Alderman Leslie Hairston of Chicago's 5th Ward

Alderman Leslie Hairston of Chicago's 5th Ward An active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, she serves on its Real Estate Law section council.

Since her election to the aldermanic office in 1999, Hairston has been instrumental in spearheading infrastructure improvements, business development, and initiatives to enhance 5th ward residents’ safety, security and quality of life. A Chicago native and fierce community advocate with deep roots in the South Shore and Hyde Park neighborhoods, Leslie Hairston has built a professional career dedic

ated to public service. A strong litigator, Hairston previously served as assistant attorney general for the state of Illinois and staff attorney and special prosecutor for the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, where she argued before the Illinois State Supreme Court. Since her election to the aldermanic office in 1999, Hairston has been instrumental in spearheading infrastructure improvements, business development, and initiatives to enhance ward residents’ safety, security and quality of life, most notably:

– The $162 million reconstruction of South Lake Shore Drive; repair and enhancement of Metra stations and grounds; renovations to Jackson Park and the South Shore Cultural Center; improvement to residential and commercial streets and lighting; and beautification of business districts.
– Opening of new shopping malls and addition of several local and national retailers, including K&G Fashion Superstore, Anna’s Linens, Staples, Aldi, Jewel/Osco, Save-A-Lot, and the city’s first drive-through Starbucks.
– Construction of the Greater Grand Crossing Library, Gary Comer Youth Center, Gary Comer College Prep high school, Comer Children’s Hospital, and Ronald McDonald House, as well as preservation of historically significant buildings being renovated for multi-use.
– Initiating ordinances, greater police presence and CAPS involvement to address vacant lots and buildings, problem businesses and landlords, robberies and loitering.
– Promoting the 5th Ward through the only triathlon on the South Side which Hairston established – as well as Midway Plaisance skating rink, Lucky Strike Bowling Alley, the Chosen Few House Music Festival, the Carifette Caribbean carnival, and public murals. Hairston has been heavily involved in professional, legal and social service activities, such as the Illinois State Bar Association, Friends of the Park, Kaleidoscope Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is particularly proud of her work with youth-based initiatives. “I come from a family that believes in education and community service. I can think of no greater honor or satisfaction than contributing to my home ward’s growth and recognition as one of the city’s finest places to live, work and play.”

Hairston has earned a reputation for her principled positions beyond her ward. She was among a handful of aldermen refusing to approve the sale or lease of such city assets as parking meters without proper notice, documentation or financial justification. She fought ordinances that disproportionately burdened lakefront condominiums with requirements façade improvements and led to her sponsoring legislation to expand the use of the Link card to purchase fresh produce. Leslie sits on six City committees – Economic, Capital & Technology Development (vice chair), Finance; Budget & Government Operations; Committees, Rules & Ethics; Health & Environmental Protection; and Special Events, Cultural Affairs & Recreation.

Wishing you and your families a safe, happy holiday!
04/09/2023

Wishing you and your families a safe, happy holiday!

It’s true: I will still be around the neighborhood, and I look forward to the next chapter.
04/03/2023

It’s true: I will still be around the neighborhood, and I look forward to the next chapter.

Hairston's brief sendoff touted the Obama Center, Regal Mile Studios, Local Market in South Shore, the Greater Grand Crossing library and other projects in the 5th Ward during her 24-year tenure.

That’s the power of our amazing community here in the ! Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend.
03/17/2023

That’s the power of our amazing community here in the !

Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend.

Happy International Women’s Day!
03/08/2023

Happy International Women’s Day!

This years theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories”. This is a perfect theme as we make it a habit to celebrate o...
03/04/2023

This years theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories”.

This is a perfect theme as we make it a habit to celebrate our community members and the amazing stories they have that contribute to our collective progress.

02/23/2023

It feels good to have these conversations about helping Chicago Decide as a guest commentator on . We are 5 days away from the election. Have you made your choice for Mayor yet?

02/22/2023

It’s been a pleasure to be a guest commentator for as we prepare for elections on February 28th. Take a quick listen to this conversation we had about the race for Mayor.

We are less than a week away from Election Day, “Who are you voting for?” I’ll be back on again this week so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

There’s nothing as powerful as your ability to believe in yourself!
02/16/2023

There’s nothing as powerful as your ability to believe in yourself!

Some photos at the ground breaking of Regal Mile Studios! This development is so exciting for our south side communities...
02/09/2023

Some photos at the ground breaking of Regal Mile Studios! This development is so exciting for our south side communities.

This ground breaking was so important to me and the hard work I’ve been putting into this corridor for the last 24 years...
02/09/2023

This ground breaking was so important to me and the hard work I’ve been putting into this corridor for the last 24 years. I’m so excited to see the development of Regal Mile Studios! This $100 Million dollar film studio will be the “Hollywood of the Midwest” and bring so much positive foot traffic to our south side communities.

The 222,000-square-foot Regal Mile Studios is projected to open next year on a 7-acre parcel at South Chicago Avenue, Stony Island and 77th Street. The studio will have five soundstages, a gym, cafeteria and recreation space.

Do you know of an 5th Ward Resident or former resident who should be honored for their contributions during Black Histor...
02/01/2023

Do you know of an 5th Ward Resident or former resident who should be honored for their contributions during Black History Month? Send us their name and info so that we can shine a light on our community throughout the month of February and beyond!

Today we remember the man, the dream, and the contributions of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. We thank you Dr. King! ...
01/16/2023

Today we remember the man, the dream, and the contributions of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. We thank you Dr. King!

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