Alderman Samantha Nugent was elected to serve the 39th Ward in April of 2019.  Since her time in office, she has become a proven champion for education, public safety, infrastructure investments, the environment, and attracting businesses to the ward. 

From playground updates and public art installations to large-scale expansion projects, Alderman Nugent has led over $40 million in investments towards neighborhood schools. She has secured more officers in the 16th and 17th Police Districts, as well as advocated for additional intelligence resources to address public safety issues. In the past three years, she has simplified the zoning and development process for businesses while still prioritizing community input. Alderman Nugent works closely with the 39th Ward Chambers of Commerce to find new funding sources and keep our businesses open and thriving. Alderman Nugent’s proactive approach centers on consensus and results. She upholds strong communications with all the city partners to ensure the city is working for and with her constituents.

As Vice Chairman of the Environment Protection and Energy Committee, she has written legislation to reduce single-use plastic use by restaurants and worked to protect the 155-acre North Park Village campus through a conservation easement.

Alderman Nugent’s professional career includes service to the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the British Consulate. 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and her Juris Doctor from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Alderman Nugent resides in the Sauganash community with her husband Rory and their three children. She is an avid runner, enjoys reading and learning about design, and is working on her green thumb.