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RSSAlderman Margaret Laurino
A lifelong resident of the 39th Ward, Margaret Laurino's professional life has been dedicated to neighborhood issues and community concerns. Alderman Laurino has worked with the Mayor to bring capital improvements and efficient city services to the Ward. Her accomplishments include increased education funding, reduced crime, and infrastructure improvements throughout the ward.
As Chairman of the City Council Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development, Alderman Laurino not only looks after the needs of her ward but also works tirelessly on citywide issues that affect quality of life for all citizens. She has spearheaded a number of key citywide initiatives including:
- A proposal for creating a wireless infrastructure for the city that would allow ubiquitous high speed internet access for all residents.
- Legislation which expanded mandatory ethics training to include all city employees on a yearly basis. The program is online based and expands training from 4,000 employees to nearly 40,000.
- Ground breaking legislation that regulates restrictive covenants that are placed on property once occupied by grocery and drug stores. This new law is thought to be the first of its kind and will hasten the return of needed services to communities
Alderman Laurino has worked to bring millions of dollars in improvements to the schools of her ward. In addition to annexes at Volta, Haugan and Palmer, she helped fund a major addition to Hibbard grammar school. Two new middle schools are underway in the 39th Ward. The Aspira Haugan Middle School opened in Fall 2005 and the Albany Park Multicultural Academy will open in September 2006. Laurino initiated a partnership between Swedish Covenant Hospital and the Chicago Public Schools to fund a health center at Roosevelt High School. She acquired funding for the 17th Police District gang and drug prevention programs, as well as the renovation of the North Park Village auditorium into a gymnastics center.
Alderman Laurino lobbied city officials for new police stations for the areas serving the 39th Ward. The new 17th Police District station at 4650 North Pulaski opened in Spring 2005.
Infrastructure has been a priority to Laurino, who has resurfaced over 200 blocks of streets, and 100 alleys all over the 39th Ward. Alderman Laurino helped bring $12 million for the Rainblocker pilot program to prevent basement flooding. She acquired $6 million for the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP) in Albany Park, replacing curbs and sidewalks, planting trees and installing new street lights, and providing facade rebates to commercial properties. Alderman Laurino's leadership was instrumental in implementing four Tax Increment Financing Districts in the 39th Ward. In the Lawrence-Kedzie TIF, over $4 million was invested in Albany Park, renovating single family homes and multi-unit buildings. The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) has provided assistance to businesses in the community. The Peterson-Cicero TIF is bringing a Whole Foods Store and condominiums, opening in late 2006.
Alderman Laurino has worked hard to improve the lives of senior citizens and youth throughout the ward. Keeping seniors in the community is also important to Laurino who helped bring over $500,000 for senior citizen home improvements such as stair and bathroom railings and roof and siding repairs. Laurino works closely with the city to provide building renovation and programming to the over 500 seniors at North Park Village. Laurino was instrumental in the renovation of the historic Rock Garden at North Park Village.
Laurino attended St. Edward's Elementary School and Alvernia High School in Chicago. She went on to Northeastern Illinois University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education and Master's Degree in History. As a co-founder of the Peterson-Pulaski Business and Industrial Council, the Sauganash Chamber of Commerce, and the Pulaski Elston Business Association, Laurino has helped keep and attract jobs to Chicago's northwest side. Laurino works closely with the Albany Park Community Center, a social service agency which serves over 5,000 people per year, providing day care, youth counseling, adult literacy programs, and senior programs. She worked for years with the Albany Park Food Pantry, Chicago Area Boy Scouts, Friends of Mayfair Library, Mayfair Lions Club, Sauganash Women's Club, and Sauganash Community Association.
Margaret Laurino was first elected alderman in 1995, winning re-elections in 1999 and 2003. In the Chicago City Council, Laurino serves as Chairman of the Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development. Laurino created the Aldermanic Technology Task Force, a group that meets quarterly to discuss technological needs in city government.
