Logan Square’s newly appointed alderman, Anthony Quezada, brings a unique blend of local roots and youthful energy to the position, at just 29 years old. Having grown up in the area, Quezada’s strong connection to the community drives his commitment to addressing its needs.
In an interview with Block Club, Quezada expressed how rewarding it is to represent the community he grew up in. “I’ve had a great time getting my hands dirty, going to all these different meetings and seeing residents I’m familiar with, and a bunch of new people,” he said.
Before his recent appointment in April, Quezada served as a Cook County commissioner and was recognized as the youngest and first openly gay Latino commissioner on the board. His deep ties to Logan Square and his progressive advocacy background support his agenda as a new council member.
Quezada aims to prioritize transit and pedestrian safety, along with affordable housing and support for local businesses. His plans include collaborating with transportation officials to conduct traffic studies in high-traffic areas, especially around schools and parks, to identify necessary upgrades for safety and accessibility.
One notable project on his agenda is enhancing access to the Logan Square library’s reading garden. Currently, the garden is only accessible via a gate on Fullerton and not through the library itself. Quezada’s office is looking into options for creating an ADA-accessible entrance from inside the library.
“Imagine the ways in which you can incorporate new programming and create more space for people to spread their wings,” he noted regarding the potential benefits of increased accessibility to the garden.
In partnership with the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, Quezada is developing initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses, particularly those affected by construction disruptions. This includes roundtable discussions with business owners and organized small business support days to help increase visibility along Milwaukee Avenue and throughout the ward.
Addressing economic pressures on small businesses, Quezada acknowledged the broader financial challenges faced by residents, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach. “More people are living paycheck to paycheck … there’s decreased economic confidence, so there’s an entire climate that’s contributing to a lot of these different things,” he said. He reassured constituents that the ward office would prioritize stability for local businesses during infrastructural improvements.
Housing is another critical focus for Quezada, who is optimistic about a plan to add 96 affordable apartments to the old Logan Square terminal site, home to City Lit Books. This development proposal has been in the works since 2017, and he hopes to host a community meeting in the coming months to discuss design details.
Believing in tenant rights, Quezada has also been a staunch advocate for the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, which would obligate landlords to provide reasons when not renewing leases, along with relocation assistance in select cases. He plans to strengthen the community zoning process and participatory budgeting initiatives to ensure residents remain engaged in local governance.
On issues of immigration, Quezada has shown a commitment to protecting immigrant families, especially during challenging times under President Donald Trump’s administration. Recently, he shared an experience where he was forcefully handled by ICE agents during a confrontation, highlighting the risks faced by communities of color.
In furthering community engagement, Quezada has announced plans to establish a youth committee aimed at connecting students in the ward with local government and leadership opportunities. Emphasizing the importance of youth representation, he reflected on his own experiences in civic engagement through Chicago Public Schools, noting that he graduated from Goethe Elementary School and Lane Tech High School, institutions that played crucial roles in shaping his activism.
“I try to let people know that I am a very experienced legislator, and community leader, and that if I need help, I’ll ask for help,” Quezada said, showcasing his willingness to collaborate and learn in this new position.
As one of the youngest members in the council’s history, Quezada sees his role as an extension of representation in government, bringing a youthful perspective to a historically adult-dominated space. He expressed satisfaction in being a role model, inspiring more young people to engage with local government.
Quezada’s journey to this point included a significant role as the 35th Ward Democratic committeeman, a position he held prior to becoming the Cook County commissioner. His previous experience as a community organizer with United Neighbors of the 35th Ward allowed him to help constituents navigate city services, oversee infrastructure projects, and advocate for affordable housing.
Upon his appointment, Quezada wasted little time in integrating himself into his new role, personally engaging with constituents during a recent meet-and-greet event to address their concerns directly. “My plan is to make sure that everyone, residents, homeowners, tenants, and business owners alike, know that they have a responsive, transparent, effective ward office that is going to there to support them,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to serving the entire community.
With a clear vision and strong community ties, Alderman Anthony Quezada is poised to make significant contributions to the 35th Ward. As he navigates the complexities of legislative processes and city departments, residents can look forward to an engaged and determined leader advocating for their needs.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/06/chicagos-youngest-alderman-anthony-quezada-hasnt-even-turned-30-yet/
