Meet Richard

A man in a blue blazer presenting or gesturing with his hand, smiling, dressed in a white shirt, against a background with a chart or graphic.

Chicago’s Ward 2 (Streeterville, Gold Coast, Old Town, River North, Lincoln Park) deserves an alderperson who represents all residents, not just a vocal few. I launched this campaign to catalyze a decade-overdue change in leadership.

While the incumbent has focused on NIMBY-style impediments to development, Ward 2 residents need an advocate to lower the cost of living. As a young professional and renter myself, I understand the challenges facing working families who serve as the backbone of our community, yet struggle to remain long-term. It’s time for us to move forward, before the status-quo moves us out.

Richard’s Plan:

Expand Chicago, Lower the Cost of Living, and Fight the Root Causes of Our Decline

Housing & Development

  • Champion high density developments to increase Ward 2’s housing supply and make housing more affordable

  • Encourage and incentivize developers to build more workforce housing for teachers, trades workers, and healthcare professionals

  • Take on NIMBY coalitions and special interests who impede housing development 

Public Safety & Youth Violence Prevention

  • Implement evidence-based, long-term crime prevention strategies in collaboration with public safety commissioners

  • Create more pathways for at-risk teens to receive mental health care, tutoring, and mentorship 

  • Create safer streets through improved crowd control safety protocols, greater homeless community outreach, and expanded anti-violence initiatives during mass gatherings

  • Restrict CPD’s collaboration with ICE deportation blitzes, and create accountability mechanisms for violations of Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinances

Economic Development & Education

  • Leverage TIF funding for proven job training programs

  • Align policy incentives for businesses to hire and train locally 

  • Expand youth workforce development with clear pipelines for CPS students 

“I’m not part of the political machine or a dynasty—I’m your neighbor, a progressive lawyer, and a renter who chose Streeterville as my home. I believe Chicago is the greatest city in the world, but that status is under threat. It’s time to reverse our decline.”

-Richard Omoniyi-Shoyoola, Candidate for Ward 2 Alderperson