Legislative Priorities

Too many neighbors in our ward and our city are struggling. As Alderman, Adam is fighting for a vision of Chicago where everyone—regardless of income—lives safely and comfortably. That requires that we expand affordable housing so that neighbors aren't priced out of our community, reimagine and modernize our approach to public safety, and take bold action to combat the climate crisis. Learn more about what we have accomplished and what Adam is fighting for below.

Affordable Housing

Homes in the 47th Ward are becoming increasingly unaffordable—especially for seniors on a fixed income, working-class families, and recent graduates. To ensure that our community is welcome to all, we must maintain and expand affordability.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Required new large developments include at least 20% affordable housing on-site – a standard that has been expanded citywide.
  • Passed legislation to legalize new “accessory dwelling units” (i.e., basement units and coach houses).
  • Directed nearly $100 million from federal Covid-19 relief funds toward rapid rehousing, permanent supporting housing, and the preservation of single-room-occupancy (SRO) units.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

  • Building over 60 new affordable homes at 4715 N. Western Ave.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Make the real estate transfer tax progressive so that the sale of multi-million dollar properties can help fund efforts to end homelessness.

Public Safety & Modernization

We need to reimagine how city government invests in public safety. That starts with modernizing our public safety institutions, while also investing in alternatives to policing that prioritize mental health and job security.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Quadrupled funding for violence-prevention organizations that engage in street intervention and offer free therapy and paid job training.
  • Passed the strongest civilian oversight law in the country, placing community voice at the center of safety decisions.
  • Tripled city funding for nonprofits that serve victims of domestic and gender-based violence.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

  • Expanding the City’s mental health first responder program so paramedics and crisis workers respond to non-violent 911 calls.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Call for hearings on strategies to improve Chicago’s homicide and gun-violence clearance rates.

Education & Schools

All children need and deserve access to high-quality neighborhood public schools, regardless of their parent’s ability to fundraise.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Supported the creation of an elected school board, accountable to the people rather than just the Mayor.
  • Secured funding for athletic fields at McPherson Elementary and renovated bathrooms at Ravenswood Elementary.
  • Allocated $100,000 for counseling services at Lakeview High and free arts classes for CPS students.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

  • Championing TIF-reform efforts to invest more tax dollars in local schools.
  • Advocating for capital improvements for Amundsen High School to address overcrowding.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Work with state legislators to create a Child Care for All program.

Environmental Action

Chicago is suffering from the effects of climate change. We must lead the way in demonstrating how cities can tackle the ongoing climate emergency head-on.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Led the effort to have City Council declare a climate emergency.
  • Mandated EV charging infrastructure in large new developments.
  • Introduced ordinances to modernize and increase the city's recycling rate.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

  • Supporting CTA’s electric bus fleet expansion.
  • Powering city-owned buildings with 100% clean energy by 2025.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Bring back the Department of the Environment.
  • Establish a city-wide municipal composting program.
  • Hold the City accountable for replacing lead service lines.

Transit & Infrastructure

Adam believes all Chicagoans should be able to travel safely and comfortably by bike, foot, or transit to their daily destinations.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Built the first protected bike lane in the 47th Ward.
  • Secured $39 million for Western Brown Line Station and CTA Plaza improvements.
  • Organized the first Participatory Budgeting votes in the 47th Ward.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Build more dedicated bus lanes and expand covered bus shelters with accurate wait times.

Ethics & Accountability

Chicago politics as usual isn't working. We need a transparent, accountable city government that works for our communities.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Voted to restrict secondary employment for alderpeople and increased fines for ethics violations.
  • Voted to ban alderpeople from being paid to lobby other government entities.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Pass a law to publicly finance Chicago elections to center them around working-class neighbors.
  • Reform elections to institute Ranked-Choice Voting.
  • Institute a maximum two-term limit for Aldermen. The world changes fast, and we need the next generation to step up and take the mantel to ensure fresh perspectives in City Hall.

Small Business & Workers

Vacant storefronts hurt our corridors, and wages are lagging behind the cost of living. Adam is focused on a thriving local economy.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Supported raising the minimum wage to $15 and fair notice scheduling for employees.
  • Expanded funding for small business storefront rehabs.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Fine commercial landlords who intentionally keep storefronts vacant to lower their property taxes.

Equity & Inclusion

Neither gender nor sexual orientation status should ever present a hurdle to personal or professional happiness.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

  • Ensured Chicago is a sanctuary city for abortion and gender-affirming healthcare.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

  • Require city contractors to guarantee pay equity and freedom from harassment.