ABOUT ALDERMAN BRENDAN REILLY

Elected in 2007, Alderman Reilly is serving his third term representing downtown Chicago on the City Council. Over the past 9 years, he has fought for greater fiscal accountability by identifying government waste and opposing tax increases; working to bring more transparency to city government; and ensuring downtown residents have a voice in major development decisions.

Alderman Reilly believes Chicago taxpayers deserve a smaller, more efficient city government that uses technology and innovation to help streamline slow and costly processes, while reducing the number of middle-management city bureaucrats.

He has consistently voted against tax increases; opposed raids on long-term reserve funds; rolled-back Chicago’s head-tax that punishes businesses for hiring more employees; and advocates for the repeal of the Cook County Sales Tax increase. Reilly has argued for measures that would cut hundreds of millions from the City Budget without disrupting public safety and frontline services.

In 2007, Reilly opened the 42nd Ward’s first-ever constituent service office to assist downtown residents and businesses - providing regular office hours during the week & weekend hours - processing over 2,000 unique residential requests and nearly 1,800 business requests each month.

To remain accessible and responsive to his constituents, Alderman Reilly makes presentations before homeowner associations several evenings a week, providing updates and fielding questions from building residents.

Brendan Reilly is one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ “40 under 40” leaders; recipient of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association’s “Ambassador Award;” the Keep Chicago Beautiful “Sustainability Award” and the Chicago Loop Alliance’s “Illumination Award.” He is a voting member of the Illinois Smart Grid Advisory Council; serves on the board of the Energy Foundry; is a member of the Chicago 100 Club; and a past board member of the USO / Illinois.

Alderman Reilly and his wife Kristin married in April 2010 and live in River North with their two Yorkshire Terriers: Buster and Max.  Reilly earned his bachelor’s degree from Hobart College in 1994 and is an avid Cubs & Blackhawks fan who enjoys reading, misses sailing and tries to travel with his wife Kristin on those rare occasions when his schedule allows.