William D. Burns

William D. Burns (born August 22, 1973 in Cleveland, Ohio) is a former member of the Chicago City Council representing Chicago's 4th Ward. A member of the Democratic Party, Burns represented the 26th District in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2008 through 2011. After winning election as an alderman on February 22, 2011, he stepped down from his role as a state legislator. In February 2016, Alderman Burns announced his resignation from the Chicago City Council to take a job with Airbnb.

Background

Burns attended the University of Chicago where he received both his B.A. and M.A. degrees.

He is a former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Emil Jones, the Illinois Senate President, and a former Vice President of Program and Field Offices for the Chicago Urban League. Burns has also served as an Education and Tax Policy Manager for the Metropolitan Planning Council, a community outreach coordinator for State Senator Barack Obama and the Deputy Campaign Manager for Obama for Congress 2000.

Illinois State Representative

In 2008 Burns challenged incumbent State Representative Elga Jeffries, and defeated her in the Democratic Primary on “Super Tuesday.” He went on to defeat perennial candidate Sylvester “Junebug” Hendricks in the general election. As a State Representative, Burns has served on committees addressing education, health care, and government reform. Burns also sponsored the first green jobs program in the United States which was specifically targeted at low-income urban areas. The Urban Weatherization Jobs Initiative employs inner-city residents in the weatherization of homes and other buildings on the South Side of Chicago. Burns also has been a vocal supporter of reform to Illinois’ campaign finance laws, strengthening gun control, and property tax reform.

Campaign for Alderman of Chicago's Fourth Ward

In November 2010, long-time Alderman Toni Preckwinkle was elected Cook County Board President. Community leader Shirley Newsome was appointed by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to serve out the remainder of Preckwinkle’s term, but did not seek a full term. With Preckwinkle’s support, Burns entered the race for Alderman in the February 22nd first round of the municipal election, preferring not to seek the temporary appointment for the remainder of Preckwinkle’s term. Will Burns faced five Democratic or independent opponents, and Lori Yokoyama, who was endorsed by the Chicago GOP and Chicago Young Republicans. Burns won the race with 64.6% of the vote in the February 22nd election. Burns served as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

Aldermanic Committees

Rules and Ethics

Finance

Housing and Real Estate

Pedestrian and Traffic Safety

Transportation and Public Way

Workforce Development and Audit

Family

Burns has one daughter, Athena.

Electoral History

Illinois House of Representatives - 26th District

Alderman, 4th Ward