Alderwoman Ruth Cruz

Ruth Cruz has served as Alderwoman of the 30th Ward since May 2023, proudly representing portions of the Belmont Cragin, Portage Park, Dunning, Avondale, and Irving Park communities.

Born in Mexico and raised on the northwest side of Chicago from the age of seven, she is deeply rooted in the city that welcomed her. She is also a proud mother, a role that continues to shape her commitment to building safer, stronger communities for the next generation. A proud graduate of Carl Schurz High School, she later attended Roosevelt University, earning both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in management.

Prior to her election, Alderwoman Cruz served as a director of college admissions at Robert Morris University and Roosevelt University, where she focused on coaching and developing talent, helping individuals grow into leadership roles and achieve their professional goals. She was also actively engaged in public service through her volunteer work with the 30th Ward Office, the County Restorative Justice Court in Avondale, and the Local School Council at Foreman College and Career Academy.

Known for her disciplined, goal-driven leadership and ability to perform effectively under pressure, Alderwoman Cruz approaches her work with focus and determination.

Her work on the City Council is guided by a steadfast commitment to working families, public safety, economic development, youth programs, affordable housing, and good government. She strives to ensure that city services are responsive and effective for all residents, foster a sense of security and care throughout the community, and lead with a fearless dedication to progress. Most recently, Alderwoman Cruz successfully passed a resolution through the City Council calling on Congress to adopt Medicare for All and is leading efforts to improve conditions at the Department of Animal Care and Control.

In addition, Alderwoman Cruz is a strong advocate for street safety and infrastructure improvements that protect all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, reflecting her broader commitment to safer streets and accessible transportation. She has also brought grassroots democracy to the 30th Ward, creating a community-driven zoning and development review process as well as an annual participatory budget that ensures ward residents decide how to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for infrastructure and public space projects every year.

Alderwoman Cruz lives in Belmont Cragin with her husband, two children, and one very spoiled dog.

 

City Council Committee Assignments​​​​  ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​ 

• Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (Vice Chair)

• Economic, Capital and Technology Development

• Environmental Protection and Energy

• Health and Human Relations

• Immigrant and Refugee Rights

• Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation

• Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards

 

Affiliations

• Latino Caucus (Vice Chair)

• Progressive Caucus

• Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Leadership Academy