Elgin council directs staff to draft ‘welcoming city’ ordinance after heated debate

Elgin City Council on Dec. 3 directed city staff and corporation counsel to draft a welcoming-city ordinance after a lengthy and at times contentious public discussion that divided council members and residents.

Council members Councilman Anthony Dixon and Councilwoman (first name not specified in the transcript) Alfaro opened the item by describing the ordinance as an umbrella framework meant to codify protections and supportive services for immigrant and other vulnerable populations. Dixon said the measure would build on earlier steps, including an “ICE-free zone” resolution the council previously approved. “This is an opportunity to take a step forward,” Dixon said, introducing the public discussion.

Opponents, led by Council member Ortiz, urged caution and moved to postpone the item indefinitely. Ortiz read constituent messages and argued that Elgin already practices many of the protections an ordinance would formalize — such as not asking immigration status in many city interactions — and warned formalizing the label of a “welcoming” or sanctuary-type ordinance could increase federal scrutiny. “I truly believe that it could cause more harm than good,” Ortiz said, and moved to postpone the item.

Other council members pressed for more community engagement and stakeholder input before a final ordinance. Council member (Goode) and others urged outreach to people not present in the chamber and recommended an iterative approach. Council members Powell and Steffen said policies codified by ordinance provide stability across administrations and therefore have value; Powell specifically called for a supplier-diversity component to be considered as part of the ordinance’s economic elements.

City Manager (unnamed in the transcript) and corporation counsel told the council the work will require analysis across departments, and staff said they could return with draft language for further public review after collecting council direction and examples from other cities. Councilmembers discussed using existing models — Evanston’s ordinance was suggested as a starting point — and agreed on a timeline for staff work to come back in January (staff said second meeting in January was a reasonable target).

With the postponement motion unresolved by procedural votes, the council ultimately approved a separate motion directing staff and corporation counsel to draft an ordinance that reflects the discussion at the Dec. 3 meeting and to engage stakeholders. The motion passed on a roll call and was recorded as approved by the full council. The directive asked staff to include, among other items discussed, a language-access plan, civil-engagement components, and consideration of economic measures such as supplier diversity. Several members emphasized the draft should allow for additional input and be returned to council for final review and vote.

What happens next: staff and corporation counsel will prepare draft ordinance language based on council guidance and examples provided; councilmembers asked that the draft be presented for review in early 2026 with community outreach and options for council amendment before any final vote.

Who said what (selected): Tracy Howell, a public commenter, told the council residents feared “aggressive ICE tactics” and urged city action; Council member Dixon urged a proactive approach to protect residents; Council member Ortiz warned a formal ordinance could increase federal attention on Elgin; Council member Powell urged incorporation of supplier-diversity language.

The council’s direction does not itself change law — it only asks staff to prepare a formal draft ordinance for later consideration and public hearings.