M
ayor Brandon Johnson made a strategic move on Friday, shifting his support from Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez to seasoned council member and Vice Mayor Walter Burnett for the position of Zoning Committee Chair. This decision was made to avoid another defeat in the Chicago City Council, as the environment is highly polarized. Sigcho-Lopez, known for his outspoken views as a progressive firebrand, was met with resistance from business and labor leaders who saw him as unpredictable.

    The Zoning Committee, which plays a significant role in shaping Chicago's development, has been without a permanent chair for over a year since Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa was forced to resign due to accusations of bullying. Despite months of lobbying by Johnson, Sigcho-Lopez admitted on Friday that he did not have enough votes to secure the chair.

    Alderman Andre Vasquez, a member of the Latino Caucus, clarified that a majority of the Latino Caucus does not support Alderman Sigcho-Lopez due to concerns about his leadership style. Vasquez stated that different individuals have different reasons for their concerns.

    Walter Burnett, who represents the rapidly developing Near West Side and the booming Fulton Market district, was chosen as an alternative candidate. Although he initially expressed reluctance, he agreed to accept the post for the sake of the city and to maintain confidence in Chicago's development future. The Rules Committee is expected to vote on Burnett's promotion on Monday.

    Ramirez-Rosa, the former chair of the Zoning Committee, confirmed that the mayor's office had decided to shift focus to Burnett, stating that Burnett has the necessary "policy chops" to be an effective chair.