Ald. Matt Martin
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Exit interview with former 47th Ward COS Josh Mark: For bike and bus upgrades to be successful, “they need to be thorough and complete.”
Recently, Josh Mark stepped down as chief of staff for the 47th Ward, represented by Ald. Matt Martin. The North Side district contains parts of North Center, Lincoln Square, Uptown, and Lakeview, and Martin is one of Chicago's most sustainable transportation-friendly City Council members. Many walking, biking, transit, and equitable TOD projects have happened in the ward since he took office in May 2019. Especially in recent years when Mark served as COS, he's been a key lieutenant to the alder who helped get those things done.
March 19, 2026
Ald. Matt Martin offers some chicken soup for the embattled Complete Streets-friendly alderperson’s soul
There was backlash when CDOT proposed parking conversions for protected lanes on Clark in Uptown. But the end product offers reason for optimism in Brighton Park.
March 12, 2026
Archer Guardians anti-Safe Streets protesters turned today’s Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee meeting into a campaign stop
As you might expect thanks to yesterday's gorgeous weather, the vibe was good at the 13th round of weekly dueling rallies for and against the Archer Avenue traffic safety project rallies in Brighton Park in the 12th Ward. Or at least that was the case according to proponent Alfredo Villadares Jr., who's lived just south of the project area in Gage Park for 37 years.
March 10, 2026
Partying like it’s 2026: Officials and dozens of advocates celebrated next year’s rosier transit picture, talked BRT, over pints at Beguile Brewery
In a recent post, SBC contributor Richard Day argued that it's time to move past rejoicing in the passage of the robust transit reform and funding bill that will save local bus and train service, and start getting to work on optimizing the win. "This is the last, best chance we have to deliver the sort of transformative transit system the region deserves," he noted. "We can’t afford to waste it."
November 11, 2025
Advocates and alders agree: A pilot to keep right-of-way clear with Rapid Response Parking Enforcement Aides instead of cops is a great idea
The program, sponsored by Ald. Matt Martin (47th), and researched by Police District Council members, could start as early as this winter.
September 3, 2025
Little-used parking lot will host fun activities this Sunday at 47th Ward’s monthly Berenice Bash, a possible preview of permanent open space
There's a thunderstorm in Chicago as I type this, but this Sunday, June 22, will be sunny and clear, great conditions for turning parking space into people space. That's what happening at the first of three monthly Berenice Bash pop-up events this summer, taking place from noon to 4 p.m.at a City-owned parking lot at the northwest corner of Berenice (3830 N.) and Lincoln avenues in North Center.
June 18, 2025
NIMBYs target Ashland extension, and advocates discuss CTA’s 5 Better Streets for Buses corridors and Bus Vision Project.
Will Ashland opponents try to kill the plan at Wednesday's Transportation committee meeting? And ATA and CTAction respond to the transit agency's bus network plans.
July 8, 2024
Aside from a few naysayers, most commenters at the 9 Ashland bus route extension meeting said they’re thrilled with the plan
The CTA provided details on why this particular route was chosen, how it will operate, and how many car parking spots will be converted to bus stops.
June 7, 2024
Miracle on Ashland Avenue: Despite past pushback from neighbors, bus line will be extended north to Ravenswood Metra
The route will run for about a mile north of Irving, opening up new commuting options and making it easier to access more jobs and businesses.
May 27, 2024
Western Avenue alders revived Chicago’s BRT dream. How can we stop NIMBYs from killing it again?
We've been down this road before. But the chief of staff for Ald. Matt Martin (47th), a leader of the new campaign, says times have changed since the Ashland BRT proposal was shelved.
May 23, 2024
