# Nicholas Sposato

Nicholas Sposato is the alderperson for Chicago's 38th Ward.

## Contact

- Email: Ward38@cityofchicago.org
- Ward office: 3821 North Harlem Avenue, Chicago 60634, (773) 283-3838
- City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200, Office 2, (312) 744-6857/7947/1836
- Website: http://aldermansposato.com/
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/38.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **98.8%** of 1164 key roll calls (14 absent)
- Nay votes: **16**
- Voted with the majority on **82.4%** of 91 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **37** (32 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Alley (14), Streets (8), Municipal Code Amendments (7), Budget & Appropriations (5), Signs/Signboards (2)

## Committees

- [Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/special-events-cultural-affairs-and-recreation) (Chair)
- [Aviation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/aviation)
- [Budget and Government Operations](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/budget-and-government-operations)
- [Committees and Rules](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/committees-and-rules)
- [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)
- [Police and Fire](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/police-and-fire)
- [Public Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/public-safety)
- [Workforce Development](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/workforce-development)

## 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 Nicholas Sposato chairs the Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation and serves on ten additional committees. He has voted yes on the majority of measures, including several tax-increment-financing agreements, while recording 16 no votes on a range of issues. He has filed 37 pieces of legislation, notably multiple exemptions for commercial alley access and honorary street designations.  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2766A2EF-616A-F111-A823-001DD80F48AE)  [L3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/497587BD-EE68-F111-A823-001DD80F48AE)

**Priorities**

- **Alley access**: Filed multiple exemptions from physical-barrier requirements for commercial driveway alley access on several properties.  [L3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/497587BD-EE68-F111-A823-001DD80F48AE)  [L4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F1C69FD1-B04F-F111-BEC5-001DD80DC3A6)  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1BC3B836-0F35-F111-88B3-001DD812F2C3)
- **Honorary street designations**: Submitted several honorary street naming proposals, including "Honorary Coach Jack Hunter Way" and "Sgt. Tom Eichler USMC CPD Way."  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/FCA6AE55-81AC-F111-AAAB-001DD80B58E5)  [L6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CC848AD1-1535-F111-88B3-001DD812F2C3)
- **Electronic data storage zoning**: Proposed a temporary moratorium on new or expanded electronic data storage center applications.  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/173FD337-6FB7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5)
- **Liquor licensing**: Amended municipal code to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portions of W Irving Park Rd and W Addison St.  [L19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8DB6283E-ECAC-EF11-B8E9-001DD8306DF0)  [L20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2A738C8F-EAAC-EF11-B8E9-001DD8306DF0)
- **Ward budget transfers**: Filed an amendment to transfer funds within the 38th Ward Aldermanic Expense and Wage Allowance accounts.  [L8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/6F951B51-F5F2-F011-8406-001DD80FF597)
- **Renters protections**: Spoke in Spanish urging council support for the Protecting Renters Ordinance.  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=1902)

**Positions**

- **U.S. Attorney resignation**: Voted no on a resolution calling for the resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.  [V4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2766A2EF-616A-F111-A823-001DD80F48AE)
- **Sweepstakes machines**: Voted no on an amendment defining and prohibiting the installation or use of sweepstakes machines.  [V6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)
- **Voting access ordinance**: Voted no on the Jesse Jackson Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance.  [V9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1B1C2A64-CE22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)
- **Police political contributions**: Voted no on an amendment prohibiting Chicago Police Department members from making political contributions.  [V10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9)
- **Formal apology for slavery**: Voted no on a resolution issuing a formal apology to Black citizens for historical injustices of slavery.  [V34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F4FE3BAF-64F4-EF11-BE20-001DD804E2AE)
- **Rule 59 participation**: Opposed motions to authorize Rule 59 participation for Alderman Timothy R. Knudsen.  [S7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=1037)  [S8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/18D62577-4F6E-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=349)  [S18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=3084)
- **Tax-increment financing for parks**: Voted yes on multiple TIF agreements to fund improvements at Hermosa, Avondale, Carter G. Woodson Elementary, and other 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)
- **Animal Care department support**: Voted yes on the appointment of the Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care and Control and publicly urged support for the department.  [V18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C968E79B-8C19-F111-8406-001DD8131156)  [S35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/D73FA92F-100D-F111-8406-001DD80F9592?t=12149)

**Approach**: Alderman Nicholas Sposato frequently asks questions during committee meetings, such as on settlement cases and police investigations, and moves or supports procedural motions. He also engages in bilingual outreach, speaking Spanish to advocate for renters protections.  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=1902)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/46526B3A-3D79-F111-AB0D-001DD8066831?t=4892)  [S15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C475AF0E-EE64-F111-A823-001DD806162C?t=2620)

**What to watch**: His record suggests continued focus on securing alley-access exemptions and pursuing honorary street designations, as well as monitoring Rule 59-related motions.  [L3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/497587BD-EE68-F111-A823-001DD80F48AE)  [S7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=1037)


## Nay votes on key legislation

- Jul 15, 2026: [Call on Andrew Boutros to resign as U.S. Attorney for Northern District of Illinois and Department of Justice to ensure full review of obligations in matters connected to Operation Midway Blitz, Broadview prosecutions, and other related proceedings](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2766A2EF-616A-F111-A823-001DD80F48AE), Adopted 46 yea, 3 nay
- Jun 17, 2026: [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-156 by defining and prohibiting the installation or use of sweepstakes machines](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC), Failed to Pass 15 yea, 33 nay, 1 absent
- 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
- 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
- Sep 25, 2025: [Issuance of formal apology from City Council to Black citizens of Chicago for historical injustices of slavery](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F4FE3BAF-64F4-EF11-BE20-001DD804E2AE), Adopted 43 yea, 4 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
- 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
- Jun 12, 2024: [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 8-32-065 by designating noise sensitive zones on portions of specified streets](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/BE5351ED-E250-EE11-BE6E-001DD8097F7D), Passed 41 yea, 4 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
- 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
- Jul 19, 2023: [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-56 regarding qualifications and appointment of Inspector General and Public Safety Deputy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/FA12A740-4E10-EE11-8F6C-001DD806D641), Passed 47 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent

## Key legislation sponsored

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (38.18) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on W Irving Park Rd](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8DB6283E-ECAC-EF11-B8E9-001DD8306DF0) (O2024-0014164), Passed Jan 15, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (36.33) to allow additional package goods licenses on W Addison St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2A738C8F-EAAC-EF11-B8E9-001DD8306DF0) (O2024-0014162), Passed Jan 15, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (38.17) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Irving Park Rd](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/6F374931-C4FD-EE11-A1FE-001DD8301219) (O2024-0009004), Passed May 22, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (38.99) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Addison St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8F9F2C25-2ED0-EE11-9078-001DD806E542) (O2024-0007819), Passed Mar 20, 2024

## 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: Congratulated the mayor on hiring Lowry and credited her with reworking the parking meter deal. ([watch at 3:14:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=11682))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Thanked retiring Superintendent Larry Snelling and Fred Waller. ([watch at 4:39:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=16754))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Thanked Special Events committee members for attending in person and reported open space impact fee items. ([watch at 4:03:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=14607))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Voted no on the Boutros resolution, saying U.S. senators had already called for resignation and citing cases of people killed by undocumented immigrants. ([watch at 3:27:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=12470))
- Jul 14, 2026, Committee on Aviation: Moved to pass item 2026-002-369 (the lease ordinance). ([watch at 54:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/563500FE-2D76-F111-AB0C-001DD803F73F?t=3252))
- Jul 14, 2026, Committee on Aviation: Moved to accept the substitute ordinance 2026-002-6369. ([watch at 46:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/563500FE-2D76-F111-AB0C-001DD803F73F?t=2771))
- Jul 13, 2026, Committee on Finance: Asked a question of Ms. Felker after the settlement case. ([watch at 1:21:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/46526B3A-3D79-F111-AB0D-001DD8066831?t=4892))
- Jul 13, 2026, Committee on Finance: Noted the ayes and confirmed the motion for remote participation. ([watch at 20:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/46526B3A-3D79-F111-AB0D-001DD8066831?t=1206))
- Jul 9, 2026, Committee on Public Safety: Objected to the Rule 59 motion moved by Alderman Peter Chico. ([watch at 17:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=1037))
- Jul 8, 2026, Committee on Budget and Government Operations: Provided information that police and fire departments determine line-of-duty status, not HR. ([watch at 40:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C462FEBC-A474-F111-AB0C-001DD81325B3?t=2416))
- Jul 8, 2026, Committee on License and Consumer Protection: Opposed the motion to accept Rule 59. ([watch at 5:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/18D62577-4F6E-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=349))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation: Adjourned the meeting. ([watch at 1:11:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/41AE03EE-B570-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=4305))

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/38 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt