# Debra L. Silverstein

Debra L. Silverstein is the alderperson for Chicago's 50th Ward.

## Contact

- Email: Ward50@cityofchicago.org
- Ward office: 2949 West Devon Avenue, Chicago 60659, (773) 262-1050
- City Hall: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, Office 24, (312) 744-6855/5680/3180
- Website: http://50thwardchicago.com
- Updates: [RSS feed of votes and legislation](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/feeds/ward/50.rss)

## Voting record this term

- Attendance: **95.2%** of 1164 key roll calls (56 absent)
- Nay votes: **13**
- Voted with the majority on **84.5%** of 84 divided votes
- Legislation filed as lead sponsor: **44** (43 passed)
- Most-filed topics: Signs/Signboards (19), Alley (10), Municipal Code Amendments (8), Budget & Appropriations (2), Parking (1)

## Committees

- [License and Consumer Protection](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/license-and-consumer-protection) (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)
- [Finance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/finance)
- [Police and Fire](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/police-and-fire)
- [Public Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/public-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.

Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein chairs the Committee on License and Consumer Protection and has filed 44 pieces of legislation, including numerous sign and licensing permits  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7515D697-0B82-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA)  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/16E4BE00-A353-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F)  [L3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/218220AD-E13C-F111-88B3-001DD80B0E39). She has voted in favor of multiple tax increment financing agreements for development projects  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC) and has opposed select police-related and public-enforcement measures  [V10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9)  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0).

**Priorities**

- **Licensing and signage**: She regularly files permits for signs and approves amendments to liquor and package-goods licensing  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7515D697-0B82-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA)  [L2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/16E4BE00-A353-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F)  [S11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/F6EA9CCA-4B42-F111-88B4-001DD8033B18?t=4885).
- **Public participation**: She supports measures to allow remote participation and to adjust public-comment scheduling in council meetings  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/D813F1C4-DF43-F111-88B3-001DD808A02C?t=1306)  [S7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/D813F1C4-DF43-F111-88B3-001DD808A02C?t=1437).
- **Parks and recreation**: She backed the Montrose Metro Garden ordinance in the Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation Committee  [S1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/41AE03EE-B570-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1906).
- **Vehicle Gas Tax policy**: She expressed strong opposition to the repeal of the Vehicle Gas Tax and indicated she would vote no on such an ordinance  [S2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5543)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5866).
- **Tax increment financing**: She voted yes on several TIF agreements to support development projects in the city  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC)  [V3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/B13303F7-636A-F111-A823-001DD8019941)  [V5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/667F2498-5D6A-F111-A823-001DD8019941).
- **Police and public safety restrictions**: She voted no on an amendment that would prohibit Chicago Police Department members from certain activities  [V10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9).

**Positions**

- **Tax increment financing**: Supports the use of TIF for development projects, as reflected by her affirmative votes on multiple agreements  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC).
- **Licensing amendments (sweepstakes, liquor, package goods)**: Supports licensing changes, voting yes on related code amendments and introducing licensing amendments  [V6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/F88B3304-ED22-F111-8341-001DD80C2AAC)  [V7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/895717BD-4F54-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39)  [S11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/F6EA9CCA-4B42-F111-88B4-001DD8033B18?t=4885).
- **Police participation restrictions**: Opposes restrictions on police officers' participation in certain activities, casting a no vote on the amendment  [V10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/A834CCEB-EFEE-EF11-BE20-001DD83045C9).
- **Public enforcement pilot program**: Opposes the establishment of a pilot program for public enforcement of recorded evidence, voting no  [V25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/54E26C01-5A44-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0).
- **Vehicle Gas Tax repeal**: Opposes any repeal of the Vehicle Gas Tax and would vote no if such an ordinance came before the council  [S2](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5543)  [S5](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5866).
- **Remote participation in council meetings**: Supports allowing remote participation for council members  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/D813F1C4-DF43-F111-88B3-001DD808A02C?t=1306).
- **Public-comment scheduling**: Supports moving the public-comment segment to give participants more speaking time  [S7](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/D813F1C4-DF43-F111-88B3-001DD808A02C?t=1437).
- **Committee jurisdiction for workforce ordinance**: Questions placing the VGT repeal ordinance before the Workforce Committee rather than the License Committee  [S3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5588).

**Approach**: In council meetings she frequently asks procedural questions and moves motions, such as questioning committee jurisdiction and proposing remote participation options  [S3](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5588)  [S6](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/D813F1C4-DF43-F111-88B3-001DD808A02C?t=1306).

**What to watch**: She is likely to remain active on licensing, signage permits, and tax increment financing projects, given her extensive filing record and voting support for such measures  [L1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/7515D697-0B82-F111-AB0E-001DD80216AA)  [V1](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/694AE95E-6680-F111-AB0E-001DD80F46AC).


## Nay votes on key legislation

- 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
- 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
- Apr 7, 2025: [Standing Committee member name changes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/DD540B42-9311-F011-BAE2-001DD8094559), Adopted 32 yea, 11 nay, 4 absent
- Apr 7, 2025: [Appointment of Alderperson Anthony Quezada (35th Ward)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/C92AA889-8C11-F011-BAE2-001DD8094559), Approved 32 yea, 11 nay, 4 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
- 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
- Oct 9, 2024: [Refunding of General Obligation/Sales Tax Securitization Corporation Bond, Series 2024](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/04FB9DF1-EF75-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB), Passed 35 yea, 12 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

## Key legislation sponsored

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (50.51) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Devon Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/16E4BE00-A353-F111-BEC5-001DD801AB0F) (O2026-0025384), Passed Jun 17, 2026
- [Correction to amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of Kedzie Ave, from Granville Ave to Devon Ave and W Devon Ave, from Kedzie Ave to McCormick Rd](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/EEB920E0-EEFD-EF11-9340-001DD804D44E) (O2025-0015972), Passed Apr 16, 2025
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (50.2) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Kedzie Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/BCF9D3AE-D896-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D) (O2024-0013693), Passed Jan 15, 2025
- [Used Lithium battery prohibitions on resale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/35F47D8F-49CC-EE11-9078-001DD806E962) (SO2024-0007754), Passed Sep 18, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (50.22) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portions of N Western Ave](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/EF0CBA8F-912D-EF11-840A-001DD80545D4) (O2024-0010313), Passed Sep 18, 2024
- [On Touhy Ave from California Avenue to Rockwell Street lifting restrictions](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/FCFFC130-3DC4-EE11-9078-001DD806E542) (O2024-0007559), Passed Mar 20, 2024
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-120-518 establishing reporting and tracking procedures regarding hate incidents](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/4F553CBC-CA4C-EE11-BE6D-001DD8097F18) (SO2023-0003932), Passed Dec 13, 2023
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 9 by adding new Chapter 9-116 entitled "Traffic Crash Review and Analysis"](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/E51C12E9-5710-EE11-8F6C-001DD806D641) (SO2023-0001253), Passed Sep 14, 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 License Committee items, including liquor moratoriums and shared housing restricted zones, and a casino hearing. ([watch at 4:39:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5F86622E-F485-F111-AB0E-001DD80ED7AA?t=16748))
- Jul 15, 2026, City Council: Reported five liquor moratorium ordinances from the License Committee and one item held. ([watch at 4:01:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/DF5C52EA-0D6B-F111-A823-001DD8019941?t=14468))
- Jul 7, 2026, Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation: Moved to approve the Montrose Metro Garden ordinance. ([watch at 31:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/41AE03EE-B570-F111-AB0C-001DD80F88E2?t=1906))
- Jun 24, 2026, Committee on Workforce Development: Stated she would vote no if the ordinance ever came to a vote. ([watch at 1:37:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5866))
- Jun 24, 2026, Committee on Workforce Development: Expressed disappointment that the committee was used to advance the ordinance. ([watch at 1:36:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5810))
- Jun 24, 2026, Committee on Workforce Development: Questioned why the ordinance was placed before the Workforce Committee instead of the License Committee. ([watch at 1:33:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5588))
- Jun 24, 2026, Committee on Workforce Development: Stated strong opposition to the VGT repeal ordinance. ([watch at 1:32:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CFF37FBD-416B-F111-A823-001DD801545D?t=5543))
- Jun 17, 2026, City Council: Said she would support Kenneth Gunn's appointment but would keep pressing the administration on rising antisemitism. ([watch at 3:11:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/73347594-0E55-F111-BEC6-001DD80B0E39?t=11473))
- May 20, 2026, City Council: Supported William Cheeks Jr.'s appointment. ([watch at 4:37:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=16630))
- May 20, 2026, City Council: Condemned ICE but opposed the resolution calling for Salah Osur's release, citing FBI statements linking him to Hamas, and asked to be recorded as no. ([watch at 4:06:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=14764))
- May 20, 2026, City Council: Opened remarks on Jewish American Heritage Month, describing Jewish contributions to Chicago and rising antisemitism. ([watch at 1:42:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18?t=6176))
- May 19, 2026, Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight: Asked if the old committee map could be restored. ([watch at 58:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/D813F1C4-DF43-F111-88B3-001DD808A02C?t=3500))

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/50 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt