George Cardenas
PO Box 891125 Chicago, IL 60608
Committees:
Countywide Selection, Finance, Judicial Retention, Policy, Rules, Statewide Selection
Biography:
George Cardenas is currently in his fifth term as Alderman of the 12th Ward, which consists of portions of Little Village, Brighton Park, and McKinley Park. Alderman Cardenas is the Chairman of the Chicago City Council Environmental Protection and Energy Committee. As Alderman, George Cardenas is committed to improving the quality of life for every resident of the 12th Ward. His top priorities include increasing educational opportunities for children, reducing crime, bringing real economic development and job opportunities into the 12th Ward, and providing the highest level of city services possible. As a young child, Cardenas and his family came to Chicago in search of the American Dream after emigrating from Durango, Mexico. After graduating from Lane Technical High School in 1984, Cardenas joined the United States Navy to help pay for his education. After earning an honorable discharge, George successfully earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern Illinois University. Before joining government, Cardenas accumulated over a decade of experience working for Fortune 500 companies. Alderman George Cardenas, who was raised in Little Village and lived there for over 25 years, currently resides in McKinley Park where he is proud to raise his three young daughters.