In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources
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Dear Neighbors,
As we commemorate Fair Housing Month, I'm pleased to share some exciting updates on the initiatives we've been vigorously working on to support our community's housing needs. After months of organizing, State Representative Lilian Jiménez and I hosted our first Housing Resource Fair yesterday. We successfully provided invaluable resources for prospective homebuyers, homeowners, and tenants alike. Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada provided direct support to over 20 homeowners with exemption filings. I want to thank every panelist, vendor and presenter for making this housing fair a success.
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Mark your calendars. On April 30th, as a representative from the Assessor's office will be available at our office to help homeowners in applying for exemptions. This will be the last day exemptions will be granted. On May 29th, I will be partnering with Commissioner Quezada in hosting a property tax appeal workshop for those in the West Chicago township. This workshop will take place at the Humboldt Park Field House. Stay tuned for more details.
These resources are pivotal in our ongoing efforts to foster housing stability in the 26th Ward. Your feedback and suggestions are instrumental in guiding our initiatives. If there are additional housing resources you believe our office could help facilitate, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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After two long City Council sessions, I am proud to end the week on the approval of two proposals. The first is from the City’s Planning and Housing Departments to issue up to $1.25 billion in bonds to support the construction of commercial and residential development across Chicago. These funds will be funded by the expiration of existing Tax Increment Financing districts (TIFs), which are scheduled to expire, including nearly all of the TIF’s in the 26th Ward. We will now be able to do development faster, particularly with our schools. This coupled with the Cut the Tape initiative will allow for a range of creative and necessary community development ideas to flourish.
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The proposal approval was of the additional $70 million in funding for the migrant mission. I want to share a special thank you to all those who attended the Council meetings to participate in public participation, sharing personal stories of suffering and grit. You humanize the movement more than any data points or dollar amount. Gratitude to bravery and resilience.
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We also celebrated the long anticipated grand opening of Central Park Fresh Market at the intersection of Grand, Central Park & Division. Our communities, especially on the west side, have long struggled with living in a food desert and insufficient access to healthy foods. Although there is still much work to be done to ensure everyone has access to fresh produce, this is a moment to celebrate.
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On Wednesday, my office joined the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for a focus group with business owners and residents in the ward to discuss the economic impact of the North Avenue bike lanes that run from Central Park to California. Business owners who were unable to join us can provide feedback by filling out this survey here. Residents can provide feedback by filling out this survey. If you have any questions regarding the study, you can contact cyclingstudy.cdot@civiltechinc.com with any questions.
I also want to take a moment to commend Alees Edwards, 11th District Councilor and member of the 26th Ward Community Safety Committee, for her outstanding efforts in organizing the "We Are Our Own Medicine" conference last Saturday.
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The event, which brought together various stakeholders in violence prevention, was a testament to our community's resilience and commitment to collaboration. From engaging keynotes to insightful panel discussions and vibrant vendor booths, the conference truly showcased the power of unity in addressing gun violence. As we continue to work together towards a safer and more vibrant community, let's remain steadfast in our efforts to uplift and support one another.
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Lastly, thank you to all the community partners and residents who came out on Saturday to celebrate Earth Day. It was beautiful to witness residents come together and help beautify our community!
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Pop-Up For Peace at Mozart Park
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Please join Alders Fuentes and Ramírez-Rosa & ALSO on Wednesday, April 24th from 3pm-6pm for a pop-up for peace event at Mozart Park.
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Community Meeting: Division Street Improvements
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You are invited to attend a public meeting concerning the Chicago Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) “Complete Street” improvement project on Division Street between Central Park and California. This meeting is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions so that community input is centered in decision-making.
When: Wednesday May 1st, 6-8pm
Where: National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 W Division St.
Click here to RSVP.
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Street Sweeping Started April 1st, and will continue until November
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Your feedback is important to us. My office would like to learn more about your experiences and interactions with city departments. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey regarding your interactions with city departments. Your responses will help us improve our services and identify gaps in service. Complete the survey at:
bit.ly/cityfeedback26.
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Connect with the 26th Ward Office
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Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about local or city issues and they take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings are by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org.
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Apply to be a summer Intern by May 3rd at onesummerchicago.org. Choose Alternative Schools Network as the Agency.
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We are excited to inspire our young people to get involved in government and organize in the community. If you are a youth (12-24 years old) that resides in the 26th Ward and wants to have a say in how we spend infrastructure money and what type of policies I champion, please sign up for our youth council by applying at bit.ly/youth26.
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Connecting Neighborhoods:From Humboldt Park to Hermosa
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Calling cyclists in the ward to please join us on May 18th as we bike ride throughout the city. All levels of biking experience are welcome to join. We will be riding from 9am-2pm.
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ALSO's 29th Annual Walk For Peace
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Join our Youth for Peace walk on Saturday, May 25th at 2pm. All ages are welcomed. If you would like to organize your school, classroom or classmates, reach out to my office at info@the26thward.org.
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Survey of Bike Lanes on North Ave
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The City of Chicago is conducting a study to examine the effects of bike lanes on neighborhood commercial corridors. The goal of the study is to understand whether there are economic impacts of bike lanes, and what these impacts are for businesses and nearby residents.
Complete a public survey today to share your experience on North Ave between Central Park Ave and California Ave.
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The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they are invited to present their zoning request to the 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee and must answer additional questions posed by the committee. When applicable, the person requesting a zoning change may also be required to present their zoning request to the broader public during a community input meeting.
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. You are invited to provide feed back at: the26thward.org/zoning.
- 1941 N. Sawyer Ave
- 4116 W. North Ave
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CCHR's Fair Housing Webinar
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In honor of Fair Housing Month, CCHR is hosting a webinar focused on housing. The Chicago Department of Housing, Legal Aid Chicago, and LUCHA will also be present. Please register for the event by clicking here.
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Community As A Campus will host a Classroom to Table Event on May 4th at Roberto Clemente from 10AM-1PM. This is an opportunity to witness young people apply what they are learning to sustainable food systems. RSVP Here!
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Mark your calendars! Sabin Dual language School just announced their first ever Sabin Block Party from 12PM-4PM. Sabin's Block Party will feature performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, live music, a poetry slam, crafts, games and much more!
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The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture Presents: Primavera
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The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is hosting a poetry showcase and an open mic night on April 25th from 5:30PM - 7:30PM. For more information, please visit their website: https://nmprac.org/
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Zero Landfill Material Giveaway
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Calling all artists, teachers, crafters and more; join Zerolandfill Chicago May 4th, from 10AM-1PM for a free material giveaway. Materials available include design and architectural samples like fabric, tile, laminate, vinyl, rubber, wall covering, glass, wood, binders, and more!
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Are you or someone you or someone you know in need of services that are culturally competent and LGBTQ+ affirming? ALMA can refer you to their direct service partners and other resources available in Chicago and beyond. Referrals include health services, housing, legal services and more!
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Life Impacters:Food Pantry
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LIF (Life Impacters Foundation), operates as a beacon of support and change on the vibrant greater west side of Chicago, nestled within Cook County, Illinois. LIF offers a comprehensive array of multi-social services aimed at uplifting the community.
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Free Home Energy Upgrades
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Each year, the Jumping Jack Program delights children across Chicago. This inflatable playground, provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, is available for FREE and runs from Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, September 1, 2024. Please visit their website here for more information.
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Property Tax Exemptions:Deadline Soon Approaching
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Property tax–saving exemptions applications for the 2023 tax year are now available online. Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a property owner an average of $950 dollars each year. New homeowners, first-time applicants, or those that need to reapply can now do so online at cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions.
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply online so there is a digital record of their application. This allows Assessor staff to easily locate the application, provide a. status update, and notify the homeowner if missing documents are needed.
The deadline is April 29th. If you require assistance, please contact Commissioner Quezada's office at (312) 603-6386 or Commissioner Stamps' office at (312) 603-4566.
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ChiBlockBuilder applications now open.
ChiBlockBuilder is the City of Chicago’s application portal to encourage the purchase and redevelopment of City-owned vacant land in partnership with community stakeholders. Led by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD), ChiBlockBuilder streamlines the purchase of City-owned properties across the South and West Sides and increases transparency about the land sales process.
Visit Chicago.gov/BlockBuilder for more information. Need assistance? Email info@chiblockbuilder.com or call 312.935.1030.
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings.
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14th Police District Council
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Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. Please sign up at bit.ly/do14news for Councilor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions.
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Humboldt Condos Now Listed
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The Chicago Housing Trust has recently listed Six 2 bedrooms condos at 1508 N Harding near North and Pulaski. These condos are restricted to households making under 100% of the area median income.
Live in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old Chicago 6-flat with a huge yard, five minutes to Humboldt Park, a short bike ride to the 606/Bloomingdale Trail, and 2 blocks from the North and Pulaski bus lines.
Contact 1508nharding@gmail.com or call/text Denise Reyes at (773) 391-1960 for details. Click here to apply.
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Garbage and Recycling Reminders
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Sign up to receive your trash and recycling pickup schedule and reminders (holidays, recycling events, bulky item pickup) emailed to you by using Recycle by City. Severe weather and holidays can affect the collection schedule. In the event of a delay, please leave your carts out until they have been collected. For missed pickups, please call 311.
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Scholarship program for the 2024-2025 academic year. The CCLF will award over $200,000 scholarship dollars in the form of $5,000 scholarships to 40 qualified students from across Chicago. Scholars can apply online at ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:59pm. Eligibility:
- U.S. Citizenship is NOT required for this scholarship
- Students must be at least one-half Hispanic/Latino. Hispanic/Latino is an ethnic category, not a racial category; students may be of any race
- Applicants must be a resident of the City of Chicago
- Applicant must be a current high school senior graduating in 2024, OR a General Education Diploma (“GED”) certificate holder, OR an undergraduate student with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0
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Residential Electronics Recycling
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See the flyer for information on drop-off locations for electronics ranging from computers and TVs to printers and game consoles.
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Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
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Animal Care and Control is also offering Vaccine and Microchip Clinics for dogs now through July. See the dates, locations, and details above.
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Introductory Guide to City Services
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If you want to learn how to access city resources and take an active role in your community, you can download our Introductory Guide to City Services. The guide includes steps to submit an infrastructure request, host a community event, get immigration, re-entry or domestic violence support, find your elected officials, and engage with various city departments. It also provides information on how to access critical services.
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CEDA Extracurricular Activities Financial Assistance Program
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CEDA is offering financial assistance to eligible families who reside in Suburban Cook County and are looking to register their children in enrichment activities including summer camp, sports, performing arts and more. Learn more at (312) 795-8948 or visit www.cedaorg.net.
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Restore, Reinvest, & Renew Grants Now Open
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Apply now for the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (#R3) Program! This grant will help us continue providing services such as youth development and violence prevention. Nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and other community or neighborhood associations may apply for grants individually or in a collaborative with other groups. Click here to learn more. The deadline is April 30th.
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Erie Family Health Centers makes healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone in our community, and they’re inviting people to join their mission-driven team. Check out these opportunities to work as a Medical Assistant or Patient Access Representative.
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Obama Foundation Career Opportunities
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School to Work Program for Young Adults
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Bridges is a program that assists young adults in Chicago with job readiness, work maturity skills, job search, interviewing skills, entry level job placement, retention, and follow‐up. For more information go to bridgestowork.org.
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Career Opportunities with the City
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- Chicago Department of Aviation (Compliance Division): Projects Administrator - $94k. Click here to learn more and apply.
- Department of Streets and Sanitation is accepting applications for the position(s) of Tree Trimmer(s) and Project Coordinator.
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New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need
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Chicago Rents is a program that connects landlords to tenants through multiple housing subsidy programs, allowing property partners to receive guaranteed rent, fill vacant units, and access individualized support. Chicago Rents is a program that was created in response to COVID-19 to centralize property partner relationships across multiple housing programs. Through Chicago Rents, property partners are connected with Chicagoans in need of housing, filling unit vacancies and making a real difference in Chicago's neighborhoods. For additional information, please visit: allchicago.org/chicagorents.
If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply.
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If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.
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