Brendan Reilly

Brendan Reilly is the alderperson for Chicago's 42nd Ward.

Contact

Email: Ward42@cityofchicago.org
Ward office: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200, Office 6, Chicago 60602, (312) 642-4242
City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200, Office 6, (312) 642-4242
Updates: RSS feed of votes and legislation

Voting record this term

Attendance: 100% of 1162 key roll calls (0 absent)
Nay votes: 22
Voted with the majority on 74.2% of 89 divided votes
Legislation filed as lead sponsor: 180 (133 passed)
Most-filed topics: Signs/Signboards (99), Municipal Code Amendments (53), Alley (7), Streets (5), City Council (5)

Committees

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 Brendan Reilly of Ward 42 has been active in council business, filing numerous permits and designations such as a historic landmark fee waiver and an honorary street naming L5 L2. He has voted YES on the great majority of measures but has cast several NO votes, including on a tax-increment financing agreement, a police-restriction ordinance, taximeter regulations, and a general-obligation bond issuance V3 V10 V11 V30. His voting record shows consistent support for development-related financing and historic preservation initiatives V1 V12.

Priorities

Historic landmark preservation: Filed fee waivers for historic landmark properties, facilitating preservation efforts L5 L20.
Honorary street designations: Submitted proposals for honorary street names such as "Mother Jones Plaza" and "Barack Hussein Obama Way" L2 L27.
Signage permits: Processed multiple sign and signboard permit applications across the city L1 L3 L4.
Municipal code amendments – housing and licensing: Filed amendments to code sections covering residential building standards and package-goods licensing L21 L23 L28.
Tax increment financing: Voted on several TIF agreements, supporting many while opposing at least one V1 V3.
Fiscal oversight: Voted NO on the issuance of general-obligation bonds for capital projects V30.

Positions

Tax Increment Financing: Opposed a TIF agreement with Roosevelt/Clark Partners V3.
Police department restrictions: Opposed an ordinance prohibiting Chicago Police Department members from certain activities V10.
Taximeter regulations: Opposed amendments adding specifications for taximeters and related equipment V11.
General Obligation Bonds: Opposed issuance of general-obligation bonds for capital projects V30.
Park improvements via TIF: Supported TIF assistance for improvements at Hermosa Park V16.
Historic preservation funding: Supported expenditure of Open Space Impact Fee funds for the Chicago Torture Justice Memorial V12.
Housing debt waivers: Supported an amendment allowing the Commissioner of Housing to waive debts for certain buildings V2.
Honorary street designations: Supported a municipal code amendment permitting alderpersons to propose up to four honorary street designations per year V24.

What to watch: Future council activity is likely to focus on tax-increment financing decisions, historic landmark and preservation matters, signage and signage-related code changes, and fiscal measures such as bond authorizations V1 V3 V5 V12 V30.

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, Passed 44 yea, 5 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, Passed 28 yea, 21 nay
Apr 15, 2026: Amendment of Municipal Code Chapters 9-104 and 9-112 adding specifications for taximeter use and modifying rules on taxicab equipment requirements and inspections, license fees and new service fare rates, Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Dec 19, 2025: Issuance of general obligation bonds for capital projects and other purposes (2026-2027 General Obligation Borrowing Ordinance), Passed 39 yea, 11 nay
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, Passed 30 yea, 18 nay, 2 absent
Apr 7, 2025: Standing Committee member name changes, Adopted 32 yea, 11 nay, 4 absent
Apr 7, 2025: Appointment of Alderperson Anthony Quezada (35th Ward), 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", 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, Passed 26 yea, 23 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, 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, Passed 27 yea, 23 nay
Oct 30, 2024: Jarixon Medina as member of Regional Trnsportation Authority Board of Directors, Failed to Pass 18 yea, 25 nay
Oct 9, 2024: Refunding of General Obligation/Sales Tax Securitization Corporation Bond, Series 2024, Passed 35 yea, 12 nay, 2 absent
Apr 19, 2024: 2024 Affordable Housing and Community Development Borrowing Ordinance, Passed 32 yea, 17 nay
Jan 31, 2024: Expression of support for United Nations Resolution 377 known as "Uniting for Peace", Adopted 23 yea, 23 nay
Nov 15, 2023: Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2, 3, 9, 11 and 14 (2024 Municipal Code Revenue Ordinance), Passed 40 yea, 9 nay, 1 absent
Nov 15, 2023: Annual Appropriation Ordinance Year 2024, as amended, Passed 41 yea, 8 nay, 1 absent
Nov 15, 2023: Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 18 regarding management, structure, powers and functions of various departments and agencies (2024 Municipal Code Management Ordinance), Passed 40 yea, 9 nay, 1 absent
Nov 15, 2023: Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Cook County for allocation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds, Passed 40 yea, 9 nay, 1 absent
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), 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, 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, Passed 36 yea, 10 nay, 2 absent

Key legislation sponsored

Historical landmark permit fee waiver for 26 W Chestnut St (Or2026-0026802), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.548) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Washington Blvd, N Canal St and W Madison St (O2026-0027186), Passed Sep 23, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.611) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portions of W Chicago Ave and N Clark St (O2026-0026289), Passed Jul 15, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (42.178) disallowing additional alcoholic liquor licenses or consumption on south side of E Erie St, from N Rush St to N Michigan Ave; north side E Ontario St, from N Rush St to N Michigan Ave; east side of Rush St from E Erie St to E Ontario St (SO2026-0024893), Passed May 20, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.605) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N State St and E Huron St (O2026-0024894), Passed May 20, 2026
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.394) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N LaSalle St and W Haddock Pl (O2025-0020521), Passed Dec 10, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (42.489) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Rush St and E Oak St (O2025-0019973), Passed Oct 16, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.611) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Chicago Ave and on N Clark St (O2025-0018024), Passed Jul 16, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-110 by modifying various sections regarding pedicabs and by adding new Section 9-110-185 authorizing Police Department and Department of Streets and Sanitation to impound pedicabs (SO2025-0017191), Passed Jun 18, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.605) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N State St, from Superior St to Huron St and on W Huron St, from State St to Dearborn St (O2025-0016742), Passed May 21, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 10-36-185 outlining certain prohibitions under the Chicago Park District Code, including illegal parking, and as applied to use of parks, harbors, and Concession/Food Services with enforcement by intergovernmental agreement and specified hearing officers and supportive services (SO2024-0012415), Passed May 21, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.259) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Columbus Dr and E Wacker Dr (O2024-0014249), Passed Jan 15, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.474) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Randolph St, N Wacker Dr, and W Washington St (O2024-0014248), Passed Jan 15, 2025
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-4-0207 requiring permits for Indoor Urban Farm operations in DC and DX Zoning districts (SO2024-0012418), Passed Oct 30, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.234) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of E Illinois St and E McClurg Ct (O2024-0013137), Passed Oct 22, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.605) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N State St and on W Huron St (O2024-0012419), Passed Oct 9, 2024
Amendment to pedestrian walkway easement at building formerly known as James R. Thompson Center at 100 W Randolph St (O2024-0011048), Passed Sep 18, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-108-080 by extending expiration date for Smart Streets Pilot Program (SO2024-0007768), Passed Jul 17, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-108-010 and 9-108-020 to include metered parking violations for the automated parking enforcement system pilot program (SO2024-0009634), Passed Jul 17, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 10-8-332 requiring evaluation and determination that athletic events not present unreasonable risk to health of participants, bystanders or City personnel prior to issuance of permits (SO2024-0009633), Passed Jul 17, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (42.178) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portions of E Erie St, N Rush St and E Ontario St (O2024-0009632), Passed Jun 12, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 7-38-117 by disallowing mobile food vehicle stand at 200 S LaSalle St (O2024-0007361), Passed Jun 12, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-4-0404 modifying limitation on minimum lot area reduction to exclude buildings in lawful existence for 20 years, in districts with dash 16 designations, and granted no previous floor area bonus (O2024-0008948), Failed to Pass May 22, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-110 by modifying Sections 9-110-090 and 9-110-190 regarding pedicab license decal display requirements and violation penalties (SO2024-0008400), Passed Apr 17, 2024
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-68 by adding new Section 9-68-034 establishing new River North Street nightlife corridor parking permit Zone 1189 (O2023-0004231), Passed Oct 16, 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: Thanked Corporation Counsel Lowry, saying her information could always be trusted despite political disagreements. (watch at 3:02:57)
Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Announced a resolution calling for hearings on the new young voter law and invited co-sponsors. (watch at 1:10:57)
Jul 22, 2026, City Council: Said whether state enabling legislation is needed depends on how independent counsel is structured and that voters should weigh in on a long-debated idea. (watch at 1:18:19)
Apr 13, 2026, Committee on License and Consumer Protection: Moved to approve Rule 45 reports. (watch at 45:55)
Apr 13, 2026, Committee on License and Consumer Protection: Handed over the meeting to Vice Chair Peter Chico. (watch at 18:37)
Jan 21, 2026, City Council: Supported the hemp ordinance, saying it narrows the focus to products like laced snacks sold in corner stores while exempting beverages and topicals. (watch at 2:53:38)
Jul 16, 2025, City Council: Described his working relationship with Burnett and called him a natural at retail politics. (watch at 5:19:11)
Jun 18, 2025, City Council: Supported the curfew ordinance, citing effects of teen takeovers on tourism, investment and downtown residents. (watch at 4:45:34)
Jun 18, 2025, City Council: Argued the Open Meetings Act requires a description of legislation's subject matter rather than only a title number. (watch at 3:20:18)
Jun 18, 2025, City Council: With Alderman Raymond A. Lopez, moved to defer and publish the airport revenue bonds item. (watch at 3:17:00)
Jun 18, 2025, City Council: Objected that the Title 3 revenue ordinance, which he described as a grocery tax, was not read into the record with a descriptive title. (watch at 3:08:39)
Apr 16, 2025, City Council: Noted that although there is no printed record, the meeting is recorded on video and audio. (watch at 3:30:45)