July 31, 2020

Honorable Mayor City of 121 N. LaSalle St., #507 Chicago, IL 60602

Dear Mayor Lightfoot,

On behalf of the Latino Caucus, State Senator Iris Y. Martinez and Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, we demand a response to the lack of Latino representation in your office and appointed City of Chicago Commissioner positions. Today your office continues to fail, in its staffing and appointments, to reflect a city where nearly a third are Latino residents. In doing so, you have neglected to serve one of your largest constituencies.

We have asked you and your office to hire, promote and appoint more of us. But those calls have gone unanswered. Today, only one Commissioner position is represented by a Latino out of nearly 30 total and there are no Latinos serving as Deputy Mayor in the Office of the Mayor. The Latino Caucus has had various conversations, formal and informal, with you about this very issue. The Latino community has not been prioritized in your hiring; therefore, it is imperative to publically shed light on the glaring reality of the lack of Latino representation in City of Chicago leadership.

Mayor Lightfoot, you have failed to address the issues of Latino diversity and parity. This is beyond disappointing, incredibly disheartening and ultimately unacceptable.

The Latino Caucus was established to call for change on behalf of the Latino community. We are speaking up because the system designed to serve Chicago residents, should serve and reflect ALL residents, including Latinos. Before you ask Latino Caucus members to support your proposed annual budget, we respectfully ask you to respond to the following demand. What is your concrete plan to hire more Latinos in City of Chicago leadership positions?

We hope you lead us in the right direction for the City of Chicago to be a role model in diversity and parity. Latinos are not the exception, but rather a crucial voice. We believe The Office of the Mayor and City of Chicago can only be successful if leadership truly reflects the community it purports to serve.

We look forward to meeting with you as soon as possible to discuss your plan.

Sincerely,

Alderman - 25th Ward Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus

CC: st Alderman Daniel LaSpata - 1 W​ ard Alderman Felix Cardona - 31st Ward ​ th Alderman - 10 ​ Ward Alderman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez - 33rd Ward th ​ th Alderman - 12 ​ Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - 35 ​ Ward ​ nd th ​ Alderman Michael Rodriguez - 22 ​ Ward Alderman - 36 ​ Ward ​ ​ Alderman - 33rd Ward City Clerk Anna Valencia Alderman - 40th Ward Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia th Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez - 25 ​ Ward State Senator Iris Martinez th ​ Alderman - 30 ​ Ward ​