33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 9, 2026 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
I hope that you all were able to spend your holiday season appreciating special time with your friends, family, and loved ones. This year, seemingly more than ever, it felt important for me and the ward office team to rest and recharge with those closest to us. I know that my office plays a very important role in the daily lives of our neighbors, and I would like to start the new year with gratitude for your trust in our service and patience as we get back up to speed this week.
The beginning of the year has not been easy. Many of us remain very worried about our city budget and are hard at work researching and preparing for a later this year. We also continue to suffer under the violence of the Trump administration, which has renewed its terror campaign of deportations, kidnappings, and cutting off of vital resources to our communities with increased vigor. Just this week, our rapid response teams are, again, hard at work documenting and reporting ICE abductions in real time. We have also been united in grief at the , who died protecting her neighbors from deportation during an into her community.
This regime of kidnapping, murder and violence has now expanded beyond our own cities into an international campaign where the and brought to our country to face criminal trials. We are still waiting for the long term impacts of this action to make themselves known. This action, while it seems far away, impacts many of our new neighbors who have migrated from Venezuela, destabilizes the region, including my home, Puerto Rico, which is being used as the military base for these operations, and potentially pushes our country closer to war.
In these times of great uncertainty, our community remains firm in our commitments to care for each other and to organize to support each other. I look forward to a new year of deepening our resolve, learning together, and to fighting to make the world and our community a safer, more healthy, place to live. I remain inspired by the incredible efforts of hundreds of neighbors each day volunteering their time for local school watches, walking school-buses, and rapid response work. I am proud to see us all standing together in solidarity despite the very real fear and exhaustion.
I encourage you to please contact my office should you need any support, we are here to help. Our community has also organized many amazing events and opportunities for us to be together. Please review the remainder of this newsletter to learn more.
Thank you for doing this work with me. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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Local Mutual Aid, Donation Drives, and Food Distribution | | |
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Free Vaccination Clinics through CDPH: |
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The 33rd Ward Office will be closed Monday, January 19 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday. We will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, January 20. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 4pm Phone: 773-840-7880 / |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. January 9 — Free Meals - Each 2nd Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 5:30pm - 7:00pm January 12 — Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens, 6am - 1pm, one day only January 12 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House begins at 5:30pm January 15 — Low-income Housing Workshop, in Korean, 1pm on Zoom - January 15 — Free — Film Screening “Immigrant Justice, Then and Now,” film screening from 6-7pm, panel discussion from 7-7:30 with Ald. Fuentes, Ald. Rodriguez-Sanchez, Antonio Gutierrez (OCAD), and Alonso Zaragoza (Belmont Cragin United) - Edge Theater - January 15 — Community Meeting - Lawrence Ave Study, 6-7:30pm, Albany Park Library January 22 — Low-income Housing Workshop, in Korean, 6pm on Zoom - January 23 — Free — Friends of Hibbard Glow in the Dark Party, 5-7pm January 24 — Free — RHS Winter Wellness Fair, 10am - 1pm, Roosevelt High School January 29 — Deadline to Vote for Community Choice Awards - January 31 — APMA Game Night, 5:30-9:00pm, 3600 Irving Park Rd February 13 — Free Meals - Each 2nd Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 5:30pm - 7:00pm February 26 — Community Choice Awards Celebration, 6-9pm, 2951 W Montrose
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. Sign up for the ICE Alert System: Follow our local rapid response social media: @northwestsiderrt on Instagram 33rd Ward Resource Page at
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form . |
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Neighbor NightUpcoming Neighbor Night: Monday, January 12 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:30pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a ward office open house. All are welcome to join.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. |
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Participatory BudgetingWe are currently finalizing this year’s Participatory Budgeting ballot and look forward to beginning the voting process later this month! Please watch for updates. You can learn more about PB and review results from previous years on our website |
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33rd Ward Snow Shoveling ProgramYou can sign up to help a neighbor with their snow shoveling or sign up to ask for help by , calling our office at 773-840-7880, or emailing our office at [email protected]. We will help to pair you with a neighbor for the duration of the winter season. |
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Film Screening - Immigrant Justice, Then and NowJanuary 15, 2026 from 6-7pm, film screening; 7-7:30 pm, panel discussion with Ald. Fuentes, Ald. Rodriguez-Sanchez, Antonio Gutierrez (OCAD), and Alonso Zaragoza (Belmont Cragin United)
The Edge Theater |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our . |
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Current Proposals in Review3039 W Irving Park Rd – Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B2-3 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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The 2026 Shared Cost Sidewalk Programwill open to new applicants on January 12, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is the only time frame in which applicants will be accepted, and is first-come, first-served across the entire city.
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. As part of the program, the cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2026 if you wish to be considered for the 2026 program. Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s service request website , or through the free CHI311 mobile apps on iOS Apple and Android. The property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of request.
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program provides great value to property owners while helping improve neighborhoods. Should you have any questions, please contact CDOT at (312) 744-1746 or email [email protected].
Click on the links below for more information on the program.
As always, residents can report other sidewalk conditions to 311 by phone or via the city website. |
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Lawrence Avenue Study - Community Meeting
Albany Park Branch Library, 3401 W Foster
Thursday, January 15 from 6-7:30 pm
What does a thriving Lawrence Avenue look like to you? There will be a new study of Lawrence Ave, from the River to Pulaski, to plan ways to improve our corridor with façade improvements, green space, public art, pedestrian safety, and more!
Whether you’re a business owner invested in our local economy, a resident who walks these sidewalks every day, or a neighbor passing through, your insight ensures this plan is grounded in the real needs of our neighborhood.
Can’t make it in person? You can still leave your mark! Use our interactive Digital Map via the link in our bio to drop a pin and flag specific areas for improvement. Tell us what you love and what you’d change! |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Apply to Join Your Local School Council (LSC)Deadline: January 20, 2026 |
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RHS Winter Wellness FairSaturday, January 24 from 10am - 1pm Free and Open to All! |
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Citizenship Classes Online and In-personHeartland - Refugee and Immigrant Community Services is now offering more opportunities to take citizenship preparation classes. Classes are available in-person at 5715 W Belmont and 4822 N. Broadway or online through Zoom. There are classes for: High Beginner (Level 2) and Intermediate and Advanced (Levels 3-5). In this class, students will study US History and Civics and prepare for the citizenship interview. |
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Apply for CCPSADeadline: February 6, 2026
The District Council Nominating Committee is seeking to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) and is set to open applications for interested candidates on January 7, 2026. These vacancies become effective in the summer of 2026 at the conclusion of the 2-year terms served by three current Commissioners. This nomination process opens up a unique opportunity for young people given that two of three vacancies must be filled by youth ages 18 to 24.
The Nominating Committee will open the applications for these vacancies on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The application period will remain open for thirty days, closing on February 6, 2026. After the deadline, the Committee will thoroughly review all submissions, conduct interviews with selected finalists, and nominate at least six individuals for the three vacancies on the Commission. Once nominated, the Mayor will select three individuals to serve on the Commission from those nominated by the Committee.
The Committee will be holding a series of virtual informational sessions for interested applicants. For more information, on these sessions, the Nominating Committee, and the comments can be directed to [email protected]. |
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City of Chicago Community Development GrantsThe City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards. CDGs use proceeds from the and other funding sources to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents.
Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs.
Small Applications are now open. Apply by 11:59 p.m. on February 13, 2026 for Small grants. Small grants are provided as a reimbursement for up to 75% of the total eligible project expenses with a maximum grant of $250,000. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend an information session or watch a recording before applying.
Resources are available to assist with applications, including a . Visit the or view the for more information.
Medium Applications are now open. Apply by 11:59 p.m. on February 13, 2026 for Medium grants. Visit the or for both Medium and Large grants. to review and complete applications.
Large Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the or . to review and complete applications. |
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FREE tutoring during the Spring TermDeadline to apply: January 15
There are only 10 spots available. Students will receive 18 hours of tutoring with a professional tutor of their choice from February 1 - May 31 for FREE. The high-quality one-on-one tutoring sessions can cover any subject or test the student needs help with while also teaching the underlying learning and life skills for long-term success. Learn about our one-of-a-kind and incredible . If you know students who would benefit from our tutoring program, please . |
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Free Meal - “Gather Together”
Each 2nd Friday until June 2026 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Christ Lutheran Church, 4541 N Spaulding |
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APMA Game NightJanuary 31, from 5:30 - 9:00pm
3600 W Irving Park Road |
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Friends of Hibbard Glow in the Dark PartyJanuary 23, from 5:00-7:00pm |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit . 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at . |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Available at Our Ward OfficeThey are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter |
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Connect with our local schoolsConnect with our local schools by accessing a list of schools on . |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers . |
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Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Policy Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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