Daniel Solis

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Daniel "Danny" Solis, a lifelong resident of the ward he serves, is alderman of the 25th ward which includes the Lower West Side in Chicago. He was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1996.

[edit] Public service

Danny Solis began his career as a school teacher. He was the founder and Executive Director of the Latino Youth Alternative High School as well as the Executive Director of the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council. Later, he was co-founder and Executive Director of the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) where he led a successful campaign within the Latino community to support the 1986 legislation that allowed undocumented immigrants to seek amnesty as United States residents.

Solis also led grassroots reform for the Chicago Public Schools by helping organize a campaign to enlist parents and community members to run in the first Local School Council elections.

[edit] Aldermanic career

Solis was appointed alderman in 1996 by Mayor Daley.

As alderman, Solis has focused on job creation and physical improvements in the 25th ward. A few examples of physical improvement in the 25th Ward, or Lower West Side, are an expanded Mexican Fine Arts Museum, the Ping Tong Park, an improved and award winning rehabilitation of the Archer Court Senior housing development, and continued infrastructure improvements throughout the ward. Solis also encouraged and negotiated with the International Produce Market and American Linen Company to stay and/or locate in the 25th Wards Planned Manufacturing District (PMD) which has brought and continues to bring jobs and capital to the community.

Throughout his career as alderman, Solis has been an ally of Mayor Daley and in 2001 was appointed President Pro Tempore of the City Council, allowing him to oversee council proceedings in the mayor’s absence.

Solis serves on seven committees: Budget and Government Operations; Committees, Rules and Ethics; Finance; Education; Health; Human Relations; and Police and Fire.