Chicago has a mayor–council government. As of October 2026, the mayor is Brandon Johnson, the city’s 57th mayor, inaugurated on May 15, 2023, and the City Council has 50 members called alderpersons (or alders), one from each of the city’s 50 wards. The mayor and alderpersons serve four-year terms, and the city clerk and city treasurer are also elected citywide.
| Office or body | As of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Brandon Johnson (57th mayor), inaugurated May 15, 2023 |
| City Council | 50 alderpersons, one per ward; four-year terms |
| President pro tempore | Ald. Sam Nugent (presides when the mayor is absent) |
| City Clerk | Anna Valencia |
| City Treasurer | Melissa Conyears-Ervin |
| Next city election | 2027 (late February, with April runoffs if needed) |
| County | Cook County; Board President Toni Preckwinkle (in office since December 6, 2010) |
| State | Illinois; Governor JB Pritzker; capital Springfield |
| City services line | 311 (312-744-5000 from outside the Chicago area) |
The mayor
The mayor is Chicago’s chief executive and runs city departments, proposes the annual budget and appoints department heads, subject to council approval. Brandon Johnson was inaugurated on May 15, 2023, succeeding Lori Lightfoot, who served from 2019 to 2023. The current term runs to the 2027 election.
The mayor also presides over City Council meetings. The mayor usually does not vote but can cast a tie-breaking vote. Chicago’s first mayor was William B. Ogden, in 1837–1838; the longest-serving was Richard M. Daley, from 1989 to 2011. Past mayors are covered in Chicago history.
The City Council
The City Council is Chicago’s legislative body. It has 50 members, one elected from each ward, and members serve four-year terms with no term limits. If no candidate wins more than half the vote in a ward, the top two meet in a runoff.
What the council does
- Writes and votes on ordinances and resolutions
- Reviews, amends and passes the mayor’s annual budget
- Approves or rejects the mayor’s appointments
- Oversees city departments and officials
- Makes zoning decisions together with the mayor
- Redraws ward boundaries after each federal census; the most recent map was drawn in 2022
The council usually meets at least monthly in the Council Chambers at City Hall, and each meeting includes a 30-minute public comment period. As of March 2026 it had 20 committees, and most legislation passes through a committee before a full council vote.
Alderperson, alderman or alder?
Illinois changed the official title to alderperson in June 2021. Many members and residents still say alderman, alderwoman or the shorter alder. All refer to the same office.
Aldermanic prerogative and menu money
By long custom, the council defers to the local alderperson on zoning changes and similar decisions in their ward, a practice called aldermanic prerogative or privilege. Each ward also receives “menu” money for local infrastructure projects; as of 2025 the amount was $1.5 million per ward.
The 50 wards and how to find yours
Chicago is divided into 50 wards for City Council representation. Wards are political districts and are not the same as the city’s 77 community areas or its neighborhoods; one neighborhood can be split among several wards.
To find your ward and alderperson, enter your address in the City of Chicago’s Find Your Ward and Alderman tool. Each alderperson keeps a ward office for constituent questions. See community areas for how neighborhoods are defined.
City Clerk and City Treasurer
The City Clerk’s office, led by Anna Valencia, sells City Stickers and residential parking permits, keeps City Council records and legislation, and runs the CityKey municipal ID program. Its website also hosts the Municipal Code of Chicago and council meeting videos.
The City Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin, is the custodian and manager of the city’s cash and investments. The office also runs financial education programs for residents and small businesses.
CHI 311: city services
CHI 311 is the city’s one-stop line for non-emergency services. Dial 311 inside the city, or 312-744-5000 from outside the Chicago area; for emergencies, call 911.
- Create new non-emergency service requests
- Track the status and expected completion of a request
- Attach a photo and pin the location on a map
- Use the free CHI 311 app for iOS and Android or the 311 website
- Pay some bills and fines and find assistance programs through the app
Cook County
Chicago is the seat of Cook County, the second-most-populous county in the U.S., with about 5.2 million residents. The county is governed by a 17-member Board of Commissioners, each elected from a district to a four-year term, and a board president elected countywide.
Toni Preckwinkle has been board president since December 6, 2010. County government serves both Chicago and suburban Cook County.
State of Illinois
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, but the state capital is Springfield. JB Pritzker is governor. State law sets many of the rules Chicago operates under, including the requirement that ward boundaries be redrawn after each census.
How Chicago government fits together
| Level | Governing body | Leader (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| City | Mayor and 50-member City Council | Mayor Brandon Johnson |
| County | Cook County Board (17 commissioners and a president) | President Toni Preckwinkle |
| State | Governor and state legislature (capital: Springfield) | Governor JB Pritzker |
Frequently asked questions
Who is the mayor of Chicago?
As of October 2026, the mayor is Brandon Johnson, the city’s 57th mayor. He was inaugurated on May 15, 2023.
How many wards does Chicago have?
Chicago has 50 wards, and each elects one alderperson to the City Council for a four-year term.
How do I find my alderperson?
Enter your address in the City of Chicago’s Find Your Ward and Alderman tool, which returns your ward number and alderperson’s contact information.
When is the next Chicago mayoral election?
The next city election is in 2027, with voting in late February and runoffs in April if no candidate wins a majority.
What is 311 in Chicago?
CHI 311 is the city’s non-emergency line for city service requests. Call 311, use the CHI 311 app, or call 312-744-5000 from outside the area.
Is Chicago the capital of Illinois?
No. Springfield is the state capital. Chicago is the state’s largest city and the seat of Cook County.
Related guides
- Chicago at a glance
- Chicago history
- Chicago’s 77 community areas
- Moving to Chicago
- Driving and parking (City Stickers and permits)
- Chicago FAQ
Sources
- City of Chicago: Office of the Mayor
- CBS Chicago: List of Chicago mayors
- ABC7 Chicago: Chicago’s mayors since 1955
- League of Women Voters of Chicago: City Council
- Wikipedia: Chicago City Council
- City of Chicago: Find your ward and alderman
- Office of the City Clerk of Chicago
- Office of the City Treasurer of Chicago
- City of Chicago: CHI 311
- Wikipedia: Cook County Board of Commissioners
- State of Illinois: Executive branch
Last updated: October 31, 2026