About John

John Arena was elected 45th Ward Alderman in April 2011. He has been a consistent, independent voice in the Chicago City Council, willing to ask tough questions on issues and fight for 45th Ward residents, not for the existing political power structure.  In his first eight months as alderman:

• John opposed the Terminal 5 agreement at O'Hare, citing the lack of transparency in the negotiations with Westfield Concession Management and the fact that the city is getting too small a return for the deal.
• John fought hard to keep Chicago's neighborhood libraries open and opposed efforts to solve the city's budget problems on the backs of our children and families.
• John was a leader in recent budget negotiations with Mayor Emanuel, circulating a letter signed by 27 aldermen that resulted in concessions from the mayor and the salvation of over 100 jobs.
• John opened an accessible, responsive ward office that is open over 50 hours per week, among the most of any city council member. He also instituted a Tuesday evening Ward Night where constituents can come to discuss any issue with him.
• John began a comprehensive retail recruitment program to increase and improve the businesses of the 45th Ward. In addition to partnering with local chambers of commerce to fill our storefronts and create jobs, John is also working with the Six Corners Association to deliver a master plan for the shopping district.

Community Activities

• Secured funding for the Six Corners streetscaping project
• Helped organize efforts to protect and re-purpose the historic Klafter building
• Helped secure an RFP for the Klee building and ensured community input in the redevelopment process
• Organized the PPNA Independence Day parade for 11 years
• Helped raise more than $60,000 for the PPNA over 10 years

John also was an active member of The Six Corners Association where he:

• Partnered with Six Corners businesses on the Klee building redevelopment, zoning changes, streetscaping, pedestrian designation advocacy and the revival of the Portage Theater
• Created a distinct identity for the Six Corners shopping district and worked with local businesses to create branding and marketing materials
• Helped organize and market "Six Cornercopia", the district's annual shopping event and the Portage Theater's annual "Monster Movie Festival"

John has also been involved with Friends of Bell School; little league baseball at Chopin Park, Jefferson Park and Wells Park; Friends of Dickinson Park and the Portage Park Advisory Council.