Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderperson Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward announced that the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape project will begin next week, removing the left‑turn from Ainslie onto Western to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and that Ashland Avenue resurfacing will start this week with signal work expected to be operational in two weeks. The ward also opened registration for the Green Homes Chicago energy‑upgrade program, which will provide free retrofits to income‑eligible homeowners, and reminded residents that the office will be closed on Monday, February 16 for President’s Day, with the next Ward Night scheduled for February 23. Additionally, volunteers are invited to join the front‑desk team on February 27 to help with constituent services.

On February 19, Alderman Scott Waguespack will host a neighborhood meeting to gather resident feedback on two proposed 30‑unit residential developments on the 1800 block of N. Winnebago, a key zoning and housing discussion for the 32nd Ward. The Department of Water Management will begin a 930‑foot water‑main replacement on Dickens from Damen to Avondale in late February, with accompanying lead‑line replacement, street resurfacing, and sidewalk repairs, representing a significant infrastructure investment. Other updates include early voting sites for the March 17 primary, Earth Day park‑cleanup opportunities, and reminders about property‑tax appeals and voting deadlines.

The 6th Ward Central newsletter announces a historic fireside chat with Retired U.S. Senators Carol Moseley Braun and Roland Burris, scheduled for Sunday, February 15 at 10:00 AM CST at St. James Community Church. The event celebrates the senators’ roots in the 6th Ward and offers neighbors a chance to reflect on leadership, faith, and legacy. Additional details include the venue address (8000 S. Michigan Ave.) and contact information for 6th Ward Central.

On February 18, the 49th Ward will host a City Council meeting, and a town hall is scheduled for March 4. The alderwoman announced that Loyola University has received demolition permits for 1224 W Loyola Ave, and the Chicago Park District will convert Willye B. White Park’s spray pool into a splash pad in 2026. The Department of Water Management will begin a 75‑day sewer lining project on the west side of N Greenview Ave, and SNAP will now require work reporting for benefits effective February 1.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward highlighted a request for public feedback on a proposed zoning change to build 44 affordable housing units at 3251 W. Division, and noted that the ward’s zoning intake process is currently reviewing several development requests. The ward also announced a bike‑lane plowing schedule and a community tree‑planting day on April 25 to improve street safety and green space. Additional updates included early voting availability, a Senior Valentine’s lunch celebration, and the office’s closure on February 16 for Washington’s birthday.

Alderman Timmy Knudsen of Chicago’s 43rd Ward announced a new ordinance requiring the Department of Transportation to present a detailed traffic plan before any bridge is closed for more than 30 days, a measure that will go before City Council next week. He also highlighted updated CDOT guidance on e‑scooters and e‑bikes, new parking enforcement reporting options through 311, and a City Council hearing on the Mayor’s Office of Reentry’s first‑year report. The newsletter noted the office’s Presidents Day closure, upcoming community events, and tools such as the Chi Street Work Portal for residents to track street projects.

Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward reported that the Committee on Finance convened to discuss the impact of Cook County’s delayed property tax bills, and he introduced a measure urging the county to reimburse the City and Chicago Public Schools for the $9 million lost in interest and the $1.8 billion short‑term loan taken by CPS. The measure is a policy change aimed at addressing fiscal losses caused by the broken tax‑billing system. Other highlights include the office’s holiday closure, the start of early voting for the March primary, invitations to the St. Patrick’s Day parade, community shredding events, and several traffic‑closure updates across downtown.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward announces the office will be closed on Presidents' Day, early voting is now open downtown, and a Valentine’s Day dance will be held at Lake Shore Park. The newsletter also highlights the opening of the SOAR Gourmet Market on February 26, a community shred event on March 8, and upcoming political forums including a 7th District Democratic candidate forum and a Sueños and Lollapalooza engagement meeting. Additional community events include a pet adoption event, a near‑north library robotics demo, and various local cultural and educational activities.

Alderman Anthony Napolitano of the 41st Ward informs residents that city offices, including the ward office, will be closed on Presidents Day, February 16, 2026, with services such as garbage pickup continuing as usual. The office will reopen on Tuesday, February 17 at 9 a.m. He also encourages residents to support local businesses, participate in the online rental ban initiative, and stay connected via social media and text alerts.

On February 19, Alderman Scott Waguespack will host a neighborhood meeting to gather feedback on two proposed 30‑unit residential developments on the 1800 block of N. Winnebago, a key zoning and housing issue for the 32nd Ward. The ward is also preparing for a new 930‑foot water main along Dickens from Damen to Avondale, with lead‑line replacement and street restoration slated for late February through May, reflecting significant infrastructure spending. Additional updates include early voting locations for the March 17 primary, Earth Day park‑cleanup opportunities, and reminders about upcoming election deadlines.

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announces that the Chicago Plan Commission will hear on February 11 the zoning and development proposals for 3611 N. Halsted and 4458 N. Clarendon, both of which include affordable housing and supportive services. The ward also hosts a City Key ID event on March 9 and a HIRE 360 pre‑apprenticeship admissions day on February 17, while the Department of Water Management is repairing a collapsed sewer main on Broadway, causing temporary street closures. Other highlights include the DuSable Day Legacy Award ceremony, the Argyle Lunar New Year parade, and updates on SNAP work requirements and the temporary closure of the American Islamic College shelter.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez of the 33rd Ward highlighted an upcoming zoning review for the 3446 W Irving Park development and urged residents to attend community‑driven zoning meetings. She also announced that the 33rd Ward Participatory Budgeting ballot is open through March 2, inviting residents to vote on local budget priorities, and reminded the community about the Winter Mercadito event and flu vaccination clinics.

On February 13, Ald. Matt Martin of the 47th Ward announced the start of the Participatory Budgeting process, with a ballot that includes a flashing pedestrian signal on Western Ave, playground upgrades at Welles Park, a music‑themed crosswalk near the Old Town School of Folk Music, and fitness equipment at Clark Park. The City Council’s Finance Committee, which Martin attended, approved over $29 million in police misconduct settlements and held a hearing on mortgage‑lending practices of the city’s largest banks, noting a 25 % increase in lending to majority Black and Latino communities. Other updates include a temporary closure of the Western Brown Line northbound platform for stair repairs and a series of community events such as Valentine’s Day celebrations, a Lunar New Year parade, and a Women’s March Madness viewing.

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announces that the Chicago Plan Commission will hear on February 11 the zoning and development proposals for 3611 N. Halsted and 4458 N. Clarendon, both of which include affordable housing and supportive services. The ward also hosts a City Key ID event on March 9 and a HIRE 360 pre‑apprenticeship admissions day on February 17, while the Department of Water Management is repairing a collapsed sewer main on Broadway, causing temporary street closures. Other highlights include the DuSable Day Legacy Award ceremony, the Argyle Lunar New Year parade, and updates on SNAP work requirements and the temporary closure of the American Islamic College shelter.

The Third Ward Alderman Dowell’s office will be closed for Presidents Day from February 16‑17. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has approved environmental remediation at The 78, with Phase 1 scheduled to begin next week and involve about 30 trucks daily transporting contaminated soil to a Joliet landfill. The work will follow CDOT guidelines and include street sweeping to minimize impacts, and it will not affect programming at Ping Tom Memorial Park.

Alderman Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward highlighted the upcoming Green Homes Chicago program, offering free energy upgrades to eligible homeowners, and noted the commission’s anti‑Jewish hate hearing and recommendations to the mayor. The newsletter also covered the March 17 primary election details, early voting sites, and the launch of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program. Additional community events include Ramadan, Lunar New Year celebrations, and free museum days.

Alderman Bennett Lawson’s February 13 newsletter highlights the upcoming Annual Wrigley Field Community Meeting on Feb. 24 to discuss safety, traffic, and neighborhood beautification, and notes the Cubs’ pending review of a parking expansion and signage proposal adjacent to Wrigley Field. The newsletter also announces a new café, Jujin, and a free shredding event on May 9, while reminding residents of early voting sites and a tragic shooting investigation. Additional community updates include Valentine’s Day activities, Black History Month business spotlights, and a Family Preparedness Plan Workshop on Feb. 25.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward reports no upcoming zoning, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes in this edition. The newsletter honors activist Debra Thompson, announces community event registration and application deadlines, and invites residents to complete a survey. Service office hours and contact details are provided.