Pulling this ward's data…
Pulling this ward's data…
✦ Ward 40
Lincoln Square · West Ridge
Alderman since 2019
Ward 40 on Chicago's North Side includes Lincoln Square, a community area encompassing the smaller neighborhoods of Ravenswood, Ravenswood Gardens, Bowmanville, and Budlong Woods [1], as well as West Ridge, a historically middle-class neighborhood on the far North Side [2].
Crime incidents in the ward totaled 224 in September 2026, with 2,546 recorded over the last 12 months, ranking 41st of 50 wards and down 13.8% from a year ago [3]. Building permits numbered 39 in September 2026, totaling 512 over the last 12 months, ranking 29th of 50, a decrease of 11.4% from a year ago [4]. Construction cost reached $24.7M in September 2026, with $102.8M over the last 12 months, ranking 20th of 50 and up 12.4% from a year ago. 311 requests totaled 1,653 in September 2026, with 19,824 over the last 12 months, ranking 31st of 50, an increase of 9.2% from a year ago [5]. Business licenses issued came to 32 in September 2026, totaling 403 over the last 12 months, ranking 27th of 50, down 61.0% from a year ago [6].
In the council record, Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. voted with the Mayor on 4 of 5 Top-5 items, or 80%, compared with a council average of 45% [7].
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 | 226 (Sep 2026) | 2,553 | 41.1 | 39th of 50 | -13.4% |
| Building permits | 39 (Sep 2026) | 512 | 8.2 | 30th of 50 | -11.4% |
| Construction cost | $24.7M (Sep 2026) | $102.8M | $1,655 per resident | 21st of 50 | +12.4% |
| 311 requests | 1,653 (Sep 2026) | 19,824 | 319.2 | 31st of 50 | +9.2% |
| Business licenses | 32 (Sep 2026) | 403 | 6.5 | 29th of 50 | -61.0% |
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 | Nay | With | 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 | Nay | With | 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 |
Lincoln Square is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago in Illinois, United States, located on the North Side of Chicago. It encompasses the smaller neighborhoods of Ravenswood, Ravenswood Gardens, Bowmanville, Budlong Woods, as well as Lincoln Square itself. Wikipedia [1]
West Ridge is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago in Illinois, United States. It is historically a middle-class neighborhood located on the far North Side of the City of Chicago. Wikipedia [2]