Alderman, City of Chicago

 

Roderick T. Sawyer was born, raised, and continues to reside in the Park Manor neighborhood on Chicago's Southside. Sawyer is the son of former Mayor of Chicago Eugene Sawyer and Celeste Sawyer Taylor.  Sawyer is married to Cheryll Sawyer and has two adult children, Sydni and Roderick Jr.  Sawyer bleeds Chicago, and graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep, DePaul University, and Chicago-Kent College of Law. Sawyer's love and passion for Chicago led him to serve as Alderman for Chicago's 6th Ward in 2011, and announced his candidacy for Mayor in the next municipal election held on February 28, 2023.

 

Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Sawyer's parents ensured he understood the importance of helping others, maintaining a strong work ethic, building solid neighborhoods, and functioning as one community for the greater public good. Mirroring his father, Roderick started his work in public service at a young age. Since joining the 6th Ward Young Democrats as a child, Alderman Sawyer has worked to fulfill his passion for public service.

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Sawyer, who is the former Chairman of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus and former Co-Chairman of the Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus was re-elected in April 2019 and currently presides as Chairman of the City Council Health and Human Relations Committee. Sawyer is an active member of the City Council Committees on Budget and Government Operations, Committees on Rules, Contract Oversight and Equity, Economic, Capital and Technology Development, Finance, License, and Consumer Protection, Public Safety, Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards. Sawyer prides himself on being independent and working for what is in the
the best interest of his city.

 

Sawyer has become a force in City Council fighting for issues important to his community and African Americans specifically. From introducing ordinances to raise the minimum wage, revamping police oversight, and passing the Privatization Transparency and Accountability act to protect Chicago residents from future parking meter deals, Sawyer has advanced practical solutions to challenges facing the city. Sawyer focuses on consensus building and building coalitions with the other caucuses. As Alderman, Sawyer fought in support of those seeking a living wage, participated in numerous positive loitering events, offered free space to community organizations and employers, provided clothes for the homeless, and consistently volunteered with the Chicago Food Depository, to name a few.

 

Sawyer is committed to defending the city and community that he has lived in his entire life. His focus on local development helped users in Thrive zones and investments from the Neighborhood Investment Fund that help revitalize the local business districts. He has provided leadership with the Greater Chatham Initiative, and brought the City's Fleet and Facilities Management facility and a new state-of-the-art high school to Englewood.