| | Neighbors,
This week we tricked-or-treated, and we voted as a community. Let’s keep this spirit going. Read on about an important Medicaid event, our Progressive Policy Town Hall featuring 15 elected officials, and how to get a free turkey.
Halloween Recap We had a great Halloween week at the 26th Ward. On Thursday, families packed Casals School of Excellence for the Trunk or Treat, and on Saturday, Division Street came alive, or should we say, unalived, with vampires, ghouls, and ghosts for Haunted Paseo’s 25th anniversary. Our team face-painted, handed out candy, and snapped family photos. Huge thanks to State Rep. Jiménez, State Sen. Aquino, and our Cook County Commissioner Vázquez for co-hosting Trunk or Treat, and the PRCC for keeping Haunted Paseo a safe place for our families to enjoy. |
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Don’t Lose Your Medicaid On January 1, 2027, Medicaid rules are changing, which will leave some of our neighbors without healthcare. Until healthcare is universally available, families across Illinois will continue to rely on Medicaid. If you or a loved one receives these benefits, join me, State Senators Aquino and Guzman, State Rep. Jiménez, and the Illinois Department of Human Services on Thursday, November 12th at 5pm at Iglesia Emmanuel to receive one-on-one assistance. |
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Progressive Policies Town Hall No one across the country is co-governing like we are on the northwest side, and on Saturday, November 14, we will be unveiling our coordinated progressive policies. From City Hall to Cook County to Springfield to the Hill, you’ll learn about how we are protecting working families through legislation. And we want to hear from you! Join us for a fireside chat and breakout groups to share your ideas. |
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Turkey Giveaway It’s that time of year again when Senator Aquino, State Rep. Jiménez, and I will be giving away turkeys for the holiday. We’ll be at the Humboldt Park boat house from 10 AM to 12 PM and will be giving out turkeys on a first-come, first-served basis until we run out. See you there! |
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Community Zoning Meeting Join us on Tuesday, November 17, from 6-7:30 PM at La Casa Norte, 3533 W North Ave, for a community meeting regarding a proposed zoning change at 3642-52 W North Ave. The proposal would transform a vacant commercial building and lot into a three-story, eight-unit mixed-use residential building. This meeting is an opportunity for neighbors to learn more about the proposal, ask questions directly to the development team, and share feedback before the project moves forward in the zoning process. Community input is an important part of how we evaluate development in the 26th Ward, and we encourage residents to join the conversation. RSVP here. |
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Veterans Day closure Our office will be closed Wednesday, Nov 11, in observance of Veterans Day. We'll reopen Thursday, November 12, at 9 AM.
Also, looking ahead, our office will be closed Wednesday the 25th, Thursday, November 26, and Friday, 27. We will reopen Monday, November 30, at 2 PM.
There is no city garbage pickup on holidays, so keep your carts in the alley all week as the Streets and Sanitation teams plan for early or late pickups. |
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| In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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| Small businesses and property owners located within the Northwest Industrial Corridor TIF District can apply for funding through the City of Chicago's Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF). With $2.28 million in funding available, SBIF provides grants to help eligible businesses and property owners make permanent improvements to their properties, including building repairs, renovations, accessibility improvements, and other upgrades. OPENS: 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 CLOSES: 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 Pulaski Corridor
Informational Webinar 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 | Register Please reach out to our Director of Zoning and Business Affairs, Erin King, (erin@the26thward.org) or call our office at 773.395.0143 and we can help you check your eligibility. |
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| Immigration Rights Resources |
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| | Construction Update: Division and Kedzie Water Main Improvements We’re happy to share that construction on the 3200 block of W. Division St. is complete! As DWM continues to improve our neighborhood’s infrastructure, crews are now focusing on the 3200 block of W. Thomas St.
All necessary corrective work on Thomas St. is complete, and crews continue to replace lead service lines to provide residents with safer, lead-free water connections. So far, 5 of the 18 planned lead service line replacements are complete on this block. Here's what you should expect as construction continues: Parking and Street Access: Temporary parking restrictions and road closures will remain in effect on W. Thomas St. between Kedzie and the alley during working hours, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Residents will continue to have access to their homes. Water Service: If temporary water service disruptions are necessary, DWM will notify affected residents in advance. Road Reopenings: W. Division St. between N. Spaulding Ave. and N. Kedzie Ave., along with N. Kedzie Ave. in the construction area, will remain closed as crews finish restoration work this weekend. Both streets are expected to reopen by Monday, November 2nd
We know construction and road closures can be frustrating, and we appreciate our neighbors’ patience as these important improvements are completed. We’re excited to see our streets reopen and more households connected to safer, lead-free water service.
Learn more about the dangers of lead exposure and Chicago’s Lead Service Line Replacement programs.
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A New Traffic Signal is Coming to Kedzie and Cortland!
Our office has been working with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the intersection of Kedzie Ave and Cortland St, and a new traffic signal is officially in the works. The intersection, currently controlled by four-way stop signs, will receive new traffic signals to reduce conflicts between drivers and pedestrians. The project will also include accessible pedestrian signals and audible and vibrating features, improvements to existing pedestrian bump-outs, and new left-turn lanes to improve traffic flow along Kedzie.
Even better, these improvements will not result in the loss of any parking spaces. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and be completed by the end of the year. With so many neighbors walking, biking, and accessing the 606 trail nearby, we’re thrilled to see these much-needed safety improvements. |
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| | Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out our construction projects for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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| | The 26th Ward's community-led 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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| 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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