Alderman Will Burns resigns, will work for Airbnb

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Alderman Will Burns is resigning from Chicago City Council to take up a leadership position at Airbnb, a hospitality company that allows people to rent out their homes to travelers.

Airbnb named Burns the new Director of Midwest Policy and Senior Advisor. Officials said he will help middle-class families make their homes available to visitors and build the company's relationship with small business owners, civic leaders and community organizations in the Midwest.

The alderman is currently in his fourth term serving the city's 4th Ward, which comprises the Bronzeville, Kenwood and Hyde Park neighborhoods. Airbnb said Burns will step down on March 1.

In a statement Monday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel congratulated Burns on starting a new chapter in his life.

The mayor said Burns has "spent the last five years advocating for better public schools, attracting new business and improving the economy in the 4th Ward. He has also helped to increase transparency, efficiency and accountability in city government." Emanuel wished him "the best of luck."

As of early Monday morning, Burns had not posted a statement to his ward's website, nor had he made any public statement about his resignation.

Emanuel said he will use an open and transparent process to select a replacement for Burns. The mayor's office said any resident of the ward may apply and a commission of local leaders will select the finalists.