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Neighbors, From the streets of our ward to the halls of City Council, everything we do is rooted in our values: dignity, justice, and collective care. This week’s updates reflect what’s possible when we listen to each other, fight for each other, and move forward together.
Pride in Every Step This past Sunday I had the honor of running in the San Juan 5K, and what a day it was! Under the hot sunny skies, our community came out in full force to celebrate our culture, health, and unity. From seasoned runners to first timers, the energy was electric and the pride was palpable. A huge shout out to the organizers: Dynamic Events Chicago and the Puerto Rican Festival Chicago team, whose dedication made this celebration possible. And to all the volunteers who guided runners, staffed water stations, and cheered everyone across the finish line, your hard work made a real difference. |
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One Fair Wage Goes Into Effect On July 1, the City of Chicago officially increased the minimum wage for tipped workers. I’ve been proud to lead the charge as the chief sponsor of One Fair Wage (OFW) not just to raise wages, but to raise the standard for what’s possible in our economy.
Opponents of the law have tried to blame OFW for every challenge restaurants are facing, but workers and owners are telling the truth. In a powerful letter to the Chicago Tribune, Spinning J owner Dinah Grossman made it plain: the restaurant crisis is real, but workers’ wages aren’t the problem, they’re part of the solution. From rising insurance premiums to equipment costs tripling, the pressure on small businesses is structural. And yet, restaurants thrive when they invest in the people who make their business possible. As Grossman said, “My people aren’t the problem. They never have been.” |
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Committee Hearing on ICE and CPD While we fight for economic justice, we’re also demanding justice for all immigrants. Yesterday, I joined my colleagues on the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights for a hearing on CPD’s potential involvement in the June 4th ICE mass detention. Chicago is a Welcoming City, this incident has sent shockwaves and fear through our communities across our neighborhoods and nation.
We can’t allow aggression and confusion to undermine the laws and values we’ve fought for. That’s why we’ve called on Mayor Johnson to support a full, independent investigation and release a public summary of the findings. This is more than an isolated incident; it's a chance to review, refine, and strengthen our city’s protocols so that we live up to our promises. |
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TOPA Working Group Launch This past Wednesday, I called together a new working group to begin implementing the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Program (TOPA), a key piece of the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance that went into effect this March. I’m proud to co-lead this effort alongside Palenque LSNA and my northwest side colleagues Alderpersons Quezada, Cruz, Rodríguez-Sánchez, and La Spata. Together with housing advocates, legal experts, and city departments, we’re building a coordinated system to support property owners and tenants in learning about their new rights and staying in the communities they’ve helped shape. This is a powerful tool to fight displacement—and we’re committed to making sure it works for our neighbors. |
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Ward at Your Door Walking the ward is one of my most favorite things to do as your alderperson. Every Tuesday and Sunday we hit the streets listening, learning, and connecting with neighbors block by block. Lately, I’ve been joined by our incredible interns. Their energy brings a new invigorating energy to the walk. Even in the heat, the ward is alive. Neighbors are out gardening, walking their dogs, and waving from porches.
We have been hearing about potholes, abandoned buildings, trash bin requests, and more. These everyday conversations are what keep our work grounded and real. If you missed me on your block, do not worry. You can catch me at the next Coffee with Your Alder at Cafe Calida on Saturday, July 19th. I would love to hear what’s on your mind. |
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Whether it’s on the sidewalk, at a committee table, or over a cup of coffee. I am here to serve, to listen, and to fight for what our community deserves. Let’s keep building together. In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Coffee With Your Alder 7/19 |
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park |
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⛔️ 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. |
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Cicero Ave. Land Use Study |
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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. |
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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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Street Sweeping Map & Schedule |
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Street Sweeping takes place between April and November. |
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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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1631 N. Spaulding Ave 1751-53 N Spaulding Ave 1701 North Kimball 1459 N. Talman Ave
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| 2735 W North Ave 3652 W North Ave 1247 N California 1739 N Drake
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Ignite Your Future Summit |
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| Do you know any young Chicagoans with big ideas and a passion for making a difference? Don’t let them miss this energizing afternoon of connection, creativity, and community.
The event will highlight: Entrepreneurship & Innovation – Turning ideas into action Community & Safe Spaces – Creating strong, inclusive environments Networking & Connections – Expanding personal and professional networks
Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Bonus: Youth attendees will have a chance to win 4-day general admission Lollapalooza wristbands! Space is limited – Register here by July 7 |
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Summer Meals for Children & Teens |
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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. |
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Noble School Food Pantries |
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| Noble Schools will be hosting a Summer Food Service Program at several of our campuses across Chicago. This program provides free meals to all eligible children in the community and is part of our commitment to supporting students and families beyond the school year. |
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| My Block, My Hood, My City
Our third annual Downtown Day aims to bring 1,000 youth—primarily from Chicago’s South and West sides—into the heart of our cultural and business corridors for a day of exploration, belonging, and new opportunities!
Sign up to enjoy downtown! |
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New Life Tuesdays Community Meals |
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Transilience Humboldt Park Festival 7/10 |
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| 🌈 Chicago’s first-ever Trans Pride Festival is here!
Join us for Transilience on Thursday, July 10 from 6 to 8 PM at Humboldt Park (1440 N Humboldt Blvd) for an all-ages, joy-filled celebration of trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming brilliance. Expect dance, drag, circus arts, music, puppeteering, and more, all for free! Let’s uplift each other, create space, and celebrate community beyond the binary.
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Transfemicide Ordinance Community Meetings 7/10 |
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| 📣 The City of Chicago wants to hear from you. Join the Transfemicide Ordinance Community Meetings to share your experiences, uplift trans voices, and help shape a safer, more supportive city for all.
🗓️ Meetings run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the following locations:
• July 10 – Jackson Park Fieldhouse
• July 30 – Broadway Armory Park
This is a safe space for open dialogue and community-driven solutions. Let’s build a better Chicago together. |
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HPH Car Wash Fundrasier 7/12 |
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| 🚗💦 Support the Humboldt Park Patriots!
Get your car squeaky clean and help our youth athletes gear up for a successful season. The Humboldt Park Patriots are hosting a Car Wash Fundraiser
🗓️ June 28 & July 12
🕗 8 AM – 12 PM
📍 Burr Elementary, 1621 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Every wash helps build opportunities on and off the field. Come through and show your support! |
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Pride Community Night 7/17 |
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| Join us for PRIDE Community Night!
We're celebrating LGBTQ+ joy, connection, and community.
LoSAH Center of Hope (3555 W Armitage Ave) on Thursday, July 17 6 to 7:30 PM
Expect food, art, resources, and space to meet and connect with other queer folks. All ages and identities welcome! Free to attend—RSVP appreciated but not required. |
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Humboldt Park Community Clean-Up 7/30 |
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| 🌿Join the Chicago Parks Foundation for a community clean-up at Humboldt Park and help us show love to the spaces that bring us joy. Bring your friends, your energy, and your commitment to care.🌿 🧹 Meet at the Boathouse: 1301 N Humboldt Dr at 10 AM to 2 PM. 🖐️ All ages welcome and supplies provided 📲 Sign up to clean the park! Let’s make this the first of many. We plan to continue clean-ups on the last Saturday of each month through September: 🗓️ July 26, August 30, and September 27 |
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Fee Waved July - Furever Homes |
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Adoption fees will be waived every day in July at CACC.
We’re also inviting the public to our Grand Adoption Event, “Final Lap to Forever Homes,” on Saturday, July 12 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where to Adopt:
Chicago Animal Care and Control
2741 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL Adoption Hours:
Daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
(Please arrive by 5:30 p.m. if ready to adopt) |
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| 🐾 Thinking about adopting a pet? Now’s the time!
One Tail at a Time is offering 50% off adoption fees at their Bucktown and Everyday Adoption Centers.
This initiative supports families, reduces overcrowding at Chicago Animal Care and Control, and helps build a more compassionate, no-kill Chicago.
📩 your next best friend might be waiting! |
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CEDA Utility Relief Programs |
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Free Entrepreneurial Training - Apply by 7/7 |
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🚀 Small business owners—ready to scale up?
Apply now for Scaling for Success, a free 8-week virtual cohort from the Center for Changing Lives! Get expert training on pricing, federal contracts, insurance, taxes, and more—plus a certificate of completion and a chance to join a pop-up market.
✅ No-cost training for IL entrepreneurs
🗓️ Apply by July 7: www.cclconnect.org/eec
📩 Questions? frontdesk@cclconnect.org | 773-342-6210 |
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Seniors Community Care Program |
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Call for Vendors: Pop Up Market |
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Heat Resilience Policy & Program Community Survey |
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Donate to Meals on Wheels |
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| 🍽️ Hunger Takes No Summer Vacation
Funding cuts are putting Meals on Wheels Chicago at risk—while demand keeps growing. Help us keep the doors open for homebound seniors.
💙 Start a virtual pantry drive or become a monthly Meal Maker today: www.mowc.org/donate
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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. 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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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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| Chicago Board of Elections is HIRING!
Various full-time positions avilable.
Apply by sending your resume to HR@CHICAGOELECTIONS.GOV
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| OEMC currently has four job postings on the City’s website ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Salary: $50,424 Annually Job Posting:Jun 12, 2025 | Requisition ID:410015 GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF SPECIAL TRAFFIC SERVICES Salary: $94,992 Annually Job Posting:Jun 9, 2025 | Requisition ID:409282 TRAFFIC CONTROL AIDE-HOURLY Salary: $22.04 Job Posting:Mar 19, 2025 | Requisition ID:411598
Apply HERE |
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| Ready for a new career?
GWTP has trained over 2,000 people for good jobs with real career paths. No high school diploma or GED required, and programs are free for eligible applicants.
✔️ Short-term training
✔️ Industry certifications
✔️ Job placement support
✔️ Background friendly
✔️ Transportation and other services included
📲 Call 312-563-9570 to schedule a tour or register online today!
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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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Share Feedback for a Healthier & Sustainable Community |
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