Census data released today The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus will work to draw a fair map for Chicago that gives everyone a voice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2021 

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus welcomes the release of the official U.S. Census data as we begin our decennial reapportionment process of the City’s population, and the redistricting of the 50 wards.

 According to the Census data released today, the City of Chicago’s total population is 2,746,388. Of that, 819,518 identify as Latino which is 30% of the City population. 863,622 people identify as white only which is 31% of the population, 787,551 people identify as Black only, which is 29% of the population, and 189,857 people identify as Asian only which is 7% of the population.

Based on these Census numbers, the Latino population has grown despite the rhetoric that came out of Washington during the past administration. Latinos remain underrepresented on the City Council. The Voting Rights Act and State Law require that each ward should have the same number of residents, with as little deviation as is practicable. In addition, the Voting Rights Act requires that protected groups have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The Latino Caucus will be examining the data along with the current map and any potential changes to the City’s 50 Wards to ensure that we comply with the Voting Rights Act and all other, applicable legal requirements.

“The release of the U.S. Census data today means it's time to start the process of drawing a fair map for Chicago that gives everyone a voice,” said Gilbert Villegas, chairman of the Latino Caucus. “The Latino Caucus will work with the entire City Council to put forward a map that fairly represents all communities.”

 The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.