Meet Brian Hopkins

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Brian Hopkins has proudly served as Alderman of Chicago's 2nd Ward since first being elected in May 2015. Re-elected in 2019 and again in 2023, he has spent more than a decade delivering results for the residents, families, and businesses of the 2nd Ward through responsive leadership, responsible government, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.

After graduating from Sangamon State University (now the University of Illinois Springfield), where he served as Student Regent, Brian began his career in public service as an intern with the Illinois State Senate Appropriations Committee.

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He later became Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition to End Homelessness, where he led the successful effort to pass the Illinois Homeless Voting Rights Act, the first law of its kind in the nation. He also directed the Midwest tour of Address Unknown, a nationally recognized theater company comprised of individuals experiencing homelessness. His work with the Coalition earned him the opportunity to advise President Bill Clinton's transition team on addressing homelessness as a national issue.

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In 1994, Brian served as Downstate Campaign Manager for Dawn Clark Netsch's campaign for Governor of Illinois. While the campaign was unsuccessful, her integrity, honesty, and commitment to public service left a lasting impression that continues to shape Brian's approach to government today.

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Brian moved to Streeterville in 1999 and joined the staff of Cook County Finance Committee Chairman John P. Daley, eventually rising to Chief of Staff. In that role, he developed extensive experience in government finance, budgeting, and public administration while helping oversee the complex financial operations of Cook County.

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At the same time, Brian became deeply involved in his own community through the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR). After attending his first meeting, he was elected Treasurer and later served as Vice President before being elected President for two terms. During his leadership, he helped resolve major neighborhood and development issues while co-chairing StreeterFest, SOAR's first-ever neighborhood music festival.

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An avid cyclist, Brian has also been a longtime advocate for alternative transportation. He previously served on the Audit Committee of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, now the Active Transportation Alliance, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Working Bikes, a nonprofit organization that provides bicycles to underserved communities in Chicago and around the world.

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In 2015, Brian was elected Alderman of the 2nd Ward after finishing first in a field of six highly qualified candidates. Since taking office, he has built a reputation as a responsive, accessible leader who focuses on delivering practical solutions to neighborhood concerns.​

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Brian and his wife, Colleen, live in Lincoln Park with their son, Ryan. They enjoy spending time in the neighborhood's parks and playgrounds, supporting local restaurants and small businesses, attending community events, and cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Now seeking another term as Alderman, Brian remains committed to the principles that have guided his public service from the very beginning: prioritizing public safety, advocating for responsible government, investing in neighborhoods, protecting our environment, and ensuring that every resident of the 2nd Ward has a strong voice at City Hall.