GRCC’s State of Ravenswood Panel Discussion

  • March 21, 2024
  • 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
  • Member: $15
  • Non-member: $24
  • GRCC
  • Rojo Gusano, 4217 N Ravenswood Ave

Note: This event has been cancelled. If you purchased a ticket and have not yet received a refund, please contact christina@ravenswoodchicago.org.

Join us for State of Ravenswood, a panel discussion and Q&A with Ravenswood’s elected officials. This year, we’re pleased to be joined by 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin, 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez, and Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen. The alders will share updates from their offices and discuss topics impacting those who work and live in Ravenswood.

State of Ravenswood offers business leaders and stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the issues facing our community, and by extension, our city. It’s a chance to engage with elected officials, hear about their initiatives, and get answers to your questions.

We’ll include a mix of pre-submitted questions and live Q&A, with a focus on topics relevant to small businesses. Special Service Area #31 Commissioner Nick Yassan will moderate the discussion.

Ticket sales end at noon on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Tickets include two tacos from Rojo Gusano and a non-alcoholic beverage. This event is presented by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Erwin Law.

Special Guests

47th Ward Alderman
Matt Martin

47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin

Matt Martin is serving his second term as alderman of the 47th Ward. He lives in Lincoln Square with his wife Katelyn, 7 year-old son, and 2 year-old daughter. Prior to being elected alderman, Matt worked as a civil rights lawyer at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. There, he worked on issues including police reform, immigration, healthcare, and worker’s rights.

Matt earned bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Studies and Political Science from Northwestern University, and his JD from Harvard Law School.

As alderman, he believes it is critical to be independent, transparent, and willing to take on big challenges like maintaining and expanding affordability, fully funding schools, and addressing community violence.

Committees:

  • Ethics and Government Oversight (Chair)
  • Environmental Protection and Energy
  • Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
  • Budget and Government Operations
  • Finance
  • Public Safety
  • License and Consumer Protection
  • Rules

40th Ward Alderman
Andre Vasquez

40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez

Born and raised in Chicago, Andre Vasquez is the Alderperson of the 40th Ward and one of the six Democratic Socialists elected to City Council. Prior to his life in Public Service, he was the Illinois Director for AT&T Connected Communities, a local Community Organizer with The Peoples Lobby, and a hip hop artist.

Andre has brought those different experiences and perspectives to City Council to improve government services while creating community-centered development.

Andre is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Special Events and Cultural Affairs, the Secretary of the Progressive Caucus, and Treasurer of the Latino Caucus.

Committees:

  • Immigrant and Refugee Rights (Chair)
  • Contract Oversight and Equity
  • Economic, Capital, and Technology Development
  • Ethics and Government Oversight
  • Human Relations and Health
  • Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
  • Rules
  • Special Events, Cultural Affairs, and Recreation (Vice Chair)
  • Transportation and the Public Way

Cook County Commissioner
Bridget Degnen

12th District of Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen

In 2018, Bridget Degnen was elected to serve as the Cook County Commissioner for District 12. Her district is entirely within the City of Chicago, stretches from downtown to Jefferson Park, including parts of Wicker Park, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, North Center, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, Albany Park and Portage Park.

As a County Commissioner, Bridget’s priorities include pragmatic financial housekeeping, combating climate change through green initiatives aimed at reducing our carbon footprint, and keeping our neighborhoods safe.

Committees:

  • Audit (Chair)
  • Environment and Sustainability (Chair)
  • Asset Management
  • Contract Compliance
  • Criminal Justice
  • Emergency Management and Regional Security
  • Finance
  • Health and Hospitals
  • Labor
  • Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations (Vice Chair)
  • Litigation
  • Rules and Administration (Vice Chair)
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Transportation
  • Zoning and Building

Presented by:

Gene Wagendorf III

Associate Director, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce | View Bio

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