May 15th, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
We are nearly halfway through May, and it has already been a busy and exciting month in the 30th Ward! We had so much fun celebrating Día del Niño at Riis Park on May 2nd, and we’re looking forward to another great community event this weekend: our Mother’s Day Lotería and Bingo celebration. Please join us tomorrow, May 16th, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at Mary Lyon Elementary School.
We are also thrilled to announce that the Department of Streets and Sanitation is now accepting applications for the long-awaited Native Plant Registry. This registry allows residents to register their parkway gardens so they are not mistaken for overgrowth and cited by the City. Check out the Focus on City Services section of this newsletter for more information about the application process.
Several infrastructure projects will be underway throughout the 30th Ward this summer. If you live in one of the impacted areas, please visit the 30th Ward website for construction updates and project information. As always, you can also contact our office directly with any questions or concerns.
Finally, our office has been made aware of an increase in airbag thefts both in the 30th Ward and across the city, particularly involving Honda vehicles. We encourage residents to stay aware of their surroundings and to call 911 to report any suspicious activity or thefts in progress. Residents can also contact their local police district to request a steering wheel lock or learn more about upcoming CAPS meetings. In addition, our office will be hosting a catalytic converter engraving event later this year to help deter vehicle-related thefts. Stay tuned for more details.
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz
Alderwoman, 30th Ward |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To read this newsletter in your preferred Language: Follow this link, click on the newsletter you’d like to read, and select your language from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner. You’ll be redirected to a Google Translate page, where a blue drop-down menu in the top-left corner lets you choose your preferred language. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 30th Ward is proud to be hosting the following event: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feedback Needed
Community members are invited to attend an open house event from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 to learn more about the Irving Park Road Study and share input to help shape the planning process.
Led by the Department of Planning and Development, the Irving Park Road Study is developing a framework for future land use along a six-mile stretch between California and Overhill avenues in the Irving Park, Portage Park, and Dunning community areas.
The open house will be held at the Portage Park Senior Center, 4001 N. Long Ave. To register for the meeting and learn more, visit Chicago.gov/IrvingPark. |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill Opening at Pulaski and Belmont
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago will open a second location to shop and donate in the Avondale neighborhood at 3120 N Pulaski Road, with doors expected to open in late summer 2026.
Accessible via public transit, the new Goodwill Store & Donation Center will feature 10,000+ square feet of modern thrift shopping space, thousands of clothing and home good items, a local artist mural, and a heated, enclosed drive-thru for easy year-round donating.
The opening will create over 50 new jobs for neighbors. Goodwill is hosting a job fair at the store and donation center at 2135 W Grand Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. Apply online at: www.goodwillgreatermc.org. |
|
|
|
Belmont/Central Corridor Activation Program
The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office.
This initiative will help revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.
For more information, visit: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail |
|
|
|
|
|
We joined Mary Lyon Elementary for their Dia del Nino event where we celebrated the incredible children that attend Mary Lyon. |
|
|
|
We had the opportunity to visit local small businesses in the Belmont Cragin community alongside the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, including Avenida Del Sabor and Golden Tuzo.
It was wonderful connecting with business owners, learning more about their story, and celebrating the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that helps strengthen our community. |
|
|
|
|
We marched in the Polish Constitution Parade alongside the vibrant Polish community in the 30th Ward. |
|
|
|
|
We joined Palenque LSNA youth at After School Matters for a civic engagement Q&A. |
|
|
|
We cheered on Carl Schurz High School students as they competed (and won 3x!) in The Fund Design Challenge. |
|
|
|
We hosted a meeting with the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Water Management to provide information and answer questions about the upcoming work on Kilpatrick. |
|
|
|
We joined the staff and residents at Central Nursing Home to celebrate Mother's Day. |
|
|
|
We stopped by Xurro at 5843 W Belmont to celebrate their ribbon cutting ceremony. |
|
|
|
We visited Kilbourn Park on Saturday morning to check out the Kilbourn Park Advisory Council yard sale and the Friends of Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse annual plant sale. |
|
|
|
|
We attended an Immigration Policy and Organizing forum at the Northwest Center with UIC students and elected officials. |
|
|
|
|
3oth Ward Dia del Nino Celebration
We had so much fun celebrating Día del Niño in the 30th Ward! Families from across the community came together at Riis Park for an afternoon full of smiles, laughter, and fun activities for kids of all ages.
From face painting and cupcake decorating to dancing, exploring EMT vehicles, enjoying snacks, and receiving toys, it was wonderful to see our community connect and celebrate together.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event successful: State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado, State Senator Graciela Guzman, Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, State Senator Omar Aquino, Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, Northwest Center, Metropolitan Family Services, Rincon Family Services, Palenque LSNA, Illinois Department of Family Services, Chicago Fire Dept., Community Alternatives Unlimited - CAU, Better Birth Outcomes - Navigation, Forever Dental, 25th District CPD, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Ward Night Schedule |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warmer weather means more opportunities to meet your neighbors! |
|
|
Garage Sale Season
Garage sale season is officially underway! If you are interested in hosting a garage sale you can find the application on our website or stop by our office to fill one out. Here are a few things to remember: Each household is allowed to have two garage sales a year. Each garage sale can be three consecutive days and between the hours of 9am and sunset. Advertising your yard sale on city property - light poles, etc - is prohibited If you would like to promote your yard sale in our bi weekly newsletter please send us a flyer 2 weeks prior to the yard sale at [email protected].
|
|
|
Block Party Season
Are you planning on hosting a block party this summer? You can stop by our office to pick up your application packet or download it from the 30th Ward Website. Please don’t forget to send the flyer that will be shared with neighbors to advertise the block party when you submit your application.
We are also excited to announce that the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Jumping Jack Portal is now open. The Jumping Jack (inflatable bounce house) is available, free of charge, to Residential Block Parties within the city limits from Saturday, May 24th through Sunday, August 31st. This program is first-come, first-serve, so if you already know the date of your 2026 block party, apply early! Sign up here. |
|
|
|
Community Building Micro Grants
The Avondale Neighborhood Association is offering Micro Grants to help Avondale residents plan and host community building events. Learn more and apply here. |
|
|
|
|
Neighborhood Festivals and Gatherings
Coming together as a community is a great way to get to know your neighbors and make new friends. Several 30th Ward neighborhoods organize garden walks where people have the opportunity to admire the gardens in their neighborhood and get inspired for their own garden. There are also festivals at several 30th Ward Parks that bring the community together. Kilbourn Park has their annual concert series every July, and Chopin Park is having their first ever summer fest this June. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Community Events |
|
|
Independence Park Beautification
Join the Independence Park Advisory Council on Saturday May 30th at 9am in cleaning up Independence Park! Snacks, tools, gloves, and garbage bags will be provided. After the clean up, there will be a tree walk, highlighting the park's diversity and discussing trees and climate change. Volunteer Hours will be available for students! Please bring a refillable water bottle. Register Here. |
|
|
Dia Del Nino with The Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
We are pleased to be partnering with the Northwest Side Community Development Corportion to bring another Dia Del Nino celebration to the Northwest Side. We hope you can join us on Saturday, June 6th at Blackhawk Park from Noon-4pm for an afternoon of fun and giveaways. |
|
|
|
|
Immigration & Know Your Rights |
|
|
|
Our office will continue to share reliable updates and connect residents with Know Your Rights and immigration resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Composting The first week of May was international Compost Awareness Week. Composting keeps food scraps out of landfills, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients that enrich soil. If you are interested in composting there are several options that allow you to compost without setting up a backyard composting system. Check out these options for composting in Chicago!
Department of Streets and Sanitation Food Scrap Drop-Off Program The City of Chicago offers a citywide Food Scrap Drop-Off Program, and all Chicago residents are welcome to drop off their household food scraps for composting at one of 33 locations across the city– for FREE! |
|
|
Here are the locations closest to the 30th Ward:
AVONDALE - 3143 N Rockwell St
BELMONT CRAGIN - 5605 W Grand Ave
DUNNING/ Dunning Library - 7455 W Cornelia Ave
IRVING PARK - 4605 W Lawrence Ave
PORTAGE PARK/ Portage-Cragin Library - 5108 W Belmont Ave
These are the items that can be composted with the food scrap drop off program: |
|
|
|
Thank you for helping to meet Chicago’s climate action goals and building healthy soil. |
|
|
|
The Department of Streets and Sanitation Native and Pollinator Garden Registry is now accepting applications! Here is additional information from DSS: The Native and Pollinator Garden Registry recognizes gardens across Chicago that support native plants, pollinators, and healthy ecosystems.
Property owners, residents, organizations, and institutions with qualifying gardens are encouraged to apply to be listed on the Registry.
Being on the Registry: Helps City departments and neighbors recognize your garden as intentionally planted and maintained. Supports education and awareness about native and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Contributes to citywide efforts to protect pollinators, improve biodiversity, and manage stormwater.
Gardens are only added to the Registry after a completed application is submitted and reviewed. You can learn more and start your application here.
Check out our Legislative portion of this newsletter to learn more about an amendment to the original ordinance that established the registry to allow for taller plants to be included. |
|
|
Forestry Reminders
Tree Trimming: Chicago residents no longer need to submit a request for an individual tree to be trimmed. The Bureau of Forestry’s goal is to operate weekly in every ward during the tree trimming season (generally April - December), barring any emergency weather incidents. Trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. If there is a tree in your parkway that you are concerned about please reach out to our office to let us know.
Tree Removals: The City of Chicago will only remove a tree from the parkway if it is dead, dying, or diseased. If there is a tree in your parkway that seems unhealthy, please reach out to our office so we can request an inspection. Once it is inspected and forestry determines that it is dead. dying, or diseased it will be scheduled for removal.
Tree Emergencies: If a large branch or tree comes down during a storm please call our office to report it. If the debris is smaller than a desk you can report directly to 311. Call us anytime with questions!
Tree Planting: If you are interested in having a free tree planted in your parkway you can Submit a request through 311. Take advantage of this opportunity to beautify your neighborhood, improve air quality, and add more greenery to Chicago’s streets! |
|
|
|
|
Workforce Committee Advances Compromise on Tipped Wage for Hospitality Workers
This week, the Committee on Workforce Development (of which I am not a member) unanimously advanced a compromise proposal related to the phaseout of the tipped wage for hospitality workers.
You may remember that the Council in March amended the “One Fair Wage” ordinance—intended to gradually eliminate the tipped wage for hospitality workers and bring them up to full minimum wage—to cap the tipped wage at 76% of minimum wage. Mayor Johnson vetoed the legislation, arguing that elimination of the tipped wage was the right thing to do, and something the Council had itself approved earlier in the current term. Restaurants had been pushing for a freeze to the tipped wage phase-out, arguing that higher wages were adding to the financial pressure they are feeling from other cost increases, including ingredients, rents, and other expenses. Worker advocates argued that expenses were increasing for working people, too, and that freezing the tipped wage would unfairly shift the burden for the restaurant industry’s difficulties onto them.
The compromise passed by the committee will still see the tipped wage gradually increase to full minimum wage, but on a longer timeline. Establishments with between 3 and 21 employees will have the tipped wage paused for four years before it begins to increase again, while establishments with 22 or more employees will have a two-year pause. However, the “frozen” tipped minimum wage will continue to increase slightly in line with increases in the overall minimum wage.
Neither side is thrilled with the compromise, but each has said they can live with it. The legislation will be considered by the full City Council at our meeting next Wednesday, May 20.
Taller Plants to be Allowed in Native/Pollinator Parkway Gardens
On Monday, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy approved Alderman Brian Hopkins’s (2nd Ward) ordinance amending city code to increase the height of native and pollinator plants allowed in parkway gardens from 10 to 36 inches.
As many beneficial plants appropriate to these types of gardens are taller than 10 inches, this change makes a lot of sense and will promote parkway plantings that support native wildlife, benefit “good” insects, and conserve water. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this ordinance, which will be voted on by the full City Council next Wednesday. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Food Resources
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map of locations where you can find food assistance: |
|
|
|
The 30th Ward office has a supply of pantry essentials. If you or someone you know is in need we can provide a bag of groceries, no questions asked. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring Migration is Underway!
We are entering into peak bird migration season. These tips from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology to learn more about how you can help keep migrating birds safe.
If you find an injured bird please call Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at (773) 988-1867. |
|
|
|
|
Resources for Homeowners
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Or looking to be? The City of Chicago is offering the TaxSmart Mortgage Credit program, which may be able to bring down your annual housing costs through an income tax credit. Annual income limits apply. For more information, visit City of Chicago :: TaxSmart or call (312) 744-0891. |
|
|
|
The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program recently launched a Flood Mitigation Rebate Program for members. If you are interested in becoming a member or applying for this program please reach out directly to NWHEAP at 773-622-0700. |
|
|
|
|
|
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be at the 30th Ward office the third Thursday of each month. The VACCC is a county-based veterans service organization that assists honorably discharged veterans and their dependents who live in Cook County, Illinois. It focuses on both immediate emergency support and benefit navigation to help veterans access the resources they’ve earned. If you or someone you know needs help in the meantime, you can reach out to the VACCC directly at 312-433-6010. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resources For Students and Their Families |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chicago Youth Works
Chicago Youth Works has announced their summer employment program, formally known as One Summer Chicago! This program connects youth ages 14-24 to summer employment opportunities across Chicago. Applications are due by May 29th. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paying Respects to Fallen Officer John Bartholomew
On Friday May 8th I attended the funeral services for Officer John Bartholomew. He will be remembered for his service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our communities. May we continue to keep his loved ones, fellow officers, and all those impacted by his loss in our thoughts. His memory and commitment to public service will not be forgotten. the 3oth Ward office still has a few blue light bulbs available for anyone who wishes to honor his memory this way. |
|
|
Engaging with the Chicago Police Department
There are a variety of ways to engage with the Chicago Police Department. Here are upcoming opportunities - including CAPS meetings, Conversations with a Commander, and District Council meetings. If you are unsure of the police district or beat that you live in you can look up that information here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have you visited us at 5418-A W. Belmont Ave? Stop by and say hi! Here are our hours: Monday: 9am-7pm Tuesday: 9am-5pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-3pm Second Saturday each month: 9am-1pm |
|
|
Meet Alderwoman CruzJoin us Monday night from 5-7pm to meet Alderwoman Cruz. Share ideas, concerns, or feedback directly with the Alderwoman - no appointment needed! |
|
|
|
Connect with your Northwest Side Elected Officials Need help finding out who your state elected officials are? You can look up that information here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
