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Neighbors,
As we head into the end of the year, our work continues to be rooted in care, accountability, and community. From protecting immigrant families statewide, to celebrating our seniors, to making sure neighbors can still reach our office during the holidays, we want to share a few important updates and moments from this week.
First, we want to share an update on Participatory Budgeting and how neighbors can continue shaping investments in our ward. |
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| PB Update The participatory ballot for the 2026 Menu is nearly ready! Please take a few minutes to review the 12 vetted ideas here. We will be using ranked choice voting, and the ballot will be available to vote online and in-person. Practice voting here! |
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Salt Bill We are also proud to share an important statewide victory that strengthens protections for immigrant communities across Illinois. HB 1312 cements Illinois as a national leader in pro-immigrant policies by enacting new protections: At Hospitals: safeguards against data sharing, requires procedures for handling immigration enforcement on grounds. At Courthouses: bans civil arrests in and around courthouses, reaffirming the right to seek justice without fear. At Public Colleges & Universities: requires protections for students and staff, including limits on data disclosure and posting Know Your Rights Resources. At Childcare Centers: affirms that immigration enforcement agents cannot enter without a signed judicial warrant or court order. Increased accountability: provides a path for people to seek justice for unlawful arrests and detention by ICE and CBP, and increased penalties for aggravated circumstances.
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| Winter Senior Gala Recap
While we continue fighting for justice and accountability, we also make space to celebrate joy, connection, and the people who built our communities. Yesterday, I was proud to join Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Lilian Jimenez at Garden Manor Banquets to host our Winter Senior Gala. We welcomed 210 seniors for an afternoon of music, dancing, food, prizes, and community.
Our seniors are the heart of our families and neighborhoods, and it was an honor to celebrate them together. I am deeply grateful to Maggie Martinez and Mike Oquendo for sharing heartfelt messages that uplifted our elders. Thank you to our generous sponsors MWRD, Homecare, the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra, Grillo Law, the GAP Community Center, Luis A. Martinez Architect Consultant, Life Impacters, The Mikey O Show, and the Hispanic Federation for helping make this special day possible. |
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19th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda I hope that you all can join me in celebrating this year's 19th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda. I am so proud to say that my Chief of Staff, Juanita, has been organizing this annual celebration since its inception. The parranda brings generations of families together to honor and celebrate a tradition that many on the island of Puerto Rico so cherish and have continued celebrating here in the diaspora. The parranda will be stopping at some of the new businesses on Paseo Boricua so you don't want to miss out. |
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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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Thank you for staying engaged, showing up for your neighbors, and being part of the 26th Ward community. Whether you are organizing, celebrating, or simply checking in, we are grateful to be in this work with you.
In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Property Tax Appeals Analyst Days12/17 & 12/18 |
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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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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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Toy Giveaway & Game Night 12/18 |
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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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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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Navi Arts Holiday Market 12/13 |
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Affordable Housing Meeting 12/16 |
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Trina Davila Community Events |
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Humboldt Park Advisory Council Potluck 12/18 |
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Clemente Holiday Food Drive |
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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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