The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is committed to government relations and advocating with members of City Council on key issues.  Therefore, the LPCC will continue to track the votes of Lincoln Park Aldermen Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Michele Smith (43rd) on issues that both benefit the neighborhood or businesses and new policies we find to be a hinderance to local shops, restaurants and other industries.

Recent Votes

Chicago Casino (Resolution Only) - September 8, 2011

While only a resolution putting their support behind the construction of a casino within Chicago's city limits, this measure was strongly support by local Aldermen and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Mayor Emanuel seeks a casino for job creation, attraction of vacationers and other spenders for local businesses and to shore up a budget shortfall.

Alderman Smith - Yay
Alderman Waguespack - Yay

Urban Farms and Community Gardens - September 8, 2011

In support of one of our hospitality businesses, the LPCC supported this ordinance with Alderman Waguespack and retired Alderman Vi Daley. Allowing more urban farms, community gardens and the growth and sale of fresh produces creates jobs, leads to healthier lifestyles and helps businesses market themselves as locally-sourced - a key element of Chicago's food culture at the present time.

Alderman Smith - Yay
Alderman Waguespack - Yay

Webster Square Zoning Change - May 4, 2011

The zoning change required for the Webster Square development - filling the now vacant space once known as Lincoln Park Hospital - was the final step in a 14+ month ordeal for the development team.  The LPCC was in favor of this project for many reasons including job creation, new customers for local businesses, adaptive reuse and more.

Voting Record
Former Alderman Daley - Yay
Alderman Waguespack - Yay

Vacation Rental Ordinance - June 30, 2010

With visitors traveling to Chicago from all corners of the globe, the diversity of accommodations offered is a valuable marketing tool for the city’s tourism industry. The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is opposed to the new ordinance regulating Vacation Rental properties as the new fees associated with the legislation will hurt small business owners and the neighborhoods in which they operate.

Voting Record
Former Alderman Daley - Yay
Alderman Waguespack - Yay

Wal-Mart in Chicago - June 30,2010

After a 6-year debate between Mayor Daley, the Chicago City Council and Chicago's powerful unions, a measure to allow new Wal-Marts in Chicago passed the City's Zoning Committee with a unanimous vote on Thursday, June 23, 2010.  The final City Council vote was held on June 30, 2010.

Voting Record
Former Alderman Daley - Yay
Alderman Waguespack - Yay

Artistic Bike Racks - June 9, 2010

The LPCC supports Alderman Vi Daley's ordinance to bring artistic bike racks to Chicago as it would provide for an enhanced shopping experience, added public art and work for local artisans. The ordinance will be of benefit to the shopping, artist and bicycle communities in Chicago.  This public-private partnership will benefit businesses and customers alike.

Voting Record
Former Alderman Daley - Yay (Introduced Ordinance)
Alderman Waguespack - Yay

Ordinance Banning Massage Parlors in Residential Areas

Any ban restricting a sector of the business community from opening a new business at an available storefront is a detriment to the Chicago business community.  A proposed ordinance eliminating potential entrepreneurs by barring them from certain commercial zones would cost the city jobs and revenue.

Voting Record
Former Alderman Daley: Nay
Alderman Waguespack: Nay

75-Year Parking Meter Lease - December 4, 2008

While the LPCC supports parking meters as a way to encourage business turnover and we recognize the importance of a balanced city budget, we are against the manner in which our parking meters were leased and the length of the term.  Passing a 75-year lease after just 72 hours before its introduction was a hasty decision that could hinder further city budgets.

Voting Record
Former Alderman Daley - Yay
Alderman Waguespack - Nay