Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Jim Gardiner highlighted citywide and ward updates rather than specific zoning, development, transit, or budget hearings/ordinances; he did note CDOT’s proposed bikeways network in Portage Park as a long-term streets/bike project and shared an update on ongoing Six Corners development. The newsletter also promotes multiple resident services (including an Unclaimed Property event with State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on March 11) and community announcements like the Valentine’s Breakfast honoring 45th Ward seniors, small-business openings/interviews, and upcoming beat meeting dates for 2026.

In the 36th Ward, Alderman Gilbert Villegas highlighted policy actions and related hearings, including a call for a City Council Housing and Real Estate Committee hearing on Chicago Housing Authority compliance with federal disability laws, and directing CDOT to assess asset-management software to reduce infrastructure repair backlogs. He also introduced/advanced ordinances requiring the Comptroller to confirm city debt owed by employees of certain sister agencies and formed budget oversight working groups to ensure the December 2025 city budget is implemented as intended. Other items were mainly ward service and office hour information, plus upcoming 36th Ward events such as a Ward Pop Up Night on February 24 and Vet Connect sessions on March 3 and March 17.

Ald. Bennett Lawson’s newsletter reports City Council passed (48-1) his ordinance updating Chicago’s noise sensitive zone ordinance to better support religious communities and notes a motion to make Lawson Chairperson of the Committee on Zoning was delayed. It also highlights CDOT and CTA transit/street infrastructure updates affecting the State/Lake and Lake Street areas (including construction timelines), plus other community items including early voting locations/dates, a Green Homes Chicago application window, and upcoming community meetings and events (e.g., a Sueños & Lollapalooza engagement meeting on March 3).

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward invites residents to support the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Get Behind the Vest campaign through a series of events: a night at Barraco’s tonight, a gas‑station donation drive, a WGN Radio fundraiser, and a pancake breakfast on Sunday. The events feature local leaders, including State Representative Mary Gill, and offer opportunities for community members to contribute and win prizes. No zoning, housing, transit, or budget matters were addressed in this newsletter.

Alderman Desmon Yancy of the Fifth Ward announces a week‑long celebration for Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., including lie‑in‑state, a people’s celebration, and a homegoing service at Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the House of Hope. He also highlights upcoming early‑voting hours through March 8, a ComEd Power for Good grant application deadline, and youth‑focused events such as the Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy and the NAACP ACT‑SO competition. The newsletter serves as a community calendar for residents and encourages participation in local civic and educational initiatives.

48th Ward alderwoman Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth announced that Participatory Budgeting 2026 is now open, letting residents vote on $1 million in public‑infrastructure projects—including street‑safety upgrades such as refuge islands, curb extensions, and raised crosswalks—through March 1. She also highlighted a recent Complete Streets briefing that details these pedestrian‑safety investments and noted her opposition to the city’s Hemp Ban Ordinance, a policy change that would have regulated hemp products. Other highlights include a city‑wide resolution celebrating Black History Month, a resolution honoring Buddy Guy, a Black‑owned business guide, the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration, and upcoming internship and school‑council election events.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward informs residents of filming by Open 4 Business Productions for "Chicago Fire" in Lincoln Park, detailing dates, times, parking restrictions, and traffic control. The notice highlights no‑parking zones and simulated smoke effects scheduled for February 20, 2026, and provides contact information for concerns.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato of the 38th Ward highlights Crossing Guard Appreciation Month, inviting nominations for CPS Crossing Guard of the Year through April 17. He also promotes a local dog rescue, food pantry donations, and lists several job openings across fire, police, and paramedic departments. The newsletter includes community resources and a local car wash promotion.

Alderman Tabares of the 23rd Ward highlighted a resolution urging Mayor Johnson to begin work on the 2026 budget during the City Council meeting, and signed a resolution for a hearing on CPD body‑control tactics and another for a backflow mitigation valve program. The newsletter also announced microgrants for affected businesses, a Shop Local event in Brighton Park, upcoming webinars, and safety reminders for residents.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward informs neighbors that Universal Television will film in the Gold Coast on February 19, 2026, with extensive parking restrictions and a full street closure on Dearborn St. The notice provides contact information for the film office and local coordinators.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces two volunteer opportunities: the 12th Annual Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 22 at Saint John Fisher School, and a free document shredding event on Saturday, February 21 at CrossWinds Church for ward residents. He also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program and invites residents to explore employment opportunities through the 19th Ward website.

Alderwoman Clay invites residents of the 46th Ward to a Ward Night Out on February 23rd from 5–7 PM at Demera, a local Ethiopian restaurant, to discuss community questions and support the business during Black History Month. The event offers a chance to meet neighbors and share feedback with the alderwoman. No meetings, policy changes, or development updates are announced in this newsletter.

There were no meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit service changes, or street safety projects announced in this issue. The newsletter highlighted community events including the Aldermanic Black Caucus scholarships, the South Loop Easter Egg Hunt, Lollapalooza engagement meetings, a job fair, and an Illinois Tech vendor fair, as well as a 2nd District police alert and a business alert on burglaries. These items were listed by the Third Ward Aldermanic Office.

Alderman Taliaferro’s 29th Ward newsletter contains no updates on zoning, housing, transit, budget, or policy changes. No meetings, hearings, or development approvals were announced. No additional events or announcements were included.

The newsletter announces the 29th Ward Alderman Taliaferro’s Library Steering Committee meeting. No additional meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit service changes, or street safety projects are mentioned.

Alderman Jason C. Ervin (28th Ward) newsletter lists no zoning, development, housing, transit, budget, or street-safety hearings/ordinances; it mainly promotes community programs and events, including the Feb. 20 quarterly senior meeting at Central West Senior Center and the Feb. 21 “Heart Health Month” events at Garfield Park and Ogden Park. It also highlights workforce/homebuyer and education opportunities such as a Home Stretch Homebuyer Event (Feb. 21), job fairs and training (including a CTA winter small business connections event on Feb. 25 and a City of Chicago job fair on Feb. 27), plus several faith-based, preparedness, and youth/YMCA-related announcements.

The 47th Ward Alderman invites residents to vote in the annual Participatory Budgeting process, allocating $200,000 to local infrastructure projects. Eligible voters—those living in or attending school in the ward and aged 14 or older—can choose from improvements such as accessibility upgrades at Welles Park, pedestrian safety near schools, decorative crosswalks near Old Town, and new fitness equipment at Clark Park.

Alderman William E. Hall of the 6th Ward announces the cancellation of the Ash Wednesday Service scheduled for February 18, 2026, at St. James Community Church. The message thanks residents for their understanding and expresses anticipation for future community gatherings.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward notes that there are no upcoming meetings or policy changes related to zoning, housing, transit, or budget in this issue. She encourages residents to use the 311 system or her office to report potholes, street light outages, and fly dumping, and highlights a tribute to activist Debra Thompson. The newsletter also lists upcoming community events and provides service office hours and contact information.

Alderman Desmon Yancy invites constituents to a town hall on March 3, 2026, at 2230 E. 71st Street. No other meetings, policy changes, or development approvals are mentioned in this newsletter.