Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward) highlighted a Council Committee on Finance public hearing on the Chicago parking meter deal, including questions and testimony about the Mayor Johnson administration’s use of NDAs and the City’s reported $3.3B buyback bid versus Stonepeak’s $2.53B offer; the matter requires Council approval by July 24. He also recapped CAPS activity for multiple 32nd Ward beats, noting crime/incident updates and that he co-sponsored an ordinance targeting shops that accept stolen airbag parts, plus announced a virtual public hearing on the Chicago Police Department Consent Decree (July 14, 1–4:30 p.m.). Other major items include Pride Parade events and street/parking restrictions (June 28), a 2026 street-cleaning schedule update, and a Greenview/Fullerton-to-Altgeld water main project status update, along with heat-safety reminders and multiple community volunteer events (e.g., Burger Fest).

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) chaired a Subcommittee on Youth Employment meeting featuring testimony about how young people want a real voice in City Council and youth-related decisions. The newsletter also highlights local infrastructure/business investments: Space to Grow’s Moos Elementary playground project (construction through November 2026), Neighborhood Development Project grant renovations for West Town Bikes/Ciclo Urbano, and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund support for Goulart Travel’s rehabilitation. Other major announcements include the unveiling of the honorary Francisco “Frank” De León Way on June 28, Chicago’s Largest Playdate in Humboldt Park on June 27 with on-site Chicago Care Van immunizations, the Logan Square Farmers Market pop-up on June 28, and the office’s July 3 closure/earlier trash pickup starting June 29. Fuentes will also ride the PRCC float in the Chicago Pride Parade on June 28.

Alderman Anthony J. Quezada (35th Ward) highlighted the completed Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape Project ribbon-cutting and related infrastructure safety upgrades (raised crosswalks, bump-outs, refuge islands, and bike lanes), and the department announcements of $4,697,990 in Community Development Grant funding for four local development projects: Grace’s Furniture Building redevelopment, PRAA cultural campus expansion, Terra Coffee storefront rehab, and The Afterlife Bar/Restaurant buildout. The newsletter also notes Ward-related transportation and streets items including CDOT’s Fullerton Avenue arterial resurfacing work and a request for community feedback on proposed weekday parking restrictions on W Diversey to improve peak-hour traffic flow. Other announcements/events include the “Night in the Light” pop-up at Kosciuszko Park, the Logan Square Arts Festival, Unity Park’s Pride Month event, and Quezada marching in the Chicago Pride Parade; plus office closure July 3 for Independence Day, upcoming Ward Night dates, and scheduled water/water-main work and shutdowns on N St. Louis/Elston/Waveland and the 3600 N Sacramento block.

33rd Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez highlighted City Hall actions tied to public safety, including her support for an Executive Order establishing the Mayor’s Office of Gun Violence Reduction (OGVR) and participation in a City Council youth employment subject-matter hearing focused on “teen trends,” emphasizing investments in youth spaces/programming. She also pointed to ongoing zoning/development activity in the ward, including upcoming/community-meeting reviews for proposals at 3007-11 W Irving Park Rd and 3446 W Irving Park Rd (B3-1 to B3-3) and feedback review for 4634-36 N Avers Ave (RS-3 to RT-4), plus Irving Park Road Study surveys. Other major announcements include Neighbor Night (June 29), Clean & Green (July 11), and a Ronan Park Sculpture Park & Healing Garden ribbon cutting (July 8), along with ward resources like street sweeping, block party permits, and additional community events.

Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) allocated Aldermanic Menu Funds to install new street and pedestrian lighting on Hubbard Street (from Clark Street to State Street), with 25 traditional street lights and 10 pedestrian lights completed following resident and business concerns. The newsletter also highlights major city events and public service items, including the Millennium Park Summer Film Series starting June 30 (free weekly Tuesday screenings) and the 42nd Ward office closure on July 3 for Independence Day. Other updates include multiple planned construction and traffic closures, including crane lifts, utility work, CTA/State Street reconstruction impacts, Canal Street reconstruction continuing through late 2026, and ongoing Lake Street Bascule Bridge work.

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward) said he attended a community meeting on ComEd’s proposed substation at 1111 W. Diversey, and he reiterated opposition to placing a large substation in a dense, transit-oriented neighborhood. He also spoke at the 18th District Police District Council meeting following a West Belden Avenue shooting, calling for additional public-safety tools including business enforcement, enhanced parking enforcement, and possible limits on late-night operations where appropriate. Other major announcements: the 43rd Ward Pride Parade activity is Sunday, June 28 (11 a.m.–2 p.m.), and the ward office will close July 3 and July 4 for Independence Day. The newsletter also highlights that the City’s ADU ordinance is now in effect, promotes the new Recycle Coach app, and reports ongoing advocacy regarding prolonged bridge closures and traffic mitigation plans for river bridges.

Alderwoman Angela Clay (46th Ward) highlighted ward programming and housing insecurity work, including a quarterly Community Conversation at Truman College and notices about housing support (HomeGrown purchase assistance opening June 8 and leasing updates for an ARO unit at 4713 N. Clark). For infrastructure, she announced CDOT’s 6/22 start on Malden/Magnolia alley reconstruction and ongoing street work (Sheridan Road resurfacing and a Racine water main replacement), and reminded residents about upcoming Pride Parade weekend street/parking impacts and citywide labor law updates effective July 1. Other major announcements/events included a Community Shred Day (June 27), the Chicago Pride Parade (June 28), a free Back to School Bash (Aug. 1), and ward office services/resources such as the Free Community Cornerstore restock drive and E-scooter/sidewalk safety guidance.

Alderman Matthew J. O’Shea (19th Ward) reports a public safety incident at 111th Street and Kedzie Avenue: a knife attack on June 24 with the victim treated and released, followed by the June 25 custody of a person of interest by the 22nd District tactical team without incident. The alderman also thanks neighbors for video and information and the Chicago Police Department (22nd District and Area 2 Detective Division) and Merrionette Park Police for their investigative efforts.

Alderwoman Ruth Cruz (30th Ward) reported attending a City Council Committee on Finance hearing on the proposed sale of the Chicago Parking Meters, LLC lease, highlighting concerns about transparency, Stonepeak Partners’ investments, and lack of resident benefits; the committee has not yet scheduled a vote. The newsletter also announced ward summer events and ongoing community updates, including a July 18 first-come catalytic converter etching/painting event with Chicago Police. Other major items include storm cleanup by the Street and Sanitation Department, new planning meetings with Kilbourn Park’s greenhouse group for a permanent outdoor classroom, and a City “Bird-Friendly Buildings” toolkit plus reminders about July 3 collection schedule changes, block party resources, and tree trimming/removal rules.

48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth highlights zoning and development updates, including a community meeting recap for the Emanuel Congregation/Fern Hill planned development with feedback open through July 10, and that Devil Dawgs’ zoning change request at 5255 N Clark passed City Council (B1-2 to B3-2). The newsletter also notes major infrastructure and street projects and spending tied to them: the $1.4M Senn High School pedestrian safety improvements are on schedule, Elise Malary Plaza pedestrian-plaza construction is underway, and it shares upcoming construction work alongside a $205,556 Community Development Grant for Miss Ollie’s Market (1070 W Berwyn). Other major announcements include Argyle Night Market running Thursdays July 2–Aug 27, Kids Pride on June 27, Pride Parade impacts on June 28, a beach cleanup on June 28, and a mural visioning/participatory budgeting input deadline of July 5.

In the 10th Ward, Alderman Peter Chico highlighted zoning/development action and major capital projects: By The Hand Club for Kids’ $24.3 million renovation of the Up Top Building in Altgeld Gardens received unanimous approval from the Chicago Plan Commission. The newsletter also notes the opening of a new Neighborhood Care Clinic at the Rey B. Gonzalez Center, plus Independence Day–related adjustments to trash and recycling pickup schedules (residents should check their personalized schedule at ChicagoRecycles.org). Other major announcements include the return of the Chicago Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest to the 10th Ward on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with registration open for parade participation, vendors, and volunteers.

Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward provided updates on Independence Day holiday refuse/recycling collection instructions and schedules for the week of the holiday on Friday, July 3. The newsletter also announced a full closure of 43rd St. from King Dr. to Vernon Ave. for emergency sewer repair from June 25, 2026 through July 15, 2026, including traffic detours and notes about possible CTA bus stop/routing changes. Other items include a blood donation call and information about youth/design programming (Youth Designers Club summer camp) and a “Movies on the Midway” event.

16th Ward Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman’s newsletter is a general weekend notice encouraging residents to submit 311 service requests to address issues like street lights out, tree limbs, and chronic fly dumping; it does not mention any zoning, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy/ordinance changes. It also lists the 16th Ward service office hours and provides office contact information.

Alderperson Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) is inviting residents to the June 27 ribbon cutting and 12–6pm kick-off celebrating the newly improved Ainslie Arts Plaza, including live music, food trucks, and local art and vendors. The newsletter does not mention any zoning, housing, transit, budget votes, policy ordinances, or specific development approvals or hearings; it focuses on this community event. Other items include links to 40th Ward office hours and Ward Night on Mondays from 5:00–6:30pm.

Alderman Debra L. Silverstein’s 50th Ward newsletter includes no specific zoning/hearing, housing/transit policy changes, ordinances, development approvals, or budget/infrastructure decisions. It does announce a Small Business Improvement Grant (SBIF) application period (July 1–July 30) for businesses in the Lincoln Avenue TIF, plus a Veterans Resources Day on July 1 and the Ward’s upcoming summer events (Back to School Giveaway July 26 and Movie in the Park August 5). Other major items include a storm-damage assessment survey after June 10–11 thunderstorms, opening of Lake View Township property tax appeals until July 13, and sign-up information for 2026 street sweeping alerts.

Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley (21st Ward) announced the 21st Ward Monthly Townhall on June 27, 2026, at the Woodson Regional Library (9525 S. Halsted) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., including updates on city services, council matters, and ward developments. The newsletter also promotes attending if possible or staying informed if not, with special guests mentioned but no specific zoning, housing, transit, budget, or ordinance actions detailed.

Alderman William Hall (6th Ward) corrected the event listing for “Steppin’ in the Shade,” confirming it will take place Sunday, June 28 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cole Park (361 E. 85th Street). The newsletter does not mention any zoning, housing, transit, budget/ordinance actions, or other policy or infrastructure decisions.

Alderman William Hall (6th Ward) newsletter does not mention any zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings/hearings, nor any related policy/ordinance changes or development approvals. It primarily promotes two community events at Cole Park—Gospel Run Pop-Up on June 27 (8:00 AM) and Steppin’ in the Shade on June 28 (updated time 3:00 PM–7:30 PM)—and notes the Pitch Conference has been postponed with a new date forthcoming.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato (38th Ward) provided an update on a Thursday afternoon shooting at Forest Preserve Drive and Addison, involving two young adult male victims who were not from the neighborhood. He said the community has cooperated with police and that there is no ongoing threat, expecting the matter to be resolved soon. No zoning, housing, transit, budget, or street-safety policy meetings or approvals were mentioned; only the incident update was included.

47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin reports on an earlier hearing on the proposal to allow a new parking meter operator (Stonepeak Partners) after a prior 2008 deal, noting the city’s limited grounds to reject the sale and ongoing questions about Stonepeak’s financial and reputational background. He also highlights the recent ribbon-cutting for the Western Ave Brown Line plaza and farmers market lot rehab, alongside a Cities Council op-ed advocating small-dollar donor matching for aldermanic candidates and upcoming ward services/events including Ward Night at Timber Lanes (July 22), Loose Parts Palooza for the Welles Park Nature Play area (July 18), and the Chicago Pride Parade (June 28) plus the North Center Garden Walk (June 29) and Argyle Night Market (starting July 2).