City Cast Chicago logo
August 11, 2025

What Does Chicago's City Clerk Even Do?

City Cast Chicago

What Does Chicago's City Clerk Even Do?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Chicago episodes

Whether you realize it or not, the office of the City Clerk is the most visited in the Chicago government. But what does the City Clerk and the office of the clerk do? The answer is a whole lot, including keeping city records, issuing vehicle stickers, and managing dog registrations. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with City Clerk of Chicago Anna Valencia to learn more about the office, discuss the City Key and Mobile City Hall initiatives, and ask about what 8 years as clerk have taught her about Chicago.

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Chicago swag.

Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 

Follow us @citycastchicago

You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 11 episode:

Become a member of City Cast Chicago.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
September 23

Why Are There Sukkahs in North Lawndale? Plus, Chicago’s Queer-Affirming Churches

Contributors Anna DeShawn and Adora Namigadde join us with picks from the Chicago Underground and International Film Festivals. Plus, we...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 22

Are Illinois’ County Jails in Crisis? Plus, Big Changes at MSI

Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting,...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 21

Where Are the Flock Cameras? Plus, Circus on the River

Today we’re talking about the rise of Flock automatic license plate reading cameras on college campuses, including at the University of I...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 18

More Chicagoans Can’t Afford Food. Plus, Fall Storefront Theater

This year, Chicagoans have seen more grocery stores close on the South and West Sides, SNAP benefits stripped from tens of thousands of h...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 17

Who Owns the Word 'Dope'? Plus, Chicago's Divviest Summer Ever

Today we’re talking about a local historian’s fascinating copyright battle, the rise of microcinemas and film clubs, and the ‘Divvyficati...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 16

Who’s Building Guerrilla Bus Benches in Ukrainian Village? Plus, Fall in the Air

A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? Executive pr...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 15

Who’s All Running For Mayor? Plus, Live From Printers Row

Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially announced his campaign for a second term in office. He enters alongside more than a dozen challenger...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 14

City Expands Free Narcan. Plus, Best of Open House Chicago

Chicago’s Department of Public Health has worked diligently in recent years to expand access to free Naloxone/Narcan, the opioid overdose...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 11

Could White Sox Really Leave Bridgeport? Plus, Mexican Independence Celebrations

Over the weekend, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released stadium renderings that confirmed the team is considering a move to the...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
September 10

Big Marsh Celebrates 10 Years. The Oprah Winfrey Show Celebrates 40.

As Big Marsh Park prepares to officially celebrate ten years on the South East side, the park has cut the ribbon on new bike features on...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art