MEET THE ALDERMAN
BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez has represented the community since 2019. Currently, he has been re-elected for the term 2023 – 2027 due to the great community support he’s had and was sworn in to serve on the Chicago City Council as Alderman for the 25th Ward. The 25th Ward includes the communities of Pilsen, Little Village, and University Village.
Alderman Sigcho-Lopez arrived, 23 years ago, as an immigrant to the United States. Where he found care among teachers, coaches, and community members. All of whom were instrumental in teaching him English, always providing him with shelter, guidance, and gave him a path to higher education.
He completed a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Business Administration from Cumberland University and a Masters in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Byron settled in Pilsen, a historic working-class immigrant neighborhood in Chicago, and worked as an adult education teacher, founding the bilingual adult education program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He became politically active after former Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the closure of a neighborhood public school, where Byron volunteered as a soccer coach and led the community’s efforts to keep that school open, which was ultimately successful. Byron later served as a director of the Pilsen Alliance, where he was a leader in the fight against gentrification and displacement, and co-founded the campaign to lift the ban on rent control in Illinois.
In his first term as Alderman, Byron advocated for the rights of tenants, homeowners and was the lead sponsor of an ordinance to reduce harassment of homeowners who have been targeted by predatory developers. In his second term, he has now been appointed as the Chairman for the Committee on Housing and Real Estate and remains a member of several City Council Committees, where he has consistently supported the expansion of the City’s fair and affordable housing initiatives.
Alderman Sigcho-Lopez serves on the legislative body of the city, the City Council usually meets once every month to exercise general and specific powers delegated by state statute.
The City Council votes on a variety of issues, including but not limited to all proposed loans, grants, bond issues, land acquisitions and sales, zoning changes, traffic control issues, mayoral appointees, and other financial appropriations. Its 19 standing committees work with individual departments on the execution of city activities, and review proposed ordinances, resolutions and orders before they are voted on by the full council.
Committee Memberships:
- Housing and Real Estate – Chairman
- Budget & Government OperationsÂ
- Health & Human RelationsÂ
- Public SafetyÂ
- FinanceÂ
- Enviromental Protection & EnergyÂ
- Zoning, Landmarks and Building StandardsÂ
Sub-Committee Memberships:
- Revenue
- Youth Employment
The Committee on Housing and Real Estate shall have jurisdiction over all housing, redevelopment and neighborhood conservation matters and programs (except Zoning and the Building Codes), City planning activities (except land use planning), development and conservation, matters generally affecting the Chicago Plan Commission (except land use planning), and the City’s housing agencies. It shall also have jurisdiction over all acquisitions and dispositions of interest in real estate by the City, its agencies and departments.
The Committee’s jurisdiction includes all other acquisitions or dispositions of interest in real estate which the City Council is required to approve under state or federal law. The Committee shall have jurisdiction over all leases of real estate, or of space within buildings to which the City or any of its agencies, departments or offices, is a party.
CONSTITUENT TESTIMONIES
Very proud to have this representation. I called the office on different occasions and they always called me back and I had excellent service and responses to my concerns and requests. The office fights for the rights of its constituents and also makes sure that the city provides the necessary services. Chicago has many problems and it is wonderful when the alderman's office does not advocate for the city but helps residents get what they need. Thank you Alderman Sigcho Lopez.
Mick Ingram
25th Ward Resident
Best alderman we had in Pilsen so far, so nice and down to earth, I have gone in there and been help out so far. The 1 star reviews by the other karens and kens are expecting them to do milagros. Don't hate appreciate.
Aldo Rodriguez
25th Ward Resident
Excellent alderman - very glad to have him representing the 25th ward!
Netiya Shiner
25th Ward Resident
