In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
The last week and a half has been one of the most intense for me since I was inaugurated. In City Council, we voted down an arbitration clause in the police department’s contract which would have allowed police officers facing serious misconduct charges to have their fates determined by an independent arbitrator behind closed doors rather than in public hearings by the Chicago Police Board. Progressive staffers also organized a press conference to bring attention to a Ceasefire resolution sponsored by Alder Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez that has been stuck in the Rules Committee. Additionally, City Council voted against a question appearing on the March ballot that would have asked residents to reconsider Chicago as a sanctuary city. Below are links to a few articles where you will find more details on these critical votes.
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Educators from 17 schools and organizations participated in a professional learning community to understand the Illinois and Chicago protections that immigrants and refugees are granted. Joined by State Rep Jimenez, we reaffirmed that these policies are vital to upholding our sanctuary status. We are grateful for ICIRR and all their work they do educating and advocating for our communities, and we are excited to continue partnering with them in 2024.
I am so grateful for everyone who made the 2023 Winter Senior Gala possible! State Senator Omar Aquino and I welcomed over 300 seniors to the Regency Inn Banquets to enjoy music, dancing, and a delicious meal. We also honored Hilda Frontany, an invaluable leader who has worked tirelessly to protect and promote the rights of immigrants and limited English-speaking communities. It is always a pleasure to show our seniors love, and we cannot wait until next year’s gala. This year’s sponsors included Icon Capital Group Inc, BTec, ASI, Municipal Market, Central Park Produce, Oak Street Health, Roesers and Fortius Insurance.
Christmas in the Wards was a resounding success. I want to thank my staff and every 26th Ward Ambassador that took time to go shopping, wrapped and distributed gifts. Shout out to Juanita, Julio, Marie, Regisa, Norma, Karl, and Claudia for helping create joyful memories for the families in the 26th Ward.
We also wrapped up our final 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee meeting for the year. This committee has been hard at work meeting on a monthly basis to create new community-led and community-centered processes for evaluating zoning and development projects in the ward. To learn more about our community-led zoning process please visit the26thward.org/zoning and stay tuned for more updates in the new year.
Below is a collage of events that took place during the week and on the weekend. On Wednesday evening we celebrated the passing of One Fair Wage with Mayor Johnson and Alderman Carlos Ramirez Rosa. On Saturday, I attended CHA’s North Central Scattered Sites Christmas Breakfast. The space was filled with joy and smiles. Thank you to Cathy Serpa for inviting me to share with CHA residents. Later in the evening, I had the privilege of presenting Roberto Tañón, owner of La Bruquena restaurant on Paseo Boricua, with a resolution honoring the 35 years that his restaurant has been on La Division. We congratulate Roberto and his wife Zoraida on their success and wish them many more decades of success on Paseo Boricua.
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As we prepare to spend time with our loved one during this holiday season, let us not forget about our unhoused neighbors. On Thursday, December 21st at San Lucas Church, the Illinois Union of the Homeless will be hosting a holiday event for our unhoused neighbors. We invite anyone who could contribute to the Union’s effort to please do so by contacting the church at (773) 227-5747.
Our office will be closed from Monday, December 24, 2023 until Monday, January 1, 2024. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2 at 10am. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Property Tax Appeal Workshop - Wednesday
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Learn about the tax appeal process and how to appeal! Join us for this property tax appeal workshop on December 20th, from 5pm to 7pm at the Humboldt Park Field house. Analysts will be on hand to assist with your appeal and answer questions in English and Spanish.
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Property Tax Appeal Workshop - Thursday
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Join us for a Property Tax Appeal Workshop on Thursday, December 21st at 6:30pm at the West Town Library (1625 West Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622). Attendees may arrive at 6:00 PM to meet with an analyst to answer questions and file an appeal. A brief presentation will begin at 6:30 PM, with analysts available after to assist with an appeal and questions.
Please have your property tax bill or Property Index Number (PIN) available.
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17th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda
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Join us for the 17th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda featuring La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón on Saturday, December 23rd at 4pm beginning at Teresa Roldán Apartments (1154 N Campbell).
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Connect with the 26th Ward Office
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The 26th Ward Office will be closed for the holidays between December 25th, 2023 to January 1st, 2024. Normal operations will resume on January 2nd from 10am-5pm. Contact us with pressing concerns at info@the26thward.org.
The 26th ward office is 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 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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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. Stay stunned for our next meeting date.
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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.
Click here to purchase donation items.
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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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Join Alder. Fuentes and La Casa Norte for a Community Meeting to discuss a new short-term emergency housing program and youth center on Wednesday, January 10th from 6-7pm at La Casa Norte Community Center at 3533 W North Ave. RSVP at: rebrand.ly/LCN-RSVP.
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Three Kings Day Gift Giveaway
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Join the Puerto Rican Cultural Center for their Annual Three Kings Day Winterfest, a vibrant street festival that draws families and friends together for a day of cultural enrichment and joy, on January 6th from 12pm to 2pm at 2625 W Division.
This festive event includes a toy giveaway, an opportunity for children to take pictures with the revered Three Kings, delightful Puerto Rican holiday treats, cultural Parranda music, a Three Kings Day street display, and much more.
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Teen Winter Art Challenge
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Teen Winter Challenge is an art contest, open to Chicagoans between 13 and 19 years of age. It begins January 2nd and ends March 3rd. Submit a portfolio of 1-3 original works. Submissions can represent a variety of mediums including drawing, sculpture, photography, fashion and more. Apply at chipublib.org/winter.
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Join us on Thursday, December 21st at San Lucas Church to honor our fallen loved ones who died while homeless. Condemn the system that denies us housing rights. Contact ilunionofthehomeless@gmail.com to submit names for remembrance.
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Family Night at Humboldt Park Health
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Join Humboldt Park Health for a festive evening on Thursday, December 21st (5-8pm). There will be free gifts including childrens coats and other fun surprises. For more information contact the HPH foundation at 312-824-6715 or foundation@hph.care.
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The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is a homeless prevention program that provides financial assistance to eligible Chicago residents who are at risk of becoming homeless. The program targets households who have had a documented loss of income. Because the program assists only those currently in housing, it is not designed to relocate homeless families from shelter to housing. For more information go to chicago.gov/fss/RAP.
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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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"Shared Cost" Sidewalk Program Opening Soon
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The "Shared Cost" Sidewalk Program will open for applications on Monday, January 8th from 6am to 10pm. This program costs property owners well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify to receive a 50% discount. The scope of the program is limited to sidewalk within the public right-of-way. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds.
Applications will only be accepted through the City's 311 system by calling 311, through the City's service request website https://311.chicago.gov, or through the free CHI311 mobile apps on iOS Apple and Android.
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Asylum Seeker Housing Program
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Are you a landlord? Are you interested in helping to house asylum seekers? Submit an interest form now via Catholic Charities at bit.ly/housinginterest26.
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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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District Council Members and the Community will meet on December 21st at 6pm at 5217 W Diversy Ave. You can propose new meeting location ideas, other times to hold meetings, propose new speakers to come, suggest trainings you want to take during these meetings and propose goals for the Year 2024.
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Apply to Chicago's Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
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Are you passionate about public safety and police oversight and accountability? Your opportunity to make a difference is here! The District Council Nominating Committee will be accepting applications to fill the seven-member Commission from January 8, 2024-February 7, 2024. The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is a seven- member body that oversees the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and the Police Board. The Commission works to increase public safety, transparency, and community input into CPD, COPA, and Police Board operations, policies, and procedures. For more information go to: cityofchicago.org/chicagocommunitycommission.
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Back to Business New State Business Grant Program
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Illinois B2B NewBiz will provide financial relief to businesses that started during the pandemic in the industries most impacted by the pandemic. Businesses that started during the pandemic have not been eligible for state grants and most federal emergency support provided for emergency relief to small businesses thus far. For information on eligibility and how to apply go to b2bnewbiz.com/.
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The Bring Chicago Home (BCH) initiative seeks to restructure the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) to generate dedicated funds for permanent affordable housing, with voters deciding on this initiative on March 19, 2024. The proposal involves decreasing taxes for properties under $1 million and increasing them for properties exceeding $1 million. The 26th Ward office stands in full support of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing dignified and safe housing for all residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness. The community is counting on widespread support to Bring Chicago Home. Click here to read the language on the referendum. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
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CPS Community Roundtables
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CPS will host Education Facilities Master Plan community roundtable sessions to provide information regarding the state of school facilities and gather feedback from families & members of the community. Register today to attend in person or virtually at: bit.ly/47ZhT8w.
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Run for your Local School Council
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As a former educator, I recognize the pivotal role that parental and community involvement plays in shaping a child's education. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of such engagement, leading to improved academic performance, attendance, and enhanced self-esteem for students. Local School Councils (LSCs) are instrumental in this regard, overseeing crucial aspects such as evaluating school principals, approving budgets, and endorsing improvement plans. In the 26th ward, I am dedicated to ensuring that every school benefits from a robust and complete LSC. Your participation in these councils is vital to sustaining the seamless operation of daily school functions. I encourage you to consider running for the LSC, as your input can contribute significantly to the educational landscape of our community. LSC elections are scheduled for April 10 at elementary schools and April 11 at high schools. The deadline to submit your application is February 8, 2024, at 3 pm. Visit cps.edu/lsc to learn more and apply.
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You could earn $275 a day working as a LSC Election Judge. Chicago Public Schools is looking for election judges for the Spring 2024 Local School Council Elections. Elections will be conducted in person at individual schools in April. For more information, contact the office of LSC relations at 773-553-1400 or email Iscrelations@cps.edu.
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Sign Up to Mentor or be Mentored
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Hermosa Neighborhood Association Fundraiser
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HAPPENING NOW! End of year 2023 fundraising for Hermosa Neighborhood Association. Donate now to help HNA's efforts for community engagement and outreach, youth program development, violence prevention initiatives, senior social programs, and to cover general operational costs. Any donation amount goes a long way. Donate at ourhermosa.org/donate.
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Ivy Hall is hosting a hiring event for full-time and part-time Budtenders this Thursday from 10am-4pm at 3115 W Armitage Ave. Bring your resume.
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Paid Youth Peace Ambassador Program
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Applications are open for the Peace Ambassadors program at Alternatives. They are looking for 4-6 young people within the Humboldt Park zip codes. The program's main objective is to train young individuals on restorative justice practices, offer professional development for them to become restorative justice practitioners in their community, and provide mentorship. Through these comprehensive support systems, the Peace Ambassador program aims to promote young individuals to transform their lives and community, as well as provide stable income. If you or a young person you know are interested, apply at alternativesyouth.org/peace-ambassadors.
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Paid Youth Health Ambassador Program
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La Casa Norte is now accepting applications for their Spring 2024 Public Health Ambassadors Program. Youth 17-24 years old are encouraged to apply at bit.ly/PublicHealthAmbassadors2024.
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation is currently accepting applications for the position(s) of Assistant General Superintendent and Community Outreach Coordinator. Scan the QR codes for more info.
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Other Career Opportunities
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CCC is looking for an adult educator for English as a second language (ESL) to teach parents and community at Clemente High School (Tuesdays & Thursdays 9a-12). To apply or to share this job SCAN QR Code above or go here: bit.ly/teaching_esl.
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Other Career Opportunities
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Public Service
- The Department of Water Management
- Chicago Department of Law
- 5 "Senior Supervisor-level attorneys" in the following divisions: Regulatory & Contracts, Federal Civil Rights Litigation, Labor, Constitutional & Commercial Litigation, Employment Litigation. Click here to learn more and apply.
- 8 "Entry to mid-level attorneys:" in the following divisions: Torts, Federal Civil Rights Litigation, Federal Civil Rights Litigation - Reversed Conviction Section, Employment Litigation, Risk Management & Compliance, Finance, Real Estate, and more. Click here to learn more and apply.
- Student Opportunities: Year-Round Clerkship, Non-Paid Externship, Post-Graduate Fellowship, Pre-Law Volunteer Program | Summer 2024 Law Clerk Program is now accepting applications.
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CEDA’s LIHEAP programs offer heating and electricity assistance to income eligible households. Assistance is available to help households with their heating (natural gas, oil, or propane), and/or electric bills. For more information go to www.cedaorg.net/bills.
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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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