# Samantha Nugent

Samantha Nugent is the alderperson for Chicago's 39th Ward.

## Contact

- Email: Ward39@cityofchicago.org
- Ward office: 4200 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago 60630, (773) 736-5594
- City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, (312) 744-7242/7243/3023
- Website: http://www.ward39@cityofchicago.org
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/39.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **100%** of 1163 key roll calls (0 absent)
- Nay votes: **10**
- Voted with the majority on **90%** of 90 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **40** (37 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Alley (15), Budget & Appropriations (6), Municipal Code Amendments (5), Streets (4), City Council (3)

## Committees

- [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)
- [Contracting Oversight and Equity](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/contracting-oversight-and-equity)
- [Ethics and Government Oversight](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/ethics-and-government-oversight)
- [Police and Fire](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/police-and-fire)
- [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)

## 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 Samantha Nugent has a perfect attendance record and has voted on a wide range of issues, including tax-increment financing, public safety, and municipal code changes  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/339F23E4-D8B2-F111-AAAC-001DD80EFCF5). She frequently supports development-related financing measures while opposing certain regulatory restrictions  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC). Her legislative activity includes dozens of filings, notably multiple exemptions for commercial driveway alley access  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/339F23E4-D8B2-F111-AAAC-001DD80EFCF5).

**Priorities**

- **Alley access regulations**: Filed several exemptions to the physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access, including for Simple Auto Financing LLC and M&P Vending Co., Inc.  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/339F23E4-D8B2-F111-AAAC-001DD80EFCF5)  [L3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/BEE876D6-6A63-F111-A823-001DD806169D)
- **Honorary street designations**: Submitted multiple honorary street naming proposals such as "Honorary Terry Kath Way" and "Ken Fowler Way"  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/EE0CDF08-4C64-F111-A823-001DD806162C)  [L8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A8A303CD-DC4F-F111-BEC6-001DD812F2C3)
- **Tax increment financing (TIF)**: Supported TIF assistance for redevelopment projects, voting for agreements with Foundry Park Properties and Roosevelt/Clark Partners  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)
- **Budget and appropriations adjustments**: Filed amendments to the Annual Appropriation Ordinance affecting ward wage allowances and called for implementation of the 2026 budget package  [L15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/BA058800-F50C-F111-8406-001DD80F9592)  [L16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CFBF07BE-F40C-F111-8406-001DD80F9592)
- **Public referenda**: Submitted public-question referenda on city issues, including a monument referendum and a pension contribution question  [L9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/257F1B3B-6854-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F)  [L11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A77374B7-6954-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F)
- **Policing and public safety oversight**: Voted against a municipal code amendment that would prohibit Chicago Police Department members from political contributions  [V10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9)

**Positions**

- **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)
- **Police political contributions**: Voted NO on a proposal to bar Chicago Police Department members from political contributions  [V10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9)
- **Public-evidence enforcement pilot**: Voted NO on establishing a public enforcement pilot program for residents to submit recorded evidence  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0)
- **Gas station permit requirements**: Voted YES on removing permit requirements for gas stations in certain zoning districts  [V26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/08AD3F58-684C-F011-8779-001DD8069091)
- **Religious venue terminology**: Voted YES on replacing the term "churches" with "places of worship" in municipal code sections  [V27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/BFCEE73B-0FF3-F011-8406-001DD80E69F9)
- **U.S. Attorney resignation**: Voted YES on a call for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros to resign  [V4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2766A2EF-616A-F111-A823-001DD80F48AE)
- **Tax increment financing for redevelopment**: Voted YES on multiple TIF agreements supporting redevelopment and parking facilities  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)
- **Honorary street designations**: Voted YES on an amendment allowing alderpersons to propose up to four honorary street designations per year  [V24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F44A4085-EAF6-F011-8406-001DD80AC054)

**Approach**: Nugent often participates remotely in committee meetings  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E665005F-5B6E-F111-AB0C-001DD8007078?t=4640)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=6265) and uses the floor to request detailed spending breakdowns for city events  [S8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07E23CA8-1E40-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=4598). She is frequently recognized for procedural actions, such as being deferred to on her birthday  [S9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/702A4EF9-C43D-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=6375).

**What to watch**: Given her history of filing alley-access exemptions and supporting TIF agreements, Nugent is likely to continue pursuing similar development-related measures  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/339F23E4-D8B2-F111-AAAC-001DD80EFCF5)  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC).


## Nay votes on key legislation

- 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 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
- 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
- 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
- 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

- [Call on Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration to implement Year 2026 budget package](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CFBF07BE-F40C-F111-8406-001DD80F9592) (R2026-0023372), Adopted Apr 15, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 18-29-603.3.6 requiring tapping of water mains to performed only by Department of Water Management or contracted licensed plumbers](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A387B720-5AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD804AA64) (SO2025-0014865), Passed Feb 19, 2025
- [Lifting subsection 39.62](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39A08A8C-A6A2-EF11-8A6A-001DD8306DF0) (O2024-0013890), Passed Jan 15, 2025
- [On North Elston Avenue, from West Berteau Avenue to West Montrose Avenue.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/20B46659-A4CA-EE11-9078-001DD806E542) (O2024-0007693), Passed Mar 20, 2024
- [Package Goods Moratorium \| 4132 West Peterson Avenue](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A9910AE2-74B5-EE11-A568-001DD805215C) (SO2024-0006969), Passed Feb 21, 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: Credited Corporation Counsel Lowry's handling of police case settlements. ([watch at 3:17:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=11820))
- Jul 22, 2026, City Council: Moved adoption of the referendum question on withholding funds from sister agencies that do not enforce debt repayment. ([watch at 1:33:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=5604))
- Jul 22, 2026, City Council: Moved adoption of the referendum question on independent legal counsel for the Council. ([watch at 1:13:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=4396))
- Jul 22, 2026, City Council: Moved adoption of the referendum question on permanent monuments to Chicago's music and arts. ([watch at 54:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=3296))
- Jul 22, 2026, City Council: Moved to table one referendum resolution, noting the city is limited to three advisory referenda under state law. ([watch at 54:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/AA0648B8-8A80-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA?t=3269))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Supported Dr. Walker, citing his operational experience as an emergency physician. ([watch at 3:45:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=13531))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Supported the disability resolution and thanked Commissioner Arfa for advocacy and education. ([watch at 1:53:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=6812))
- Jun 29, 2026, Committee on Housing and Real Estate: Joined the meeting remotely after a motion was passed. ([watch at 1:17:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E665005F-5B6E-F111-AB0C-001DD8007078?t=4640))
- Jun 9, 2026, Committee on Public Safety: Confirmed his participation after the Rule 59 motion authorized him. ([watch at 1:44:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/39F25C35-3060-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=6265))
- May 20, 2026, City Council: Asked whether the extremism ordinance could be re-referred and sought to appeal the chair's ruling. ([watch at 6:20:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=22853))
- May 12, 2026, Committee on Public Safety: Acknowledged Alderman Peter Chico request to yield to her. ([watch at 55:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/60560776-863E-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=3320))
- May 5, 2026, Joint Committee: Budget; Police and Fire: Requested a breakdown of spending for specific events (New Year’s Eve, May Day). ([watch at 1:16:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07E23CA8-1E40-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39?t=4598))

---
Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt