Doran Welcomes Growing Consensus on City Charter, Notes His Years of Leadership on the Issue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL, Monday, July 13, 2026 — Dennis (DJ) Doran today welcomed newfound attention to the issue of a city charter for Chicago, following a Substack article on the topic from Congressman Mike Quigley. Doran has championed this cause for years, founding the nonprofit Chicago Deserves Better specifically to lobby local government for meaningful reform.
"I'm glad more voices are joining the call for a city charter," Doran said. "This isn't a new fight for me — it's one I've been leading for years, through Chicago Deserves Better and in direct conversations with local officials. The more people who recognize the urgency of this issue, the better off our city governance will be."
Doran founded Chicago Deserves Better to garner support for a city charter: a constitution-style structure that delineates power and authority within the the City of Chicago.
Since then, Doran has gathered over 38,000 signatures in support of a ballot referendum to establish a city charter commission. And in collaboration with Alderman Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward, Chicago Deserves Better secured 24 aldermanic cosponsors to raise the issue with the full City Council.
While Doran welcomes Quigley’s recent statements on the issue, he noted the importance of sustained, consistent advocacy over time. "Talking about a city charter is a good start," Doran said. "But real change comes from years of steady work, building coalitions, and staying engaged with local government.”
Doran recently stepped aside as head of Chicago Deserves Better to focus on his run for Alderman of the 44th Ward. His campaign remains committed to advancing the city charter initiative, and he will continue working with community members and local officials to advance this goal.
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About DJ Doran
Dennis (DJ) Doran is an entrepreneur, an Air Force veteran, a pilot, and a community advocate who has a demonstrated ability to build businesses and relationships across Chicago. He is formerly the executive director of the nonprofit Chicago Deserves Better, which works to establish a commission to develop a City Charter, a local constitution to guide Chicago’s future.
Doran’s campaign for 44th Ward Alderman focuses on restoring responsive neighborhood leadership, with an emphasis on improving public safety and public transit, strengthening accountability at City Hall, and supporting responsible economic development throughout the Ward.
CONTACT:
Tom Ciavarella
(312) 539-1377