LOGAN SQUARE — A familiar face in the neighborhood has officially become the youngest member of Chicago’s City Council.
Anthony Quezada, a 29-year-old Logan Square native and longtime community organizer, was appointed as the new 35th Ward alderperson in April, succeeding Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. That makes Quezada not only the youngest sitting alderman in Chicago, but also one of the youngest ever to hold the position in city history.
“Young people need to see themselves in government,” Quezada said. “It’s been very rewarding, and I have the energy for it.”
Logan Square Roots Power His Perspective
Quezada, who grew up picnicking at the Logan Square Monument and seeing shows at the Congress Theater, says his appointment feels like a full-circle moment. His working-class background—his father a chef, his mother a waitress—shaped his values and keeps him grounded as he steps into this influential role.
He and his partner recently moved back to Logan Square from Avondale. He’s the youngest of three siblings and proud “cat dad” to Pico and Peggy.
Prioritizing Safer Streets, Better Transit, And Community Business Support
As alderman, Quezada is focused on tangible neighborhood improvements:
- Traffic safety improvements around schools, parks, and transit centers through proposed bump-outs, bike lanes, and signal upgrades
- ADA-accessible upgrades to the Logan Square library’s reading garden
- Support for local businesses impacted by infrastructure construction, including visibility campaigns and support days on Milwaukee Avenue
“There’s decreased economic confidence … so we’re doing everything we can to make sure construction doesn’t add to that,” Quezada said.
Affordable Housing, Tenant Rights, And Zoning Reform
Quezada is pushing forward a long-in-the-works affordable housing development that would add 96 apartments to the former Logan Square Blue Line terminal, home to City Lit Books. A public meeting on the proposal is expected soon.
He also supports the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, which would protect renters from lease terminations without explanation and require relocation assistance in some cases.
“My plan is to make sure everyone—tenants, homeowners, and businesses—know they have a responsive, transparent office here to support them.”
A Voice For Young People, Immigrants, And Civic Engagement
Drawing on his own early organizing experiences as a CPS student (Goethe Elementary, Lane Tech), Quezada plans to launch a youth committee to engage teens in leadership and local government.
He has also been on the front lines of immigrant rights, supporting families facing deportation. Just this week, he said he was pushed to the ground by ICE agents during a protest at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office in South Loop.
“Being the youngest council member is another extension of representative democracy,” he said.
An Experienced Organizer With Deep Local Ties
Before his appointment, Quezada served as:
- 8th District Cook County Commissioner, where he was the youngest and first openly gay Latino elected
- Constituent services director for former Ald. Ramirez-Rosa
- Democratic committeeman of the 35th Ward
As alderman, he’s continued calling constituents directly, ensuring follow-up on service requests and infrastructure concerns.
Have you interacted with Ald. Quezada or shared input on housing, transit, or business support in the 35th Ward? Drop your thoughts in the comments — how should young leadership shape Logan Square’s future?
