Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez’s August 15 newsletter announces several zoning and development meetings, including a public hearing on the 3122 W Belmont/3203 N Troy map amendment and a State Transit Town Hall, and notes that the 3845 N Whipple St RS‑3 to RT‑4 change has been supported while the Belmont/Troy amendment remains in aldermanic review. The newsletter also highlights policy resources such as the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance guide and block‑party permit application, and reports a participatory‑budgeting‑approved playground opening, along with updates on street‑sweeping schedules and tree‑trimming. Additional community events featured include the Horner Park 5‑k, Concordia’s back‑to‑school celebration, Patrick Henry’s block party, and the final Lot Jams gathering.

Alderman Byron Sigcho‑Lopez notes that the Pilsen TIF Review Committee will meet Thursday, July 31 at the Rudy Lozano Library to discuss a public notification process for TIF funds. The office also highlights upcoming community events, including a Back‑to‑School Block Party on August 8, a CityKey appointment‑only event that same day, a BCBSIL CareVan vaccine clinic on August 15, and a Chicago Gun Safety Awareness Workshop. Residents can contact the 25th Ward office at 773‑523‑4100 or [email protected] for more information.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward announced Chicago Fire’s $650 million investment in a new soccer stadium, a key development approval for the area. The council also passed a skills‑based hiring ordinance, expanding hiring criteria for city jobs. The newsletter highlighted the city’s designation as a Purple Heart City, a veteran panel discussion, and upcoming community events such as a gun‑safety talk and homeowners help session.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas called for hearings on the installation of speed cameras in Chicago—emphasizing safety over revenue—and on the city’s vendor‑selection process to increase transparency for minority and women‑owned businesses. He also announced a new ordinance honoring veterans’ educational achievements and highlighted upcoming community events, including a veteran panel discussion, a union citizenship workshop, and homeowners‑help sessions. The newsletter promoted local nonprofit grants, a library fishing program, and reminded residents of Real‑ID deadlines and the Pope’s visit to Chicago.

The March 2025 36th Ward newsletter highlights a spring‑season “Easter Bunny” photo‑op at Snowberry Park, Smith Park and the Belmont Cragin office, along with a monthly Homeowners Help event and a call for a new 12th‑District satellite office amid rising robberies. Alderman Villegas announces policy actions—opposing federal cuts to Veterans Affairs, calling hearings on Chicago’s new speed‑camera rollout, and proposing a resolution to explore alternative social‑media platforms for city communications. Residents are reminded of upcoming community events (Earth Day, job fair, CPD beat meetings) and practical updates such as the Real ID deadline and Paczki Day celebration support from Wiklanski’s Bakery.

The February 2025 36th Ward newsletter highlights several community initiatives: a new Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation scholarship deadline (April 11), monthly Homeowners Help events starting February 4, and a Veterans Business Project pilot. Alderman Villegas announced his appointment to the AI Week Chicago advisory board, held an ethics‑committee hearing on the city’s Ineligible‑for‑Rehire list, and introduced a resolution urging corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. Upcoming events include a CACC “Love is in the Air” adoption event on Feb 22, a prayer for Ukraine on Feb 24, and a 12th‑District community meeting on March 12, with office hours and contact details provided for residents.”}

The September 2024 36th Ward Newsletter announces new office hours at both Belmont Cragin and West Town and highlights upcoming community events—pet‑care clinics, a Chipotle fundraiser on Sept 21, a Hispanic Heritage Cruise Night on Sept 28, and a student‑loan webinar in October. It reports that Alderman Villegas introduced the Rogue Towing ordinance and that the Sidewalk and Data‑Residency ordinances were passed, while noting recent broadband‑access and homeowner‑assistance events. Residents are encouraged to visit the ward offices, attend the events, and stay informed about the new policies.

The 36th Ward Office is extending summer hours (Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.) and will be closed Thursday‑Friday for Independence Day, resuming on Monday July 8. Key events include a July 8 West Town meet‑up with Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Eileen Burke, a July 13 cleanup with Cleanup Club Chicago, and ongoing Beloved Community Bash and Veterans Connect gatherings. Policy updates highlight the ward’s continued push on rogue towing protection, the introduction of an AI ordinance, and the launch of block‑party permits and a free Jumping Jack inflatable playground for community events.

The 36th Ward’s June newsletter announces extended summer office hours (10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and highlights a series of community events, including a Youth Summer Job Fair on June 6, a Women Veterans celebration on June 11, a Community Cleanup on June 18, and a block‑party on June 1. It also reports two key policy updates: the city’s new “Plow the Sidewalks” pilot program for free snow removal in four neighborhoods and the introduction of a Data Residency ordinance that will repurpose vacant city land for data‑center infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to apply for the upcoming ChiBlockBuilder lot‑purchase program, register for block‑party permits, and take advantage of the expanded services and resources offered by the ward office.”}

The May 2024 36th Ward newsletter highlights a series of community events, including a mobile Secretary of State voter‑registration drive on May 30, a senior fashion show on May 31, and a veteran‑resources event on June 4, as well as recent initiatives such as a free clothing boutique, a new street sign honoring Coach Larry Thurm, and weekly clean‑ups. Alderman Villegas announces policy progress on MENA community representation with a new census‑classification ordinance and encourages residents to apply for block‑party permits, block‑builder land purchases, and summer‑job programs. The office also promotes block clubs, safety reminders, and resources for veterans, seniors, and community members.

The 36th Ward newsletter announces a spring full of community events—Grand Avenue corridor workshop, Veterans town‑hall, immigration rights session, and a mobile Secretary of State voter‑registration drive—alongside weekly clean‑ups, a free clothing boutique, and the dedication of Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way. Recent policy highlights include Alderman Villegas’ data‑residency ordinance to secure city data and generate revenue, and a second quarterly meeting of the Chicago Taskforce on Innovation & Technology. Residents are urged to apply for block‑party permits, participate in the ChiBlockBuilder vacant‑lot program, and explore summer job openings such as One Summer Chicago and Chicago Park District positions.

The 36th Ward Newsletter highlights recent Earth Day clean‑ups and invites residents to schedule weekly block clean‑ups, while announcing that block‑party permits and the Jumping Jack inflatable playground registration are now open. Alderman Villegas reports that City Council passed veteran‑focused housing and hiring ordinances, and reminds homeowners to apply for 2023 property‑tax savings by April 29. Additionally, street‑sweeping dates are posted, a weekly clothing drive is underway, and several job‑opportunity listings are featured.

The 36th Ward is hosting a community clean‑up on Saturday, April 20 from 8:30 am to 2 pm; residents can sign up through the provided link. The newsletter also corrects and updates the police beat meeting schedules for the 11th, 12th, and 25th districts, and thanks Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada and Belmont Cragin Ambassadors for partnering on the event.

The 36th Ward is hosting a neighborhood clean‑up on Saturday, April 20, and residents are encouraged to sign up for block‑party permits and the new veterans’ preference amendment to the city’s affordable‑housing ordinance, which will be voted on April 17. The ward also highlights upcoming street‑sweeping schedules, property‑tax‑exemption applications, and a call for further study on the city’s decarbonization ordinance, while promoting a range of community events such as free car‑light repairs, a clothing giveaway, CPR training, and pet‑adoption days.

The 36th Ward Office celebrated Easter on March 23 and will close early for Good Friday, with street‑sweeping resuming on April 1 and a neighborhood clean‑up scheduled for April 20. Residents can apply for property‑tax savings, join the new ChiBlockBuilder vacant‑lot sale opening April 1, and take advantage of free Tax Prep Chicago services and upcoming job fairs. The ward also announced a non‑binding measure to reopen a police station in West Town and continues to promote community events such as the April 9 Outreach Day, Vet Connect, and Ward Wednesdays.

Early voting for the Illinois primary election is now open through March 19, with mail‑in ballots due by the same date and a referendum to reopen the 13th‑District Police Station on the ballot. Property‑tax exemption applications for 2023 are available online, and the 36th Ward is hosting community events—including an Easter celebration, Vet Connect, and a crime‑prevention seminar—alongside job fairs and a CityArts grant application deadline. Alderman Villegas highlighted his recent Hispanic Leadership Award and his advocacy for a fully elected Chicago Board of Education.

The 36th Ward urges homeowners to register for the 2024 Home Repair Program—grants for roof or porch work—by March 8 at 5 p.m. (eligibility: single‑family or duplex owners earning ≤ 50 % of AMI). Other key dates include the Bell Park Baseball spring‑season registration deadline (March 8, 11:59 p.m.), the City of Chicago’s BACP Small Business Expo on March 14, and the CityArts grant application window (open until March 25). The ward also promotes weekly Vet Connect sessions, Ward Wednesdays on social media, and summer job openings with the Chicago Park District, with office hours Monday‑Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at West Town and Belmont Cragin locations.

The 36th Ward newsletter highlights several key community initiatives: the weekly Vet Connect program continues to provide veterans with VA resources, and a volunteer clean‑up drive is underway to keep streets tidy. Residents are reminded that early voting for the March 19 presidential primary opens on March 4, with the ward office closed that day for Casimir Pulaski Day, and that the ward will host a small‑business expo on March 14 and a CityArts grant application deadline on March 25. Additional announcements include job openings with the Streets & Sanitation department, summer park jobs, and a last‑minute registration for Bell Park Baseball’s spring programs.

The 36th Ward wishes residents a happy 2024 and announces that the 2024 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will open for new applications on January 8, 2024 (6 am‑10 pm) via the City’s 311 system, website, or mobile app, with first‑come, first‑served selection and funding‑dependent participation. The Ward’s satellite office at 2246 W Chicago Ave (and the Bricktown Shopping Center office) remain open Monday‑Friday 9 am‑5 pm, closed for lunch 12:45‑1:30 pm. Residents can contact the Ward at (773) 745‑4636 or [email protected] for updates and inquiries.

On Friday, Dec. 8 the 36th Ward offices will be closed for Staff Appreciation Day, and a jacket giveaway will be held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center that morning. The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will reopen for new applications on Jan. 8, 2024 via the City’s 311 system, while the Chicago Police Department’s CAPS Beat Meetings for districts 025, 016, and 012 are scheduled for 2023. Additional updates include a Veterans Affairs hiring announcement, a Cook County rain‑barrel subsidy program, and a monthly free Cats‑in‑Action workshop on the 4th Sunday of each month.