Written by John Bartlett, Former Executive Director of Metropolitan Tenant Organization
It is difficult to imagine MTO without Herb Ziegeldorf.
A longtime supporter, dedicated board member, and unwavering advocate, Herb passed away on Christmas, leaving behind a legacy woven deeply into the fabric of our organization.
When we say Herb was always there for MTO, we truly mean it. He stood with us from the very beginning, when the Tenant Bill of Rights was still only an idea.
I first met Herb during his work as an accessibility advocate with HUD, and even then, his commitment to equity and inclusion was unmistakable.
Thanks to his leadership, accessibility became a core pillar of MTO’s mission. He played a key role in expanding our mission statement to include the right to safe, decent, and accessible housing, and he pushed us to champion the addition of Source of Income protections to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance.
As a board member, Herb’s impact was felt in countless ways—many of them quiet, unglamorous, and absolutely essential. He helped guide MTO through two office moves, ensuring each space remained accessible to all. He took on the tasks that few others volunteered for: revising bylaws, serving as treasurer, overseeing audits and budgets.
As our parliamentarian, he kept us grounded in democratic decision-making and reminded us of the values we stand for.
Even after term limits required him to step down from the board, Herb never stepped away from MTO. He continued to check in regularly, offering support, encouragement, and a willingness to help however he could.
Herb’s presence, leadership, and kindness shaped MTO in profound ways. We will miss him deeply, and we honor the legacy he leaves behind.