# Bennett R. Lawson

Bennett R. Lawson is the alderperson for Chicago's 44th Ward.

## Contact

- Email: Ward44@cityofchicago.org
- Ward office: 3223 North Sheffield Avenue, Suite A, Chicago 60657, (773) 525-6034
- City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, (312) 744-3073/3133
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/44.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **99.8%** of 1162 key roll calls (2 absent)
- Nay votes: **11**
- Voted with the majority on **85.1%** of 87 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **59** (46 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Municipal Code Amendments (26), Alley (9), Budget & Appropriations (7), Signs/Signboards (6), Streets (5)

## Committees

- [Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards) (Vice Chair)
- [Committees and Rules](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/committees-and-rules)
- [Environmental Protection and Energy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/environmental-protection-and-energy)
- [Ethics and Government Oversight](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/ethics-and-government-oversight)
- [Health and Human Relations](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/health-and-human-relations)
- [License and Consumer Protection](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/license-and-consumer-protection)
- [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)

## 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 Bennett R. Lawson represents Chicago’s 44th Ward and serves as Vice Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards while sitting on eight other committees. He has a 99.8% attendance record, voted yes on the majority of measures including several tax-increment financing agreements and zoning amendments, and filed 59 pieces of legislation in 2026. His voting pattern shows consistent support for development incentives and regulatory changes affecting land use and public amenities  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/667F2498-5D6A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1BACBC6D-CEA7-F111-B8DD-001DD803894A)  [L8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/4199A2BC-6054-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39).

**Priorities**

- **Zoning and land use**: Filed multiple amendments to the municipal code addressing zoning designations, bay-window allowances, and special use permits for gas stations and additional dwelling units  [L4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/71764E09-6EB7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5)  [L8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/4199A2BC-6054-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39)  [L9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/08DE4A5F-6554-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F)
- **Alley access**: Submitted exemptions from physical barrier requirements for commercial driveway alley access in two separate filings  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1BACBC6D-CEA7-F111-B8DD-001DD803894A)  [L13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/82C940F1-9511-F111-8406-001DD80AE07E)
- **Parking regulation**: Proposed changes to Sunday parking-meter hours and sought clarification on parking-meter revenue during committee meetings  [L15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/AC18F7C3-26F3-F011-8406-001DD80FF597)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C09189D6-506E-F111-AB0C-001DD803C499?t=1432)
- **Pedestrian retail streets**: Filed designations for multiple map areas as pedestrian retail streets and amended related code sections  [L10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/241FA9D2-7154-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F)  [L11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/914EBA5D-7154-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F)
- **Tax increment financing (TIF)**: Supported several TIF agreements for park improvements and mixed-use developments, voting yes on each  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/D102847A-6C62-F011-BEC1-001DD80533F0)
- **Honorary street designations**: Voted to allow alderpersons to propose up to four honorary street designations per year and filed a public question on a related referendum  [V23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F44A4085-EAF6-F011-8406-001DD80AC054)  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/357688EB-6CB7-F111-AAAC-001DD80FDA55)

**Positions**

- **Tax increment financing**: Consistently votes in favor of TIF agreements to fund development and park projects  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/667F2498-5D6A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)
- **Police officer restrictions**: Supported the amendment prohibiting Chicago Police Department members from certain political activities  [V9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9)
- **Sweepstakes machines**: Voted to define and prohibit the installation or use of sweepstakes machines  [V5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)
- **Gas station permit requirements**: Supported removing by-right permit requirements for gas stations in specific zoning districts  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/08AD3F58-684C-F011-8779-001DD8069091)
- **Residential storage warehouse permits**: Voted against removing permit requirements for residential storage warehouses, favoring retention of oversight  [V40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1DEEF455-EF1A-F011-9989-001DD830A299)
- **General obligation bonds**: Opposed the issuance of general obligation bonds for capital projects in 2025-2026  [V29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8C91FEA9-BCC1-F011-BBD2-001DD80C033C)
- **Pride Month resolution**: Publicly supported the City Council’s Pride Month resolution and local Pride events  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/73347594-0E55-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39?t=6270)
- **Remote participation in committees**: Moved to approve remote-attendance requests and to allow fellow alderpersons to participate remotely under council rules  [S14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/77DF81CD-3C59-F111-BEC5-001DD803F39A?t=1069)  [S15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/77DF81CD-3C59-F111-BEC5-001DD803F39A?t=3671)

**Approach**: Lawson frequently makes motions to approve agenda items and remote-attendance requests, and he asks detailed questions on zoning, parking-meter revenue, and utility reliability during committee meetings  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/2620748D-6E6E-F111-AB0C-001DD808E0AF?t=6686)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C09189D6-506E-F111-AB0C-001DD803C499?t=1432)  [S14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/77DF81CD-3C59-F111-BEC5-001DD803F39A?t=1069). He also acknowledges colleagues' contributions and thanks officials after hearings, indicating a collaborative style  [S9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/1AE40A9B-855F-F111-BEC5-001DD80754E8?t=4942).

**What to watch**: Given his extensive filing record on alley access exemptions and zoning amendments, Lawson is likely to remain active on future land-use and alley-access proposals  [L5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1BACBC6D-CEA7-F111-B8DD-001DD803894A)  [L13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/82C940F1-9511-F111-8406-001DD80AE07E)  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/08AD3F58-684C-F011-8779-001DD8069091).


## Nay votes on key legislation

- Dec 19, 2025: [Issuance of general obligation bonds for capital projects and other purposes (2026-2027 General Obligation Borrowing Ordinance)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8C91FEA9-BCC1-F011-BBD2-001DD80C033C), Passed 39 yea, 11 nay
- May 21, 2025: [Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 17-3-0207 and 17-4-0207 removing by-right permit requirements for residential storage warehouses in B3, C1, C2, C3, and DX zoning districts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1DEEF455-EF1A-F011-9989-001DD830A299), Passed 48 yea, 1 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
- 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
- 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 15, 2024: [Adoption of arbitration option in certain police disciplinary cases](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/14B7D528-D3BA-EE11-A568-001DD806999B), Failed to Pass 18 yea, 32 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

## Key legislation sponsored

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-64 to permit vehicles bearing Residential Permit Parking Zone 383 permits to park in viaducts or underpasses beneath Chicago Transit Authority elevated structures](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/98094463-0B6F-F111-AB0C-001DD8007078) (O2026-0026413), Passed Sep 23, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-9-0109A to require special use approval for all new gas stations and for additions to existing gas stations that would add seven or more electric vehicle supply chargers](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/08DE4A5F-6554-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F) (O2026-0025429), Passed Jul 15, 2026
- [Designation of areas on Map Nos. 7-F, 7-G, 9-F, and 9-G as pedestrian retail streets and amendment of municipal code Section 17-3-0503-D establishing pedestrian streets and retail streets on portion of W Belmont Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/241FA9D2-7154-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F) (O2026-0025464), Passed Jul 15, 2026
- [Designation of areas on Map Nos.5-F, 7-F, 7-G, and 9-G as pedestrian retail streets and amendment of municipal code Section 17-3-0503-D establishing pedestrian streets and retail streets on portion of N Clark St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/914EBA5D-7154-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F) (O2026-0025463), Passed Jul 15, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-12-1105-B authorizing zoning administrator to install static roof signs on W Waveland Ave and on N Sheffield Ave facing into Wrigley Field](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/4199A2BC-6054-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39) (O2026-0025414), Passed Jun 17, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 4 by modifying various sections regarding Wrigley Field special club fees, alcoholic liquor operation, and adjacent area rooftop hours](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/818FD774-F00C-F111-8406-001DD80F9592) (SO2026-0023370), Passed Apr 15, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 6-105-030 entitling employers of occupations where gratuities are customary to an allowance for gratuities as part of hourly wage rate not to exceed 24 percent of minimum wage rate](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0366E36E-5B36-F011-8C4D-001DD8309E73) (SO2025-0017549), Passed Mar 18, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-7-0574 to replace in its entirety regarding additional dwelling unit-allowed RS areas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DC280955-64F2-F011-8406-001DD8080B41) (SO2026-0022453), Passed Feb 18, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 17 by modifying Section 17-7-0574 to allow additional dwelling units in specified areas and by modifying Chapter 17-9 to prohibit permits for new conversion units and coach homes within RS districts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/6EE8302F-A8AA-F011-BBD2-001DD80B7FF7) (SO2025-0020513), Passed Dec 10, 2025
- [One Time Exception to Wrigley Field Night Game Ordinance to allow for Chicago Cubs to hold Major League Baseball Game on July 17, 2026](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/61664B50-BFA3-F011-B41B-001DD80BF664) (O2025-0020303), Passed Dec 10, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (44.5) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Sheffield Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B37220F3-BB8D-F011-B4CB-001DD806E5CB) (O2025-0019371), Passed Oct 16, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2 and 17 regarding conversion units and coach houses](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54028B60-C4FC-EE11-A1FE-001DD804AF4C) (SO2024-0008918), Passed Sep 25, 2025
- [Agreement to enter into Security Enhancement Project with Chicago Cubs Baseball Club, LLC for all events at Wrigley Field and Gallagher Way](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/916AB8AD-5936-F011-8C4D-001DD8309E73) (SO2025-0017546), Passed Jun 18, 2025
- [Short Term Rentals Amendment](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/3F71CE54-6B95-EF11-AC21-001DD804AA64) (SO2024-0013637), Passed May 21, 2025
- [Single event exception to Wrigley Field Ordinance to allow for musical performance on May 22, 2025](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F06F05AC-BCD1-EF11-8EEA-001DD809A88D) (SO2025-0014776), Passed Feb 19, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-13-1000 regarding permit application approvals and exemptions for conversion of certain buildings from commercial to residential](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39ACB897-E3E2-EE11-904C-001DD806E944) (SO2024-0008277), Passed Feb 19, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-160-100 extending repeal date of Wrigley Plaza ordinance to February 1, 2028](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/BD9398CE-D375-EF11-A671-001DD804AA64) (O2024-0012384), Passed Oct 9, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 17-12 by adding new Section 17-12-1105 establishing boundaries and regulations for signs within Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B316C29C-DBE6-EE11-904C-001DD806E058) (O2024-0008401), Passed Apr 17, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-388 by allowing sale of alcoholic liquor by special club licensees on rooftops in Wrigley Field Adjacent Area](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/104295D1-DAD0-EE11-9078-001DD806E058) (SO2024-0007874), Passed Mar 20, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-112-010 by requiring City Council advice and consent for appointment of department of public health commissioner](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9611BA23-E0D0-EE11-9078-001DD806E058) (O2024-0007880), Passed Mar 20, 2024
- [Lifting Liquor Moratorium on Belmont Avenue, from Clark Street to Sheffield Avenue](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/68300451-50CB-EE11-9078-001DD806E542) (O2024-0007711), 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: Credited Corporation Counsel Lowry with resolving Wrigley Field issues that brought the All-Star Game to the North Side. ([watch at 3:15:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=11742))
- Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Described tear gas used on neighbors in his ward and thanked the North Side Rapid Response team. ([watch at 2:26:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=8803))
- Jul 13, 2026, Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy: Asked for clarification on zoning options and the proportion of co-located data centers. ([watch at 1:51:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/2620748D-6E6E-F111-AB0C-001DD808E0AF?t=6686))
- Jul 8, 2026, Committee on License and Consumer Protection: Moved to approve the Rule 45 report for June 2026. ([watch at 6:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/18D62577-4F6E-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=385))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety: Moved to accept substitute ordinances for parking-meter items. ([watch at 26:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C09189D6-506E-F111-AB0C-001DD803C499?t=1580))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation: Moved to approve the Rule 45 report. ([watch at 24:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/41AE03EE-B570-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1455))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety: Asked the chair to circulate an email about meter revenue to the committee. ([watch at 23:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C09189D6-506E-F111-AB0C-001DD803C499?t=1432))
- Jun 17, 2026, City Council: Described restoring Halsted Street's rainbow crosswalks and honored Pride organizers and Pat Cummings. ([watch at 1:44:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/73347594-0E55-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39?t=6270))
- Jun 11, 2026, Committee on Health and Human Relations: Requested to be recognized for a question. ([watch at 1:06:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/00E171F6-F55D-F111-BEC5-001DD80012DB?t=3966))
- Jun 10, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Spoke after the hearing, thanking Alderman Scott Waguespack for the questions. ([watch at 1:22:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/1AE40A9B-855F-F111-BEC5-001DD80754E8?t=4942))
- Jun 9, 2026, Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety: Moved to approve recommended items pages 5-16. ([watch at 1:32:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/4676B95A-2A55-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18?t=5522))
- Jun 9, 2026, Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety: Moved to approve direct-introduction ordinances. ([watch at 1:31:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/4676B95A-2A55-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18?t=5505))

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt