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Chief of Staff Update: What We’re Working On

Daniel La Spata Ward 1 📞 872-206-2685 ✉️ [email protected]
Relevance: 7/10
4_flats_legalization bike_lanes zoning_or_development_meeting_or_approval

Summary

On March 30, the 1st Ward will host a virtual First Look meeting to review a rezoning proposal for 1619 North Artesian, which would add a third floor to a non‑conforming 4‑unit residence. The Committee on Pedestrian & Traffic Safety is gathering data on flooded bike lanes to inform future street‑safety improvements, and the office is coordinating a free bike tune‑up on April 25 in partnership with Commissioner Bridget Degnen. Other community highlights include a free hot‑meal distribution with Islamic Relief USA tomorrow and a Wicker Park park‑clean‑up kickoff on April 11.

Chief of Staff Update: What We’re Working On

1st Ward Newsletter | March 24, 2026

Dear neighbors,

Community Engagement Specialist, Priscila, reporting to you now! While the Alderman is out, I’m making sure our office remains active in the community and continues to serve residents. My goal is to bring the Alderman’s priorities to life by helping neighbors feel supported, creating opportunities to get involved, and sharing resources that make a real difference in our community.  

As I map out events for the year, I’m looking forward to all the opportunities coming to the 1st Ward. I’ve been working on several upcoming events and would love to share them with you:

  • In partnership with Islamic Relief USA, our office will be giving away 200 free hot meals to the community in front of the West Town Library tomorrow starting at 3 p.m. until supplies last. We recognize that people in our community are facing challenges, and we’re committed to supporting our neighbors however we can. Anyone who stops by the food truck is welcome!  
     
  • To kick off Earth Week, the Wicker Park Advisory Council is hosting a series of park cleanups starting April 11. To support these efforts, our office is organizing volunteers for a 1st Ward Parks Clean-Up Day. If you’re interested in cleaning a park on April 11, please: REGISTER HERE. 
     
  • Get ready for biking season! We are one month away from our Free Bike Tune-Up, in partnership with Commissioner Bridget Degnen’s office. Join us on Saturday, April 25 at Pulaski Park from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for free basic bike maintenance, bike rack demonstrations on CTA buses, and information on pedestrian and bike safety from CDOT SAFE Ambassadors. 

I’m looking forward to connecting with our neighbors throughout the year. Keep an eye out for more events and ways to get involved in the 1st Ward. 

Sincerely, 

Priscila
P.S. Click here to open this newsletter in another tab!

In this week's newsletter, you'll find:

1st Ward Office
Swing by the West Town Library (1625 W. Chicago) tomorrow for a free hot meal distributed by Islamic Relief USA! Meals will be available beginning at 3:00 p.m. and will be distributed until all are claimed. 

Committee on Pedestrian & Traffic Safety
Flooded Bike Lanes
The Committee on Pedestrian & Traffic Safety staff are collecting data on bike lanes that experience flooding after rainfall. This data will help track which bike lanes experience the worst flooding and/or are most regularly flooded. If you know of any off the top of your head or observe a flooded bike lane, please submit a report via bit.ly/bikelaneflooding. 

Community News & Events

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold its monthly public meeting. This month’s agenda includes:

  • Presentation from COPA on their Community Mediation Program (CMP)
  • Update on Traffic Stops Policy progress
  • Update on oversight and accountability of CPD’s interactions with federal immigration enforcement
  • Vote to recommend that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) conduct research and/or an audit on CPD’s implementation of the Welcoming City Ordinance
  • Vote to authorize closed session meetings

This meeting will be available via Zoom. Register here. 
On April 1st at 5:30 p.m., community members and advocates from across Chicago will gather at a rally to demand affordable energy and a rejection of Peoples Gas' proposed $200 million rate hike amidst record profits. The rally at Daley Plaza will bring together residents, organizers, and allies to speak out against rising gas bills and call for the Illinois Commerce Commission to reject Peoples Gas' rate hike. Register here.
March is Child Life Month! 
Chicago's Children Advocacy Center is the city’s only nonprofit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts, and mental health clinicians under one roof to support children who are victims of sexual abuse.

To help the children experiencing trauma, their team restores a sense of control by providing a safe space filled with toys, comfort items, and other essential resources. Help support the Child Life team's work by shopping their Amazon Wishlist and restocking these vital resources! Your support ensures that every child who enters their doors is met with the comfort and care they deserve.

Zoning
Virtual 1st Ward First Look: Monday, March 30, 2026 
  • 1619 North Artesian: Applicant proposes to rezone existing non-conforming 4-unit residence, to add a 3rd floor and redistribute the units throughout the building. 1st Ward Office provided initial review on development possibilities involving the existing structure as is, while also assessing the initial proposal for a third floor addition. (received February 2026)
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1ST WARD ALDERMANIC OFFICE

LOCATION: 1958 N Milwaukee Avenue

HOURS: 10 AM - 6 PM, Monday - Friday

PHONE: 872-206-2685

REQUESTS: [email protected]

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