In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
After two weeks of my first budget hearings, I now feel confident in my understanding of our city's priorities. Mayor Johnson is investing in Treatment Not Trauma through reopening two mental health clinics, adding staff to the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) emergency response program, and re-establishing the Department of the Environment to address the impacts of climate change. I have also received verbal commitments from the Department of Family and Support Services, along with the Chicago Police Department to meet about integrating Peacebook. This is one of the most progressive budgets introduced to City Council, and I am confident that it is investing in safer and vibrant neighborhoods.
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I am looking forward to our upcoming subject matter hearings on Peacebook in the joint Committee on Health and Human Relations and Committee on Workforce Development. I will get to head my first Subcommittee on Youth Employment, where I will call on our peacekeeper experts Good Kids Mad City. As we get closer to our subject matter hearing dates, I will be sure to share the details as to shed light on the democratic process of introducing ordinances.
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Our sincere congratulations to Unah Choi from Choi Brands, a manufacturing business in the ward that specializes in uniform and work apparel. Unah Choi was recognized by the Department of Planning and Development as an Emerging Leader in Manufacturing which is awarded to business leaders who display a track record of advocating for Chicago’s manufacturing sector. In addition to manufacturing martial arts supplies and uniforms in Humboldt Park, Unah Choi advocates for the advancement of manufacturing as the president of the Industrial Council of Northwest Chicago board of directors. To see the spotlight video created for the award ceremony, click here. It is an honor to have Choi Brands in the 26th Ward and as an even greater privilege to know that Uhah Choi is dedicated to advancing the community and the manufacturing sector.
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The 26th Ward Ambassadors, or Promotores, are doing an invaluable job by actively engaging with the community and addressing important issues such as lead in water pipes. Their commitment to raising awareness and advancing the reach of the office is commendable. They are dedicating their time to door knocking and informing residents about upcoming events, initiatives, and community meetings. Collecting 38 service requests in one day, spanning from water test kits to rat abatement and pothole filling, shows the Promotores' effectiveness in connecting with the community and addressing a wide range of concerns. Their efforts reflect a genuine dedication to improving the lives of residents and the overall well-being of the 26th Ward. As community members, we should indeed be kind and receptive when the Promotores knock on our doors, as they are working diligently to make a positive impact. Their efforts are a reminder of the power of grassroots activism and community engagement in addressing important local issues.
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Sponsoring several Halloween events in the ward, such as Lloyd Elementary School, Hermosa Park, Mozart Park, and Haunted Paseo Boricua, is a wonderful way for our office to connect with the community and foster a sense of togetherness. These events not only bring joy and excitement to the neighborhood but also create opportunities for families and individuals to come together and celebrate the Halloween season. All of these events brought smiles to children's faces, created memorable experiences, and enhanced the Halloween spirit in our neighborhood but most importantly, they helped strengthen the social fabric of our community.
A special shout out to the following people and businesses that helped make Halloween special: Stock & Save for their generous candy donation; George Ortega for the juice donation; ALSO for the donation of chips. Thank you all for your generous donations.
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I am deeply committed to the well-being and progress of our community, and it is this commitment that drives me to work tirelessly, addressing the diverse needs and concerns of our constituents. If you would like to set up an appointment, please send an email to info@the26thward.org to get signed up for our Ward Nights. Share our newsletter with a friend and ask them to sign up for our weekly updates and news at www.the26thward.org.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Day of the Dead Pumpkin Decorating Contest
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Participate in a Day of the Dead Pumpkin Decorating Contest today, November 1st at Hermosa Park at 4:30pm. Kids can swing by the park to pick up a pumpkin starting today — provided by my office!
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Join us for a Housing and Health Expo at the McCormick YMCA on Saturday, November 18, 2023! We are excited to work together to provide the community with essential resources and services that will assist first-time homebuyers, those looking for affordable housing, rental and mortgage assistance, financial education, and small landlord workshops! We will also have vendors assisting with medical insurance questions and applications, as well as a health truck providing free health screenings and flu vaccines. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/48ZlFQu
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We are excited to announce the new 26th Ward Ambassadors program to build stronger connections with neighbors & spread the word about important resources. Join a community of neighbors ready to take action, attend educational workshops, and more. If you're interested in signing up, call our Ward Office at 773-395-0143 and ask for Juanita.
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The Cook County Board of Review is now open for pre-filing tax appeals for West Chicago and Jefferson Townships. To enter a tax appeal, visit the Cook County Board of Review's Appeals Portal at http://appeals.cookcountyboardofreview.com. Please note that while the exemption application deadline to apply has passed, if you believe you qualify for an exemption you can file a certificate of error after you receive your second bill in November. If your certificate of error is approved, you will receive a refund check. Missing exemptions? Have questions? Contact us at 773-395-0143.
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Connect with the 26th Ward Office
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The 26th ward office is currently located at 2511 W Division St. The office's regular hours of operation are as follows:
- Monday 1 pm - 7 pm*
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm - 5 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
- Friday 9 am - 3 pm.
*Ward Night: Monday's 5 pm - 7 pm
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Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about any local or city issues. Ward nights take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
If you’d 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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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. Join our next Youth Council Meeting on Monday, November 13th from 4:30pm to 6pm.
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Winter Supplies Needed for Asylum Seekers
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Donations of winter clothing and supplies for asylum seekers can be dropped off at our office (2511 W Division St) or any of the other drop off locations listed on the flyer above. Winter coats, blankets, winter gear and sleeping bags are especially in need. Sign up to involved here: https://bit.ly/3NY5YRr.
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LUCHA is partnering with Full Circle Communities to bring new affordable housing to Humboldt Park at 3305 W Division St. Join our community zoning meeting at 6pm on Thursday November 9th at new Life Church (3400 W Division St.) to learn about the project and share your feedback.
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The 26th Ward community-based zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they will be 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. For more information go to: the26thward.org/zoning.
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Film Screening at the Humboldt Park Library
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Come out to the Humboldt Park Library Branch today at 5:30pm for a screening of Coco. Feel free to bring your favorite snack to enjoy during the movie!
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Casa Central’s annual Gala is coming up on Friday, November 3rd at the Adler Planetarium. This year's gala features a special Keynote Speaker, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a former NASA astronaut and the first African American to walk in space! Dr. Harris will share the inspirational story of launching his career, founding a philanthropic organization, and empowering and inspiring others to reach their goals. For more information and tickets go to give.casacentral.org/outofthisworldgala.
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Join the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at a free, day-long celebration of civic involvement and community connection on Saturday November 4th from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Epiphany Center for the arts. Register at Chicago.gov/CityCivicsDay.
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8th District Community Meetings
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Commissioner Anthony Quezada invites you to an upcoming community meeting to learn about Cook County government and the services offered at the 8th District Office. The Commissioner's office is excited to host their an 8th District Community Meeting in Logan Square on November 2nd at 5:30pm at the Lucy Parsons Apartments (2614 N Emmett St).
Join for some light refreshments and a bilingual presentation (English/Spanish) on Cook County, office operations, and available resources.
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Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 11th, and Sunday, November 12th, when the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture will transformation into a FREE Holiday Artisan Pop-Up Shop, just in time for the festive season. Immerse yourself in the Holiday spirit with music, delicious beverages, scrumptious food, and the opportunity to participate in free family art workshops. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find in retail stores, all while championing small Puerto Rican/Latino-owned businesses right here in Chicago. The first 25 people will receive a free gift each day! On Saturday 11/11 all Veterans will receive a small gift.
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Come out to North-Grand for a Dia de los Muertos themed STEAM festival, featuring drones, 3D printing, slime-making, a lotería game, and lots of cool prizes! November 4th, 11am-3pm.
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Info Session on Clean Energy
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Join Homeowners United of NWC and Illinois PIRG for an information session and Q&A to learn what you and Chicago can do to save money on utilities and fight climate change through the option of switching to all-electric energy. Thursday, November 9th at 7pm.
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Walking and Wellness Club
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There is a new Walking and Wellness Club for adults over 55 running from October 20th to November 10th. Space is limited. Please register in person at the Harbor Light Community Center front desk, text 847-316-1365, or email programs@mather.com.
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Now Open: Emergency Heating Repair Program
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If you are a senior and home owner, you may need to reapply for the “Senior Freeze” Exemption which provides significant savings on your property tax bill. For the past few years, the “Senior Freeze” automatically renewed due to COVID-19, however, the auto-renewal has ended and you must reapply.
Please review the bottom left corner of your Second Installment Property Tax Bill. If there are no savings listed next to the Senior Freeze Exemption, then you are encouraged to immediately mail the completed application to:
Cook County Assessor’s Office
Taxpayer Services Department
118 N Clark Street, Room 320, Chicago, IL 60602
You may also apply online at cookcountyassessor.com/certificates-error or pick up a printed copy at our office.
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Now Open: Emergency Heating Repair Program
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The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) is a grant program available to income-eligible Chicago homeowners for service to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Grant funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is open to Chicagoans who own and occupy a 1-to-4 unit residential property within the city limits. The property must be in habitable condition and not at risk of foreclosure. Commercial and mixed-use properties do not qualify.
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Alley Construction Notice
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Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to inform you that the reconstruction of your alley began on Monday, October 30, 2023. Construction is expected to take 6 weeks, weather permitting. Due to construction the following changes will occur:
- During construction, residential garbage pickup will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. If you have private refuse, please contact your service to make special arrangements for pickup.
- There will be no access to the alley for approximately 6 weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrances to the alley.
- Access to garages from the alley will be unavailable.
- Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
- Garage aprons will be replaced only as needed.
This project will be managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact 312-722-6590.
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Sign Up For Street Sweeping Reminders
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You have probably noticed that the city's street sweeping schedule has changed this year. Use "wethesweeple.com" to search for your Chicago street address and find out when your street will be swept next. Then, register for email alerts or subscribe to a calendar feed so that you get a reminder when the next sweep is coming up.
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Emergency Tree Trimming Notice
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Today, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 city workers will be addressing emergency tree trimming requests on the following blocks:
- 1200 N Maplewood
- 1300 n Campbell
- 1200-1400 N Washtenaw
- 1200-1500 N Campbell
- 1200-1500 N Artesian
These emergency requests are made when a tree's growth is immediately threatening to property or public safety.
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Order Discounted Rain Barrels
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Rain barrels, a type of green infrastructure, capture rainwater from your roof and save for when you need it. By keeping this water out of the sewer system, it can help reduce sewer overflows and flooding. Rain barrels are now available for $21.50 for residents while supplies last. Residents 65 and over receive an additional discounted price of $10.75. Limit 2 discounted rain barrels per household. Order at mwrd.org.
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The Secretary of State has launched two “Senior Only” walk-in centers in the Chicago area. The two locations include the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 N. Ridge Road in Evanston and Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview. Seniors at these locations will not need appointments, as these walk-in centers are specifically designed to meet their needs.
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduce 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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Picnic Permits Opening Day
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Forest Preserve picnic permits will be going on sale starting November 15th online and November 16th in person. Refer to the flyer above for additional information on locations.
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CDOT Electric Vehicles Survey
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CDOT is launching a survey to better understand the level of knowledge residents have about Electric Vehicles and e-mobility devices like electric bikes and scooters, their mobility needs, and how those factors will impact EV charging demand over the next decade. CDOT will host the first of several community meetings on Tuesday, November 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Olive-Harvey College, with more dates to follow. Residents are encouraged to take the online survey and view additional meeting times at the newly launched project website: chicago.gov/chicagomoveselectric.
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O'hare Concessions Symposium
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Want your business in front of thousands of people daily? Find out what it takes to set up shop at O'Hare at the ORD Concessions Symposium. Prime concessionaires and city leaders will be on hand to guide you. Learn more: http://flychicago.com/ORDsymposium.
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Mentor Youth with iMentor Chicago
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iMentor Chicago is hosting two Fast Track to Mentoring Events on November 4th. This offers a fantastic opportunity for new participants to complete all the necessary steps to become a mentor in just one hour. Could you please include this opportunity in the upcoming newsletter under the heading "Fast Track to Mentoring"? Click here to register and learn more.
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Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
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Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor is hosting a citywide hiring fair on Saturday October 21st and Saturday October 28th at the City Colleges of Chicago. Scan the codes above to register as a volunteer, as an attendee, and as a business.
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Lifeguard Explorers Training Program
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The Chicago Park District is committed to identifying and training swimmers from around the city through their Lifeguards Explorer Program. They will teach you the required skills and provide supervised practice time needed to successfully pass the lifeguard skills test, and become eligible to be hired as a Chicago Park District Lifeguard.
Open to all 15-22 year olds. Click here to learn more.
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Vargas Group is hiring for workers at O'Hare Airport. Notably, they are willing to hire immigrants pending work permits. Starting pay $16.80 and they will get a raise on November 1, 2023. Learn more at wwww.vargasgroupinc.com.
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Other Career Opportunities
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- The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) has recently posted a total of 128 Spanish Speaking Positions. Please visit the Work 4 Illinois website at http://dcfsjobs.illinois.gov/ to view current postings for DCFS.
- O’Hare airport is hiring for for Custodian work. Click here to read the full job description and apply.
- The Chicago Department of Transportation has opened up bids for 3 Machinist positions starting at $55.74/hour. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid. Click here to apply.
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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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