Chicago Business Leaders Challenge Mayor's Zoning Chair Pick

A power struggle is brewing in Chicago’s City Council over who should head the influential government body that presides over key real estate development decisions.

Alderman Felix Cardona of the 31st Ward has emerged as the business community’s favored candidate to oppose 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to be chair of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Cardona, known for his key role in setting the city’s ward map, claims he has secured enough votes to block Sigcho-Lopez’s appointment, despite not having the support of the mayor.

Positioning himself as a pragmatic leader, Cardona emphasized his ability to work across the aisle.

“I’m reasonable, open to discussion, and focused on building relationships,” he said. “You need dialogue, and you need to be open. “I’m here to ensure the city’s development runs smoothly, without pushing a personal agenda.”

However, Sigcho-Lopez has sharply criticized Cardona, labeling him a political operative aligned with old Chicago power brokers, including former Cook County assessor Joe Berrios, who also used to head the Cook County Democratic Party.

“These individuals want to take us back to the times of Speaker Madigan,” Sigcho-Lopez said, referencing former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who is facing trial on federal allegations of political corruption. “If we want to go back to the pay-to-play culture — those people are not the people I represent.”

Sigcho-Lopez also accused other aldermen, including the 13th Ward’s Marty Quinn, of orchestrating efforts to block progressive reforms and maintain influence for developers and corporations.

“We have corrupt politicians trying to prevent a mayor elected by the people from selecting his own leadership team,” Sigcho-Lopez said.

Quinn voiced concerns over Sigcho-Lopez’s support for an accessory dwelling unit ordinance, arguing it could destabilize Chicago’s historic bungalow belt by loosening restrictions on where the units could be placed within the city.

“An investor from New York could buy a Chicago bungalow and turn it into a three-flat overnight and there’s nothing residents or an alderman could say about it,” Quinn warned, calling for more community oversight.

Business leaders like Marc Poulos of Operating Engineers Local 150 and restaurateur Sam Sanchez have also voiced reservations about Sigcho-Lopez’s leadership. Poulos fears it would create uncertainty for investors, while Sanchez supports Cardona as someone who can balance business interests with city development.

“Somebody’s got to bring it to the middle. Otherwise, the city will fail,” Sanchez said.

— Andrew Terrell