In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
If you haven’t heard the news, I am thrilled to welcome Ciere Boatright as the new Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development (DPD). The DPD oversees the City’s zoning and land use policies and employs a variety of resources to encourage business and real estate development, historic preservation, accessible waterfronts, walkable neighborhoods, and community improvements. This is why it is special to have a Chicago native with diverse career backgrounds in leadership. I cannot wait to work with her as we dive into this next era of equitable urban development.
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On Tuesday, I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Ivy Hall, the first dispensary in the 26th Ward. With 61% Black ownership, Ivy Hall marks a significant milestone in our community's journey towards equitable access to cannabis resources. The fact that this dispensary is majority Black-owned speaks to the progress we are making in addressing systemic inequalities and empowering underrepresented voices in the cannabis industry. This business not only represents an investment in our local economy and our business corridors but also the destigmatization of cannabis use.
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Ribbon cutting and introduction to Ivy Hall on January 23
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Ivy Hall is located at 3115 W. Armitage and they will be open from 9am-9pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10am-6pm on Sundays. If you have a medical marijuana card, you can enjoy a 25% discount on Mondays.
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On Thursday, I had the pleasure of being able to take a tour of the mHUB facilities. These facilities provide a space for community members of all sorts to experiment, invent, and create! I was truly fascinated with not only what I was seeing during the tour, but also with the information and statistics they provided me with, such as assisting with 500 startups in the past 6.5 years! With over 1200 members, mHUB has proven to be a positive asset to the community. For example, I learned of their Landis Fellowship while on the tour, which provides contractors with a six-month training surrounding technical and personal development, how to negotiate contracts as well as connecting them to local corporations. I am deeply eager to watch the space grow, and as it grows, watch it provide more and more for all Chicagoans.
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On Friday, my Chief of Staff Juanita García and Legislative Aide Marie Snyder were able to attend Erie Charter School’s Student Government speeches. They reported back that the speeches were powerful, and the scholars received the candidates with cheers and excitement.
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Participating in student government is vital to understanding our civic duties, and these young people did not disappoint. Congratulations to Erie’s new slate of officers: President Darielle, Vice President Frida, Secretary Tia, Treasurers Ariel & Azael, and Historians Layla & Kayla.
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Lastly, I want to share with you all a collection of "2023 Reflections from the 26th Ward." 2023 will be a year I never forget. I was elected to serve as the 26th Ward Alderperson, I celebrated my 1-year anniversary to my beautiful wife, and we passed One Fair Wage in City Council.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Valentines Senior Celebration
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Join us for a Valentine Senior Celebration where we will be providing our seniors with brunch, health screenings, vaccines, music, raffles and senior resources. This will take place on February 13th from 10am to 2pm at the St. Aloysius Theile Center (1510 N. Claremont).
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26th Ward Snow Shoveling Program
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We are recruiting for our 26th Ward Snow Shoveling Program. We will pair seniors and neighbors with disabilities with volunteers who will help keep our Ward safe and walkable by shoveling snow. I invite you to let us know if you are in need of help OR are someone who is willing to volunteer. Our office will reach out to match volunteers with an individual in their area who is in need of support. Complete the Google Form here: bit.ly/snowprogram26.
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Connect with the 26th Ward Office
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The 26th ward office is located at 2511 W. Division St. Starting this week, our office's new regular hours of operation are as follows:
- Monday 1 pm - 7 pm*
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
- Friday 10 am - 5 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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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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Volunteer & Donate to Asylum Seekers
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El Árbol is a new free store in Logan Square. Visit elarbolchicago.com to arrange donation drop offs or to signup for a volunteer shift.
Donations of winter clothing and supplies for asylum seekers can also be dropped off at our office (2511 W Division St). Winter coats, blankets, winter gear and sleeping bags are especially in need.
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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. For more information, and to provide feedback on pending zoning requests, go to: the26thward.org/zoning.
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Utility Assistance Workshop
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Join State Representative Lilian Jimenez and get help filling out the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This workshop will take place on Saturday February 3rd, 10am-12pm at Alfred Nobel Language School (4127 W Hirsch).
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Bring Chicago Home Informational Webinar
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Learn about the Bring Chicago Home ballot question at this informational zoom webinar which will break down the impact for Chicagoans. Click here to register for the webinar on Thursday, February 8th, at 6 pm.
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Premiere of "Champion" at Lyric Opera
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Lyric Opera of Chicago invites you to experience the Chicago premiere of Terence Blanchard's Grammy-nominated Champion, "an opera in jazz." Inspired by the true story of legendary boxer Emile Griffith, Champion explores the fighter's decades-long guilt from defeating a challenger in the ring, who died from Griffith’s blows; and his desperately conflicted feelings regarding his own sexuality. Running through February 11th. Find details on the show and related events at lyricopera.org/champion.
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Tickets From the Blackhawks and Bulls
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The Chicago Blackhawks is offering CPS staff and families exclusive ticket offers for the below games in February. Get your tickets here by clicking “view available games” and entering promo code CPS.
- Blackhawks vs. Wild: Wednesday, February 7 at 8:30 p.m.
- Blackhawks vs. Rangers: Friday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m.
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Phoenix Electric Grand Opening
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Join Phoenix Electric as they celebrate moving into their new building in the 26th Ward. Food and drinks will be served. Plus, stop by to give input on a new mural proposal. Register here.
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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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NEW Round of Community Development Grants
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The Chicago Department of Planning and Development is accepting applications for Community Development Grants for more than $250,000 until February 16, 2024. Community Development Grants support small businesses, nonprofits and property owners for local commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing development. These grant programs are open to businesses, nonprofits, community developers and property owners.
Click here to register for an upcoming webinar on February 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. If you or your organization is interested in applying, you can find more information at bit.ly/chicagocdg.
Other financial incentives from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development:
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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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14th Police District Beat Calendar
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25th Police District Beat Calendar
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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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Learn about City Contracting Opportunities
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The Department of Procurement Services provides opportunities to small, local, minorities, women, people with disabilities and veterans to ensure that the businesses that work on City contracts reflect the rich diversity of the City of Chicago. And they are now offering workshops
virtually. To register, sign-up at chicago.gov/dpsevents.
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Rodent Control Program Evaluation
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The Chicago Office of Inspector General is evaluating the City's Rodent Control Program. If you have information you would like to share please reach out by March 1st. Contact OIG at 833-TALK-2-IG, igchicago.org, or talk2ig@igchicago.org.
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As part of a larger investment to accelerate an equitable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in northern Illinois, ComEd launched a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers. Through the $5 million EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program, ComEd customers can receive rebates of up to $3,750 to offset the cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charger in their home in 2024. For more information on application requirements, and to apply, visit ComEd.com/clean.
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Ballot Initiative Info: Bring Chicago Home
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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. Click here to read the language on the referendum. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
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Humboldt Park Cleaning Dates
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I encourage you to apply to become an election day judge in the 26th ward. We aim to fill all judge vacancies in our polling locations, to ensure a transparent and vibrant electoral experience for our community. This paid position offers a great opportunity to support our democratic process. Reach out to the 26th ward staff with any questions or to express your interest!
Office location: 2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours:
- Monday 1 pm - 5 pm*
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am - 5 p
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
- Friday 10 am - 5 pm
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The Democratic National Convention is coming to Chicago August 19-22, 2024, and hopes to showcase our city and state’s wonderful, diverse vendors and partners. By utilizing the best local businesses across a range of service sectors, the Host Committee seeks to ensure that Illinoisans are able to experience the benefits of this Convention. If you are interested in contracting with the Host Committee, DNCC, or with ancillary events surrounding the week of the Convention, please complete the Vendor Interest Form. If you are an Event Venue/Restaurant Operator interested in hosting 2024 DNC and affiliated events, please also complete the Venue Portal Form when prompted at the end of this process.
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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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Become an LSC Election Judge
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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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Apply to be a Park District Lifeguard
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Apply Now to be a Chicago Park District Summer Lifeguard!
Complete three easy steps: (1) Apply (2) Take the swim test (3) Get hired. Get a $50 Amazon gift card for taking the test, and $400 for completing the training. Must be a Chicago resident age 16 or older by July 1, 2024. Enjoy a summer job in the parks! Apply now at chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.
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Cook County Sheriff's Office
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Construction and Building Trades Pre- Apprenticeship
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Are you interested in a career in Construction and the Building Trades? Illinois Works has a FREE Pre-apprenticeship program starting in February. This program offers wrap-around services, stipends, industry recognized certifications and more. For more information contact Rincon Family Services at the number listed on the flyer.
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Apply to be a Home Care Aide at Casa Central. Training is provided and there is a $500 sign-on bonus. Learn more at casacentral.org/careers.
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The Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting the monthly CPS Job Paraprofessional Fair on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Garfield Park (Gymnasium) - 2651 West Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612. Members of the community are encouraged to apply for positions within CPS in the area in which they live at www.cps.edu/careers.
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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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Other Career Opportunities
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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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