| Neighbors,
This week we walked with rapid responders, stood with nurses fighting for a fair contract, and welcomed the Mayor of Isabela, PR, to Chicago. As the city continues with their nationwide search for a new superintendent of police, our 14th Police District Councilor has a survey soliciting ideas for what we want to see in Chicago’s next top cop. Read ahead on these topics and upcoming events.
From Isabela, Puerto Rico to Brighton Park
On Wednesday, my team joined Mayor of Isabela, PR, Miguel "Ricky" Mendez, and his staff to learn more about the expansive and inclusive programming at the Chicago Park District. General Superintendent Ramirez-Rosa offered best practices for how to preserve Isabela’s playas and ensure that those who rent it for large scale events are held responsible for any damage or impact. The group toured Park District headquarters, learning about the green infrastructure embedded in the building, a regular practice of Puerto Rican architects. Did you know that the wood used is from the sick trees that had to be felled? Or that when arranged exactly, Chicago brick can block loud sounds like trains? The beautiful space is also used to host numerous Brighton Park summer camps and is Shields Middle School’s home turf. Thank you, Supe. Ramirez-Rosa, Beth, Ismael, and the whole team for your hospitality and history lessons! |
|
|
|
Protecting Our Northwest Side Immigrant Families
The number of ICE detainments and detentions has been underreported by the media. Our on-the-ground volunteers have been working around the clock to support our community, from school watch to canvassing after abductions to helping tow cars. On Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson, State Senator Graciela Guzmán, Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, NWS Deportation Defense Chair Sandra Puebla, and I walked with rapid responders to listen to observations of the new tactics deployed by ICE and the policies responders envision could better protect our families. Along our route, we checked in with Safe Passage, students, and parents about their experiences. When our streets are quiet, the fear is palpable, making me all the more grateful for our volunteer networks. |
|
| | A special note from our 14th Police District Councilor |
|
|
| |
National Nurses United Strike at St. Mary’s
I also joined nurses at St. Mary of Nazareth on the picket line to support their efforts to win a fair contract. Nurses voted to unionize with the National Nurses Union in June and are pushing back against unsafe staffing levels and cuts to patient care. Nurses care for us during some of our most painful moments, doing their best to provide quality healthcare. Their work shouldn’t be a business model! Healthcare is a human right, and our workers deserve fair labor contracts. |
|
|
|
Support with Property Tax Bills
As second-installment property tax bills start to be delivered, know that we will once again partner with the office of County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez to offer support. If you turned 65 in 2025, you may be eligible for senior exemptions. Keep a look out for a date for when her team will be on-site at our office. |
|
|
Earlier buses on Division and late buses on Armitage
Great news for our CTA commuters. Last week the CTA improved service across nine bus routes serving communities throughout Chicago. For the 26th ward, that means the #70 Division weekday service starts at 4:20 a.m. eastbound and 5:04 a.m. westbound. Also, the #73 Armitage weekend service has been extended to 8:30 p.m. westbound and 7:30 p.m. eastbound on Saturdays and Sundays/holidays. These improvements are part of the CTA’s efforts to provide a more convenient and reliable service. Read more on the recent updates to service lines here. |
|
|
HPAC Artisan Market
On Sunday, September 13th, come shop, browse, and support local artisans and neighbors at the Attic to Artisan pop-up market fundraiser. You will find décor, vintage clothing and treasures, as well as handmade and artisanal goods. By shopping secondhand and supporting upcycled items, you’ll also help reduce waste, keep usable items out of landfills, and lessen the environmental impact of buying new products. Stop by and see what treasures you can find.
Sunday, September 13 10 AM - 1 PM Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, 1440 N. Humboldt Dr. |
|
|
|
Fiesta Boricua The 33rd Fiesta Boricua has finally arrived. The full line ups are available to view here and I hope you make it down to Paseo Boricua de Bandera a Bandera to enjoy the total immersive Puerto Rican cultural experience. There will be a fashion show, domino tournaments, two stages, and special visitors from Puerto Rico that include the mayors from Isabela, Puerto Rico, Mayor Miguel “Ricky” Méndez; Comerío, Puerto Rico, Mayor Irvin Rivera González; Lares, Puerto Rico, Mayor Fabián Arroyo Rodríguez; and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mayor Jaime Arroyo. See you this weekend. |
|
|
| In Solidarity on Labor Day
Finally, please note our office will be closed Monday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 8, in observance of Labor Day. Chicago has a long legacy of instituting workers’ rights, including the victory for an eight-hour workday and establishing laws against child labor.
These victories, like our nurses at St. Mary’s, came at great risk to their livelihoods and even lives. This holiday honors the historical wins and uplifts current efforts for workers’ rights. I share solidarity with our unions, worker centers, and everyday workers fighting for fair wages and conditions. Our work continues! |
|
|
| In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
|
| | | | |
| |
|
|
| Immigration Rights Resources |
|
|
| | |
| | | Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out our construction projects for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
No new zoning change proposals for Sept - Erin During the month of September, our office will pause the intake and review of new zoning change requests and development proposals. Regular zoning intake and review will resume in October. We appreciate your patience and understanding and look forward to continuing to work with residents, businesses, and community partners through our community-centered zoning process. |
|
|
| | |
| | | | |
| 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. |
|
| | | | | 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. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
