Priorities

For more than a decade, Alderman Brian Hopkins has fought for safer neighborhoods, stronger city services, responsible government spending, and continued investment in the communities that make up Chicago’s 2nd Ward. His priorities are rooted in a clear record of action and a continued commitment to delivering results for residents, families, and businesses.

Public Safety

Public safety has always been one of Alderman Hopkins’ top priorities.

As Chairman of the Chicago City Council Committee on Public Safety, Alderman Hopkins has worked to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, support common-sense public safety legislation, and ensure that police officers have the tools they need to protect Chicago residents.

Throughout his tenure, Alderman Hopkins has used discretionary funds, at the request of police, to install Police Observation Devices and License Plate Readers throughout the 2nd Ward. He also advocated for the opening of two Cook County Sheriff’s Office locations in River North to assist the Chicago Police Department in addressing serious crime, including vehicular hijackings.

Alderman Hopkins will continue:

Prioritizing public safety and championing common-sense legislation for a safer 2nd Ward.
Supporting law enforcement with modern tools and technology.
Advocating for stronger coordination between the Chicago Police Department and partner law enforcement agencies.
Addressing quality-of-life concerns that affect residents, small businesses, and neighborhood safety.

Responsible Government Spending

Alderman Hopkins believes residents deserve fully funded city services without unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.

Throughout his entire tenure, Alderman Hopkins has opposed and voted against every city budget that contained a property tax increase. He has consistently advocated for responsible government spending, greater accountability at City Hall, and a budget process that prioritizes essential services.

Alderman Hopkins will continue:

Advocating for fully-funded city services and responsible government spending.
Opposing unnecessary property tax increases.
Pushing for transparency and accountability in city budgeting.
Protecting taxpayers while ensuring residents receive the city services they depend on.

Neighborhood Infrastructure & Improvements

Alderman Hopkins believes strong neighborhoods depend on safe, reliable, and well-maintained infrastructure.

Throughout his time in office, he has made neighborhood improvements a consistent priority, working to repair streets and sidewalks, improve lighting, address alley and drainage concerns, upgrade public spaces, and ensure that basic city services are delivered efficiently throughout the 2nd Ward.

Each year, Alderman Hopkins and his office work directly with residents, neighborhood organizations, and city departments to identify infrastructure needs and move projects forward. From resurfaced streets and repaired sidewalks to improved lighting, park upgrades, traffic safety measures, and public space enhancements, these investments improve daily life for residents and help keep the 2nd Ward safe, accessible, and welcoming.

Alderman Hopkins will continue:

Continuously investing in neighborhood infrastructure and improvements.
Repairing and improving streets, sidewalks, alleys, lighting, and public spaces.
Working with residents to identify neighborhood concerns.
Improving coordination with city departments to ensure city services are delivered efficiently.
Supporting traffic safety, pedestrian safety, and accessibility improvements.

Environmental Leadership

Alderman Hopkins has long been a champion of environmental, sustainability, and resiliency initiatives.

He has worked to expand and preserve green space, protect Chicago’s lakefront, and support efforts to create more open and recreational space for residents. His environmental work includes serving on the Lakeshore Planning Committee and helping advance plans for DuSable Park near Navy Pier. Alderman Hopkins was also the lead sponsor of the Managed Native and Pollinator Garden Registry ordinance, an initiative designed to support native gardens, pollinators, and more sustainable landscaping throughout Chicago.

Alderman Hopkins will continue:

Supporting environmental initiatives, including the Native and Pollinator Garden Registry.
Protecting and expanding green space throughout the 2nd Ward.
Supporting lakefront access, parks, and open space.
Promoting sustainability and resiliency initiatives.

Constituent Services & Responsive Leadership

Being an Alderman means showing up, listening, and solving problems.

For more than a decade, Alderman Hopkins and his office have worked to provide responsive constituent service to residents throughout the 2nd Ward. From addressing city service requests to helping residents navigate government departments, his office remains focused on practical solutions and direct communication.

Alderman Hopkins believes constituent service should be accessible, visible, and rooted in the neighborhoods he serves. That is why his office brings constituent services directly into the community. Throughout the year, the 2nd Ward office is on the ground at neighborhood events with a tent, staff, and resources available for residents.

The office is present at every SOAR Farmers Market and every Division Street Farmers Market, giving residents a convenient way to ask questions, raise concerns, request city services, and connect with staff face-to-face. Alderman Hopkins and his team also attend major community events throughout the ward, including the Sheffield Garden Walk, Dearborn Garden Walk, and many others.

Alderman Hopkins will continue:

Providing responsive constituent service.
Helping residents access city services and resolve neighborhood concerns.
Working directly with neighborhood organizations, property owners, small businesses, and residents.
Maintaining an accessible office that puts residents first.

Supporting Local Businesses & Strong Neighborhoods

The 2nd Ward is home to some of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhood business districts, including restaurants, retailers, hotels, cultural institutions, entertainment venues, and small businesses that help define the character of Lincoln Park, Old Town, Gold Coast, Streeterville, River North, and the Clybourn Corridor.

Alderman Hopkins understands that strong local businesses create strong neighborhoods. That is why his office works directly with business owners, chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, and city departments to help businesses navigate City Hall, address concerns, and continue investing in the 2nd Ward.

From business and liquor licensing to sidewalk cafe permits, public way use, loading and standing zones, new business openings, and responsible development, Alderman Hopkins’ office helps connect local businesses with the resources they need to succeed. His office also works to ensure that commercial growth reflects the needs, safety, and character of the neighborhoods surrounding it.

Alderman Hopkins will continue:

Supporting local businesses, restaurants, retailers, and neighborhood commercial corridors.
Helping businesses navigate licensing, permitting, public way use, sidewalk cafe applications, and city processes.
Working with chambers of commerce and neighborhood organizations to strengthen business districts.
Encouraging responsible development that respects the character of each neighborhood.
Working with residents and business owners to keep the 2nd Ward vibrant, safe, and economically strong.