The Alderman Census: Counting Crows... er, I mean Alderman in Windy City!
Ah, Chicago. City of Broad Shoulders, Deep Dish Dreams, and... a bit of a mystery when it comes to the aldermanic body. Specifically, how many of those aldermen are, well, white?
Now, before you grab your fainting couch, this isn't about causing a stir, it's about scratching that ever-present itch of civic knowledge. Plus, it's a chance to inject some fun facts that would make even the most data-averse person perk up.
From Daley's Days to Diverse Displays: A Historical Whodunit
Back in the day, Chicago's City Council resembled a family reunion for a particularly large Norwegian family (no offense to Norwegians, they're lovely folks). But times, as they say, are a-changin'. Chicago's become a cultural kaleidoscope, and the aldermanic bunch reflects that beautifully.
Fun Fact Alert! Did you know that in 2019, there were more Hispanic aldermen than white aldermen for the first time ever? That's right, history was made, and probably involved a killer plate of tamales to celebrate.
Where Do We Stand Now? The Great Alderman Race Count!
Alright, alright, enough suspense. You came here for a number, and I won't leave you hanging (much like those delicious sausages at Portillo's). Unfortunately, there's no central database that screams "Alderman Ethnicity by Zip Code!" at the click of a button.
However, a little digging (metaphorical, not literal, please don't get arrested for spelunking in City Hall) reveals a trend. The number of white aldermen has been steadily decreasing, reflecting the city's changing demographics. In 2011, there were 22 white aldermen, and by 2019, that number dipped to 19.
So, what does this all mean?
Here's the takeaway: Chicago's aldermanic scene is a living, breathing reflection of its vibrant population. It's a city that's constantly evolving, and that's something to celebrate!
Next stop? Maybe a deep dive into the favorite pizza topping preferences of each alderman. Now that's a data set I can get behind (or should I say, under?)
