Community Resilience, Accountability, and Love: Reflections from the 26th Ward

July 11, 2025

Community Resilience, Accountability, and Love: Reflections from the 26th Ward
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Neighbors,


The Fight for Sanctuary Continues

This week, we witnessed something that shook our community. ICE agents showed up unannounced at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, targeting our cultural space as part of a larger federal effort to intimidate and divide. As your Alderperson, I want to be very clear: we will not tolerate this. We will continue to hold local government accountable and ensure our city is a sanctuary city in action, not just in name. Our cultural spaces, families, and neighbors deserve to feel safe. I am firm in my commitment to defend and protect our community with every tool I have.

Mutual Aid and Protection: A Call to Action

These recent events remind us of something crucial: We must care for each other. In these turbulent times, mutual aid, protection, and love for one another are not just ideals but necessities. And as we continue organizing in the 26th Ward, I invite all of you to join us for upcoming events, where we will show our pride and resilience.


Join us at the 25th Annual Barrio Arts Festival and the Colombian Festival, two incredible celebrations that bring us together, uplift our culture, and stand as a testament to the beauty and resilience of community.

Taking a New Approach to Community Safety

I am proud to share that our Community Safety Committee’s work is being recognized for its bold and innovative approach to public safety. CBS News recently featured our efforts, highlighting how we prioritize collaboration and community assets over fear-based strategies. We believe that public safety is built through trust, transparency, empowerment, and ensuring that EVERYONE has a seat at the table. This inclusive and community-centered approach will continue to guide our work as we strive to create a safer, more supportive environment for all residents. Remember, We Keep Us Safe!

Walking the Ward: Connecting with Our Neighbors

This week, my team and I walked through the 26th Ward, greeted by friendly pets, beautiful gardens, and, most importantly, all of you. We listened to your concerns, followed up on service requests like potholes and trash bins, and invited everyone to our next coffee chat at Café Calidá. It was extra special to have two of our amazing interns, Carlos and Isabella, learning how to build and care for a community.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay safe, stay strong, and remember: ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!

In Solidarity,


Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

Community Meeting 7/15

Coffee With Your Alder 7/19

El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park

Back to School Bash 8/7

Important Announcements

⛔️ Hermosa Park located at 2240 N Kilbourn is under construction and CLOSED to the public. All programming has been moved to Blackhawk Park, including day camps. For more information, call 312-746-5014.

Cicero Ave. Land Use Study

We need to hear from YOU! Please take a few minutes to complete the community survey for the Cicero Avenue Land Use Study. English and Spanish versions are available.

The Department of Planning and Development, is evaluating existing conditions along Cicero Avenue between West Irving Park Road and West Grand Avenue. Encompassing 2.75 miles, the study will determine recommendations for land use improvements along the corridor that foster economic vitality, cohesion, safety and other local goals, based on input from community partners, business owners, residents and elected officials.

The study area includes portions of the Portage Park and Belmont Cragin community areas.  Click here to learn more.

Street Cleaning

CDOT Street Work

Street Sweeping Map & Schedule

Street Sweeping takes place between April and November.

Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project

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.

26th Ward Zoning

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.

We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties.

Summer Meals for Children & Teens

The Humboldt Park Branch will be hosting summer meals for kids and teens all summer long! Healthy and nutritious summer meals provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository are available at the library Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30pm, while supplies last. 

Program flyers are attached and the event calendar is linked below! Please feel free to share with anyone who may benefit from a delicious meal.

Noble School Food Pantries

Downtown Day 7/19

New Life Tuesdays Community Meals

HPH Car Wash Fundrasier 7/12

CPS Budget Listening Sessions

Vet Talk 7/16

Pride Community Night  7/17

Back To School Block Party 7/19

Solar Energy Info Session 7/29

Public Notices/Resources

Fee Waved July - Furever Homes

Adopt a Pet Coupon

CEDA Utility Relief Programs

Seniors Community Care Program

Call for Vendors: Pop Up Market

Heat Resilience Policy & Program Community Survey

Donate to Meals on Wheels

NEW Illinois Immigration Info Hub

Veteran Services

Cannabis Expungement Project

Avoid Bird Alert: Protect Yourself & Your Pets

City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide

ICIRR - Rights Card

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

Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness

Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Chicago Rents Program

12 District Police Oversight

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.

Reproductive Justice

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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