NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.
In this profile, learn all about the 27th ward, which covers parts of East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, the Near West Side, the Illinois Medical District, Greektown, United Center Park and the Near North Side.
Demographic
- Total Population: 52,939
- White: 25.18 percent
- Black: 59.89 percecnt
- Hispanic: 10.10 percent
- Asian: 3.77 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Walter Burnett, Jr.
Ward Committeemen: Jesse White (democratic committeeman) and Jennifer Koerner (republican committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Gabe Beukinga
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse -- economically, racially and geographically. Because this ward traverses many neighborhoods, it is difficult to describe the entire area as one region. The Near North and Near West Sides are gentrified and high-income, while the western portion of the ward is characterized by lower incomes and violence.
Economic Engine: The United Center.
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Bella Vita Pizzeria, Grill on Grand, Kasia's Deli, Wabash Seafood, American Soda Fountain, The Brass Monkey, Cemitas Puebla, Momotaro, The Publican, Fulton Market Kitchen, La Sirena Clandestina, Highrise Baking, Chi-Town Eatery, Jaipur, Nellcote, Girl and the Goat, Athena Greek, Greek Islands, Old Jerusalem and Fudge Pot.
Where People Drink: Bars iclude The Aberdeen Tap, Paramount Room, The Mid Chicago, 8fifty8, Lifebook Louge, Cobra Lounge, Rhine Hall Distillery, Red Kiva, Joe's Bar on Weed Street, Suite Lounge and Matchbox.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Original Greater Garfield Park Baptist Church, River City Community Church, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Divine St. Paul Missionary Baptist, El Shaddai Church -- New Beginnings, Progressive Holy Trinity, Membership Missionary Baptist, Old St. Paul MB Church, Jasperstone Missionary Baptist, Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, Revival Fellowship Church of God, St. Malachy's Church, Precious Blood Church, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, St. John Cantius Church and Holy Trinity Polish Church.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Walter Burnett, Jr. has been alderman of the 27th ward since 1995. In 2007, he ran unopossed. In 2011, he won 71 percent of the vote, defeating Tom Courtney (22 percent) and Gevonna Fassett (7 percent).
Landmark: The United Center
Ward Expert: Earnest Gates, executive director of the Near West Side Community Development Corporation
