48th Ward New: December 11, 2025

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48th WARD NEWS: DECEMBER 11, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHICAGO CITY BUDGET
PROPERTY TAX APPEALS
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
HEALTH & SAFETY
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
CONSTRUCTION
CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?

City of Chicago Budget section header image

CHICAGO CITY BUDGET

Dear Neighbors,

Our budgets are moral documents — and this year, we have an opportunity to balance the budget without without cutting essential services or adding fines and fees—like grocery taxes or garbage fees—that disproportionately impact our most vulnerable residents.

Instead of asking working families to pay more, the proposed budget asks corporations to pay their fair share, and establishes a sustainable funding source for public safety initiatives that everyone from corporate CEOs to working Chicagoans tell us are critical to their ability to thrive in Chicago.

The proposed budget for 2026 establishes a Community Safety Fund to support public safety initiatives including:

Community Violence Intervention and Gun Violence Prevention
Resources for Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
Youth Programs and 30,000 Youth Summer Jobs
Mental Health Support for Police Officers

The fund would be paid for through a per-employee, monthly surcharge on large corporations. There are three different versions of this corporate tax currently being debated in City Council. Please take this short survey to provide your feedback on this proposed initiative: Community Safety Fund Survey.

Over 300 neighbors have shared their feedback on the city budget via the 48th Ward Budget Survey, hundreds attended or viewed our Budget Town Hall, and even more have called and emailed to share their ideas and perspective. I am grateful for your engagement and am bringing your feedback directly to City Hall. Every day, during budget negotiations, I am fighting for our librarians, to protect union jobs, for small business support, and more.

Together, let’s invest in our people, our planet, and our future together. And together, let’s build a Chicago where everyone — everyone — has a home, a voice, and a fair shot at life.

Yours in Community,

Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman

PROPERTY TAX APPEALS

Property Tax Appeals Window Closes December 12

Last week, the Cook County Board of Review reopened Lake View Township, which includes all of the 48th ward, for property assessment appeals. The window to appeal is only open for a short period of time and closes again on December 12. Successful appeals will see property tax relief on next year's bill. All home owners are encouraged to take advantage of this property tax savings opportunity. Our property taxes are already far too high and many 48th ward neighbors have seen meaningful relief through the appeal process.

We also encourage homeowners to check for missing property tax-saving exemptions including:

Homeowner Exemption (saves approximately $950 dollars, most homeowners are eligible).
Senior Exemption (available to most homeowners over 65).
Senior Freeze Exemption
Veterans with Disabilities Exemption
And many more.

If you believe you are eligible for an exemption, you are encouraged to complete a Certificate of Error application, which provides homeowners with an opportunity to redeem missing exemptions for the 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 tax years. Accepted photo IDs and documents required to apply are listed on the Assessor’s website. If you have already paid the original amount due, you will receive a refund check from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office in the mail once the application is processed by the Assessor’s Office.

The property tax payment deadline is Monday, December 15.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Menorah Candle Lighting & Drag Queen Storytime

When: Sunday, December 14 from 4-5pm
Where: Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark)
Register online.

Celebrate Hanukkah in Andersonville with the fabulous Drag Queen Bubbie, Merriam Levkowitz! Join the team at the Swedish American Museum for a heartwarming evening filled with joy and tradition. The festivities kick off at 4pm with a Hanukkah drag queen storytime, followed by dazzling musical performances, and concluding with the lighting of the Menorah, led by Merriam.

Festival of Lights - Chanukah Dinner

When: Sunday, December 14 at 5pm
Where: Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan)
RSVP online.

Join Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth in celebrating the Festival of Lights with good food, joyful company, and warm community spirit at Emanuel Congregation. This fun family event will include a community candle lighting—please bring your family chanukiah so we can fill the room with light together!

Uptown Chanukah Party

When: Tuesday, December 16 from 5:30-7:30pm
Where: 4752 N Winthrop Avenue
Reserve tickets online (free for kids)

Join the Uptown community to celebrate the third night of Chanukah! Gather for the Menorah lighting ceremony and enjoy delicious food and fun for the whole family.

Pop-Up Holiday Market at the Broadway Armory

When: Saturday, December 13 from 3-6pm
Where: Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
No RSVP is required for this event.

Join us at the Broadway Armory for a pop-up holiday market with vendors, treats, food, and more! Stick around for a Wheel Thru the Season Holiday Rock 'n Roll Show with CirquesExperience and School of Rock Andersonville at 5pm!

Habibi's Holiday Market

When: Saturday, December 13 from 3-7pm
Where: Edgewater Presbyterian (1020 W Bryn Mawr)
No registration is required for this event.

Come to Edgewater Presbyterian Church for Habibi's Holiday Market put on by Nour Ballout.

CTA Holiday train and bus schedule for the 48th ward

Catch a Ride on the CTA Holiday Fleet!

CTA Holiday train rides have begun! You can catch a festive ride through the 48th ward on the red line on December 16, 18, and 20. Learn more about the holiday fleet and how to track trains and buses here.

Burke's Last Minute Market

When: Wednesday, December 17 (6-8pm) & Saturday, December 20 (2-5pm)
Where: Burke's Public House (5401 N Broadway)
No RSVP is required for tis event.

Burke's Public House is bringing great gifts to you from some of the best gift givers in Edgewater on December 17 and 20, just in time in time for last minute shopping!

HEALTH & SAFETY

24th District Council December Meeting

When: Sunday, December 14 at 3pm
Where: A Just Harvest Wellness Center (7637 N Paulina)
Register here to attend via Zoom.

Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.

48th Ward Shovel Squad

Our Incredible 48th Ward Shovel Squad has been hard at work throughout the neigborhood clearing snow for neighbors who need assistance. As a reminder: when it snows, it's the resident or building manager's responsibility to clear snow from the sidewalk. Snow that falls between 7am-7pm should be cleared by 10pm, and snow that falls between 7pm-7am should be cleared by 10am. If you need assistance clearing the snow in front of your building, call the shovel squad (773-784-5277)!

Know Your Rights - Resources and Support

In the 48th ward, we believe in protecting our neighbors, honoring our shared humanity, and standing up for what is right. Our office is committed to bringing people together in solidarity and defending civil liberties for all; Regardless of how you came to this city, we’re glad you’re here. For immediate assistance, contact a 24-hour immigration support hotline at 855-435-7693. Visit our blog for more resources, mutual aid support, information about how to get involved, messages from Leni, and printable materials.

Cleanup Club Chicago chi vs philly resutls

The Results are In! Chicago Vs. Philly Clean Up Challenge

Philly's Block by Block Community Cleanup and Clean Up Club Chicago came together earlier this year in a competition over who could pick up the most trash. Although both cities crushed the challenge, Chicago came out on top with a four-bag lead! Thanks to everyone who participated. Get involved with Cleanup Club Chicago here.

Apna Ghar Seeking Donations

Help support Apna Ghar's vision of empowering survivors, engaging communities, and elevating the issue of gender violence to realize gender justice. Apna Ghar is seeking donations of the following items for women and children:

Ventra Cards
Bedding (Twin XL)
Towels
Toiletries
Pads/Tampons
Diapers
Cleaning Supplies
Kitchen Essentials
Non-perishable foods
Winter gear
Women and Children Only
Gift Cards

Donations can be dropped at the Uptown Chamber of Commerce and Uptown United office at 4619 N Broadway on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am-5pm until December 22.

Senn High School Coat Drive

Senn High School students are collecting coats and other high-need winter items. Drop off the following at Senn HS Door 4 (9:30am-2pm Mon-Fri):

Coats, hoodies
Hats, gloves, scarves
Boots, socks, sweatpants
Deodorant, shampoo
Lotion, chapstick

Donate Items to EMAN's Free Store

Edgewater Mutual Aid Network (EMAN) accepts donations for their free store at the following times:

Saturdays from 11am-1pm
First and third Thursdays from 5:30-7pm
By appointment (email [email protected])

See the full lits of accepted items, including both seasonal clothing and evergreen household needs, on EMAN's website here. Please do not donate items that are broken, dirty (including pet hair) or otherwise compromised to the point that you would not use/wear them yourself.

SNAP Updates & Food Security Resources

This month, the federal government implemented new SNAP eligibility requirements, resulting in a number of families losing access to this critical service. To access food security resources and find out how to help our at-risk neighbors, visit our blog.

to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.

ESL Classes at Bezazian Library - Registration Day

When: Thursday, December 11 (11am-2pm) & Wednesday, December 17 (3-7pm)
Where: Bezazian Library (1226 W Ainslie)
Learn more online.

The Bezazian library branch will be offering free ESL classes through the city colleges beginning in January. Come learn more and register and take a quick placement test. Classes will begin on January 12th and will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 4:30-7:30pm. If you cannot attend this registration session, then you may register at Truman College. You may also apply online here (choose Truman as the location).

infographic briefly describing what a local school council member does

Apply to Serve on Your Local School Council

Apply to become a candidate in the 2026 Local School Council (LSC) election by January 20, 2026 and make a difference in our community! Parents, community members, staff, and students who want to strengthen our community by strengthening our schools are encouraged to run. Our 48th Ward CPS schools include Hayt, Swift, Senn, Peirce, Goudy, and McCutcheon. Learn more about the LSC Elections online. For more information about Peirce specifically, see their flyer: SY29 Peirce LSC Elections Your Voice Matters!

48th ward night with the ramblers promo graphic

Save the Date: 48th Ward Night with the Loyola Ramblers

When: Wednesday, January 7 at 8pm
Where: Gentile Arena (6525 N Sheridan)
Purchase tickets online (select section 109).

Residents of the 48th Ward are invited to Gentile Arena in Rogers Park to watch the Loyola Ramblers take on Davidson on Wednesday, January 7 at 8:00 pm! Tickets for 48th Ward residents are just $10 and located in Section 109. The game also features a “3 for $12” concessions menu.

BoF crew trimming a tree on a snowy street

Tree Trimming Update

Bureau of Forestry (BoF) is currently working on grid area N052 - W012 which is bounded by Clark, Bryn Mawr, Broadway, and Foster. Weather and staff permitting, trimming is scheduled for these addresses this week:

5400 N BROADWAY
1200 W BRYN MAWR
1400 W FARRAGUT
1400 W RASCHER
5300 & 5400 N WAYNE
5200, 5300, 5400 & 5500, 1200, 1400 & 1500 W BERWYN

Visit our blog to see a map of the grid and determine when the trees on your street will be trimmed. The City of Chicago uses a grid system for tree trimming with 1-2 trim crews from the Bureau of Forestry (BoF) trimming trees in a 16-block area, or "grid," on a given day of the week. BoF trims every tree in the grid, and if these trees are properly cared for, they should not need to be trimmed again for at least five years.

48th Ward Delivery Robots Survey

The 48th ward south of Foster is part of a pilot program for Personal Delivery Devices (PDDs). You may have seen these delivery robots roving around the neighborhood; they are mostly autonomous with a remote human operator to pilot when crossing the street or navigating obstacles. PDDs companies travel on sidewalks/crosswalks at a speed of 4mph. Please take a moment to share your thoughts about PDDs with the alderwoman via our online survey.

Development and Infrastructure section header image

DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

Chicago Reader Best of 2025 header image

Vote 48 in the Reader Best of Chicago 2025 Poll!

It’s that time of year again! The Chicago Reader has launched their Best of Chicago 2025 Poll and it’s full of 48th ward businesses, organizations, and neighbors across every category, including Best Alderperson! See a list of 48th ward nominees on our blog, and vote online by December 31!

Celebrating Our Journey Together - RPM Office Farewell

When: Monday, December 15 from 10am-12pm
Where: 5137 N Broadway
Register online.

The CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Community Office will close on December 31, 2025, marking the completion of new, fully accessible Red Line stations and elevated rail structures.

Opened in 2021, the CTA’s first-ever community office for a transit construction project has served as a trusted neighborhood connection, sharing updates, answering questions and building partnerships that helped make this milestone possible. As the project concludes, CTA invites community members, partners and neighbors to a celebratory gathering to reflect on our shared journey and recognize what we’ve achieved together.

Participatory Budgeting Update

Thanks to all of our 48th ward neighbors who participated in our community engagement sessions for PB 2026! This week, we met with our incredible volunteer facilitators Renee and Michael to review meeting notes and start building the ballot. Next, we'll communicate with city departments about project details and costs, and then early next year, it'll be time to vote! Keep an eye out for more information about the voting process in future newsletters.

Dulce de Leche ribbon cutting group photo

Bryn Mawr Historic District Updates

In recent years, the Bryn Mawr Historic District was unrecognizable from its heyday. The once thriving commercial corridor was hit hard by the combination of the COVID pandemic and the four-year Red-Purple Line Modernization Project construction. Vacant storefronts and empty streets became the landscape.

Since taking office, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has prioritized the revitalization of Bryn Mawr, opening her office on the corridor, convening an on-the-ground task force called the Bryn Mawr Alliance, and bringing in resources from city departments and local community organizations. As a result of this hard work, we’re seeing a transformation of the corridor, and we’re not done yet!

Our long-term vision is a thriving, pedestrian-oriented business district and destination that represents our diverse community, preserves historic charm, supports small businesses, and celebrates arts and culture to strengthen the corridor’s future. Read our Bryn Mawr Revitalization blog to learn more about the work going on along Bryn Mawr and how you can get involved.

CONSTRUCTION

Map of DWM sewer cleaning and lining area

DWM Sewer Cleaning and Lining December 10 & 12

The Department of Water Management (DWM) will be cleaning and lining the sewer in the north-south portion of the alley just west of Ridge between Victoria and Edgewater.

Sewer cleaning will occur on Wednesday, December 10 from 7am-1pm
Sewer lining will occur on Friday, December 12 from 7am-1pm

During these times, please expect temporary obstruction of alley and garage access in this area. See the map above. DWM has notified residents of this work via flyers and door-knocking

CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR

Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.

View the 48th Ward Calendar

WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?

Last week, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth and Mayor Brandon Johnson visited The Breakers at Edgewater Beach for a lively conversation about pedestrian safety, the city budget, the lakefront, and more! A big thank you to the Breakers community for your hospitality, great questions, and engagement! It’s always such a pleasure to visit! To invite the Alderwoman to your building use this link.

Leni posing for a selfie with Paskuha party organizers and attendees

Leni attended the annual Paskuhan party at the Rizal Center, where she read to the children, and enjoyed singing and performances. The Rizal Center was established in 1972 and is Chicago’s only Filipino community gathering place. They are currently building a Kusina ng Bayan, or Community Kitchen, in order to address hunger, build community, and support small businesses. To learn more about Kisina ng Bayan, see their blog.

Last week, the Cook County Board of Review reopened Lake View Township, which includes all of the 48th ward, for property assessment appeals. In order to support home owners with filing property assessment appeals, we partnered with the Board of Review on a Property Tax Appeals event at the Broadway Armory on December 9th. Dozens of neighbors met one-on-one with Board of Review analysts to assist with filing appeals.

The window to appeal is only open for a short period of time and closes again on December 12th. Successful appeals will see property tax relief on next years’ bill. I want to encourage all home owners to take advantage of this property tax savings opportunity. Our property taxes are already far too high and many 48th ward neighbors have seen meaningful relief through the appeal process.

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