Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward reports several street safety and traffic closure events, including the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race, a public assembly near 806 N Michigan, a crane lift at 777 N Michigan, and multiple bridge closures for testing and construction. Additional closures and construction updates include filming for *Chicago Fire* near City Front Plaza, a helicopter lift at Willis Tower, utility work for the new Bally’s Casino on Grand Ave, Canal St reconstruction, IDOT’s Ohio/Ontario feeder ramp work, and ongoing Lake Street Bascule Bridge construction. Reilly also thanked poll workers, announced a community blood drive on March 21, and noted future election judge opportunities.

During the March 20 City Council meeting, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez highlighted a hearing and balance fair on March 21 and encouraged participation in upcoming neighbor nights and the Senator Guzman legislative townhall series. The council approved two key ordinances: a Proactive Rental Inspections Working Group to enforce healthy housing standards and an expansion of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability’s authority to investigate violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance. Additional highlights include a proclamation celebrating Ms. Tadeo’s 90th birthday, the North River Commission’s Lot Jams concert series, and a slate of community events such as the Celebrate Cleveland gala, youth job applications, and volunteer opportunities at the 33rd Ward Office.

Alderman Matt Martin chaired a City Council Ethics Committee hearing on Monday to address a recent audit of the 311 system and introduced an ordinance at the full Council meeting to ban the Chicago Police Department from using AI to generate police reports. He also highlighted ongoing Western Brown Line construction progress, including new light poles, curb rebuilding, and the opening of a Loop‑bound elevator, while reminding residents of upcoming community events such as a student art showcase and the Hop “N” Stop celebration. Additionally, he extended condolences for the death of Firefighter Michael Altman, announced property‑tax exemption appointments, and promoted various local initiatives like health donation drives and youth summer job opportunities.

Ruth Cruz, alderwoman of Chicago’s 30th Ward, highlighted a new Small Business Improvement Fund opening for applications in the Belmont/Central TIF district and announced the city’s adoption of a Medicare‑for‑All resolution, while also noting a working group to address concerns at the Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control. The ward also plans a Clean and Green volunteer event on April 18 and a thrift “Give‑n‑Receive” at Kilbourn Park on March 28, alongside community events such as Easter egg hunts and a Northwest Side Job Fair. Additional updates include a freeze on the tipped minimum wage, a virtual field trip for first‑graders, and ongoing support for veterans, immigrants, and youth employment programs.

The Third Ward aldermanic office highlights the upcoming 2026 Citywide Earth Day Parks Clean‑Up on April 18, inviting residents to volunteer in litter pick‑up, leaf raking, and tree mulching. It also promotes the CPD Camera Registration Program, Blue Cart Recycling, and local job opportunities including EMT and mental health clinician positions, as well as the Olive‑Harvey Spring Career Fair. No zoning, development, or budget meetings were announced.

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announced a Community Conversation meeting at Truman College and highlighted the City Council’s recognition of the People’s Music School’s 50th anniversary. She detailed the Cubs’ new remote parking and shuttle arrangement at Weiss Hospital for home‑opener traffic, and confirmed that construction has begun on the 32‑unit 940 W. Leland project approved earlier this year. The ward also completed sidewalk reconstruction on Montrose as part of the Arterial Streetlight Project, and shared updates on upcoming community events and volunteer opportunities.

Alderman Bennett Lawson highlighted the 44th Ward’s strong turnout in the March primary and announced early‑voting site feedback, while noting the upcoming Cubs Opening Day traffic and parking restrictions, including street closures and a pedestrian reroute around Kelly Park. The alderman also reported the 3257 N Halsted hotel project’s new lighting design following last year’s approval, and outlined Department of Water Management’s 5‑6‑week drain and pipe work across Greenview, Lakewood, and Southport, along with ongoing public‑safety vendor fair and business‑burglary alert. Additional updates included a letter supporting the Jesse Jackson Young Voter Empowerment Law, a push for ranked‑choice voting, and community events such as the Coffee Stroll, Easter egg hunts, and the No Kings protest.

Alderman Anthony A. Beale of the 9th Ward announces several community events, including an oral and photographic history project for Roseland, a qualification questionnaire deadline of April 8, and employer registration due March 31. He also highlights CPD schedules, a wish list shop, and upcoming district resources. No zoning, housing, transit, or budget updates were included in this edition.

The 50th Ward’s latest newsletter highlights upcoming street safety work, with Devon Avenue streetscape improvements slated to begin in May 2026 and a new street‑sweeping schedule starting April 1. Other community updates include a Beat 2413 CAPS meeting on March 24, a memorial for fallen firefighter Michael Altman, Eid Mubarak greetings, and reminders about property‑tax exemption applications, the Emergency Heating Repair Program, and free tax‑preparation assistance. Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of tree‑planting requests, court‑advocate volunteer opportunities, free computer classes, and the 24th District Police Youth Program, with additional resources available through the 50th Ward website and social media.

Alderman Silvana Tabares of the 23rd Ward highlighted community engagement by speaking at a LSC meeting, attending a St. Rita of Cascia ceremony, and participating in the Archer Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade, while also addressing the freezing of the tipped wage increase at a City Hall press conference. She welcomed Sue Cappello as the new Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care and Control and hosted a community social‑impact meet‑and‑greet with the Chicago Bureau of Detectives. The newsletter also noted the funeral of firefighter Michael Altman and provided links to various community resources and events.

City Council approved the Tourism Improvement District, established the COPA to investigate violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance, and paused the tipped‑wage phase‑out. Transit service changes include the State/Lake elevated station closure for demolition and construction of a new station, while major infrastructure projects—Central West SBIF funding, Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction, Lake Street Bascule Bridge rehabilitation, Halsted/Chicago Avenue Bridge work, and Ashland/I‑290 viaduct work—continue through 2026‑28. Street closures for the Shamrock Shuffle, the overnight parking ban, and community events such as the Get Behind the Vest pancake breakfast, Chicago Youth Works, and volunteer opportunities are also highlighted.

Alderman Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward highlighted frustration over the lack of public investment from county, state, and federal leaders, while proposing new immigration pathways for Dreamers and long‑term undocumented residents and a 90‑day asylum adjudication process. The newsletter also noted the tragic death of Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman, the successful shoe giveaway hosted with McDonald’s and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, and the confirmation of Susan Cappello as Executive Director of Animal Care and Control. Additional community updates included the 2026 Chi Food Truck Fest schedule, a food‑scrap drop‑off program, and veteran fitness programs at Chicago Park District facilities.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward urges residents to submit service requests for issues such as tree limbs, street lights, and fly dumping via 311 or the CHI311 mobile app. The newsletter highlights a Women’s History Month feature honoring Bernita Thomas and provides office hours and contact information for community assistance.

Ward 20’s alderman’s newsletter does not report any zoning/development/housing, transit, street-safety, or budget/ordinance meeting or policy actions. The main announcement is the Girls and Women’s Conference on March 28 (10 AM–2 PM) at Kennedy-King College (740 W 63rd).

Alderman Jim Gardiner announced a March 26 business networking session and highlighted ongoing development approvals, including a Sprouts grocery store in Jefferson Park and a new four‑story building at Milwaukee & Cullom, while Illinois offers up to $15,000 for first‑time homebuyers. The council’s recent policy moves—freezing tipped‑worker minimum wage and CTA safety adjustments—along with the CTA’s new sheriff‑police patrols, reflect budget and transit priorities for the ward. The newsletter also shared condolences for firefighter Mike Altman and resident John McNulty, promoted local business openings, and reminded residents of upcoming beat meetings and community resources.

Alderman William Hall of the 6th Ward announced that the City Council has advanced a resolution to rename the 3rd District Police Station in honor of Officer Dorelle C. Brandon, a pioneering Black woman police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1984. The resolution, now moving to the Police and Fire Committee, reflects the council’s commitment to recognizing the legacy of those who served with courage. No zoning, housing, transit, or budget matters were addressed in this newsletter.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces a blood drive on March 29 at St. Christina Parish Center, urging residents to donate and schedule appointments. The office also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program and lists employment opportunities on the ward’s website. The email is funded by the 19th Ward Democratic Organization.

Alderman Debra L. Silverstein of the 50th Ward issued a public safety alert regarding a shooting on the 6400 block of N. Campbell Ave, where a victim was shot in the arm during a robbery and is in stable condition. The incident is under active investigation by the Area 3 Bureau of Detectives, and the alderman will provide updates as more information becomes available. No meetings, policy changes, or development approvals were mentioned in this newsletter.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato reports that a private contractor will install an underground sewer at W Addison St and N Neva Ave, closing the intersection for 4–6 weeks with detours. The update also highlights community efforts, including the rescue of a dog named Slater, a call for donations to St. Cyprian Food Pantry, and multiple job openings across fire and police departments. Additional local news features a Mexican restaurant, Gwacamole, and a reminder to use the city’s CAREERS portal for employment opportunities.

The alderman, Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth, announced the 2026 Participatory Budgeting winners, allocating funds to projects such as school and residential pedestrian safety, a sidewalk project, a nature play area, lakefront trail placemaking, and public art. The newsletter also highlighted upcoming infrastructure work, including scheduled asphalt grinding and resurfacing on several ward streets and alleys, and promoted community events such as Women’s History Month celebrations, a shredding and recycling event, a Northside Environmental Mixer, free ACT test prep, and a teen bash at Navy Pier. Additional updates included a reminder of the 48th Ward calendar, a call to participate in the Illinois Housing Blueprint survey, and various safety and environmental initiatives like flood prevention resources and a computer hardware recycling event.