Johnson has yet to act on Lightfoot’s last stand against aldermanic control
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made a bold move on her final day in office, issuing a series of executive orders aimed at reforming longstanding practices within Chicago’s City Council. Among the 11 executive orders was a directive targeting the tradition of aldermanic control over development decisions in their respective wards, a practice Lightfoot viewed as a breeding ground for corruption.
One significant order demanded transparency in the zoning process by requiring recommendations on zoning changes to be made public before hearings. This move was intended to shed light on instances where Chicago aldermen chose to disregard expert advice.
However, nine months into Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, these changes have yet to be implemented, signaling his reluctance to challenge the entrenched power dynamics within the council. Despite Lightfoot’s efforts to disrupt the status quo, her departure from office marked the end of her crusade against Chicago council members’ unchecked authority.