City Council Update: Sanctuary City Status, Speed Limit, CTA Leadership

Dear Neighbors, 

I am proud to represent the 48th ward on the Chicago City Council. As you may have heard, there were several important topics up for discussion this week at City Hall.

Please see my statement regarding the proposed change to Chicago's status as a Sanctuary City. I am pleased to say that this issue was blocked by a vote of 39-11, but I remain committed to defending our Sanctuary City protections. As the daughter of immigrants, this topic is close to my heart, but regardless of personal history, we must all continue to be vigilant and empathetic to those who can and will be most impacted by harmful policy changes such as this one.

We also reviewed a proposal to lower Chicago's speed limit to 25 mph as part of our Vision Zero plan. In response, Council voted overwhelmingly (49-1) to create an interdepartmental working group to ensure that this plan does not have a disproportionate impact on Black and brown Chicagoans due to enforcement disparities.

And in May 2024, I co-sponsored a resolution calling for a new CTA president, along with the majority of my colleagues on the Council. This week, President Dorval Carter submitted his resignation. CTA Chief of Staff Nora Leerhsen has since been appointed as interim president – notably, the first woman to ever serve in this position. I recognize and appreciate the tireless work of advocates who have been pushing for this change for years and I remain committed to holding CTA leadership accountable for clean, safe, and reliable transit for all.

As always, if you have feedback on any topics that we are considering in the City Council, please contact my office at 773-784-5277 or info@the48thward.org so that I can continue to best represent you in City Hall.

In community,

Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth

48th ward alderwoman