Ward 7 · Gregory I. Mitchell

About Ward 7

Ward 7 spans a mix of South Side community areas, including South Deering, South Chicago, and South Shore. South Deering is the largest of Chicago's 77 official community areas, with about 80% of its land zoned as industrial, natural wetlands, or parks, and a small residential section in its northeast corner [1]. South Chicago, formerly known as Ainsworth, is also one of the city's 77 community areas [2], as is South Shore, which sits along the city's southern lakefront [3].

In September 2026, the ward recorded 561 crime incidents, bringing the 12-month total to 6,718, a rank of 13th of 50 citywide and a decrease of 8.5% from a year earlier [4]. Building permits totaled 55 in September 2026, with 524 issued over the past 12 months, ranking 27th of 50 and down 3.5% year over year [5]. Construction cost reached $19.6M in September 2026, with a 12-month total of $35.1M, ranking 39th of 50 but up 447.2% compared to a year ago [5]. 311 requests numbered 1,887 in September 2026, totaling 21,466 over the last 12 months, ranking 23rd of 50 and down 1.7% from the prior year [6]. Business licenses stood at 11 in September 2026, with 179 over the past 12 months, ranking last among wards at 50th of 50 and down 50.0% year over year [7].

On council matters, Alderperson Gregory I. Mitchell voted with the Mayor on 2 of 4 Top-5 items, or 50%, with 1 absence recorded. That rate compares to a council-wide average of 45% on the same Top 5 items [8].

Written by Claude from the sources below · generated October 19, 2026