FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2026
CONTACT
1st Ward Office
872-206-2685
info@the1stward.com
Ryan Tolley
Executive Director | CHANGE Illinois Action Fund
336-503-2301
rtolley@changeil.org
ALDERMAN LA SPATA INTRODUCES ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH CITY OF CHICAGO REDISTRICTING COMMISSION
CHICAGO – Today, Alderman Daniel La Spata (1st Ward) introduced an ordinance to establish a transparent, structured, public redistricting process for the Chicago City Council.
“This ordinance will determine whether, in Chicago, constituents determine their wards or alders determine their constituents,” said Alderman La Spata. “The gerrymandered ward map we’ve created will never be repaired through our broken process. We are at a point where the only option is a new way forward.”
Ald. La Spata’s ordinance establishes a formal process for creating a Redistricting Commission during each City Council remapping cycle following the decennial U.S. Census. The Commission will be tasked with conducting an open and transparent process that allows for unprecedented public input in the creation of new ward maps.
The ordinance is designed to ensure future remapping processes are driven by community participation and public accountability. Key provisions include requiring public meetings for proposed ward maps, ensuring geographic representation among Commissioners, opening the remapping records to the public, and establishing a clear process for City Council to approve a final map.
“Chicagoans deserve a seat at the table to have a say in how their communities should be represented when ward boundaries are redrawn,” said Ryan Tolley, Executive Director at CHANGE Illinois Action Fund. “This ordinance paves the way for residents across the city to participate in the process and work alongside the City Council to develop equitable maps that uplift Chicago’s diversity.”
The ordinance is endorsed by the following organizations:
Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community
Muslim Civic Coalition
Latino Policy Forum
Urban Village Church
Equity and Transformation
Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative
Common Cause
Please direct press inquiries to the 1st Ward Office (info@the1stward.com) and Ryan Tolley (rtolley@changeil.org).
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