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Dear Neighbors,
This month, we proudly celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities. Our city and ward are stronger because of the diversity, leadership, and resilience of our AAPI neighbors and we can’t wait to celebrate them! |
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One of the many ways we stay connected and support our houseless neighbors is with our monthly outreach picnic. These picnics are an important part of our work, bringing together trusted community organizations to provide resources, care, and consistent presence for those who need it most. This month felt especially meaningful as we moved further down the lakefront to collaborate with the 48th Ward and Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth’s office. Thank you to all of the organizations who continue to show up, partner with us, and do this critical work, we are grateful for your ongoing commitment to our community! |
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Neighbor’s and community members joined us in celebrating Rabbi Conover of Temple Sholom’s 18th year of leadership! It was a beautiful moment to honor her impact, reflect on almost two decades of service, and celebrate the strong values of community she continues to foster. Congratulations to Rabbi Conover and the entire Temple Sholom community on this special milestone! |
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Thank you to all of our neighbors along Alta Vista who joined us for a meet and greet at Uncommon Ground. Alta Vista may be a small street in size, but it’s certainly mighty in awesome neighbors. We had a productive conversation covering a range of topics, including Cubs parking lot expansion and updates around Kelly Park. Thank you to everyone who came out, asked questions, and continue to stay involved. |
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In honor of May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, I had the opportunity to return to my alma mater, Uplift Community High School, to give opening remarks centered on the intersections of labor and civic engagement. May Day is rooted in the fight for workers’ rights, including the historic push for fair wages, safe conditions, and the eight-hour workday, and continues to serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and civic participation. It was especially meaningful to be back in that space, connecting with students and reflecting on the importance of staying engaged in shaping our communities.
Following the remarks, our Director of Infrastructure and Development, Jesse Orr, led a workshop with students on our newly launched Community Budget. Our goal is to encourage as much participation as possible in the idea collection process for how the ward’s $1.5 million in menu funds should be spent next year. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to share your ideas and be part of this process by filling out the idea collection form. |
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Speaking of May Day, I encourage everyone to continue May Day around our community at Haymarket House this Saturday. Join neighbors for an evening of connection, music, food, and activities as we honor the spirit of May Day together. |
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| And last but certainly not least, the Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic will make its debut at Wrigley Field on Saturday, May 2, when Alabama A&M and Prairie View A&M take the field for an evening matchup following the conclusion of the Cubs game earlier in the day. Gates are expected to open at 6 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Check out the full game day schedule here. Join me for this historical moment!
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Yours In Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay
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Join me for an upcoming District 4A Town Hall focused on screens and educational technology in PreK–8th grade classrooms. This conversation will explore the impact of screen use on young learners, share insights from experts, and provide parents with tools and next steps for school-level advocacy.
The town hall will take place on May 5 from 6:00–7:30 PM at Greeley Elementary School (832 W. Sheridan Rd.). We hope you can join us for this important discussion shaping the future of learning in our schools. |
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Join us for a special Ward Night Out as we gather at Holiday Club (4000 N. Sheridan Rd.) on May 13th, 5-7 pm.
This space has meant so much to our community, and we want to send it off the right way—together.
Come meet neighbors, connect with our office, and help them go out with a bang. And if you’re not ready for the night to end, karaoke kicks off at 8 PM—so stick around and keep the celebration going! 
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| | Join us May 21st, as we host the Uptown Connects Resource Fair in collaboration with the Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) at the DFSS Office (845 W Wilson Ave)!
This event will bring together local organizations, service providers, and community partners to share resources, build connections with residents, and strengthen collaboration within our Uptown community.
We’re actively seeking a local community organization or group to volunteer any art therapy and/or mindfulness-based activities for this year's fair!
If your organization offers any creative wellness programming, such as guided therapeutic art activities, meditation, stress reduction techniques, or other mindfulness practices, we’d love to have you participate. Our goal is to help create a welcoming, restorative space where attendees can access important services and resources.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Eleana from the 46th Ward at 773-878-4646 or [email protected].
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Save the Date: 46th Ward Back to School Bash!
Join us on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 PM at Clarendon
Park for our 3rd Annual Back to School Bash—the largest family event
of the year in the 46th Ward!
This free, family-friendly event brings together neighbors, resources,
and fun as we get ready for the school year. Expect school supply
giveaways, community resources, activities, performances, and more.
We’re currently looking for partners to help make this year even
bigger. If you’re interested in sponsoring, hosting a resource table,
leading an activation, performing, or collaborating in any way, please
fill out our interest form.
We’re also seeking volunteers to support the day-of event. Last year,
25+ volunteers helped make the bash a success and we’re hoping to grow
that team even more this year. If you’re interested in volunteering, sign up today! |
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It’s officially May, which means one of our favorite neighborhood staples is back! The Uptown Farmers Market returns next week at Sunnyside Mall, bringing fresh produce, local vendors, and community
vibes every Wednesday.
Stop by, support local, and enjoy everything our neighborhood has to
offer, we’ll see you there! |
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We love highlighting the talents of our neighbors, and this one is especially fun for families! Local resident and WGN Radio Host Steve Dale has released a children’s book, Ask the Dog!. This playful and heartwarming story helps young readers better understand their furry friends by exploring the world from a dog’s perspective. With charming illustrations and helpful insights, it’s a great pick for any household with pets or animal lovers in the making. Be sure to check it out and support a neighbor doing amazing work! |
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| Over the past few weeks, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) completed two crucial steps in the process to open up a new office in the 46th Ward at the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), 4750 N. Sheridan.
On April 13, the Committee on Finance unanimously approved a $2M TIF grant from the Lawrence / Broadway TIF; this funding will support critical infrastructure upgrades to the building and the ground floor build-out for the IDHS. This was then unanimously approved at City Council on April 15. This week, we also heard confirmation that IDHS signed a lease with the ICA. Both partners (ICA and IDHS) hope to complete the last remaining administrative steps over the next few months, with construction and bulidout expected to last several months thereafter, with a goal of opening in the first half of next year.
IDHS will provide integrated services at this location for Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood, Family, and Community Services, Rehabilitation Services, Behavioral Health and Recovery, Clinical, Administrative and Program Support - we can't wait for the ICA to house all of these crucial resources!
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Interested in hosting a Block Party on your block? Check out our Block Party Info Page on our website for more information and reach out to our office if you need help with your application.
Want to have a bounce house at your block party? The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) offers the Jumping Jack inflatable bounce house free of charge to residential block parties within city limits from Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, September 6. To apply, complete the online application here. |
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| | LV2 Parking Passes for Cubs Season
Resident Neighbor LV2 Passes can be picked up directly from our office at 4544 N. Broadway, rather than Wrigley Field. If you live on Alta Vista, Sheffield, Kenmore, Seminary, Wilton, or Waveland, you are eligible for a pass. |
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New Carts at Food Scrap Drop-Offs |
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation will be using a new type of green cart at food scrap drop-off locations in the near future.
The new carts are: smaller, with a 35-gallon capacity compared to the 65-gallon capacity of the original carts. opened by turning a handle on the top of the lid. See below for details.
Please let the City know what you think! Share your feedback by emailing [email protected]. |
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| | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Updates |
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| The new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements went into effect on February 1. Up to 450,000 Illinoisians are at risk of losing their benefits under the new requirements. For more information on the changes, visit the IL Department of Human Services’ SNAP Federal Impact Center. Under the new requirements, most adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under the age of 14, will be required to work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.
SNAP recipients now have three months to establish eligibility under these new rules, either by demonstrating that they meet work requirements or by submitting a request for exemption form. |
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I. Exemptions from the Work Requirements
Many Chicagoans may be eligible for an exemption to these requirements.
IDHS has a user-friendly screening tool to help individuals determine if they qualify for an exemption or are meeting the requirement: IDHS Exemption tool CLICK HERE.
See the table below for a summary of recent changes |
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| | II. Ways to Meet the Work and/or Volunteer SNAP Requirements You can find Employment and Training opportunities at this link: IDHS Education and Training DFSS Senior Centers - See the attached flyer for details on the following resources: The Seniors Division at DFSS has opportunities to connect seniors age 55-64 with employment support through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. There are a range of volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting seniors. For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities contact DFSS at 312-744-4016 or [email protected]
Volunteer opportunities across Chicagoland are available at the following links: Meals on Wheels has launched a new program called, "Snap Together Volunteers," which offers accessible volunteer opportunities for seniors at the Nourish Chicago Pantry, located at 2102 W Ogden Avenue.
III. Food Pantry Resources Below are some additional resources that may be helpful to your neighbors and anyone no longer eligible for SNAP Our DFSS Community Service Centers (CSCs) are always available to assist clients with public benefits enrollment, including SNAP. CSCs operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CSC locations can be found here. |
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There are new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements for residents who are not citizens of the United States that went into effect on April 1. If you are a recipient of benefits from the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) who has met their 5-year waiting period, an approved refugee or asylum seeker, or a trafficking survivor (T-Visa holder), your benefits will be revoked during your next redetermination period. For other residents who may not know about whether their benefits are in jeopardy, please consult the list below.
Non-citizens that are still eligible: Cuban or Haitian Entrants admitted to the United States on or after 04/21/1980 Individuals who reside lawfully in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) over the age of 18 who have held that legal status for 5 years or more Legal Permanent Residents who have held that legal status for less than 5 years, if: They are under 18 years old, or They are blind or disabled, or They are a U.S. veteran or active-duty member or their dependent, or They have been credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work history, or They qualify for an exception under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).
Non-citizens that are no longer eligible: VAWA recipients who have met 5 year waiting period (from data on prima facie letter) Refugees and Asylees (application approved), Trafficking survivors (T-Visa holder)
People who have been receiving SNAP under previous noncitizen eligibility will no longer receive SNAP after their next redetermination, unless they meet one of the noncitizen criteria listed above. A notice of ineligibility will be sent when the redetermination is processed. Processing typically occurs prior to the start of the new eligibility period. In households with mixed immigration statuses, SNAP benefits will only be issued to family members who are U.S. citizens or hold one of the noncitizen statuses listed above. New applications for SNAP will be subject to the eligibility changes starting on April 1st. At this time, there will not be any changes to any cash or medical benefits that eligible noncitizens receive through the Illinois Department of Human Services or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. As many as 16,000 individuals in Illinois could be impacted by this change, following verification of status at their redetermination. Refugees, asylees, and human trafficking survivors are among the lawfully present immigrants who may lose SNAP benefits.
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| | | It has come to our attention that large amounts of food are being dumped in various areas of the ward to feed pigeons. We want to remind neighbors that feeding pigeons is a violation of the City of Chicago ordinance.
As a reminder, dumping food in public spaces attracts rodents, creates sanitation issues, and negatively impacts the surrounding area. We ask all neighbors to help keep our ward clean and safe by refraining from feeding pigeons and reporting large food dumping when you see it.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community healthy and welcoming for everyone.
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Have you ever wanted to see the inside of an Alderperson’s office?
Now’s your chance. Join our volunteer team. We’re looking for neighbors who are passionate about public service, community engagement, mutual aid, communications, and providing warm, welcoming customer service to our constituents. Volunteers play an important role in helping us stay connected and responsive to the community.
This opportunity is a great fit for retirees who want to stay engaged and give back, or for students interested in learning more about local government and how City Hall works at the neighborhood level.
If you’re ready to serve your community in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you. Sign up here! |
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| | | Submit a Lime Scooter Removal Request |
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| Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location. You can also call 1-888-546-3345.
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| 46th Ward Upcoming Events |
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| | | | | The 46th Ward is getting new neighbors! 4713 N. Clark - also known as "The Anderson" is finishing construction right now! The building has 36 units total, 6 of which fall under the Chicago Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO), which requires the developers to keep 20% of units at affordable rental rates.
ARO units will require an application for occupancy. Currently, there is no application available, applications will open on May 1st.
Please note: The sign-up form is NOT an application for affordable housing! This form is to REQUEST an application when they are made available!
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| We're looking for donations to help restock our Free Community Cornerstore! Items like baby wipes, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and new children’s socks go a long way in supporting our neighbors who need them most. If you're able to contribute, please consider dropping off supplies at our ward office. Together, we can keep this vital community resource going strong! |
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| | | Our office is in close communication with Edgewater/Uptown Migra Watch, a network of neighbors that does rapid response to confirm potential ICE sightings. Confirming ICE sightings is a critical part of keeping our neighbors safe. If you see activities that you suspect may be ICE, please report it to the ICIRR Hotline so that a team can go out and confirm their presence. This is an important part of how we keep our neighbors safe! |
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| Zoning Change Proposal Approved: 3909 N Ashland
Alderwoman Clay has decided to support a proposed zoning change from B1-2 to B2-3 at 3909 N. Ashland to enable a 4-story, 8-unit residential building with three parking spaces. Of the eight units, seven would be 2-bedroom units and one would have a single bedroom. Each floor would include two units stacked front and back, on the ground through fourth floors, and each unit would feature a private inset balcony. The space is currently occupied by a 2-story commercial building which has sat vacant for several years.
The proposal was supported by the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce and aligns with 46th Ward development priorities of enabling growth without displacement and adding density near transit corridors.
This proposal also has the benefit of adding seven family-friendly units within a short walk of Blaine Elementary, and including two ground-floor accessible units.
To learn more about the proposal, check out the 46th Ward’s Zoning and Development page! |
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| Neighbors, tell us where you want to see infrastructure investments in our neighborhood by using this form. We will review all proposed ideas and share vetted proposals with neighbors this Fall for voting - see the flyer below for more details, and check out the presentation here if you have any questions! |
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We want to take a moment to acknowledge the tragic incident at Swedish Hospital this past weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer John Bartholomew, the officer still fighting for his life, and the entire 17th Police District during this incredibly difficult time.
We are keeping all of our first responders in our hearts as they continue to put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. |
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See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations. Search by address here. See our local 19th District’s website here. Email [email protected] or our office with any questions. |
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| | Citywide Events & Resources |
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| The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.
BACP is here to support your business today: FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies. Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule May 5 - How to apply for a Business License May 6 - City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers |
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| Sign up HERE to get the BACP Newsletter for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation. |
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The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. |
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| | ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help. |
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| SAVE THE DATES  
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series. The series of expos offers business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more.
2026 SMALL BIZ EXPO SERIES: Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Truman College, register Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Malcolm X College, register
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| Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more. The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE.. Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details. |
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| | | | | | | 2026 Senior Guide Now Available
Looking for helpful tips, resources, and services tailored for our senior community? The Office of the City Clerk has released the 2026 Senior Guide, filled with valuable information to support older adults across Chicago. From transportation programs and health services to emergency contacts and community activities—this guide has it all. View or download the full guide here: Senior Guide 2026 (PDF) Let’s make sure our elders are informed, connected, and cared for. |
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The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring. Click here to view available positions.
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