Nicole Lee

City Council members are advancing the Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental (FAIR) Ordinance to counter Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed tenant protections, which include a Tenant Bill of Rights, 'just cause' eviction requirements, and relocation assistance. The FAIR Ordinance would eliminate 'just cause' requirements and reduce relocation fees, arguing these changes would prevent increased housing costs and preserve affordable housing for small landlords.

Chicago City Council advanced seven advisory referendum questions for upcoming elections, including compensation for federal immigration enforcement costs and reinstating gunshot detection technology. Two of Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposals were blocked by the council's rules committee, which approved four questions for the November election and three for the February 2024 municipal election.

Chicago Alderpeople, led by Ald. Nicole Lee, are demanding a City Council hearing to investigate a $3.9 million domestic violence program after Block Club's investigation revealed its ineffectiveness. The program, expanded by the Chicago Police Department without consulting advocates, has shown few documented results despite increased funding.

22 Chicago City Council members plan to reject the sale of city parking meters to Stonepeak Partners, accusing Mayor Brandon Johnson of withholding critical information and unilaterally setting a June 30 deadline for council approval. The alderpersons argue the mayor's actions violate the separation of powers by making binding decisions without legislative input.

Riley O’Neil, a 35-year-old Complete Streets planner for Chicago’s Department of Transportation, was killed while biking after being struck by a semi-truck following a car door collision. He was instrumental in improving bike infrastructure, including bike parking and the Nettelhorst School ‘Bike Bus’ program. Advocates are calling for increased bike safety measures and renaming bike racks ‘Riley Racks’ in his honor.