Helen Shiller

Helen Shiller (born 1947) is a former member of the Chicago City Council, where she represented the 46th ward for six four-year terms, from 1987 to 2011. Shiller leveraged a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin Madison, a Master's degree in public policy from DePaul University, and professional experience as an offset printer, into a career in community organizing and politics. Shiller was elected to the City Council, on her third attempt, as Harold Washington, Chicago's first black Mayor, was re-elected to his second term, and her election as alderman helped close the Council Wars era in Chicago government. Shiller has been described as "committed to liberal causes" appropriate for the lakefront district she represents. Among her most significant impacts on Chicago were her advocacy for diverse, inclusive, affordable housing and helping craft Chicago's response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Her commitment to fostering community development without displacement often brought Shiller into contention with some constituencies, real estate developers, and editorial boards. Shiller's oral history was collected by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Uptown resident, the late Studs Terkel, in his 2003 book, Hope Dies Last.