Bennett Lawson
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Bennett Lawson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Lawson at the 2024 DNC | |
| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 44th ward | |
| Alderman | |
| Assumed office May 15, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Tunney |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 2, 1978 Rockford, Illinois |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Loyola University Chicago (BA) |
Bennett Lawson (born July 2, 1978)[1] is an American politician from Chicago representing portions of the Lakeview, Northalsted, and Wrigleyville neighborhoods. He is the Alderman for Chicago City Council's 44th Ward, and took office on May 15, 2023. He won the 2023 election for the seat, running unopposed following the retirement of longtime Alderman Tom Tunney.[2] He previously served for 15 years as Tunney's Chief of Staff.[3] He serves as Vice Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards and a member of other committees, where he has focused on balanced housing development, small business support, safe and walkable communities, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Lawson was born in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Rockford Auburn High School. His father was a teacher.
He graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2000 with a degree in political science and began his public service career working for former State Senator Carol Ronen.[4] He joined the 44th Ward office in 2004, serving as chief of staff to his predecessor, Alderman Tom Tunney, before succeeding him as Alderman in 2023.
As a staffer, Lawson worked on major development projects including the creation of the Center on Halsted community center, the adaptive reuse of the former 19th District police station into an LGBTQ+ senior living facility, the construction of Howard Brown Health’s clinic on Halsted,[5] work on zoning modernization, retail development projects, and public safety.
He is one of several openly LGBTQ+ members serving on the Chicago City Council.[6] He lives in Northalsted area of Lakeview with his husband, Pete.
Local Initiatives
Prior to taking office in 2023, Lawson conducted a community survey to obtain input from residents on priorities for the 44th Ward. The survey received 2,022 responses and identified public safety, small business support, housing affordability, infrastructure, and public transit access as top concerns.[7] The results also indicated interest in increasing green space, adding family-friendly amenities, and improving public transit and pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. The survey informed Lawson’s early legislative agenda and later community planning efforts.[8]
Lawson was elected Alderman in 2023 and has supported a number of local improvement projects within the 44th Ward. He has allocated $100,000 in funding toward the planned construction of a new 25,000 square foot Lakeview Dog Park[9][10] and oversaw the renovation of Evergreen Playlot Park.[11] His office has coordinated upgrades to the Belmont CTA station, and alley and sidewalk repairs. Lawson has also hosted public workshops on property tax relief, created community Advisory Councils on issues including safety and housing development, and organized events such as the annual Senior Picnic and Kids’ Bike Parade.
In late 2024, Lawson launched a community feedback and planning process to create the first neighborhood plan for Lakeview since 2006 - the 2025 44th Ward Community Plan.[12][13]
