About Alderman Brian Hopkins

Alderman Brian Hopkins represents Chicago’s 2nd Ward, including Streeterville, River North, the Gold Coast, Old Town, and Lincoln Park. Throughout his time in office, he has focused on responsible fiscal management, economic development, public safety, environmental stewardship, neighborhood investment, and responsive constituent services.

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Alderman Hopkins has consistently opposed property tax increases and has voted against every city budget during his tenure that included one. He has also advocated for greater accountability, responsible spending, and the efficient delivery of essential city services.

A strong supporter of responsible development, Alderman Hopkins believes Chicago must continue adding housing, creating jobs, attracting employers, and growing its tax base. He has advanced projects that combine development with community input, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and public open space.

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In 2017, Hopkins led the public review process for One Chicago, a major mixed-use development that received unanimous community support and generates more than $50 million in annual city tax revenue while supporting more than 1,400 permanent jobs.

Following nearly two years of public meetings and negotiations, he helped secure approval of Lincoln Yards, which is expected to create more than 24,000 jobs, deliver major infrastructure improvements, add 22 acres of parks and open space, and provide a significant on-site affordable housing commitment.

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He has also supported residential developments including North + Vine and The Ludlow, helping add new housing and transform underused properties into active mixed-use communities.

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In 2023, Alderman Hopkins was appointed Chairman of the City Council Committee on Public Safety. In that role, he has worked to strengthen public safety policy and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies.

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That includes advocating for two new Cook County Sheriff’s offices in River North to strengthen coordination with the Chicago Police Department on serious crimes, including vehicular hijacking, securing dedicated funding for additional public safety resources along the Magnificent Mile and surrounding downtown neighborhoods, and bringing together advocates, experts, and public safety leaders through the Violence Against Women Task Force to advance protections for women and survivors of violence.

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A strong advocate for sustainability and resiliency, Alderman Hopkins serves on the Lakeshore Planning Committee, where he works with civic leaders to expand public parkland and protect Chicago’s lakefront. He has also fought to address environmental contamination at former industrial sites and protect residents from related health risks.

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Hopkins introduced Chicago’s first Native and Pollinator Garden Registry, which recognizes and helps protect qualifying gardens that support biodiversity and pollinators.

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He has also worked with residents, neighborhood organizations, and the Chicago Park District to improve public spaces throughout the ward, including Lake Shore Park, Seneca Park, and Clover Park, with upgrades to playgrounds, landscaping, pathways, lighting, seating, athletic facilities, native plantings, and other amenities.

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In addition to these efforts, Alderman Hopkins has introduced and supported forward-thinking legislation, including Chicago’s first Mural Registry and condominium privacy protections.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hopkins hosted vaccination clinics that provided initial doses and boosters to more than 7,000 residents.

Following the 2020 Census, Hopkins supported a more open and independent redistricting process and sponsored legislation calling for reform.

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A graduate of the University of Illinois Springfield, formerly Sangamon State University, Alderman Hopkins enjoys spending time with his wife, Colleen, and their son, Ryan. A lifelong Chicagoan and avid Blackhawks fan, he remains committed to improving neighborhoods and quality of life throughout the 2nd Ward.