Michelle Harris currently serves as 8th Ward Alderman and Chairman of the Rules and Ethics Committee for Chicago City Council.  As Chairman of the Rules Committee, Ald. Harris is responsible for the procedures of the Council and its committees and committee assignments.

 

During her tenure as Alderman, Michelle has focused her efforts on promoting economic development, protecting seniors and children and the advancement of women issues. Over the past four years she has overseen the construction of a new Senior Residence, in addition to a 

$110 million new High School in her Ward. Her commitment to quality education is exemplified in her establishing an Education Task Force in the 8th Ward.  As a sign of her ability to build coalitions, Michelle extended the task force to include residents of the 7th Ward by working with their alderman.      

 

Michelle’s history of public service began prior to her joining the City Council. The late Cook County Board President John Stroger appointed her as the Secretary to the Cook County Board of Commissioners. In this position, she was responsible for record keeping for all 17 Cook County Commissioners.

 

As Clerk of the Circuit Court, Michelle will focus on improving records 

management, providing more user friendly technology and ensuring quality customer service.  As the second largest Circuit Court System in the nation, Michelle knows the value and vital importance of having an efficient Clerk’s office. Her professional experience will allow her to 

become an immediate asset to this role. Her prior experiences serving as Chief of Staff under former Alderman Lorraine Dixon and four years as 8th Ward Streets and Sanitation Superintendent is representative of her commitment to being a part of improving government systems and communities. 

 

Michelle has been a member of the 8th Ward Democratic Organization for more than 40 years. In addition to serving as Alderman, she is 8th Ward Democratic Committeeman and 1st Congressional District Democratic State Central Committeewoman.  

 

She and her family are members of Christ Temple Cathedral Church.