Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

The 29th Ward newsletter announces the launch of the free Recycle Coach app, which connects residents to hyper‑local waste and recycling information. No meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit service changes, or street safety projects were mentioned. Residents are encouraged to explore the new app for efficient recycling practices.

Alderman Pat Dowell of the 3rd Ward hosted a public hearing on the proposed Chicago Tourism Improvement District and co‑sponsored a resolution to hold a hearing on the city’s split advanced pension payment. The ward is also seeing development activity with the start of construction on the new Bronzeville Regional Senior Center, several Community Development/NOF and DCASE grants awarded to local projects, and a sewer‑lining project on Root Street, while the Roosevelt Road Bridge will be closed for testing from Feb. 4‑6. Additional highlights include Chicago’s hosting of the 2026 WNBA All‑Star Game, a new Adopt‑a‑Landmark grant for the Pierce Arrow Building, and updated parking restrictions for South Loop events during Bears and Soldier Field games.

Alderman William Hall invites residents to the 6th Ward Community Zoning Meeting tonight at 6 PM to vote on zoning matters, including two sober‑living facilities and gas station expansions. The meeting will be held at St. James Community Church, 8000 S. Michigan Avenue, and residents living between 71st–75th and 83rd–87th are eligible to vote. No other major announcements are included in this newsletter.

Alderman William Hall of the 6th Ward invites residents to the Community Zoning Meeting on February 2nd at 6:00 PM (doors open 5:30 PM) at St. James Community Church, 8000 S. Michigan Avenue. The meeting will focus on zoning matters, including sober living facilities and proposed gas station developments. No other policy changes or events are announced in this newsletter.

Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward highlighted the launch of the CTA and CDOT’s Better Streets for Buses Plan, a policy change aimed at improving bus corridors and street treatments, and urged residents to complete the CTA survey before it closes on Jan. 31. He also updated on the Fletcher Water Main Project, noting ongoing water service work and no scheduled shutdowns, and announced the R3 grant program opening applications through March 6. Additional announcements included the end of Chicago Restaurant Week, the Illinois Restaurant Association meeting, and reminders about the upcoming March 17 primary vote‑by‑mail deadline.

Alderwoman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward reported attending committee meetings and the first Urban Forestry Advisory Board meeting, and highlighted a hearing on federal operations. The ward is preparing for a DWM sewer rehabilitation project that will line sewers west of N Greenview Ave, a budgetary infrastructure effort. The newsletter also announced the upcoming splash pad at Willye B. White Park, a new Velvet Rose Tattoo Club, and a Protect RP community gathering at New Field Elementary, among other community events.

Councilwoman Andre Vasquez announced that the Welcoming City Ordinance was approved by committee and will be voted on by the full City Council later this month, strengthening accountability for immigration enforcement. The 40th Ward is also advancing street improvements, with the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape nearing completion and Ashland Avenue resurfacing underway, while a virtual immigration briefing is scheduled for February 10. Additional updates include a Department of Planning and Development grant deadline, election judge recruitment, and community events such as the Peirce Day fundraiser and a blues performance at Budlong Woods Library.

On January 30, Alderman Timmy Knudsen of the 43rd Ward held community meetings at Gold Coast and Lincoln Park and visited Lincoln Elementary for Career Day, while also advancing a measure to allow the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to review verified complaints under the Welcoming City Ordinance. He urged Mayor Johnson and CDOT to prioritize reopening the Cortland Bridge and other river bridges, and released updates on CDOT’s e‑scooter and e‑bike policy. The newsletter also highlighted Restaurant Week, the new Chi Street Work Portal, and the 311 parking enforcement options for residents.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced a zoning community meeting on February 4 to review a proposed zoning change for 3251 W. Division that would add 44 affordable housing units, and highlighted a recent public hearing on the COPA amendment that expands police investigative powers. She also noted ongoing construction on California Avenue between North and Armitage, the city’s bike‑lane plowing schedule, and a Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project that preserves historic character, while reminding residents of upcoming street‑work by CDOT. Other updates included a blood‑donation drive on March 4, a reentry program presentation by the City of Chicago Office of Re‑Entry, and community events such as a senior Valentine’s brunch and a seed swap.

Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward highlights the launch of the CTA and CDOT Better Streets for Buses Plan, a policy initiative that will prioritize bus corridors on Ashland, Fullerton, and Western and invites residents to complete a survey through January 31. He also reports on the ongoing Fletcher Water Main Project, noting lead service line replacement at 2118 W Fletcher and private drain work on the 2100 block, with no scheduled water shutdowns. Other updates include encouragement to support local businesses during Chicago Restaurant Week, a reminder to apply for Vote‑By‑Mail for the March 17 primary, and a call to apply for the R3 grant program.

Alderman Anthony J. Quezada of the 35th Ward reports that the City Council passed an ordinance expanding the Civilian Office of Police Accountability’s authority over Welcoming City Ordinance complaints, following two ICE‑related committee meetings. The newsletter also announces new SNAP work‑requirement changes effective Feb. 1, a community tree‑planting day on April 25, and a food pantry event on Feb. 5, while reminding residents of snow‑clearing duties and upcoming ward‑night appointments. Additional updates include a protest against ICE in Minneapolis, a partnership with Openlands for tree planting, and various constituent resources such as parking relief and emergency heating repair programs.

Alderman Matt O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces a February donation drive for Ronald McDonald House, urging residents to donate items from the wish list at drop‑off locations in Beverly, Mount Greenwood, and the Rep. Ryan office. The event is co‑hosted by Senator Bill Cunningham, Representative Mary Gill, Representative Rick Ryan, and Congressman Casten. The newsletter also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program, which offers a state‑facilitated savings option for workers and employers across the state.

The 15th Ward Office is offering COVID or flu vaccines to residents. The vaccination event is held at the ward office and is open to anyone who wishes to receive a shot. No other meetings, policy changes, or development updates were announced in this newsletter.

Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward attended the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) annual meeting, where he discussed the Smart Streets Pilot Program, plans for DuSable Park, new businesses, and announced upcoming infrastructure projects for the neighborhood. He also reminded residents of the winter parking restrictions that apply from December 1 to April 1. Additionally, the alderman noted CTA bus schedule changes and several temporary traffic closures due to filming and construction projects.

Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward announced that the Zoning Advisory Council will review two development proposals—3639 N Ashland (C1‑2 to B2‑5 conversion to an 8‑unit rental building) and 4614 N Seeley/2103 W Eastwood (RS‑3 to RM‑4.5 change adding a bedroom to a coach house)—providing an opportunity for community feedback. He also highlighted a forthcoming pilot program with the Department of Finance to deploy parking aides for illegally parked vehicles, a policy change aimed at freeing police resources, and confirmed that Catholic Charities will continue operating the North Center Senior Center for many years. Additionally, the alderman welcomed new staff member Ryan McCray, held a town hall on utility billing concerns, and listed several community events and resources for residents.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez of the 33rd Ward highlighted a series of city council hearings, including a Health and Human Relations session on ICE enforcement and a Joint Committee hearing on an ordinance expanding COPA powers, underscoring the ward’s focus on immigration and public safety. The newsletter also announced zoning updates with completed approvals for 3240 W Lawrence Ave and 3039 W Irving Park, a community review of 3446 W Irving Park, and a new SNAP work‑requirement policy that will affect local food pantries. Additional updates covered the Chicago Parks District participatory budgeting sessions, a five‑year homelessness plan presentation, and a host of community events and volunteer opportunities.

On January 30, 2026, Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announced a community meeting to discuss the Sarah’s Circle “Sarah’s on Sunnyside” 54‑unit permanent supportive housing development at 4458 N. Clarendon, which requires Lakefront Protection Ordinance approval but no zoning change. She also highlighted a CDOT‑led traffic‑safety workshop on Clarendon Ave, the enforcement of the City’s Winter Overnight Parking Ban, and her vote to amend the Welcoming City Ordinance to allow COPA investigations of police complaints. Additional updates included the extended public‑comment period for the 2026‑31 Homelessness Blueprint, federal SNAP eligibility changes, and reminders about sidewalk shoveling and REAL ID requirements.

Alderwoman Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth will host a February community meeting to review the proposed mixed‑use development at 5959‑5965 N Sheridan, a zoning change that will be vetted by city departments. The ordinance O2025‑0020004, expanding COPA’s authority to investigate violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance, has passed the Joint Committee, and the 48th Ward’s participatory‑budgeting process is now open for residents to vote on up to $1 million in public‑infrastructure projects. Additional updates include open feedback on the 1527 W Edgewater residential proposal, upcoming events such as the Edgewater Indoor Market and the Shred & Electronics Recycling Event, and the launch of Greencorps Chicago’s employment‑training program.