# Brian Hopkins

Brian Hopkins is the alderperson for Chicago's 2nd Ward.

## Contact

- Email: office@aldermanhopkins.com
- Ward office: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, Chicago 60602, (312) 744-6836 / 9867/6213
- Website: https://www.aldermanhopkins.com/
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/2.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **100%** of 1164 key roll calls (0 absent)
- Nay votes: **20**
- Voted with the majority on **80.2%** of 91 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **83** (54 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Municipal Code Amendments (28), Signs/Signboards (21), Alley (6), Streets (6), Committee/Public Hearings (5)

## Committees

- [Public Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/public-safety) (Chair)
- [Aviation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/aviation)
- [Committees and Rules](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/committees-and-rules)
- [Finance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/finance)
- [Pedestrian and Traffic Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/pedestrian-and-traffic-safety)
- [Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/special-events-cultural-affairs-and-recreation)
- [Transportation and Public Way](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/transportation-and-public-way)
- [Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards)

## 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 Brian Hopkins, chair of the Committee on Public Safety, has voted on a broad array of measures, often supporting tax increment financing (TIF) agreements for park and city projects while casting a few notable no votes on a parking-facility TIF and a public-enforcement pilot program  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0). He has also filed numerous ordinances covering mobility-device reporting, police video-surveillance safeguards, and honorary street designations, reflecting active legislative work  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/79EE71B8-26B9-F111-AAAC-001DD80FDAD3)  [L27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B0BAD53-77C1-F011-BBD2-001DD80AA671)  [L10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C32EA524-DF85-F111-AB0E-001DD81326F5).

**Priorities**

- **Mobility device regulation**: Filed an ordinance to establish complaint reporting and service-request procedures for bicycles, electric mobility devices, and motorized scooters  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/79EE71B8-26B9-F111-AAAC-001DD80FDAD3).
- **Mobile food vendor restrictions**: Proposed a municipal code amendment prohibiting mobile food vendors on specific streets in the 2nd Ward  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A81691DD-1CBC-F111-AAAE-001DD803894A).
- **Police video surveillance oversight**: Introduced a amendment requiring a warrant, subpoena, or other lawful process before police can request video surveillance footage  [L27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B0BAD53-77C1-F011-BBD2-001DD80AA671).
- **Alley access exemptions**: Filed an exemption from the physical-barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for certain businesses  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/96926DBA-7792-F111-AB0E-001DD812C3FE).
- **Honorary street designations**: Advanced honorary street naming, including the “Honorary Chilli Pepper Way” designation and related proposals  [L10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C32EA524-DF85-F111-AB0E-001DD81326F5)  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=2701).
- **Pollinator garden plant height**: Amended the municipal code to limit non-tree plant height in native and pollinator gardens to 36 inches  [L19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D50A55E3-0AFE-F011-8406-001DD80E31F7).

**Positions**

- **Tax Increment Financing for park improvements**: Supported TIF assistance for park upgrades, voting yes on multiple agreements for Hermosa, Avondale, and Clarendon Parks  [V16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/843A0148-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CA29BFC0-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8).
- **Tax Increment Financing for a parking facility**: Opposed the Roosevelt/Clark Partners TIF for a parking facility, casting a no vote  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941).
- **Public-enforcement pilot program for recorded evidence**: Voted no on establishing a pilot program that would allow residents to submit recorded evidence for public enforcement  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0).
- **Police video-surveillance warrant requirement**: Supported requiring law-enforcement to obtain a warrant or comparable legal process before accessing video surveillance footage  [L27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B0BAD53-77C1-F011-BBD2-001DD80AA671).
- **Alley access physical-barrier exemption**: Supported easing alley-access rules by exempting certain commercial driveways from barrier requirements  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/96926DBA-7792-F111-AB0E-001DD812C3FE).
- **Honorary street designations**: Advocated for and approved honorary street names, including the Chili Pepper Way proposal  [L10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C32EA524-DF85-F111-AB0E-001DD81326F5)  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=2701).
- **Remote participation for aldermen**: Moved to allow aldermen to participate remotely in committee meetings, indicating support for virtual engagement  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/4676B95A-2A55-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18?t=1499).
- **Gun-shot detection procurement process**: Questioned the use of a Request for Information before a Request for Proposals, signaling scrutiny of the procurement approach  [S15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/60560776-863E-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=2840).

**Approach**: In committee settings Hopkins frequently opens meetings, presides over adjournments, and moves procedural motions, such as allowing remote participation for colleagues  [S4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=1344)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=7302)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/4676B95A-2A55-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18?t=1499). He also asks targeted questions on technology, procurement, and zoning matters, demonstrating an active questioning style  [S3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/7885112A-5D76-F111-AB0C-001DD80EDD69?t=8180)  [S9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DD545403-E53C-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=7081)  [S15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/60560776-863E-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=2840)  [S16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/60560776-863E-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=3469).

**What to watch**: Given his record of voting on and filing TIF-related measures and his sponsorship of police-video oversight legislation, Hopkins is likely to remain engaged on financing of development projects and law-enforcement accountability issues  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [L27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B0BAD53-77C1-F011-BBD2-001DD80AA671).


## Nay votes on key legislation

- Jul 15, 2026: [Redevelopment agreement with Roosevelt/Clark Partners LLC to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for development of parking facility related to The 78 project](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941), Passed 44 yea, 5 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
- Apr 7, 2025: [Standing Committee member name changes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DD540B42-9311-F011-BAE2-001DD8094559), Adopted 32 yea, 11 nay, 4 absent
- Apr 7, 2025: [Appointment of Alderperson Anthony Quezada (35th Ward)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C92AA889-8C11-F011-BAE2-001DD8094559), Approved 32 yea, 11 nay, 4 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
- Jan 15, 2025: [Call for establishment of interagency working group to assess and redesign speed limit enforcement structure and practices in City of Chicago](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0BBDA164-5944-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0), Adopted 49 yea, 1 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
- Oct 9, 2024: [Refunding of General Obligation/Sales Tax Securitization Corporation Bond, Series 2024](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/04FB9DF1-EF75-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB), Passed 35 yea, 12 nay, 2 absent
- Sep 18, 2024: [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2, 5 and 17 by adding new Chapter 5-11 entitled "Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Block (606) District Pilot Program" and by modifying Section 2-44-135 regarding demolition permit surcharge ordinance, and Section 17-7-0590 redefining boundaries of 606 District](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C3F5E354-5F44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0), Passed 44 yea, 3 nay, 2 absent
- Apr 19, 2024: [2024 Affordable Housing and Community Development Borrowing Ordinance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7A924B08-39D0-EE11-9078-001DD806E058), Passed 32 yea, 17 nay
- Feb 21, 2024: [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), Passed 42 yea, 7 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 Section 10-32-055 to limit height of non-tree plants in native and pollinator gardens to 36 inches](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D50A55E3-0AFE-F011-8406-001DD80E31F7) (O2026-0022796), Passed May 20, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (2.206) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portions of W North Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C1D4C32D-B11C-F111-8341-001DD803440B) (O2026-0023807), Passed Apr 15, 2026
- [Repeal of Taxi Cab Stand No. 710 at 1166 N State St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/E6486C98-1202-F111-8406-001DD8071528) (SO2026-0023068), Passed Mar 18, 2026
- [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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/815478E6-76C1-F011-BBD2-001DD80AA671) (SO2025-0021022), Passed Feb 18, 2026
- [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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/28759D1D-BF60-F011-BEC1-001DD80533F0) (SR2025-0018658), Adopted Feb 18, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.215) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of E Huron St and N Lake Shore Dr](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CC741965-C0B5-F011-BBD2-001DD80FE70D) (O2025-0020642), Passed Dec 10, 2025
- [Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 310 W Concord Pl](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/3590DB53-D7A2-F011-B41B-001DD8087A81) (Or2025-0020288), Passed Nov 14, 2025
- [Expression of support for passage of American Center for Cures legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DF1DA908-6144-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0) (R2024-0011007), Failed to Pass Oct 16, 2025
- [Call for Hearing on expanding "Angel Shot" Trainings](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D0D7CAB6-9F27-F011-9989-001DD80DF2CB) (R2025-0017091), Adopted Oct 16, 2025
- [Mass Gatherings and Curfew](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DCB701D7-DD1A-F011-9989-001DD830A299) (SO2025-0016732), Passed Jun 18, 2025
- [Pedestrian Overpass connecting Galter Property and 633 Property](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/41EEAD92-1412-EF11-9F89-001DD806A98B) (O2024-0009353), Passed Jul 17, 2024
- [Transfer of funds within Committee on Public Safety for Year 2023.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/68847E3F-2574-EE11-8DEE-001DD8051B63) (O2023-0005576), Passed Dec 13, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 8-4 by adding new Section 8-4-077 entitled "Assault Against City Employees with Enforcement Authority"](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/83B15831-3648-EE11-BE6D-001DD80974AF) (SO2023-0003867), Passed Nov 15, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 and 4-60-023 to disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of various streets](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B44A699A-914E-EE11-BE6D-001DD8097F7D) (O2023-0004047), Passed Oct 4, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-025 by restricting additional late hour liquor licenses within 2nd Ward](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/6CDE85EF-7343-EE11-BDF3-001DD8097665) (O2023-0003484), Passed Oct 4, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (2.203) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Wells St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/FE78D056-7143-EE11-BDF3-001DD80974AF) (O2023-0003482), Passed Oct 4, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-68-033 by inserting new section designating Zone 74 nightlife tow area on Division St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/234FD476-6B43-EE11-BDF3-001DD80974AF) (O2023-0003479), Passed Sep 14, 2023

## 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: Dropped his opposition to Foundry Park after CDOT and DPD committed to studying bridge and infrastructure needs. ([watch at 3:58:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=14302))
- Jul 14, 2026, Committee on Transportation and Public Way: Moved to reaffirm the committee’s recommendation on the Hub 32 ordinance. ([watch at 2:21:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/7885112A-5D76-F111-AB0C-001DD80EDD69?t=8468))
- Jul 14, 2026, Committee on Transportation and Public Way: Asked Mr. Eady about grade-four automation technology for transit. ([watch at 2:16:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/7885112A-5D76-F111-AB0C-001DD80EDD69?t=8180))
- Jul 9, 2026, Committee on Public Safety: Greeted the committee and opened the public-testimony segment. ([watch at 22:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=1344))
- Jun 17, 2026, City Council: Explained that the parental accountability ordinance received a 10-5 do-not-pass recommendation in committee before being deferred and published. ([watch at 4:31:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/73347594-0E55-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39?t=16304))
- Jun 9, 2026, Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety: Moved to allow Aldermen Moore, Cruz, and Lawson to participate remotely. ([watch at 24:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/4676B95A-2A55-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18?t=1499))
- May 19, 2026, Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards: Clarified the difference between PD and PMD zoning to Alderman Bennett R. Lawson. ([watch at 1:58:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DD545403-E53C-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=7081))
- May 19, 2026, Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards: Presented a map amendment for a city-owned parcel in the 2nd Ward (A-9092). ([watch at 1:43:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DD545403-E53C-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=6186))
- May 19, 2026, Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards: Moved to due-pass an ordinance presented by Alderman Michael D. Rodriguez. ([watch at 1:07:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DD545403-E53C-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=4042))
- May 13, 2026, Committee on Transportation and Public Way: Expressed full support for the nomination. ([watch at 48:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/82BEA782-A939-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=2897))
- May 13, 2026, Committee on Transportation and Public Way: Praised Cheeks’ qualifications and urged cultural change at CDOT. ([watch at 45:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/82BEA782-A939-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=2732))
- May 13, 2026, Committee on Transportation and Public Way: Invited to ask first questions after the appointment. ([watch at 45:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/82BEA782-A939-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=2721))

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt