By: Ashmar Mandou

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has named Anna Valencia, 31, as new City Clerk to replace Susana Mendoza who was sworn in as Illinois Comptroller earlier this month.

“Anna has proven herself as the next generation of leadership. For parents of immigrants, in Chicago and around the country, Anna is proof the struggle and sacrifice is worth it,” said Mayor Emanuel. “She brings an energy, a focus, and a sense of passion for public service to the City Clerk’s office, and I know she will serve the people of Chicago well.”

Valencia is currently the Mayor’s Director of Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs, a key office that serves as liaison with elected officials, government agencies and community organizations at the local, state, and federal levels. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to serve the residents of the City of Chicago, and I want to thank the Mayor for again placing his trust in me,” said Valencia. “I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Emanuel and his administration to simplify Chicagoans’ interactions with city government and build on the commonsense reforms that Comptroller Mendoza began. Just as importantly, I look forward to launching the Municipal ID program as a national model for helping vulnerable populations access City services and programs.”

Valencia began her career with the City of Chicago as an Assistant to Mayor Emanuel as a part of the Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs team. Since then, Valencia has built an impressive career as a seasoned Illinois political professional, serving as Campaign Manager for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s re-election campaign, Senior Advisor for Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election campaign, Deputy Director of the Illinois Senate Democratic Victory Fund, a Communications Staffer for State Senate President John Cullerton, and Field Director for both Mike Quigley for Congress (IL-05) and Gary Peters for Congress (MI-09).

Valencia will be responsible for overseeing the sale of City Vehicle Stickers and Residential Zone Parking Permits; collecting, docketing, and securely storing City records; and administering the City’s KIDS ID, Medical ID and Dog Registration programs. The office will also administer the Mayor’s municipal ID program, a significant and concrete demonstration of the City’s commitment to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to critical City services. The Chicago Municipal ID will be available to all City residents – regardless of immigration status – so that they have easier access to City services, cultural institutions, programs and other benefits. In addition to undocumented immigrants, the Municipal ID will also help expand City services to homeless Chicagoans, youth, formerly incarcerated and those who have problems obtaining a state ID.

Valencia’s appointment is subject to City Council approval and she will begin in an interim capacity immediately, according to the City’s Press Office.