Before he ran for office, Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez was a community organizer, volunteer soccer coach, and adult educator. Always active in his community, he’s passionate about issues of economic development, fair housing policies, and access to quality education. His constituents come from diverse communities including, West Loop, Pilsen, and Chinatown. We spoke with him about his vision for the 25th Ward, which is inclusive of all of the residents who call it home.
Lopez believes that decades of marginalization and structural racism in Chicago have catalyzed the city’s ongoing problem with gun violence. He says that the solution is creating stable communities by providing affordable housing and access to capital for minority entrepreneurs, not putting more cops on the streets. Alderman Lopez is frustrated that the COVID-19 environment has allowed big box stores such as Target and Walmart to thrive, while local, minority-owned businesses are struggling to keep their doors open.
One of the most highly anticipated development projects in Lopez’s ward is the creation of The 78, the city’s first new neighborhood in a generation. The 62-acre project has promised to include new affordable housing units and create 15,000 construction jobs. Alderman Lopez says he plans to see to it that the developers deliver on their promises, so he can ensure that residents’ tax dollars are put to good use.
Lopez fought to include community residents on an advisory council for The 78 who do not have conflicts of interest with the city. “It wasn’t easy, and it has probably caused me to be seen as uncomfortable to work with by some developers,” he says. But Lopez firmly believes residents should be able to vet decisions about zoning, liquor licenses, and permit decisions in their neighborhoods. “We should always have public meetings to make sure residents are informed before things happen, rather than after the fact,” he says. And although this process can make development take longer, Lopez believes it is beneficial in the long run.
Lopez also believes developers should honor their commitment to local hiring, rather than paying fees to avoid hiring the required number of local workers. Under the current structure, many of the jobs are going to people who live outside of the city. “When big projects come in, and TIFF dollars are invested, we need to make sure those dollars go back to the public, especially when it comes to Black and Latinx workers,” he says. “Otherwise, we lose twice. We’re not creating job opportunities for our youth, and the revenue we’re generating goes to other economies,” he says.
Alderman Lopez is also holding himself accountable for making positive changes for his constituents. “The success of the administration is tied to the success of our communities,” he says. And in the year since he was elected, Lopez is already starting to see some success. He says one of his proudest accomplishments is the passing of a bill that protects homeowners from predatory harassment. “Realtors and big interest groups often use fear tactics to force people from their homes,” he says. The bill helps long-time residents stay in the communities they love. “I received a letter from a constituent thanking me because a realtor was close to taking away their home in a scheme,” he says. Lopez says it’s time that the city stops trying to balance the budget on the backs of its most vulnerable residents.
As a PhD candidate in Urban Education Policy, Alderman Lopez doesn’t have much free time these days. But he says he has been riding his bike more, something that is good for his health and the environment. Lopez also enjoys watching his wife, who is a comedienne, perform. “Life has so many challenges, so I think it’s always good to laugh,” he says. “And if my wife is in the show, it’s even more enjoyable.”
Lopez says listening to music has helped him deal with the uncertain times. “I’ve been listening to a lot of Sam Cooke songs, which have been resonating with me,” he says. Although he didn’t name his favorite Sam Cooke song, we’re guessing “A Change is Gonna Come” is one of them.