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Neighbors,
This week, our work was rooted in what matters most: listening to your voices, showing up in our neighborhoods, and standing firm for the dignity and safety of our community. From participatory budgeting to immigration updates, here is what is moving forward in the 26th Ward and how you can stay involved. |
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Ward Night at Babe’s
Community input continues to guide everything we do. That commitment came to life at our most recent Ward Night gathering. This past Tuesday, we gathered at Babe’s Sports Bar for our Ward Night pop-up and had an honest, powerful conversation about what’s ahead for our community. We broke down key parts of the proposed city budget, including the fact that 75 percent of ward residents support the corporate head tax and do not want property taxes raised.
We dispelled rumors that ICE is gone from Chicago and shared that they have shifted tactics, making it more important than ever for our community to stay informed and aware. We also discussed the proposed Crosstown Trail and were clear that any new development must protect homeowners and renters from displacement. Thank you to Babe’s and to every neighbor who came out, asked thoughtful questions, and helped make this a meaningful night of community connection. |
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Corridor Walk On Thursday, Clerk Anna Valencia joined Alders Anthony Quezada, Felix Cardona, and me on a walk through our beloved Hermosa neighborhood. Despite being the smallest neighborhood in Chicago, Hermosa is known for being the childhood home of Walt Disney, the origins of Schwinn Bicycles, and a safe space for immigrant and working-class families. Thank you to the Clerk and her whole team for joining us at Cermak Produce, La Central Bakery, and Latinos Plus Plus. Special thanks to El Azteca for a delicious meal. |
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NAVA Consent Decree Updates + Asylum of 19 Countries As we celebrate community connection here at home, we are also facing deeply troubling developments at the federal level that directly impact immigrant families in our ward.
Thank you to the National Immigrant Justice Center for providing my staff with updates on the latest policy changes from the federal administration. Here is a list of highlights of the changes that will negatively impact immigrants:
The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund is preparing to cover the bond for those released. Families with questions about qualifying for relief should contact the Family Support Network hotline at 855-435-7693 and press option 2. And a reminder that it is completely unnecessary to seek independent counsel representation to obtain relief under the Castanon Nava consent decree. Be sure to follow ICIRR for all updates.
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Upcoming Office Closures Please take note of our upcoming office closure dates below. |
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At every level of government and in every corner of our neighborhood, we remain committed to protecting families, preserving affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and standing up for immigrant justice.
Thank you for staying engaged, asking hard questions, and continuing to show up for each other. Our community is strongest when we move forward together.
In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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From the Office of Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, 8th District |
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We are excited to partner with Board of Review Commissioners Cardenas and Steele to host multiple Board of Review appeal events at our office in the next two weeks. Please share these flyers widely in your newsletters and on social media. We encourage all residents to appeal with the Board of Review if they have not already done so. As a reminder, appeals will NOT change current tax bills but have the potential to change the assessed value of a property, which could lead to lower tax bills in the future. For each of these events, we will have 3-5 analysts assisting residents and want to encourage as many residents as possible to attend. |
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California Ave Construction Alert |
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Zoning Community Meeting Notice 12/18 |
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19th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda 12/20 |
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Help Improve Bus Service 12/8 |
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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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1751-53 N Spaulding Ave 3652 W North Ave 1616 N Saint Louis
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| 3251 W Division St 1132 N Mozart St
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Collaboration For Change Events |
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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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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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✨ 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 Ave |
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Girls’ in Sports Summit 12/13 |
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With the ongoing federal government shutdown impacting SNAP benefits, Noble Schools is working to ensure our families have access to consistent food and resource support. To help during this uncertain time, we’ve compiled a list of verified community resources, including food pantries and supply centers that don’t require ID, along with additional assistance options available in both English and Spanish |
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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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Utility Discounts Info Session 12/8 |
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| Learn about the programs' benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process, including: Why utility costs are high and rising: structural issues, rate design, and economic impacts Details of each utility's program, including eligibility, benefit levels, and key differences How to apply: step-by-step instructions, documentation required, and where to go for help |
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Trina Davila Community Events |
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ASI SOMOS: Digital Photo Exhibit 12/12 |
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Humboldt Park Advisory Council Potluck 12/18 |
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Chicago Environmentalists Holiday Guides |
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Become a Mentor with iMentor |
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FREE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT REPAIR QUOTES |
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Community Support Youth Soccer |
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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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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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| The Illinois Department of Human Services is hosting virtual and in-person recruitment events in English and Spanish. Register here, and apply for open positions 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
