-Box Retailers” to municipal code Titles 4 and 17.  [L22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/533AA828-DB62-EE11-BE6E-001DD80520D0)
- **Alley access exemptions**: Filed multiple exemptions from physical-barrier requirements for commercial driveway alley access.  [L3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/343ADEDE-62B0-F111-AAAC-001DD803894A)

**Positions**

- **Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance**: Voted no on the amendment adding Chapter 2-200 titled The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance.  [V9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B1C2A64-CE22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)
- **Police political contributions ban**: Voted no on the amendment prohibiting Chicago Police Department members from political contributions.  [V10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9)
- **Notice before eviction requirement**: Voted no on the amendment requiring landlords to provide written notice prior to lease termination or eviction filing.  [V14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39807FAB-299A-F011-B4CB-001DD802A35E)
- **Public enforcement pilot program**: Voted no on the amendment establishing a pilot program for residents to submit recorded evidence for public-enforcement actions.  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0)
- **Sweepstakes machine prohibition**: Voted yes on the amendment defining and prohibiting the installation or use of sweepstakes machines.  [V6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)
- **Social media amusement tax**: Voted yes on the amendment adding a tax on social-media amusement activities.  [V7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/895717BD-4F54-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39)
- **Taximeter specifications**: Voted yes on the amendment adding specifications for taximeter use and modifying taxicab equipment rules.  [V11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8EF0B273-1F9A-F011-B4CB-001DD80F82AD)
- **Housing debt waiver amendment**: Voted yes on the amendment authorizing the Commissioner of Housing to waive debts for certain buildings.  [V2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C3D1E408-B569-F111-A823-001DD801DE76)

**Approach**: In committee meetings O'Shea frequently moves motions, such as approving the Rule 45 report and advancing an amendment to restrict additional package-good licenses, and he asks pointed questions of agency panels, exemplified by his inquiry to the Board of Elections panel. He also engages in procedural courtesy, acknowledging roll-call and thanking chairs.  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/1AE40A9B-855F-F111-BEC5-001DD80754E8?t=2180)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E5CB2C3F-3955-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18?t=1681)  [S7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=11866)  [S8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07E23CA8-1E40-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=3220)  [S9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07E23CA8-1E40-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=3223)

**What to watch**: Given his consistent support for multiple tax-increment financing agreements, O'Shea is likely to remain active on future TIF proposals and related redevelopment legislation.  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)


## Nay votes on key legislation

- 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B1C2A64-CE22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC), 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9), 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39807FAB-299A-F011-B4CB-001DD802A35E), Passed 46 yea, 4 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0), Failed to Pass 16 yea, 31 nay, 1 absent
- 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/76EEBA20-D3EE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9), Passed 30 yea, 18 nay, 2 absent
- Mar 12, 2025: [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 4 by adding new Chapter 4-401 entitled "Trade In Fur Products"](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/E220093A-5926-EE11-9965-001DD804E9A5), Failed to Pass 19 yea, 26 nay
- 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/6EBD8C9E-ABD2-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0), 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B6B7F7E8-5644-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0), Failed to Pass 21 yea, 28 nay
- Dec 16, 2024: [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 1, 2, 7, 10, 11 and 18 regarding management, structure, powers and functions of various departments and agencies (2025 Municipal Code Management Ordinance), as amended](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/3EFECAEB-C896-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB), Passed 34 yea, 16 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/66D43D3E-C796-EF11-AC21-001DD804AA64), Passed 27 yea, 23 nay
- Oct 30, 2024: [Jarixon Medina as member of Regional Trnsportation Authority Board of Directors](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2582508B-FF92-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB), Failed to Pass 18 yea, 25 nay
- Jan 31, 2024: [Expression of support for United Nations Resolution 377 known as "Uniting for Peace"](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/FD87A2F1-DB99-EE11-BE36-001DD83057A3), Adopted 23 yea, 23 nay
- Nov 9, 2023: [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2, 4 and 6 by modifying various sections and adding new Chapter 6-130 entitled "Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance" (Final)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1776119D-5826-EE11-9965-001DD804E9A5), Passed 36 yea, 12 nay, 1 absent
- Nov 7, 2023: [Proposal of new tax rates for Chicago R.E. transfer tax to set aside for homeless housing](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/4C434D15-6452-EE11-BE6E-001DD8097692), Passed 32 yea, 17 nay
- Oct 6, 2023: [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 6-105 by modifying Section 6-105-030 regarding minimum hourly wage in occupations receiving gratuities](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DB028AF5-5D26-EE11-9965-001DD804E9A5), Passed 36 yea, 10 nay, 2 absent

## Key legislation sponsored

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14A, 14B, 14X and 15 (2026 Municipal Code Revenue Ordinance Alternative)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39036309-ECD5-F011-8543-001DD8018EAF) (SO2025-0021719), Passed Dec 19, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 4 and 17 by adding new Article XXXIV and by adding new Section 17-9-0133 both entitled "Small-Box Retailers" and by modifying various sections of Title 17 regarding use group zoning districts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/533AA828-DB62-EE11-BE6E-001DD80520D0) (SO2023-0004978), Passed Feb 21, 2024
- [091323 2 wheel parking exception South Hale\_9-64-113](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/31180197-B23B-EE11-BDF4-001DD8097692) (O2023-0003364), Passed Nov 15, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (19.59) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W 111th St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/116BF491-E610-EE11-8F6C-001DD806D2E1) (O2023-0001718), Passed Jun 21, 2023

## In their own words

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

- Sep 29, 2026, City Council: Supported the deal and criticized the administration's undisclosed $3.2 billion bid and non-disclosure agreement, crediting the Finance chair's working group. ([watch at 1:40:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E9154AB7-96B7-F111-AAAC-001DD803894A?t=6022))
- Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Praised Corporation Counsel Lowry's integrity and calm counsel over three and a half years. ([watch at 2:39:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=9551))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Supported Dr. Walker and urged preparation and testing for West Nile virus with Cook County. ([watch at 3:35:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=12911))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Reported the Aviation Committee's recommendation on Midway Airport lease renewals. ([watch at 3:06:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=11179))
- Jun 17, 2026, City Council: Praised Streets and Sanitation's storm response and said the council should focus on such local services. ([watch at 3:58:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/73347594-0E55-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39?t=14305))
- Jun 17, 2026, City Council: Supported Kenneth Gunn's appointment, saying Gunn helped his ward respond to incidents of racism and antisemitism. ([watch at 3:12:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/73347594-0E55-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39?t=11550))
- Jun 17, 2026, City Council: Supported the Navarro Escobedo settlement, noting the squad car exceeded 80 mph without lights or sirens and a trial could cost more. ([watch at 2:56:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/73347594-0E55-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39?t=10609))
- Jun 10, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Moved to approve the Rule 45 May 2026 report. ([watch at 36:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/1AE40A9B-855F-F111-BEC5-001DD80754E8?t=2180))
- Jun 9, 2026, Committee on License and Consumer Protection: Moved to pass the amendment disallowing additional package-good licenses on West 55th Street. ([watch at 28:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E5CB2C3F-3955-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18?t=1681))
- May 20, 2026, City Council: Supported the tip credit compromise, saying Black- and Latino-owned restaurants in his ward considered moving to the suburbs. ([watch at 5:18:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=19117))
- May 20, 2026, City Council: Opposed the Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance, saying committee panelists could not name Board of Elections commissioners or its executive director. ([watch at 3:17:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=11870))
- May 5, 2026, Joint Committee: Budget; Police and Fire: Thanked the chair for the acknowledgment. ([watch at 53:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07E23CA8-1E40-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=3223))

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/19 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt