Emma Mitts Explained

Emma Mitts
Office:Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 37th ward
Term Start:January 7, 2000
Predecessor:Percy Giles
Birth Date:12 June 1955
Birth Place:Elaine, Arkansas, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Education:Phillips Community College
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Triton College

Emma Mitts (born June 12, 1955) is alderman of the 37th ward on Chicago's West Side. The predominantly African-American ward includes portions of Austin, West Garfield Park and West Humboldt Park. She has represented the ward since 2000.[1]

Early life

Mitts was born June 12, 1955, in Elaine, Arkansas.[2]

She eventually became a coordinator of special projects for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation[3]

Chicago City Council

Mitts was appointed by Richard M. Daley to the Chicago City Council in January 2000 to replace Percy Giles who had been indicted along with other city officials in Operation Silver Shovel. She has been reelected in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. In 2006, her ward received the first Wal-Mart in Chicago. She was an opponent of the 2006 Chicago Big Box Ordinance.[4]

In the runoff of the 2019 Chicago mayoral election, Mitts endorsed Lori Lightfoot.[5] After the death of Karen Yarbrough, Mitts was appointed state central committeewoman from Illinois's 7th congressional district.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Better Know A Ward: Emma Mitts's 37th. NBC Chicago. 25 July 2012 . 2015-11-25.
  2. http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/about/wards/37/alderman_emma_mitts.html City of Chicago :: Alderman Emma Mitts
  3. News: Meyerson. Charlie. Greenfield. Jimmy. January 7, 2000. Daley Names Emma Mitts To City Council. Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. March 5, 2017.
  4. News: Meet Chicago's City Council. May 20, 2007. Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. March 5, 2017.
  5. Web site: List of Endorsements in the Race for Chicago Mayor . 18 March 2019 . NBC Chicago . April 2, 2019.
  6. Pepin. Gwen. Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez Congratulates New DSCC 7th District Committeewoman Emma Mitts. April 29, 2024. Democratic Party of Illinois. April 29, 2024.