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Dear Neighbors,
The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 11, at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street.
Commonwealth Edison will be joining the committee for its annual summer preparedness hearing. This hearing is required under the City's franchise agreement with the utility and is the result of the tragic and deadly 1995 heat wave. In addition to discussing how ComEd is preparing for increased demand on its grid as we approach hotter months, we've also asked them to discuss the changing landscape of utility companies with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and the proliferation of data centers. We want to better understand how they are both preparing for increased demands on the grid and how to ensure that costs for high-energy users aren't passed on to everyday residential and small-business customers.
Also on the agenda will be an ordinance introduced by Chairman Hopkins that allows native non-tree plants and other pollinators to grow up to 36 inches. This will allow property owners to more easily plant deep-rooted native plants in their yards and parkways without fear of receiving a sanitation violation ticket for a plant exceeding 10 inches. These native plants are low-maintenance alternatives to a grass lawn and help mitigate flooding during heavy rainfalls.
For information on how to attend a committee meeting or submit public comment, click here.
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- Wednesday, April 30, 9:30 a.m., City Hall, Room 1103:
Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting
- Thursday, May 7, 6:00 p.m., Jordan Community Elementary:
49th Ward Town Hall
- Monday, May 11, 10:00 a.m., City Hall, Council Chambers:
Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy
- Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 a.m., City Hall, Council Chambers:
City Council Meeting
- Monday, May 25:
Memorial Day
- Thursday, May 28, 9:30 a.m., City Hall, Room 1103:
Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting
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Chairwoman Hadden, Bureau of Forestry Plant Ceremonial Tree to Celebrate Earth Month
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Chairwoman Hadden of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy joined the City's Bureau of Forestry, Mayor Johnson, and neighbors to plant a ceremonial tree at Touhy Park in celebration of Earth Month.
As a part of her duties as Chairwoman of the Committee on Environment, Alderwoman Hadden sits on Chicago's Urban Forestry Advisory Board. Through this advisory board, Chairwoman Hadden and other members have been able to advocate for advances in growing and maintaining Chicago's urban canopy. Later this year, Chicago will begin its first-ever tree inventory, which will help the Bureau of Forestry better strategize on how to service and protect our canopy. The Urbean Forestry Advisory Board is also working on a Heritage Tree Ordinance, which would help protect Chicago's largest and most mature trees, which are critical for fighting climate change, providing shade, and mitigating flooding.
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Vote to Override Mayoral Veto of Ordinance that would have Eliminated the Subminimum Wage Fails, Keeping Raises in place for Tipped Workers this July
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This month, Mayor Johnson vetoed an ordinance that would have struck the last two years of raises for subminimum wage workers as required by the One Fair Wage ordinance. The veto allows the continuance of the One Fair Wage ramp-up to eliminate the subminimum wage and reach parity with Chicago's minimum wage for non-tipped workers.
The One Fair Wage ordinance, which passed City Council in 2023, established a 5-year runway to eliminate the subminimum wage, with restaurants raising the subminimum wage by 8% starting in 2024 until reaching parity with Chicago's minimum wage. A grant program from the One Fair Wage coalition (not using taxpayer dollars) was also established in tandem with the changes to help small businesses with tipped workers build capacity to support the transition.
Alderwoman Hadden voted against the effort to override the mayoral veto during March's City Council meeting. Alderwoman Hadden voted against the override due to concerns with the process around the ordinance that was presented to stop tipped workers from receiving a pay increase in July. As alderpeople crafted the ordinance, Alderwoman Hadden did not hear from any of her peers to discuss the proposal or opportunities to collaborate. Furthermore, the sponsors of the ordinance used parlimentarian maneuvers to circumvent the legislative process of having the item considered in Committee. Committees are where most of the robust debate on proposed legislation take place and is a critical component in a democratic system built on checks and balances.
Additionally, the subminimum wage for tipped workers in Chicago is 76% of the City's minimum wage, or $12.62 an hour. If a tipped worker does not receive tips sufficient to cover the gap, employers are expected to cover the shortfall to ensure the worker meets the minimum wage. However, some restaurants don't follow this practice, meaning subminimum-wage workers in Chicago receive less than the minimum wage. While workers can report this to the Office of Labor Standards, some choose not to for fear of retaliation from their employers.
Finally, Chicago and the rest of the United States are experiencing an affordability crisis. Low-income earners are already struggling the most as the cost of living continues to rise rapidly across the board. Tipped workers have come to expect annual increases to reach parity, and have made financial decisions based on the expectations set by our City Council three years ago. Eliminating increases for our lowest-earning workers puts them in a position where they might have to choose which bills to pay.
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Alderman Villegas Confirmed to Chair the Committee on Zoning, Buildings, and Landmark Standards
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Photo Credit: Chicago Tribune
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Alderman Villegas was voted to chair the Committee on Zoning during the April City Council meeting, putting an end to the impasse of the position that had remained vacant since Alderman Burnett's retirement in 2025. Vice Chair Lawson served as acting chair in the interim, both after Alderman Burnett's retirement and after former Alderman Ramirez-Rosa resigned the seat in 2024, for a total of 18 months. In 2026, Alderman Lawson stopped holding regular committee meetings until City Council sorted out the role. Alderman Lawson had all the responsibilities that come with serving as chair without any of the benefits, such as the ability to hire their own staff.
During the April City Council meeting, Alderman Lawson submitted a Rule 41 for an ordinance he introduced that would make him chair of the committee for the remainder of the term. It was an ordinance that I supported, given Alderman Lawson's demonstrated commitment to running the committee and his experience serving as Chief of Staff to former Alderman Tunney, who chaired the committee during his tenure.
However, during the City Council meeting, a substitute ordinance was introduced by Alderwoman Coleman that appointed Alderman Villegas as Zoning Chair and appointed Alderman Curtis to chair the Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development, which Alderman Villegas had chaired. It has not been City Council's practice to have a freshman alderperson chair a committee, which caused reservations among many during the debates over who should serve as chair.
I want to thank Alderman Lawson for his leadership during the 18 months of uncertainty surrounding the Zoning Committee. He also spearheaded the ordinance that allows Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be constructed citywide; something that the 49th Ward has been fighting for since 2019.
I am confident that Chairman Villegas will provide strong leadership in the role of Zoning Chair and work collaboratively with City Council to advance development and affordability goals. I look forward to working with Chairman Villegas on many initiatives affecting the 49th Ward and Chicago.
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Ordinance Prohibiting CPD Officers with Extremist Ties Advances Out of Committee
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In April, an ordinance that would prohibit Chicago Police Department officers from having ties to extremist organizations, such as the Proud Boys or the Oath Keepers, passed the Committee on Workforce Development 6-3. The ordinance authorizes the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) to investigate complaints alleging that officers actively participate in extremist activity.
The ordinance is a result of the seditious activity on January 6, 2021, when organized groups tried to overthrow the United States' government. The ordinance that passed out of committee specifically prohibits CPD officers from participating in groups that advocate to overthrow any level of government, be it federal or local, using violence. Sworn officers take an oath to uphold the constitutional rights and laws of our city, state, and country. Those who are actively trying to overthrow those same laws should not be able to collect a government paycheck.
Alderman Martin, the lead sponsor of the ordinance, proactively deferred and published it during April's City Council meeting, blocking it from a final vote. He did this anticipating that some alders who oppose the ordinance would do so. Alderman Martin will need to file a Rule 41 to force a vote in an upcoming City Council meeting. When he does so, Alderwoman Hadden will vote in favor of the ordinance.
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Spotlight on EJ Community Work
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Little Village Environmental Justice Organization has been Fighting to Hold Polluters Accountable for Over 30 Years
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Since 1994, members of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization have been working to hold polluting companies accountable. Through mobilization efforts, strategic coalition building, and wide community support LVEJO has spent the last 30 years making positive strides towards Environmental Justice for their neighborhood. You can learn more about LVEJO's work and get involved by visiting their website here.
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Share Your Favorite Environmental Organization
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This year, the Committee on Environment is looking for more opportunities to engage with Environmental Justice organizations and spotlight their great work throughout the city. Each month, we'll share information on different organizations, their mission, goals, and how to get involved.
Do you have an organization you think should be highlighted? Share it with us at this link!
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In Other Environmental News
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Request for Proposals: Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot
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Please be notified that the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS) has advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for “2FM City Fleet EVSE Program” and “CDOT EV Charging Pilot Program” under Solicitation Title, 1332033: EV Charging Stations, RFP Solicitation Number 66215, Specification Number 1332033. Interested vendors may submit proposals for either or both scopes. The RFP may be found on the DPS website, hyperlinked below:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/current-bids.html
The RFP can be found more easily by sorting by Supplier Response Due Date; this date is “16-JUN-2026 15:00:20”. Then click on the glasses icon under the “Details” column.
As described therein, responses are due by 3:00 PM Central Time on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
A pre-proposal meeting for interested parties will be held at 10:00 AM Central Time on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 121 N. Lasalle, Chicago IL 60602, Conference Room 1103 (Floor 11). There will also be an online option via Microsoft Teams.
You can register for the pre-proposal meeting via email to Paula Duarte, Senior Procurement Specialist, at [email protected]. Registration must be arranged in advance of the pre-proposal meeting.
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Request for Information: Opportunities for Rooftop and Community Solar Development on City-Owned Assets
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The Chicago Department of Environment has released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input on the potential installation of rooftop and community solar on City-owned properties.
This RFI is intended to help the City better understand considerations for expanding rooftop and community solar across City-owned facilities.
You can review the full RFI and learn more at this link.
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New Carts at Food Scrap Drop-Offs
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation will be using a new type of green cart at food scrap drop-off locations in the near future.
The new carts are:
- smaller, with a 35-gallon capacity compared to the 65-gallon capacity of the original carts.
- opened by turning a handle on the top of the lid. See below for details.
Please let the City know what you think! Share your feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Greencorps Chicago is Now Recruiting!
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Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50. Greencorps Chicago trainees receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications, including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance in finding full-time employment upon completion of the program.
For more info, please see: https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Signing Up for the Citywide Composting Program
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In the fall of 2023, the Department of Street and Sanitation (DSS) announced its first-ever citywide composting initiative, a Food Scrap Drop-Off program, which allows all Chicago residents to bring their household food scraps to a drop-off location located throughout the city.
Since rolling out the program, over 6,000 households have signed up to participate, and over 300 tons of food have been diverted from landfills! That is the equivalent of approximately 24,000 gallons of gasoline!
Due to the success of the program, Streets and Sanitation expanded its drop-off locations to include three more sites, for a total of 20 sites across the city, including one at 6447 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Rogers Park! Participation is easy! Simply sign up for a nearby drop-off location, collect food in sealed containers, and bring the collected materials to the green carts at the drop-off sites. Upon collection, these materials are transferred to a composting facility, where food scraps are processed into compost, a valuable product that looks and smells like rich soil and can be used to improve soil health.
The 20 food scrap drop-off sites are:
- Avondale – 3143 N. Rockwell St
- Belmont Cragin – 5605 W. Grand Ave
- Bowmanville – 5333 N. Western Ave
- Brighton Park – 3359 S. Maplewood Ave
- Edgewater – 5853 N. Broadway
- Englewood – 611 W. 69th St
- Garfield Ridge – 5600 S. Central Ave
- Grand Boulevard – 4352 S. Cottage Grove Ave
- Irving Park – 4605 W. Lawrence Ave
- Logan Square –2460 W. Cortland
- Lower West Side – 1944 W. Cullerton St
- Morgan Park – 11059 S. Homewood Ave
- Near South Side – 1758 S. Clark St
- North Lawndale - 1817 S. Pulaski Rd
- Norwood Park – 6453 W. Higgins Ave
- Pullman - 1012 E. 103rd St
- Rogers Park - 6447 N. Ravenswood
- West Edelson – 3720 W. 55th St
- West Englewood – 1756 W. 74th St
- West Town – 2505 W. Grand Ave
All kinds of food scraps are accepted with the program, including meat, bones, and dairy, as well as fruit and vegetable scraps and old leftovers. A full list of accepted and unaccepted items is available here.
Food in our landfills contributes more to methane emissions than any other landfill materials. Composting is one simple way that Chicago can reduce its emissions while enriching our soil for future produce.
For more information on recycling and the Food Scrap Drop-Off program, including drop-off sites and where to sign up, please visit www.chicagorecycles.org and view the educational video.
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Follow the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy on Social Media!
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Chairwoman Hadden launched social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook for the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy!
Make sure to follow these accounts to stay updated on:
- Updates on EPE happenings
- Legislative progress
- Committee Hearings
- Urban Forestry Board updates
- Shoreline Advisory Board Updates
- City Council Recaps
- And more!
- Environmental Justice News
- Local, State, Federal and Global updates!
- City Council Happenings
- Recap videos
- Updates on important legislative happenings
You can find us on Instagram @chicagoepe and on Facebook at Chicago Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy.
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