# Matthew J. Martin

Matthew J. Martin is the alderperson for Chicago's 47th Ward.

## Contact

- Email: Ward47@cityofchicago.org
- Ward office: 4243 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago 60618, (773) 868-4747
- City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200, Office 7, (312) 744-4021/0446/3778
- Website: http://www.aldermanmartin.com
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/47.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **99.8%** of 1164 key roll calls (2 absent)
- Nay votes: **12**
- Voted with the majority on **86.5%** of 89 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **103** (70 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Municipal Code Amendments (36), Signs/Signboards (17), Alley (14), Budget & Appropriations (11), Committee/Public Hearings (11)

## Committees

- [Ethics and Government Oversight](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/ethics-and-government-oversight) (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)
- [Environmental Protection and Energy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/environmental-protection-and-energy)
- [Finance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/finance)
- [Finance: Subcommittee on Revenue](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/finance-subcommittee-on-revenue)
- [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)
- [Public Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/public-safety)
- [Workforce Development: Subcommittee on Youth Employment](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/workforce-development-subcommittee-on-youth-employment)

## 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.

Matthew J. Martin is the chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight and serves on nine other committees, giving him a broad legislative portfolio. He has a high attendance record (99.8%) and has voted yes on most measures, especially those involving tax-increment financing and public-safety funding, while casting a handful of no votes on issues such as sweepstakes machines and mass-gathering curfews  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)  [V38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DCB701D7-DD1A-F011-9989-001DD830A299). His filing activity includes dozens of ordinances, notably exemptions for commercial driveway alleys and a proposal to prohibit AI-generated police reports  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0D7D7561-0EBD-F111-AAAE-001DD80B58E5)  [L13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2CAF0DF2-F322-F111-8341-001DD80162BF).

**Priorities**

- **Tax Increment Financing**: Files and votes repeatedly support TIF agreements for development projects, parks, and schools, including the Foundry Park and Roosevelt/Clark projects and multiple park improvements  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/843A0148-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CCED20DF-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)  [V21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/CA29BFC0-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)
- **Public Safety**: Advocates for faster protection orders after a fatal shooting in his ward and supports measures to strengthen police oversight, such as prohibiting AI in police reports  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=5715)  [L13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2CAF0DF2-F322-F111-8341-001DD80162BF)
- **Affordable Housing**: Presented and explained an affordable-housing process reform ordinance to the council  [S3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E375BA07-406F-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=3607)
- **Alley and Driveway Access**: Files exemptions from physical barrier requirements for commercial driveway alleys in multiple cases  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0D7D7561-0EBD-F111-AAAE-001DD80B58E5)  [L14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1BD8000B-6F07-F111-8406-001DD8071528)  [L15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/600AE828-1301-F111-8406-001DD8071528)
- **City Governance**: Introduced amendments to municipal code on candidate standards, campaign finance, and honorary street designations, reflecting a focus on election integrity and local recognition  [L3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/24585BB9-7BB7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5)  [L4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1DA0C39C-897C-F111-AB0D-001DD8066831)
- **Vendor Oversight**: Filed a request directing the Public Safety Administration to audit city vendors that provide automatic licensing services  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1320233E-7DB7-F111-AAAC-001DD80B58E5)

**Positions**

- **Tax Increment Financing**: Supports the use of TIF for development and park projects, as shown by multiple affirmative votes  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9A5E0AD3-3F0C-F111-8406-001DD81300D8)
- **Sweepstakes Machines**: Opposed legislation defining and prohibiting sweepstakes machines, voting no  [V6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)
- **Gratuity Allowance**: Voted no on an amendment to allow an hourly gratuity allowance for certain occupations  [V23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0366E36E-5B36-F011-8C4D-001DD8309E73)
- **Mass-Gathering Curfew**: Voted no on a curfew ordinance for mass gatherings  [V38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DCB701D7-DD1A-F011-9989-001DD830A299)
- **Artificial Intelligence in Policing**: Filed an amendment to prohibit the use of AI in creating written police reports  [L13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2CAF0DF2-F322-F111-8341-001DD80162BF)
- **Firefighter Labor Agreements**: Supported the collective bargaining agreement with the Chicago Fire Fighters Union  [V32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/180FB8E9-529A-F011-B4CB-001DD80B08EF)
- **Honorary Street Designations**: Supported a municipal code amendment allowing alderpersons to propose up to four honorary street designations per year  [V24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F44A4085-EAF6-F011-8406-001DD80AC054)
- **Broad Municipal Code Overhaul**: Voted against sweeping municipal code revisions in 2025, indicating resistance to large-scale code changes  [V29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0AD17603-C2C1-F011-BBD2-001DD80C033C)  [V30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8C91FEA9-BCC1-F011-BBD2-001DD80C033C)  [V31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39036309-ECD5-F011-8543-001DD8018EAF)

**Approach**: As chair of the Ethics and Government Oversight Committee, Martin frequently opens meetings, moves and seconds motions, and calls for votes, while also asking questions and requesting input from witnesses and staff  [S4](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=495)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=986)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1002)  [S7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1626)  [S8](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1861)  [S9](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=2330)  [S10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=2345)  [S11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=6229)  [S12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/1AE40A9B-855F-F111-BEC5-001DD80754E8?t=1608)  [S13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/1AE40A9B-855F-F111-BEC5-001DD80754E8?t=2216)  [S14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/1AE40A9B-855F-F111-BEC5-001DD80754E8?t=4210). He is an active speaker on a range of topics, from public-safety concerns to procedural matters.

**What to watch**: Future activity is likely to include additional alley-exemption filings and continued support for TIF projects, as well as further efforts to restrict AI use in policing and to oversee city vendor practices  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0D7D7561-0EBD-F111-AAAE-001DD80B58E5)  [L13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/2CAF0DF2-F322-F111-8341-001DD80162BF)  [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
- Mar 18, 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), Passed 30 yea, 18 nay
- Dec 20, 2025: [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14A, 15, 17 regarding management, structure, powers and functions of various departments and agencies (2026 Municipal Code Management Ordinance)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/0AD17603-C2C1-F011-BBD2-001DD80C033C), Passed 29 yea, 20 nay, 1 absent
- 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
- Dec 19, 2025: [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14A, 14B, 14X and 15 (2026 Municipal Code Revenue Ordinance Alternative)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/39036309-ECD5-F011-8543-001DD8018EAF), Passed 29 yea, 19 nay
- Jun 18, 2025: [Mass Gatherings and Curfew](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DCB701D7-DD1A-F011-9989-001DD830A299), Passed 27 yea, 22 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: [Superintendent of Police directed to enter into and execute new contract or contract extension or renewal for acoustic gunshot detection technology services](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/88226950-6C44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0), Passed 33 yea, 14 nay, 2 absent
- May 22, 2024: [Call on Mayor Brandon Johnson to remedy by Ward choice whether to remove Sound Thinking/ShotSpotter surveillance technology with other assurances and advance notifications to affected Ward Council members choosing to retain such technology](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/59564C87-4BCC-EE11-9078-001DD806E944), Passed 34 yea, 14 nay, 2 absent
- 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
- Dec 13, 2023: [Amended collective bargaining agreement with Chicago John Dineen Lodge No. 7 (f.k.a. Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 7)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/6CD63FD4-3A98-EE11-BE36-001DD83057A3), Passed 42 yea, 7 nay

## Key legislation sponsored

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-156 regarding ethical code of conduct for City Council contractors, lobbyists and candidates for City office](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/160A07F8-E4BA-EE11-A568-001DD806999B) (SO2024-0007359), Passed Sep 23, 2026
- [Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection directed to formulate plan for "One-Stop Shop Business Licensing and Permitting Portal"](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DA4345D9-7454-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F) (SOr2026-0025473), Passed Sep 23, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-44 by adding new Section 2-44-170 regarding requirements for Low Income Housing Tax Credit Qualified Allocation plans](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7F84A4EE-7136-F011-8C4D-001DD8309E73) (SO2025-0017573), Passed Jul 15, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-3-0301 regarding regulations on Public Place of Amusement licenses](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/30003D7F-6F36-F011-8C4D-001DD8309E73) (SO2025-0017570), Passed 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) (SO2025-0015584), Passed May 20, 2026
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 7-28-710 and 7-28-715 prohibiting restrictions on residential composting](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8A145AF9-594C-F011-8779-001DD8069091) (SO2025-0018160), Passed Sep 25, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-64-113 by adding new subsection allowing vehicles to park with wheels on curb on portion of W Grace St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/022E8FE2-6853-F011-8779-001DD8052ACF) (O2025-0018273), Passed Jul 16, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-56 to modify powers and duties of Office of Inspector General with regard to issuance of and defense against subpoenas, professional standards and attorney-client privileges](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/01D42404-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9) (SO2025-0015583), Passed Jul 16, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 4 and 10 exempting public places of amusement and sidewalk cafe license requirements and exemptions](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/5B6751AF-6A18-EF11-9F89-001DD80972A9) (SO2024-0009665), Passed Jun 18, 2025
- [Call for hearing(s) on environmental impact from and steps to reduce usage of single-use plastics](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A0B5555D-4C26-EE11-9965-001DD804E9A5) (R2023-0002936), Adopted Jun 18, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-100-030 allowing City to vacate final determination of liability on certain parking and standing violations for vehicles reported to enforcement agencies as stolen](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/9B1594C5-DE1A-F011-9989-001DD830A299) (SO2025-0016735), Passed May 21, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (40.16(a)) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Damen Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/44E52FB1-5AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD804AA64) (SO2025-0014868), Passed Feb 19, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (47.35) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Lawrence Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/AEDD46AD-5244-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0) (O2024-0010981), Passed Sep 18, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (47.49) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Montrose Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/EF4693DC-6918-EF11-9F89-001DD80972A9) (O2024-0009663), Passed Jun 12, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-84 by adding new Section 2-84-0510 establishing comprehensive staffing analysis for Department of Police](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/1797C4A4-DC99-EE11-BE36-001DD83057A3) (O2023-0006424), Passed Feb 21, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022(40.16(a)) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Damen Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/8B7EAB19-DD99-EE11-BE36-001DD83057A3) (O2023-0006425), Passed Jan 24, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-156 regarding registration of lobbyists and regulations pertaining thereto](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A4C2AEB8-4C26-EE11-9965-001DD804E9A5) (SO2023-0002937), Passed Dec 13, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 and 4-60-023 to allow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Wilson Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/99D70EE3-1E20-EE11-8F6C-001DD809B9F5) (O2023-0002722), Passed Sep 14, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (47.21) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Damen Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/095AB809-1E20-EE11-8F6C-001DD809B9F5) (O2023-0002721), Passed Sep 14, 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) (SO2023-0001245), 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 23, 2026, City Council: Reported the Ethics Committee's substitute ordinance on a code of conduct for Council contractors, lobbyists and candidates. ([watch at 4:23:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=15789))
- Sep 23, 2026, City Council: Thanked Corporation Counsel Lowry for her leadership and decision to return to public service. ([watch at 3:12:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=11525))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Reported the Ethics Committee's items on prediction-market disclosures and the Boutros resolution. ([watch at 3:19:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=11955))
- Jul 9, 2026, Committee on Public Safety: Spoke about a recent fatal shooting in his ward and the need for faster service of protection orders. ([watch at 1:35:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/07293FA2-416B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=5715))
- Jul 8, 2026, Committee on Housing and Real Estate: Presented the affordable-housing process reform ordinance and explained its provisions. ([watch at 1:00:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E375BA07-406F-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=3607))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Declared the resolution passed. ([watch at 39:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=2345))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Asked for a motion to pass the resignation resolution. ([watch at 38:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=2330))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Called for a motion to approve the substitute ordinance after discussion. ([watch at 31:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1861))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Stated the substitute ordinance was passed after the vote. ([watch at 27:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1626))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Asked for a motion to accept the substitute ordinance. ([watch at 16:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1002))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Requested a motion to approve the Rule 45 report. ([watch at 16:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C99FA55A-0970-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=986))
- Jun 10, 2026, Committee on Housing and Real Estate: Requested the affordable-housing item be held for further work. ([watch at 1:11:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/3E5CBC21-F359-F111-BEC5-001DD80C412B?t=4263))

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt