Pulling this ward's data…
Pulling this ward's data…
✦ Ward 18
Ashburn · Auburn Gresham · West Lawn
Alderman since 2015
Ward 18 sits on Chicago's south and southwest sides, encompassing parts of neighborhoods including Ashburn, a community area covering nearly five square miles [1], Auburn Gresham, originally home to the South Side Irish Parade before it moved to neighboring Beverly [2], and West Lawn, known for its shifting mix of residents and racial diversity over time [3].
Building permits in the ward totaled 75 in September 2026, with 650 issued over the last 12 months, ranking 16th of 50 wards and up 31.6% compared to a year ago. Data on crime incidents, construction cost, 311 requests, and business licenses were not available for this ward.
On council votes, Alderperson Derrick G. Curtis, representing the Ward 18 office [8], voted with the Mayor on 2 of 5 Top-5 items, or 40%, compared with a council average of 45% on those same items.
Written by Claude from the sources below · generated October 20, 2026
Monthly since March 2020. Months before May 2023 use the previous ward boundaries.
Permits the Department of Buildings issued, counted by issue date — new construction, renovations, demolitions, electrical, and more. One project can hold several permits.
| Metric | Latest month | Last 12 months | Per 1,000 residents | Rank of 50 | vs a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crime incidents | 300 (Sep 2026) | 3,503 | 59.9 | 30th of 50 | +6.0% |
| Building permits | 75 (Sep 2026) | 650 | 11.1 | 16th of 50 | +31.6% |
| Construction cost | $4.9M (Sep 2026) | $30.8M | $527 per resident | 41st of 50 | +205.2% |
| 311 requests | 1,854 (Sep 2026) | 23,203 | 397.0 | 13th of 50 | +6.7% |
| Business licenses | 22 (Sep 2026) | 350 | 6.0 | 44th of 50 | -47.6% |
Council average on the Top 5 since inauguration: 45%
| Date | Item | Vote | Mayor | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2024 | Levy of real estate taxes for Fiscal Year 2025City Council | Nay | Against | Failed0–50 |
| Sep 18, 2024 | Superintendent of Police directed to enter into and execute new contract or contract extension or renewal for acoustic gunshot detection technology servicesCity Council | Yea | Against | Passed33–14 |
| Apr 1, 2024 | Amendment of 2023-2027 Rules of Order and Procedure by removal of Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez as Chair of Committee on Housing and Real EstateCity Council | Nay | With | Failed16–29 |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Adoption of arbitration option in certain police disciplinary casesCity Council | Yea | Against | Failed18–32 |
| Nov 7, 2023 | Submission of public question by referendum to Chicago voters for increase in Chicago real estate transfer tax ratesCity Council | Yea | With | Passed32–17 |
Ashburn, one of Chicago's 77 community areas, is located on the south side of the city. Greater Ashburn covers nearly five square miles. Wikipedia [1]
Auburn Gresham is a community area in Chicago, Illinois, on the far south side of the city. It was the original location of the South Side Irish Parade before it relocated to the adjoining Beverly neighborhood to the southwest. Wikipedia [2]
West Lawn, one of Chicago's 77 official community areas, is located on the southwest side of the city. It is considered to be a "melting pot" of sorts, due to its constant change of races moving in and out of the area, as well as the diversity that exists there. Wikipedia [3]
Derrick G. Curtis
Alderman since 2015
Ward18@cityofchicago.org
(773) 284-5057