Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Peter Chico of the 10th Ward announces the return of the Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest, inviting residents to register for the event and learn how to participate. The newsletter provides links for registration, additional event information, and resources such as a pantry locator. No meetings, policy changes, or development approvals are mentioned in this edition.

16th Ward Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman announces the launch of 16th Ward Veteran Hours, a monthly veterans resource hub starting April 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 16th Ward Service Office, connecting veterans with housing, financial assistance, VA disability claims, legal referrals, employment resources, and holistic services. The update highlights partnerships with the Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission and Veterans Support Volunteers of America Illinois and notes volunteer opportunities to support the program. Coleman emphasizes her commitment to veterans and the 16th Ward community.

Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s 49th Ward Update covers ongoing development and infrastructure activity, including Loyola University construction at 6347 N Broadway, the demolition at 1224 W Loyola Ave with related street closures, and paving on N. Glenwood Ave plus a Chase/Paulina street lighting project. It notes housing and city policy steps such as the TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Program, along with street closures for Good Friday and other infrastructure notices. The message also addresses the March tragedies involving Sheridan Gorman and Firefighter Michael Altman (with the alderwoman’s apology and safety remarks), the temporary remote-work shift for staff due to threats, and a slate of community announcements and events (including the Sheridan Gorman Memorial & Scholarship Fund GoFundMe, the 49th Ward Clean and Green on April 18, and local cultural/arts listings).

40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez highlights a virtual community rezoning meeting (Mar. 31, 5:30pm) for 5636–5640 N. Ashland Avenue to change zoning from RS-3 to B2-3 for a proposed 5-story residential building, and notes ongoing infrastructure work tied to the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape (including the Western/Ainslie traffic signal modernization) plus Ashland Avenue resurfacing/bus pad installation and signal work. The newsletter also points to the 40th Ward’s public safety commission special hearing scheduled for April 2 at 6:30pm with CPD Superintendent Snelling, and includes longer-term community improvements such as the Winnemac Park turf ballfield opening and housing-related progress like the Haven on Lincoln. Other major announcements include a March 28 volunteer grocery-delivery event with Nourishing Hope, street sweeping starting April 1, and a Bears-themed shred event on April 18.

Alderwoman Angela Clay reports that the Department of Buildings issued a permit for Trader Joes at 804 W. Montrose and that a planned development amendment to expand the Camry Parking Lot is pending review by the Chicago Plan Commission, affecting 46th Ward residents. The ward will also see extensive sidewalk repairs in 2026 and the City Council’s new COPA ordinance expands police accountability, while the Cubs’ remote parking arrangement will provide free transit for game nights. Additional highlights include the opening of the Haitian American Museum and Timeline Theatre, a Houseless Neighbor Outreach Picnic, and various community events and volunteer opportunities.

The 19th Ward newsletter urges residents to report potholes and street light outages by email, phone, or the 311 app, providing detailed instructions for accurate reporting. It also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program and lists employment opportunities in the ward. The message is signed by Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) highlighted street-sweeping schedule notices and upcoming community safety programming, including a One Fair Wage update after City Council’s proposed wage-freeze was vetoed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. The newsletter also mentions zoning process information for requested zoning changes (intake form, review by the Zoning Advisory Committee, and possible community input) and a number of resident services such as property tax exemption assistance by appointment on April 16. Other major items include a Teen Bash with free food and giveaways on March 28, a Women’s History Month/office events roundup, and community events such as a We Are Our Own Medicine conference (April 24–25) and related April/May clean-up and memorial/peace walk activities.

Alfred? The 43rd Ward alderman Timmy Knudsen announced two key meetings: a Commission on Chicago Landmarks hearing on the Roger Brown Home & Studio landmark designation and a community meeting on March 31 to discuss a proposed amendment to Francis W. Parker School’s planned development. He also highlighted policy updates, including new e‑scooter and e‑bike regulations and a request for CDOT to provide a traffic plan before any bridge closures, underscoring the ward’s focus on transportation and infrastructure. Other highlights include the launch of a residential parking zone map, a volunteer “Block Talk on Tap” series, and a reminder that Lincoln Park has been named a top U.S. park by USA TODAY.

Alderman Anthony J. Quezada of the 35th Ward announced a community meeting on April 9 to discuss the Department of Water Management’s upcoming water‑main and sewer replacement work in the area, and highlighted the Kimball Avenue arterial resurfacing project that will include pedestrian crossing repairs and a full grind‑and‑repave. He also noted a request to lift the liquor‑moratorium at 2821 N Milwaukee Ave, a policy change that will be considered in City Council, and opened applications for the Small Business Improvement Fund for the Kennedy/Kimball TIF district, providing grants for commercial and industrial renovations. Other updates include the start of the 2026 street‑cleaning season on April 1, a tree‑planting event in Hermosa on April 25, and reminders to submit property‑tax exemption applications and city service requests.

Alfred Waguespack, alderman of the 32nd Ward, uses this newsletter to promote Earth Month events—such as a Municipal Barber grand opening, Easter celebrations, Porchfest, and a citywide Earth Day park clean‑up—while urging residents to support a local diner that suffered vandalism. The bulletin also announces the Chicago Financial Future Task Force engagement, a No Kings march that will affect traffic, updates on a water‑main project and street‑cleaning schedule, and civic resources like the Crossing Guard nomination program and a North Branch Brewery tour. No zoning, development, budget, or long‑term transit changes were highlighted in this issue.

Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward presented a resolution designating Navy Pier as the unofficial start of Route 66, which the City Council adopted unanimously. He authorized a portion of his menu funds to resurface several Lakeshore East streets beginning April 7, and the report notes upcoming CAPS meetings, bridge closures for testing and construction, and street‑sweeping schedules with multiple traffic‑closure projects slated through 2026.

Alderman Samantha Nugent of the 39th Ward reports that she voted with 29 other aldermen to pause the implementation of the tipped wage credit, a policy change aimed at protecting restaurant workers and small businesses, though the mayor vetoed the legislation. The newsletter also highlights upcoming community events, including several Easter egg hunts across the ward and a “Shopping in Solidarity” walk in Chinatown, as well as other local activities such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and recognition of community leaders. For residents, the office remains open Monday through Friday with contact details provided for city services and inquiries.

Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward reports that the mayor has fired Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Garien Gatewood and an advisor amid concerns over contract selection interference, and urges continued focus on public safety after the tragic murder of Sheridan Gorman. He also announces upcoming property‑tax‑exemption appointments on April 14, a fabric‑donation drive, and a series of community events—including a student art showcase, Hop N Stop, and Earth Day park clean‑ups—while noting ongoing construction on the Western Brown Line, Ashland resurfacing, and Greenview sewer work. No new zoning, budget, or transit policy changes were highlighted in this edition.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez reports that several zoning proposals—3007‑11 W Irving Park Rd, 3446 W Irving Park Rd, and 4634‑36 N Avers Ave—are currently in feedback review, with changes from B3‑1 to B3‑3 and RS‑3 to RT‑4 under consideration. The ward is also launching spring programs, including block party and yard sale permits, a Jumping Jack portal opening April 15, and street sweeping beginning April 1, with a new grid‑based tree‑trimming schedule. Additional community events include Senator Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series, Neighbor Nights, and various volunteer and resource opportunities, while the ward office offers free services such as Narcan, gun safety locks, and notary.

Alderman Bennett Lawson announces that the city’s expanded Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance will take effect on April 1, allowing basement, attic, and coach‑house units in many zoning districts to boost affordable housing options. He also highlights ongoing Department of Water Management infrastructure work on Greenview, Southport, and Lakewood, with temporary street closures and no‑parking restrictions, while the ward’s street‑sweeping and alley‑resurfacing crews will keep the neighborhood clean. The newsletter encourages residents to donate instruments, apply for block parties, and stay informed about safety and public‑safety initiatives such as the 19th District Court Advocacy Program.

Alderman Debra Silverstein reports a citywide trend of Honda airbag thefts affecting the 50th Ward, urging residents to file police reports and share footage. The ward will host a free paper‑shredding and medication disposal event on March 29, begin seasonal street sweeping on April 1, and hold a Veterans Resource Day the same day, while a Beat 2412 Police CAPS meeting is scheduled for April 1. Additional updates include the Live 77 initiative spotlighting West Ridge, a call for volunteers for the 24th District Court Advocate program, and a reminder of the Governor’s Pre‑Passover Seder attended by the alderman.

Alderman Desmon Yancy of the 23rd Ward invites residents to the April 7th Town Hall to discuss community concerns and gather feedback. No additional meetings, policy changes, or development updates are mentioned in this newsletter.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward reminds residents to submit service requests for issues such as tree limbs, street lights, and chronic fly dumping, and notes the office’s availability Monday through Friday. She also celebrates Women’s History Month with a feature on Bessie Lyle, a longtime community advocate. No meetings, policy changes, or development approvals were announced in this edition.

On March 30, the 1st Ward will host a virtual First Look meeting to review a rezoning proposal for 1619 North Artesian, which would add a third floor to a non‑conforming 4‑unit residence. The Committee on Pedestrian & Traffic Safety is gathering data on flooded bike lanes to inform future street‑safety improvements, and the office is coordinating a free bike tune‑up on April 25 in partnership with Commissioner Bridget Degnen. Other community highlights include a free hot‑meal distribution with Islamic Relief USA tomorrow and a Wicker Park park‑clean‑up kickoff on April 11.

No zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes were highlighted in this issue. Alderman Jim Gardiner reported on the detention hearing related to the murder of firefighter Michael Altman, the postponement of funeral services, and the wake proceeding, while honoring the fallen firefighter with banners outside his office. Additional community updates included the return of the Jefferson Park Sunday Market, a business spotlight on Katherine Anne Confections, a new play at Edge of the Wood, beat meeting schedules, and various volunteer and resource opportunities for residents.