Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward informs neighbors that Universal Television will film in the Gold Coast from February 24–26, 2026, with specific parking restrictions and no‑parking zones on several streets. The notice includes contact details for the film office and on‑site coordinators. No other policy, development, or budget announcements are included.

On February 24, the 26th Ward will hold a community meeting to discuss the Chicago Board of Education’s transition of ChiArts to a district‑managed school, and residents can weigh in on the proposed zoning change for 3300 W Pierce and the 44‑unit affordable housing project at 3251 W Division. The ward’s participatory budgeting vote selected Project 11, Stow Elementary Outdoor Play Area, for funding in the 2026 budget, while bike‑lane plowing and a California Ave construction alert address street‑safety needs. Additional updates include a tree‑planting day on April 25, office closure on February 23 for professional development, and several job and community resource announcements.

Alderwoman Nicole T. Lee of the 11th Ward announced upcoming zoning hearings for several projects (3237 S. Parnell, 2741 S. Archer, 2905 S. Lowe, 436‑439 W. 29th Pl.) and a town‑hall on February 26 to discuss the ward’s budget, ADU zoning code changes, and Smart Streets parking signage. She also noted the Finance Committee’s February 27 meeting, the approval of a new sign for Everclean Car Wash, and ongoing water‑main, sewer‑main, and lead‑service‑line replacement projects that will affect traffic on Pershing, 35th St, and 33rd St. Other highlights include the 2026 Lunar New Year parade, a March 9 blood drive, and updated Vote‑by‑Mail and election‑judge information.

Alderwoman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward reports that the Department of Water Management has begun a 75‑day sewer lining project west of N Greenview Ave, a key infrastructure investment. The ward also announced the upcoming splash pad renovation at Willye B. White Park and scheduled a town‑hall on March 4 to discuss community priorities. Additional updates include a city council resolution honoring Black History Month, parking restrictions for Chicago Fire filming, and a reminder of the March 17 primary election.

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announced that the Chicago Plan Commission approved two developments—an 188‑unit mixed‑income building at 3611 N. Halsted (38 affordable units) and a 54‑unit supportive housing project at 4458 N. Clarendon—highlighting her focus on affordable housing. The ward also reported emergency sewer main repairs on Broadway, a City Key ID event on March 9, and a HIRE360 pre‑apprenticeship partnership at Clarendon Park, while celebrating Lunar New Year festivities and hosting a Ward Night Out at Demera. Additional updates included SNAP work‑requirement changes, a scholarship program from the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation, and various community events such as the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration and the South‑East Asia Center’s celebration.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward highlights two zoning proposals: a 3300 W Pierce change by Vandy Projects and a 3251 W Division request for 44 affordable units, both seeking community feedback. The ward also announces that the 2026 Participatory Budgeting winner, Project 11 Stow Elementary Outdoor Play Area, will move forward, and notes upcoming events such as a tree‑planting day on April 25 and a community meeting on ChiArts’ transition on February 24. Additional updates include office closure on February 23, various youth and community events, and job opportunities across the city.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces several community events: a Vest‑a‑Thon fundraiser on February 21 via WGN Radio 720 AM, a 12th Annual Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast on February 22 at Saint John Fisher School, and a free document shredding service on February 21 at CrossWinds Church. Additional support for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation will come from sales at Lawlor's Bar and Janson's Drive‑In on February 24, with future Eat & Earn dates on February 24 and 26. The newsletter also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program and provides employment opportunities through the 19th Ward website.

During the February 21 City Council meeting, Alderman Anthony J. Quezada reported that the council passed a zoning map amendment for 2839 N Milwaukee to allow adaptive reuse and approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority to study equitable transit‑oriented development along the Belmont Blue Line. The council also deferred an ordinance that would give the Civilian Office of Police Accountability authority to investigate violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance. Other updates include ongoing upgrades to the Milwaukee Streetscape and Logan Square redesign, a senior bingo event, a business rights workshop, and upcoming community meetings.

Alderman Timmy Knudsen of the 43rd Ward highlighted ongoing transit concerns, urging Mayor Johnson and CDOT to provide a detailed traffic plan before any bridge closures, and announced a Budget Accountability Coalition to enforce the 2026 City Budget’s revenue‑collection provisions. He also updated residents on new parking enforcement options via 311, revised e‑scooter and e‑bike rules, and reminded the community of a scheduled meeting to discuss ComEd’s 1111 W. Diversey substation plans. The newsletter celebrated Lincoln Park High School’s historic basketball run, honored the late Commander Paul R. Bauer, and recognized Ted Wrobleski’s 45‑year service to the neighborhood.

Alderman Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward, reports no upcoming zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes. He highlights early voting sites for the March 17 primary, invites residents to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and two free community shredding events, and notes a virtual public hearing on the CPD consent decree. Additional updates include scheduled traffic closures for helicopter lifts, film shoots, and ongoing bridge and utility construction affecting streets such as State, Canal, and Grand Avenue.

City Council approved two zoning map amendments in the 30th Ward, converting 3352 N Milwaukee Ave to a commercial manufacturing district and 3538‑3540 N Milwaukee Ave to a mixed‑use district for a three‑story residential building, while also approving an ordinance that allows each alderman to designate up to four honorary streets per year. The council also voted on a hemp‑product regulation (which was not enacted) and discussed a hemp‑product ordinance, but no major budget or long‑term transit changes were announced. The ward office highlighted upcoming community events such as Family Lotería at Riis Park, a Mobile DMV, St. Ferdinand’s Fish Fry, and reminded residents to report potholes and to apply for the Green Homes Chicago program.

Andre Vasquez announced support for a zoning change at 2415‑25 W Peterson Avenue and highlighted upcoming traffic changes from the Lincoln Avenue North Streetscape project, including new turn restrictions and a dual right‑hand turn lane. The ward also noted the completion of the Ainslie Arts Plaza, the start of construction on Elise Malary Plaza, and the CTA’s temporary closure of the north platform at Western Brown Line for stair repairs.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez reports that the ward is currently reviewing a zoning change for 3446 W Irving Park and encourages community input on the proposed B3‑1 to B2‑3 change. The ward also celebrated the groundbreaking of Jigzibik Affordable Housing and has opened the 2026 Participatory Budgeting ballot, which remains open until March 2, while street‑sweeping season will begin on April 1. Additional highlights include the 2025 Year‑in‑Review, expanded CARE program, and a series of community events such as the Lunar New Year celebration, Senator Guzman town halls, and neighbor nights.

Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward reports that the Foundry Park development at the former Lincoln Yards site was approved by City Council, moving the project forward after a recent vote. He also noted the recent passing of civil‑rights leader Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., and highlighted community events such as the Burley School Spring Fling fundraiser and upcoming CAPS meetings. Additional updates include water‑main and sewer‑lining projects on Dickens and Milwaukee, the closure and potential sale of the Underbar bar, and reminders about upcoming election deadlines and property‑tax appeal deadlines.

Alderman Samantha Nugent of the 39th Ward highlighted the ongoing implementation of the 2026 City budget, noting that the Budget Accountability Coalition will hold hearings throughout the year to update residents on budget topics such as fleet management, efficiencies, and land‑sale revenue. She also announced a virtual public hearing by the Department of Water Management on March 6 to discuss lead service line replacement loans, and reminded ward residents of early voting dates and the opportunity to serve as election judges. The newsletter also paid tribute to the late Reverend Jessie Jackson, shared updates on community events, and provided information on services such as the Emergency Heating Repair Program and warming centers.

No meetings, hearings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit service changes, or street safety projects were announced in this edition. The newsletter honors Hazel M. Johnson, the “Mother of Environmental Justice,” and highlights her legacy in protecting clean air and healthy communities on the Southwest Side. Service office hours, contact information, and a reminder to register to vote are also included.

Alderman Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward invites residents to a virtual meeting on February 24 to review plans for a new playground at Indian Boundary Park, a development project that will shape local recreation and community space. Other updates include a Beat 1711 Police CAPS meeting on February 25, a free tree planting request program, and reminders about the upcoming March 17 primary election, senior citizen tax deferral applications, and emergency heating repair assistance.

Alderman Bennett Lawson announced that the city council unanimously passed an amendment to the ADU ordinance, expanding the opt‑in program to 30 wards and allowing basement, attic, and coach‑house units in single‑family zones—a major housing policy change. He also called for community input on the Cubs’ proposed signage and parking expansion at Wrigley Field, a parking‑reform initiative. In infrastructure, Lawson secured $500,000 in federal Community Project Funding for Belmont CTA station upgrades—including elevators, escalators, awnings, and security—supporting long‑term transit improvements. Other highlights included early voting logistics, community grant awards, and a public safety alert on vehicle break‑ins.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces a series of community events supporting the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Get Behind the Vest campaign, including a gas‑station fundraiser on February 20, a radio Vest‑a‑Thon on February 21, and a pancake breakfast on February 22. Additional sales‑based fundraisers will run at local businesses on February 24 and 26. The newsletter also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program and provides employment opportunities through the 19th Ward Office.

Alderman Desmon Yancy’s newsletter for February 20, 2026 contains no updates on zoning, housing, transit, or budget matters. The only announcement is an updated schedule of services for Rev. Jesse Jackson, with a note that certain events have been made private. No other policy changes or development approvals are reported.