Email from Alderman Desmon Yancy

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Tomorrow: Discover Whether Proposed

Zoning Changes Will Impact You

I look forward to seeing you there.

Alderman, 5th Ward

Free Property Tax Redemption Help Desk Opens Next Week

Starting Thursday, September 17, Cook County residents struggling to navigate the county’s complex property tax redemption process can receive free legal guidance through a new Property Tax Redemption Help Desk.

The new Help Desk, announced by County Clerk Monica Gordon, is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Clerk’s Office and Legal Aid Chicago. It will provide free, one-on-one legal assistance to help homeowners better understand the tax redemption process and their legal options.

Help Desk services will be offered by appointment on the third Thursday of each month in the Clerk’s Real Estate and Tax Services Department. Attorneys from Legal Aid Chicago will provide pro bono legal guidance to residents seeking assistance with redemption issues, court notices, filing requirements, statutory deadlines, and other legal questions about the redemption process.

Participants must be pre-screened for eligibility. The Help Desk will offer advice only, not extended legal representation.

The Help Desk will operate on the third Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clerk’s Real Estate and Tax Services Department located at 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Room 434.

To complete the screening process and make an appointment, email [email protected].

CPS Students Will Continue Receiving Free High-Speed Internet at Home

The Chicago Connected program has been extended for the 2026–2027 school year, ensuring that over 28,000 CPS students continue to have access to free, high-speed internet at home. In announcing the extension, Mayor Brandon Johnson's office reaffirmed his commitment to digital equity and educational access for all.

“Every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn and succeed in the classroom, and access to the internet shouldn’t stand in the way,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Keeping Chicago Connected available to CPS families while continuing to close the digital divide was a top priority for my administration, and I’m proud we were able to identify a path forward to do just that. We remain committed to making the most of every public dollar while protecting the services Chicagoans rely on and lowering everyday costs for our residents.”

Launched in 2020, Chicago Connected is one of the largest and longest-lasting efforts in the nation to close the digital divide for K–12 students. The program provides free, high-speed internet to eligible CPS families, formerly delivered through partnerships with local internet providers and community organizations, and is now sustained through CPS’s partnership with the City of Chicago.

Almost all of the 20 community areas with the largest decreases in dysconnectivity rates since Chicago Connected launched are located on Chicago’s South and West Sides. A review of the initiative’s first year found 93% of participating families were designated as economically disadvantaged, 29% had students who were English language learners, 20% had students who were diverse learners, and 13% were in temporary living situations.

"Chicago Connected serves as a lifeline for thousands of CPS students and their families,” said CPS Supt/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “By providing access to this critical resource, we are removing obstacles to academic resources and information, ensuring that every CPS student has the tools they need to achieve their full potential."

Department of Technology and Innovation (DTI) Commissioner Nick Lucius agreed, “Chicago Connected plays a leading role in addressing digital inequality across Chicago,” adding, “After implementing new operational efficiencies across DTI, we are proud to do our part to help preserve this vital program for another school year.”

A majority of families also noted that internet access helped them in areas unrelated to schooling, such as communicating via email and searching for information online.

Learn more at cps.edu/chicagoconnected.

Don't Wait 'til It's Too Late!

Apply for a $150 Grocery Gift Card

The CSBG Disaster Relief Program, offered through the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), provides a one-time $150 grocery gift card to eligible residents who suffered a power outage of two or more consecutive days due to severe summer storms.

Don't Regret That You Never Learned Life-Saving Skills

The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) invites residents to register for the Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) training program for Fall 2026.

Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-9 PM (Please arrive early to find parking) from Tuesday, Sept. 15th, to Thursday, Oct. 15th:

OEMC

1411 W. Madison Street

Chicago, IL 60607

CERT members train for a minimum of 27 hours of classroom training and 3 hours of hands-on practical skills in the following areas before becoming a registered volunteer:

Disaster preparedness
Fire safety & utility controls
Light search and rescue
Team organization
Disaster psychology
Terrorism response
Disaster medical operations

Last Chance to Participate in the Police Superintendent Search

The Chicago Department of Law Is Hiring Attorneys

The City of Chicago has just announced new openings for attorneys. If you or someone you know is seeking a new position or has just passed the Illinois Bar exam, please share this information.

SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Deputy Corporation Counsel - Finance and Real Estate Division

Deputy Corporation Counsel - Revenue Litigation Division

SENIOR ATTORNEYS (ACC Supervisor and Chief)

Four (4) divisions are hiring:

Employment Litigation, Special Federal Litigation, Torts, Real Estate

MID-LEVEL ATTORNEYS (ACC III)

Five (5) divisions are hiring:

Constitutional & Commercial Litigation, Torts, Employment Litigation, Special Federal Litigation, Collections, Ownership and Administrative Litigation

ENTRY to MID-LEVEL ATTORNEYS (ACC I and II)

Two (2) divisions are hiring:

Legal Information and Prosecutions, Building and License Enforcement

For more information, contact:

Shelley A.D. Sandoval

Director of Attorney Recruitment & Professional Development

City of Chicago Department of Law

2 N LaSalle St., Suite 560

Chicago, IL 60602

312-742-0335

Or visit:

www.cityofchicago.org/law

Leverage the City of Chicago's

Job Search Resources

The City of Chicago has created an online resource for those searching for positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. You can find these opportunities listed year-round on the Careers page on the City's website. I encourage job seekers to take advantage of this terrific resource.

This Week's Featured Openings:

OEMC currently has two job postings:

General Superintendent of Special Traffic Services
Police Communications Operator I (9-1-1 Call Taker)

You can find both positions posted at chi.gov/oemcjobs and on the City’s main website here. Under the drop-down menu for Organization, select “Office of Emergency Management & Communications.”

Watch recruitment videos online for other divisions at

City of Chicago :: Join Our Team

Learn How the Park District

Can Become Your Customer

The Purchasing Department of the Chicago Park District (CPD) is hosting a series of Informational Sessions on Doing Business with the Park District. Representatives from Park District departments will be present to speak on contracting opportunities in Planning & Construction, Facility Management, and Natural Resources.

Fifth Ward business owners are invited to explore opportunities during breakout sessions with various departments within the Park District.

Tuesday, September 15th

Horner Park

2741 W. Montrose Ave.

Chicago, IL 60618

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Wednesday, October 21st

South Shore Cultural Center

7059 S. South Shore Dr.

Chicago, IL 60649

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Department of Purchasing will provide light refreshments throughout the day.

These informational sessions are first-come, first-served and are in high demand. Due to the limited space, we encourage you to register as soon as possible.

So, How Are You Feeling?

Free or Affordable Healthcare Services

The Wait Is Almost Over for Cmsr. Lowry's Annual Health & Resource Fair

Final Few Weeks

Hyde Park Farmers' Market

What Else Is Going On?

At the Obama Presidential Center

Click the calendar for details.

Thursdays through October 8: Walk at the OPC

Walk at Your Pace at the Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Center has launched a weekly exercise program called "At Your Pace," in partnership with Peace Runners 773, a non-profit organization that advocates for health equity.

Each session begins at Jackson Park Field next to Home Court with a guided warm-up, followed by a group walk or run. The route travels through the OPC campus and surrounding park. There's no performance pressure. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and move in a way that feels right for you.

September 3 and every Thursday until October 8, 2026

9:15 a.m. Check in/Registration

9:45 a.m. Dynamic Warm-Up

10 a.m. "At Your Pace" Program

11 a.m. Cool Down

The "At Your Pace" program is free, and registration is optional.

In Our Gardens

Merrill Garden

Saturday Mornings in September

Southside YMCA

Alderman Yancy seems to be EVERYWHERE!

Coming Up: He's the Guest DJ Supporting Your Wellness.

Supporting Our Seniors

Help Build a List of

Research Priorities for Seniors

FREE Museum Days Remain

Schedules

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 24-27 and 31 and Sept.1-2, 8-10, 15-16, 20-23, and 27-30; griffinmsi.org.

Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 26 and Sept. 8-10 and 14-15; adlerplanetarium.org.

Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Free for Illinois residents on Thursdays (July 30 and Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27) from 5 to 8 p.m.; artic.edu.

Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 13 and 27 and Sept. 7 and 24; chicagohistory.org.

Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents every Wednesday (July 29 and Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26); fieldmuseum.org.

Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S. Morgan St. Free admission on the third Friday of each month (July 31 and Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28); heritageasianart.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays (July 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25) from 5 to 9 p.m.; Every Tuesday through Aug. 25, the MCA hosts a free contemporary jazz concert. mcachicago.org.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 24-26, and Sept. 8-11, 14-18, 21-25 and 28-30; naturemuseum.org.

Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 26; sheddaquarium.org

Free Year 'Round: Our Public Libraries

An Annual Favorite for Book Lovers...

Join Scholars and Athletes Supporting Higher Education

HBCU RUN & BRUNCH

Saturday, September 19, 2026

📍 RAINBOW BEACH

⌚ RUN 6.2 MILES or RUN OR WALK 3.1 MILES

🧇 BRUNCH ON THE YARD IS BACK! - IF RUNNING ISN'T YOUR THING, REGISTER TO PULL UP!

Take the Next Step!

The fair will include:

College representatives from various HBCUs providing on-site information about their institutions
A college-planning resource corner
A chance for seniors to enter a book scholarship raffle

Pre-register at www.ipcdf.org/events.

The annual HBCU College Fair hosted by Imani Pearls Community Development Foundation (IPCDF), the nonprofit arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®, Chi Omega Omega Chapter.

Younger Scholars!

SAVE THIS DATE

WANT FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES?

If you couldn't attend our Back-to-School Celebration and would like free school supplies, simply drop by the Fifth Ward office at 2230 East 71st Street. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have plenty of bookbags and other classroom needs on hand.

Want a Safer Community?

Attending 2nd or 3rd District Community Policing (CAPS) meetings provides opportunities to connect with your local beat officers, address your concerns, and exchange valuable information. All of it contributes to a safer, stronger community.

Not sure of your beat number? Call (312) 747-7004. Learn more.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CollaBOOrate with Neighbors for a Safe Halloween

Are you a nonprofit organization with a program or event that will benefit Fifth Ward residents?

Please send your information and flyer at least two weeks in advance to [email protected]

ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FIFTH!

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Alderman Desmon Yancy | 2230 E. 71st Street | Chicago, IL 60649 US