# Gilbert Villegas

Gilbert Villegas is the alderperson for Chicago's 36th Ward.

## Contact

- Email: Ward36@cityofchicago.org
- Ward office: 6560 West Fullerton Avenue, Unit C118, Suite A; 2246 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago 60707; 60622, (773) 745-4636
- City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, (312) 744-4324/4325/3701
- Website: http://www.36thward.org
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/36.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **90.7%** of 1161 key roll calls (108 absent)
- Nay votes: **12**
- Voted with the majority on **89.3%** of 84 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **181** (88 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Municipal Code Amendments (51), Committee/Public Hearings (37), Alley (35), Signs/Signboards (18), City Council (14)

## Committees

- [Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards) (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)
- [Contracting Oversight and Equity](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/contracting-oversight-and-equity)
- [Finance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/finance)
- [Housing and Real Estate](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/housing-and-real-estate)
- [License and Consumer Protection](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/license-and-consumer-protection)

## 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 Gilbert Villegas of Ward 36 serves as chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards and sits on several other committees, with a 90.7% attendance record and 12 nay votes out of 181 pieces of legislation filed  [V23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0)  [V40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DD540B42-9311-F011-BAE2-001DD8094559)  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7BD1FE5B-69B7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5). He consistently votes in favor of tax-increment financing agreements and redevelopment projects, supporting economic development across the city  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D102847A-6C62-F011-BEC1-001DD80533F0). His legislative activity also emphasizes housing policy, including landlord-tenant reforms and the creation of a problem-landlord task force  [V12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39807FAB-299A-F011-B4CB-001DD802A35E)  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7BD1FE5B-69B7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5). In public meetings he frequently asks questions, sponsors substitute ordinances, and provides overviews of policy initiatives  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C462FEBC-A474-F111-AB0C-001DD81325B3?t=1765)  [S4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=10686)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/F43BB2B1-4242-F111-88B4-001DD80B0E39?t=2635).

**Priorities**

- **Tax Increment Financing**: Villegas repeatedly votes for TIF agreements to fund redevelopment and park improvements, indicating a focus on financing large-scale development projects  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D102847A-6C62-F011-BEC1-001DD80533F0)  [V17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/843A0148-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CCED20DF-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CA29BFC0-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)
- **Housing Policy**: He supports measures that strengthen tenant protections and address chronic housing code violations, such as requiring landlord notice before eviction and establishing a problem-landlord task force  [V12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39807FAB-299A-F011-B4CB-001DD802A35E)  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7BD1FE5B-69B7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5)
- **Economic Incentives**: Villegas backs tax incentives and supplier-diversity provisions aimed at encouraging investment and supporting minority-owned businesses  [V15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D102847A-6C62-F011-BEC1-001DD80533F0)  [L10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9532C837-747C-F111-AB0D-001DD80C0AB8)
- **Public Safety**: He sponsored a substitute ordinance to amend penalties in student safety zones, emphasizing local action on school-related safety concerns  [S4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=10686)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=10704)
- **Minority Business Equity**: He provided an overview of the online MBE/WBE compliance database ordinance, indicating a priority on increasing transparency and participation of minority-owned firms in city contracts  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/F43BB2B1-4242-F111-88B4-001DD80B0E39?t=2635)
- **Historic Preservation**: Villegas voted for historic landmark designations, reflecting an interest in preserving Chicago’s architectural heritage  [V35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CBAFECC8-5B32-EF11-8409-001DD80545D4)

**Positions**

- **Public Enforcement Pilot Program**: Voted against establishing a pilot program for residents to submit recorded evidence for enforcement actions  [V23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0)
- **Standing Committee Member Name Changes**: Voted no on a proposal to change standing committee member names  [V40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DD540B42-9311-F011-BAE2-001DD8094559)
- **Tax Incentive for 501 N Sacramento Blvd**: Supported a class 6(b) tax incentive for the property, voting yes  [V15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D102847A-6C62-F011-BEC1-001DD80533F0)
- **Honorary Street Designations**: Approved allowing alderpersons to propose up to four honorary street designations per year, voting yes  [V22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F44A4085-EAF6-F011-8406-001DD80AC054)
- **Waiver of Building Debts**: Supported amending the municipal code to let the Commissioner of Housing waive debts for certain buildings, voting yes  [V2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C3D1E408-B569-F111-A823-001DD801DE76)
- **Police Parole Restrictions**: Voted to prohibit Chicago Police Department members from participating in certain political activities, voting yes  [V8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9)
- **Landlord Notice Before Eviction**: Supported a code amendment requiring landlords to give written notice before terminating a rental agreement or filing eviction actions, voting yes  [V12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39807FAB-299A-F011-B4CB-001DD802A35E)
- **Student Safety Zones**: Sponsored and supported an ordinance amending penalties in student safety zones, indicating a pro-safety stance  [S4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=10686)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=10704)

**Approach**: In committee meetings Villegas frequently asks for clarification or additional information, such as questioning a DPD representative on grant funding and seeking data on renter statistics  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C462FEBC-A474-F111-AB0C-001DD81325B3?t=1765)  [S3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E665005F-5B6E-F111-AB0C-001DD8007078?t=8407). He also sponsors substitute ordinances and provides policy overviews, exemplified by his work on the student safety zone ordinance and the MBE/WBE compliance database  [S4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=10686)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/F43BB2B1-4242-F111-88B4-001DD80B0E39?t=2635).

**What to watch**: Given his record of filing housing-code reforms, establishing a problem-landlord task force, and supporting TIF-based development, Villegas is likely to remain active on housing enforcement, economic development financing, and zoning matters in future council sessions  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7BD1FE5B-69B7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5)  [L11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/5F7645B9-7180-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA)  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)


## Nay votes on key legislation

- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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

## Key legislation sponsored

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 4 and 11 by modifying various sections and adding new Section 4-228-218 regarding purchase, collection, transportation or disposal of air bags not attached to motor vehicles](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1CC7E238-6454-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F) (O2026-0025424), Passed Jun 17, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 14A by modifying Section 14A-3-306 regarding Stop Work Order criteria and Section 14A-4-406 regarding excavation work on private property](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2F5A4EA3-B8DA-F011-8543-001DD802FB0D) (SO2025-0021852), Passed May 20, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (26.83), (27.97) and (36.37) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Grand Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/48BB0AEF-DB22-F111-8341-001DD80BA390) (O2026-0024047), Passed Apr 15, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 3-56-040 to establish pilot program for wheel tax license renewals for qualified veterans](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/22FA0D92-CBC0-F011-BBD2-001DD80AA671) (O2025-0020999), Passed Feb 18, 2026
- [Call for hearing(s) on delays by Department of Water and Management in notifying residents affected by lead contamination in service lines](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/FC3C20F8-FC60-F011-BEC1-001DD8301D22) (R2025-0018715), Adopted Sep 25, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-7-0591 to expand predominance of Block 606 District](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/AA5AE891-584C-F011-8779-001DD8069091) (O2025-0018156), Passed Jul 16, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 2-92-920, 2-92-930, 2-92-950, 2-92-955 regarding Veteran-owned business enterprises, bid incentives and contract specific participation goals in excess of $10,000 with contract participation rules set by the Chief Procurement Officer](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/27792569-00B8-EF11-B8E9-001DD8306DF0) (SO2024-0014417), Passed Jun 18, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-74 by adding new Section 2-74-097 allowing relevant work experience equivalent to college degree for eligibility for hire to certain positions in City employment unless skills required can only be obtained through advanced degree](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1443F763-231A-F011-9989-001DD830951E) (SO2025-0016662), Passed May 21, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-227 by adding new Sections 4-227-075, 4-227-150 and 4-227-160 and modifying various sections regarding vehicular towing fees, penalties, post-towing services, private right of action, and authority, and updating Section 2-14-132 regarding impoundment](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/42684EBD-5674-EF11-A671-001DD809A88D) (SO2024-0012277), Passed Apr 16, 2025
- [Call for hearing(s) on implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Technology System](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8E1CA659-FCB7-EF11-B8E9-001DD8306DF0) (R2024-0014416), Adopted Jan 15, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 10-20-155 requiring City coordination on pavement restoration work impacting 60 percent or more of sidewalk on impacted side of block](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2DEF677A-D542-EF11-8409-001DD80545D4) (SO2024-0010913), Passed Sep 18, 2024
- [SO2024-0008201](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/071C0F19-AEE0-EE11-904C-001DD806E058) (SO2024-0008201), Passed Sep 18, 2024
- [Call for hearing(s) on promoting potential and benefits of an employee ownership business model for Chicago businesses](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B25C123C-8214-EF11-9F89-001DD809669D) (SR2024-0009481), Adopted Jul 17, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (1.36) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Chicago Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/523A556D-0DF9-EE11-A1FE-001DD809669D) (O2024-0008861), Passed May 22, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-74-020 regarding veteran hiring preference initiatives and requirements](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C243B5AF-8B25-EE11-9CBD-001DD804E144) (SO2023-0002891), Passed Apr 17, 2024
- [Call for hearing(s) on Chicago Housing Authority's plan of action to address vacancy rates of scattered-site properties](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9600D081-1BB6-EE11-A568-001DD8052A05) (SR2024-0006982), Adopted Apr 17, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-44-085 regarding veteran preference for residential housing purchasers or renters under Affordability Requirements Ordinance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/91CF7786-8A25-EE11-9CBD-001DD804E144) (SO2023-0002888), Passed Apr 17, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 2 by adding new Sections 2-50-045 and 2-112-205 regarding definitions and terms of health and social services contracts with City of Chicago](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/291854FD-D7BA-EE11-A568-001DD806999B) (SO2024-0007340), Passed Mar 20, 2024
- [Affordable Connectivity Program](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/789F8AE9-47E1-EE11-904C-001DD806E944) (R2024-0008207), Adopted Mar 20, 2024
- [Midway Moving Class 6b substitute final](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/132A75A2-8B0F-EE11-8F6C-001DD806D641) (SO2023-0001202), Passed Nov 15, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (26.2) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Chicago Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/557509FF-4510-EE11-8F6C-001DD806D641) (O2023-0001228), Passed Jul 19, 2023
- [Snow and ice Removal](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/6B59C122-7625-EE11-9CBD-001DD804E11C) (SO2023-0002851), Passed Jul 19, 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: Said he would not call the PRO or FAIR ordinances for a vote, to allow more time to find common ground. ([watch at 2:17:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E9154AB7-96B7-F111-AAAC-001DD803894A?t=8271))
- Sep 29, 2026, City Council: Supported the deal and criticized the administration's use of a non-disclosure agreement around its earlier bid. ([watch at 1:57:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E9154AB7-96B7-F111-AAAC-001DD803894A?t=7068))
- Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Moved with Alderperson Felix Cardona Jr. to defer and publish the Department of Buildings residential standards ordinance. ([watch at 4:47:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=17246))
- Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Supported expanding the 3% veteran-owned business goal to DPD and Housing projects. ([watch at 4:19:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=15577))
- Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Thanked Corporation Counsel Lowry for returning to public service. ([watch at 3:18:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=11901))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Announced an August 27 charity softball game between alderpersons and the Chicago Police Department. ([watch at 5:02:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=18161))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Suggested rejecting the committee recommendation and re-referring the warehouse ordinance to a joint committee. ([watch at 4:29:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=16187))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Presented the Zoning Committee reports, including the Daily News building landmark and map amendments. ([watch at 4:23:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=15833))
- Jul 8, 2026, Committee on Budget and Government Operations: Thanked the chair and asked the DPD representative about additional state grants for the K Hub project. ([watch at 29:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C462FEBC-A474-F111-AB0C-001DD81325B3?t=1765))
- Jun 29, 2026, Committee on Housing and Real Estate: Asked for clarification on a slide showing the number of renters in Chicago. ([watch at 2:20:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E665005F-5B6E-F111-AB0C-001DD8007078?t=8407))
- Jun 29, 2026, Committee on Housing and Real Estate: Confirmed presence during roll-call. ([watch at 24:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E665005F-5B6E-F111-AB0C-001DD8007078?t=1496))
- Jun 9, 2026, Committee on Public Safety: Stated the need for local action because state legislation has not addressed the issue. ([watch at 2:58:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=10704))

---
Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt