Named after the founder of North Branch Works, the Donna Ducharme Award is for an individual who has provided outstanding leadership to the North Branch Community.

This year, NBW awarded it to former Vice Mayor, 27th Ward Alderman, and Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards Walter Burnett, Jr.

At the time of his retirement earlier this year, former Ald. Burnett was the longest serving city council person. His ward stretched from the Near North Side to Goose Island to Fulton Market and the Kinzie Industrial Corridor to East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park.

Former Ald. Burnett (27th Ward) accepting the Donna Ducharme Leadership Award

He oversaw some of the most pivotal transformations in Chicago such bringing tech companies into Fulton Market helping to make it a bustling hub of activity.

The density bonuses in his ward alone provide much of the funding for the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund which continues to impact wards in need of investment through the city.

His ward was selected for the Bally’s Casino, the development of the United Center, and also saw the private development of The Salt Shed among many other projects.

He also supported industrial and manufacturing as well. During the North Branch Framework Plan, he retained critical industrial services and ensured they continue to thrive.

NBW further recognizes his commitment to affordable housing as he championed increasing the percentage of required affordable units in developments.

We note his steadfast commitment to job creation and specifically for jobs for the people in the 27th Ward. You did not do a project in his ward without a commitment to hiring from his community.

Lastly, NBW recognizes him a consensus builder working to bring projects that align with community needs. He reached out to us on countless occasions to discuss various proposals to make sure they aligned with community needs.

In this era of scorched earth politics, he was and still is a consensus builder who brings people together.

Former Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (center) with Nestor Hurtado (left) and Laura Villegas (right) of Brothers Restaurant, NBW's Small Business of the Year Award winner