| Happy Friday Neighbors,
I hope this past week was a safe, joyful, and productive one for you and yours! Yesterday was my birthday, and for me, it’s always a good opportunity for a refresh and reset. Outlook is always important, especially when life and the current moment test us.
Every morning, I wake up and think about what to tackle first. At the ward level, we have construction season and neighbor requests to address. I’d like to recognize our ward office team for all of their tireless work. Cat, Deirdre, Sam, Santos, Yasmin, Charlotte and Penelope are diligent and dedicated to making sure requests are addressed as best as we can. Additionally, our volunteers are the kind of neighbors we should all be grateful for and proud of.
On the city side, we have a budget which is truly a year round concern, while we also focus on issues that affect your quality of life and safety. In the City Hall Round Up, you’ll get a glimpse into all the debate and deliberation involved with issues such as housing affordability, police accountability, and everything else that impacts Chicagoans on a day to day basis. I want to shout out our Policy and Committee team: Pooja, Alison, and Diana are all rock stars who organize with groups across the city and draft the policy we work on. It’s nonstop and exciting, even as we see our objectives change as the federal government continues to undermine democracy and civil rights.
Speaking of the Trump administration undermining democracy and civil rights, I was grateful to learn that the charges against all of the Broadview 6 were dropped and the case dismissed after it was found that the grand jury was tampered with by the Federal prosecutor.
As our neighbors know, our Chief of Staff Cat Sharp was one of the Broadview 6, and her charges were dropped approximately a month ago, so it is even more gratifying to learn that charges were dropped for all of them. That doesn’t give any of them their time back, and they still have legal fees, but at least the threat of imprisonment or fines is gone. Justice has been served in that regard, but much more needs to happen to make them feel whole after the attacks they have had to face.
This weekend is a holiday one, and I will be at the Memorial Day parade at Rosehill Cemetery on Monday. It is a good time to reflect on what those brave souls who served our country in the armed forces served for, and to commit ourselves to doing our part to strengthen and defend our democracy. I look forward to seeing our neighbors there!
Yours in Service and Community, 
Andre Vasquez |
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| Office Closed on Memorial Day!Our office will be closed this Monday, May 25th, for Memorial Day! Feel free to leave us a voicemail at 773-654-1867, or submit a request at 40thward.org/contact. We look forward to responding when we’re back in the office on Tuesday! |
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| Submit Project Proposals for The People’s Budget by June 1st!Got an idea for an infrastructure project you want to see in the neighborhood? Submit a project proposal! From January to June 1st, neighbors have the opportunity to submit ideas for projects we should consider for the 2026-2027 People’s Budget! Neighbors can submit their project proposals at bit.ly/2026-PB. |
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| Front Desk Volunteer Training: May 29th! Want to help your 40th Ward neighbors? Join our Front Desk team! At our training, you’ll learn how to intake constituent service requests, how to handle different phone call scenarios, and more! To RSVP, fill out this form!
For more information, email Santos Moreno, our Director of Community Outreach at [email protected]!
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On the BlogMay City Council Roundup: find out all the updates from City Council this past month! 2026 Development Town Hall: If you weren’t able to make the Development Town Hall, check out a video or see the presentation on the blog! May Immigration Briefing: find out all the latest updates on immigration, and how they are impacting Chicago immigrants and refugees, and what you can do to help.
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| Construction Updates
Check out some of the major construction projects going on in the ward this week! |
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| Lincoln Avenue StreetscapeThe second and final phase of the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape Project is almost at the finish line! We are looking to have the new traffic signal turned on next week! With this turn on, there will be no left-turns from westbound Ainslie Street onto southbound Western Avenue. |
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| Manor Avenue ResurfacingThe long-awaited resurfacing of Manor Avenue has begun! Crews are currently excavating and pouring concrete for curb and gutter and alley aprons along Manor from Lawrence to Montrose. Following concrete work, they will mill the existing asphalt, adjust any sewer structures, and then repave the street, followed by pavement markings. The entire process takes around 3-4 weeks.
While the street will remain open for the duration of this work, there will be lane closures as needed to facilitate this work, so please plan for additional time on your commutes! We apologize for the disruption, but looking forward to a smoother, safer Manor Avenue. |
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| Elise Malary PlazaWe are thrilled to announce that a contractor has been chosen for the Elise Malary Plaza, and we expect work to begin in June! If you missed the pre-construction meeting we held earlier this week, you can check out a recording here. |
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| | Ashland Resurfacing & Traffic SignalCrews are working on concrete flatwork from Montrose to Foster, including the removal and installation of sidewalks, bumpouts, and curb and gutters, and installing new drainage structures. They anticipate beginning to mill the pavement from Foster south to Montrose as early as next week! Traffic lane closures will continue as needed to facilitate this work, so please allow additional time for your commute! |
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| Chicago Fire Department’s Camp Courage
CFD’s Camp Courage will run from June 15 through July 29, 2026, at locations across the city, introducing youth to firefighting and EMS careers through hands-on training, mentorship, leadership development, teamwork, fire safety, CPR exposure, fitness activities, and engagement with Chicago Fire Department members. Each three-day camp experience will conclude with a graduation ceremony recognizing participants for their commitment, engagement, and accomplishments. Learn more at this link! |
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| Volunteer at a park near you for It's Your Park Day on May 30th!!
On May 30th, 2026, at dozens of participating parks around Chicago, the Chicago Parks Foundation is proud to present It's Your Park Day! FREE, FUN, & FAMILY-FRIENDLY - It's Your Park Day is a special one-day clean-up event across the city to bring communities and parks together. Activities include trash pick-up, tree mulching, playground woodchip replenishment, and community fun. Check out our full list of parks participating around the city on our website, and register to join a clean-up near you! |
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| CityArts Program Grant now Live!
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is now accepting applications for the CityArts program. CityArts Program is a grant for Chicago-based arts & culture nonprofits. This year there are two opportunities for funding, general operating and added project grant opportunity. Visit the website to access the application and program guidelines for the two grant types. Applicants can receive up to $50,000 in funding. The application deadline is June 3, 2026 at noon CT.
For any additional questions regarding the CityArts program, please reach out to [email protected]. |
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| Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Career Fair
Ready to take the next step in your career? Join the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation for their inaugural Career Fair! Connect with resources, career support, and opportunities to help you succeed. RSVP today! |
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| 6311arts: Music Next Door, Someplace Else Album Release Party
On May 23, from 5:30 PM to 9 PM, join 6311arts (6311 N. Clark) for a party celebrating the release of local percussion legend Tom Lowery's new album. |
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| Edgewater Historical Society May Salon: Puppets & Masks
On Thursday, May 28 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Edgewater Historical Society is hosting their May Salon accompanying the new exhibit, Celebrating Edgewater's Theatres, at 5358 N Ashland Ave. The event will include light refreshments. Admission is free! |
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| | Public Safety Trends
Overall, violent crime is down 16.3% in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year! Citywide, violent crime is down 8%. See below for a breakdown of citywide and 40th Ward statistics across all categories. |
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| | It was an honor getting to be a part of this year’s Haitian flag-raising ceremony at City Hall! |
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| | It was an honor getting to be a part of this year’s Haitian flag-raising ceremony at City Hall! |
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| Thank you to everyone who joined our May Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights meeting! |
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