Education
Burns attended the University of Chicago where he received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts
Burns attended the University of Chicago where he received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts
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. Degrees. 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.
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.
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. Burns served as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
Rules and Ethics
Finance
Housing and Real Estate
Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
Transportation and Public Way
Workforce Development and Audit
Burns has one daughter, Athena.
Illinois House of Representatives - 26th District
Alderman, 4th Ward.
A member of the Democratic Party, Burns represented the 26th District in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2008 through 2011.