Pulling this ward's data…
Pulling this ward's data…
✦ Ward 38
Dunning · O'Hare · Portage Park
Alderman since 2011
Ward 38 spans the northwest side of Chicago, encompassing the community areas of Dunning [1], O'Hare [2], and Portage Park [3]. O'Hare includes Chicago O'Hare International Airport within its boundaries [2], while Portage Park borders Jefferson Park and Forest Glen to the north, Dunning and the suburb of Harwood Heights to the west, Irving Park to the east, and Belmont-Cragin to the south [3].
Crime incidents in the ward totaled 186 in September 2026, with 1,987 recorded over the last 12 months, ranking 50th of 50 wards and representing a 10.7% increase versus a year ago [4]. Building permits numbered 50 in September 2026, totaling 401 over the last 12 months, ranking 41st of 50, down 15.3% from a year ago [5]. Construction cost reached $1.8M in September 2026, with $32.4M over the last 12 months, ranking 40th of 50, a decline of 58.2% versus a year ago [5]. There were 1,789 311 requests logged in September 2026, totaling 21,553 over the last 12 months, ranking 21st of 50, down 1.3% from a year ago [6]. Business licenses issued came to 22 in September 2026, with 375 over the last 12 months, ranking 42nd of 50, a decrease of 65.1% compared to a year ago [7].
Alderperson Nicholas Sposato represents Ward 38 [8]. On the Top 5 council items tracked, Sposato voted with the Mayor on 0 of 5, or 0%, compared with a council average of 45%.
Written by Claude from the sources below · generated October 22, 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 | 186 (Sep 2026) | 1,987 | 35.3 | 50th of 50 | +10.7% |
| Building permits | 50 (Sep 2026) | 401 | 7.1 | 40th of 50 | -15.3% |
| Construction cost | $1.8M (Sep 2026) | $32.4M | $576 per resident | 39th of 50 | -58.2% |
| 311 requests | 1,789 (Sep 2026) | 21,553 | 383.3 | 21st of 50 | -1.3% |
| Business licenses | 22 (Sep 2026) | 375 | 6.7 | 41st of 50 | -65.1% |
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 | Yea | Against | 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 | Nay | Against | Passed32–17 |
Dunning is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Wikipedia [1]
O'Hare is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago in Illinois, United States, located on the far north side of Chicago. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located within the boundaries of this community area. Wikipedia [2]
Portage Park is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago in Illinois, United States, located on the northwest side of Chicago. Portage Park is bordered by the community areas of Jefferson Park and Forest Glen to the north, Dunning and the suburb of Harwood Heights to the west, Irving Park to the east and Belmont-Cragin to the south. Wikipedia [3]
Nicholas Sposato
Alderman since 2011
Ward38@cityofchicago.org
(773) 283-3838