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Neighbors,
As we approach the end of the year, we want to share important updates from City Council, opportunities to shape ward investments, and reflections on the community work that continues to move us forward. This week’s newsletter covers critical budget decisions, participatory budgeting, community safety efforts, and a key zoning conversation in our ward.
City Budget Update
I am deeply disappointed that City Council is on track to pass a budget that taxes and fines working-class people to protect corporations.The budget that passed out of Committee tonight includes selling constituents’ ambulance and water debts to collectors, instituting a new video game tax that will allow video gambling on all corners, and lacks structural revenue streams. It is not balanced, and the poorest Chicagoans will suffer. Further, I am appalled that my colleagues have voted to have all capital improvement infrastructure plans heard in the Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development. During a time when we are already struggling to update lead service lines and implement ADA-accessible pathways, instituting additional bureaucratic measures will only further delay updates.
I will continue to fight for a fair and balanced budget. |
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| PB Update
Despite the challenges at City Hall, there are still powerful ways for residents to directly shape investments in our ward. I am excited to finally unveil the Participatory Budgeting ballot for the 2026 Menu! This year, a new feature is ranked-choice voting. Please review the 12 different projects vetted for PB. Anyone over 14 who lives or attends school in the 26th Ward may vote for up to 5 different projects. Your first vote should be for your favorite project, and do not vote for a project more than once. Voting will be open for one month. |
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Community Safety This week, the Community Safety Committee met to reflect on our work over the past year. We collaborated with violence-prevention organizations to serve residents of the 26th Ward. We stayed closely connected, supported each other’s events, and coordinated service delivery efforts. This teamwork enabled the committee to expand coverage across the ward, respond strategically to crime, and host community safety events such as the Memorial Day Peace Walk, quarterly town halls, and neighborhood pop-ups. We participated in Rapid Response and Know Your Rights training to protect community residents against ICE raids. We also planned outreach efforts around key times of the year when families are more likely to experience increased stress.
These proactive strategies strengthen community trust and help reduce crime in the ward. Looking ahead, the committee will develop a sustainability plan, elevate the voices of street outreach workers, and expand support for reentry efforts. We will highlight success stories, recognize violence prevention workers, and invite public officials to observe the amazing work taking place in the 26th Ward. The committee will also improve how it tracks and shares information so residents can better see the impact of this work. Residents are encouraged to stay involved. In the 26th Ward, we show that community-led efforts work and that positive change can occur when neighbors are involved in the process. As always, WE KEEP US SAFE! |
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Community Zoning Meeting A community meeting was held on Thursday, December 18, at the Humboldt Park Field House regarding a proposed housing development at 3251 W. Division Street. Hispanic Housing presented plans for a 45-unit residential development that includes a courtyard, fitness center, and community room.
Following the presentation, the floor was opened for public comment. Residents shared a range of perspectives, with comments both in support of the project and expressing concerns related to parking and the size of the development. Given the holiday season and to allow additional time for community input, I have committed to hosting a follow-up meeting on January 5, 2026. I strongly encourage residents who live in the vicinity to attend and participate. You may RSVP at bit.ly/meeting3251. |
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Holiday Closure Notice As we approach the holiday season, we want to keep everyone informed about our office hours. Our office will be closed from December 22nd through January 1st. On January 2nd, we’ll be working remotely, so while the office will be physically closed, you can still reach us by phone. Thanks for your understanding! |
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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19th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda |
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Free Farmers Market 12/20 |
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California Ave Construction Alert |
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Immigration Rights Resources |
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| Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out ChiStreetWork for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project |
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The “Logan Square Boulevards District” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension of this Landmark District is currently being considered. This process typically takes 6 to 9 months and includes communication and notices throughout the process.
This project builds on decades of historic preservation work and reflects the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to encouraging sustainable development and maintaining the unique identity of our neighborhoods.
You can learn more about the project, review FAQs, and submit your thoughts at the26thward.org/boulevard-landmarking. |
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The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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Collaboration For Change Events |
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Collaboraction is delighted to announce a new monthly performance by our youth ensemble, The Light, featuring their original theatre, dance, and music pieces that inspire social change on issues of their choosing, with special guests. The performance will be a monthly event at Collaboraction's House of Belonging on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month at 3 pm. |
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Collaboraction Theatre Company invites families to a sneak peek of its new Humboldt Park home with the Sunday Family Magic Matinee featuring The Magical Myster AJ, one of Chicago’s favorite family magicians. Join us Sundays November 30 through December 28 except December 14 at the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N Kimball Ave for an interactive, hour long show packed with magic, circus fun, and big laughs for kids ages 4 to 10 and fun for adults too. |
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✨ Let your voice shine at RADIATE and yes, it’s FREE! ✨ Join us every 3rd Tuesday of the month at CollabOrAction for a creative night of expression, connection, and community. 📝 6 PM Creative Workshop + Sign Up
🎤 7 PM Open Mic
💜 FREE and open to all 📍 Kimball Arts Center 1757 N Kimball |
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Rush Youth Apprenticeships |
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Body Safety for kids 1/24 |
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Be a Student Election Judge |
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| High school students, your voice matters, even before you can vote! 🗳️
Serve as a Student Election Judge in the 2026 Election and help run your local precinct. Gain leadership experience, earn community service credit, and make an impact in your community. You can also pre-register to vote at 16 so you are ready on Election Day.
Find out more |
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Trina Davila Community Events |
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Mozart Advisory Council 1/12 |
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Free Business Digital Skills Program |
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Paid Study for Community Workers |
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Chicago Environmentalists Holiday Guides |
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| Calling all emerging real estate developers in Chicago! Ready to grow your business? The Chicago EDI Program will give you the skills, mentorship, and network to take the next step. ✨ Hands-on training and advising ✨ One-on-one mentorship ✨ Connections to peers and partners ✨ Pathways to financing Brought to you by Chicago Community Loan Fund and Community Investment Corporation, with Capital Impact Partners, and funded by MacArthur Foundation and U.S. Bank. Spots are limited 👉 Apply today |
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| Every child deserves a safe and loving home. 💙 Association House’s Foster Care Program ensures that children in our community are cared for, supported, and connected to families who will walk with them toward healing and stability. Learn more about becoming a foster parent or supporting the program at
👉 associationhouse.org/foster |
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| Seniors 60+ — Need help at home?
The City of Chicago offers free chore services to help you stay safe and independent: Light help like cleaning, laundry, errands, or personal care after an illness One‑time heavy‑duty fixes like deep cleaning, clutter removal, moving furniture, or major tidying Find eligibility info and how to apply on the City’s Help In Your Home page. Or call 312-744-4016 or email aging@cityofchicago.org for more help |
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Domestic Violence Resources |
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CEDA Utility Relief Programs |
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Seniors Community Care Program |
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NEW Illinois Immigration Info Hub |
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Cannabis Expungement Project |
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| New Leaf Cannabis Expungement Project is a network of 17 nonprofits that helps anyone ever charged with a cannabis offense anywhere in Illinois clear eligible cannabis and non-cannabis cases from their record.
Our services are free.
New Leaf is state-funded and was formed after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was passed in 2019. |
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Avoid Bird Alert: Protect Yourself & Your Pets |
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| 🐦 H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know 🦠 Protect yourself and your pets from H5N1 bird flu by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings. If handling is necessary, wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. 🐾 Keep pets safe! Don’t let dogs or cats interact with wild birds or contaminated areas. If they come into contact, wash them immediately and monitor for symptoms. 🍗 Always cook poultry and eggs thoroughly to kill any potential virus. For more info, visit: Chicago Department of Public Health |
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City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide |
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The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials. 📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish. ✅The right to remain silent. ✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation. ✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help. Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support |
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Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness |
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| 🏠 24/7 Intake Location for People Experiencing Homelessness
For single adults in need of shelter, the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) offers:
✅ Open 24/7 with a 200-person capacity
✅ Meals, showers, laundry, and shelter placement services
✅ On-site assistance and 3-1-1 shelter requests available around the clock
📍 Location: 2241 S. Halsted St. (S Halsted St. & W 23rd) |
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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program |
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| The Chicago Seniors At Risk Assessment Program provides free fire/fall safety assessments for individuals ages 65 or over and those with a disability.
Chicago Fire Department members will assess the home for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as other fire and fall hazards.
Call to schedule an appointment. Phone: (312) 747-6691 |
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Chicago Rents connects landlords with tenants through various housing subsidy programs, offering guaranteed rent, vacancy filling, and personalized support. Created in response to COVID-19, it centralizes property partner relationships and helps Chicagoans in need of housing. If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply. |
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12 District Police Oversight |
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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. 14th Police District Council 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. |
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| Casa Central has several openings in both our teaching and nursing that are critical in our programs and they may be of interest to our residents. Teaching Positions: Nursing Positions: |
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What if your everyday work directly protected public health, improved our waterways, and helped millions of people across Cook County? At the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), that’s exactly what you do. What if you could build a stable, rewarding career and make a meaningful impact on your community at the same time? At the MWRD, you can—and that’s what makes it such an exceptional place to work. |
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| Greater West Town Project is offering a Shipping and Receiving Training Program with full-time classes that run for 12 weeks. Illinois residents who are 18 years old or over and low-income eligible can train at no cost. For 33 years, Greater West Town programs have successfully equipped community residents with in-demand job skills and placed them in jobs in industry with recent wages averaging $18-20 per hour. Apply here. |
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| Chicago Board of Elections is HIRING!
Various full-time positions avilable.
Apply by sending your resume to HR@CHICAGOELECTIONS.GOV
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| Are you a skilled and passionate healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the community? Humboldt Park Health (HPH) is seeking dedicated Physicians and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to join our team.
View open position HERE |
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| Click Here to view and apply for Chicago Department of Public Health jobs |
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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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| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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Requirements:
HS diploma or equivalent
