July 13th, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
Summer is here, and we've been busy connecting with neighbors at block parties and park pop-ups, supporting local events, and celebrating all that makes the 30th Ward a great place to call home. Whether you're enjoying the return of the Kilbourn Park Summer Concert Series or exploring the many free activities available for kids and families, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy summer together. You can find opportunities in this newsletter.
Turning to the places that bring our community together, I'm pleased to share an update on the highly anticipated splash pad at Chopin Park. The project has reached an important milestone, with bids received and currently under review. A contractor is expected to be selected within the next few weeks. Once a contractor is on board, the project team will have a clearer timeline for equipment delivery and construction mobilization. At this time, the anticipated schedule remains on track, with construction expected to begin this summer.
Shifting to other projects, we recognize that construction season is in full swing and understand that these improvements can bring temporary inconveniences. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we invest in infrastructure upgrades that will provide lasting benefits for our neighborhoods and the entire ward.
Finally, we would like you to remind you to join us, the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County Sheriff's Office, and Jiffy Lube for a free community event focused on protecting your vehicle from theft.
📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026 🕗 8:00 AM 📍 Jiffy Lube – 2401 N. Austin Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
There will be Catalytic Converter Etching & Painting to help deter theft and make your converter easier to identify if stolen. The Cook County Sheriff's Office will also be on site enrolling residents in the Sheriff's Stolen Vehicle Recovery Program. First come, first served. Don't miss this opportunity to help keep your vehicle safe!
We hope you have a calm and warm summer.
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz Alderwoman, 30th Ward |
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To read this newsletter in your preferred Language: Follow this link, click on the newsletter you’d like to read, and select your language from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner. You’ll be redirected to a Google Translate page, where a blue drop-down menu in the top-left corner lets you choose your preferred language. |
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We are partnering with the Chicago Police Department to offer catalytic converter etching and painting to make it traceable. The event is first-come, first-served, and it starts at 8am on Saturday, July 18th. |
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Kilbourn Park Concert We joined the 2026 Summer Concert Series at Kilbourn Park, where we enjoyed a great evening with neighbors and handed out fresh popcorn to attendees. |
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Independence Parade We had a wonderful time participating in Independence Park's annual Fourth of July Parade. |
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Block Parties We also stopped by several neighborhood block parties, connecting with residents, sharing valuable ward resources, and celebrating our vibrant community together. |
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Parkview Playlot Pop-Up We conducted our weekly pop-up at Parkview Playlot. Residents were able to ask questions, submit services requests, and get fun goodies. Join us this Tuesday, at July Chopin Park from 2-4pm. |
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Professional Development Day We took the opportunity to visit the Obama Presidential Center to learn about the progress our nation has made and the work that still lies ahead. The experience inspired our interns and staff. They explored exhibits celebrating the diversity of our country while reflecting on the challenges we have faced and continue to address in our shared pursuit of a more inclusive, safer, and greener future. |
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Check out these opportunities to meet with Alderwoman Cruz and 30th Ward staff outside our normal office hours! |
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Immigration & Know Your Rights |
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The Northwest Side has seen an increase in ICE activity in recent weeks. Northwest side elected officials are closely monitoring the detentions and working with impacted families. Our office has know your rights literature, yard signs, and whistle kits available to anyone who would like one. For real time updates on confirmed ICE Activity on the Northwest side you can follow Northwest Side Rapid Response of social media. |
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The Northwest Side Rapid Response team has created a Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN) to help warn vulnerable neighbors when there is confirmed ICE activity in the area. To learn more, or sign up see below. |
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| | Our office will continue to share reliable updates and connect residents with Know Your Rights and immigration resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
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The Youth Committee Corner
This summer, the United States, Mexico, and Canada are having the tremendous opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup, a soccer tournament that features many talented national teams from all throughout the world competing for a single trophy that millions dream of winning. As a result, this brings fierce competition, creating entertaining games with many upsets and heartfelt victories that many will remember forever. Currently, games are moving past the quarter finals and into the semi-finals, where only four nations out of the original 48 remain (which include Spain, France, Argentina, and England).
With so many additional new nations this World Cup, games have been very exciting, especially in part to a few nations featuring players from our very own Chicago Fire FC including Chris Brady, a goalkeeper for the United States Men’s National Team born and raised in Naperville (Illinois), Joel Waterman, a defender for the Canadian Men’s National Team, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, a recently signed defender for the Fire who is representing the South African Men’s National Team. Furthermore, although he doesn’t play for the Fire anymore, Brian Gutierrez (a midfielder for the Mexican Men’s National Team at the World Cup) is also a player born in the Chicagoland area who is putting Chicago’s name in the conversations of many during this World Cup. As a result, with quite a lot of Chicago representation, it only makes the matches even more exciting knowing that the whole world can see just how talented our city’s athletes are even at the highest stage of soccer.
Additionally, on the topic of Chicago Fire FC, Alderwoman Ruth Cruz and the 30th Ward Office is excited to hear of the news and welcomes a new signing of theirs to Chicago! Robert Lewandowski, a Polish professional soccer player who plays as a striker, is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. Previously playing for many top legendary clubs (including Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona), as well as being captain of the Polish National Team in several international tournaments including at the World Cup level, his portfolio with years of experience will bring immense value to not just the club, but also to the supporters and city as a whole, especially to the city's large Polish community.
Welcome to Chicago, Robert, and we’re excited to see what you’ll do next.
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Help Keep Our Neighborhood Clean: Free Dog Waste Reminder Signs Available
Did you know our office provides free "Pick Up After Your Dog" signs to help keep our neighborhoods clean and encourage responsible pet ownership?
These signs serve as a friendly reminder that dog owners are required to clean up after their pets under the City of Chicago Municipal Code 7-12-420 – Removal of Excrement.
The ordinance states that anyone walking a pet on public ways, in public places, or on another person's property (without permission) must carry a means to remove pet waste and must promptly remove any excrement left by their pet. This requirement does not apply to a blind person walking with a guide dog. Violations of this ordinance may result in fines ranging from $50 to $500 per offense.
If you'd like a free reminder sign for your parkway, yard, or neighborhood, please contact our office. Together, we can help keep the 30th Ward clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. |
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Block Party Season
Are you planning on hosting a block party this summer? You can stop by our office to pick up your application packet or download it from the 30th Ward Website. Please don’t forget to send the flyer that will be shared with neighbors to advertise the block party when you submit your application.
We are also excited to announce that the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Jumping Jack Portal is now open. The Jumping Jack (inflatable bounce house) is available, free of charge, to Residential Block Parties within the city limits from Saturday, May 24th through Sunday, August 31st. This program is first-come, first-serve, so if you already know the date of your 2026 block party, apply early! Sign up here. |
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Do you live in State Senator Robert Martwick’s district? You can submit a request to have them visit your block party with snow cones! Don’t know what district you live in? You can look it up here. |
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Forestry Reminders
Tree Trimming: Chicago residents no longer need to submit a request for an individual tree to be trimmed. The Bureau of Forestry’s goal is to operate weekly in every ward during the tree trimming season (generally April - December), barring any emergency weather incidents. Trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. If there is a tree in your parkway that you are concerned about, please reach out to our office to let us know.
Tree Removals: The City of Chicago will only remove a tree from the parkway if it is dead, dying, or diseased. If there is a tree in your parkway that seems unhealthy, please reach out to our office so we can request an inspection. Once it is inspected and forestry determines that it is dead, dying, or diseased it will be scheduled for removal.
Tree Emergencies: If a large branch or tree comes down during a storm please call our office to report it. If the debris is smaller than a desk you can report directly to 311. Call us anytime with questions!
Tree Planting: If you are interested in having a free tree planted in your parkway you can Submit a request through 311. Take advantage of this opportunity to beautify your neighborhood, improve air quality, and add more greenery to Chicago’s streets! |
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Belmont/Central Corridor Activation Program
The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office.
This initiative will help revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.
For more information, visit: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail |
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Zoning Issues 3346 N Milwaukee - special use permit for event venue
We are surveying residents regarding a request by the owner of 3346 N Milwaukee Ave for a special use permit to operate an event venue on the property.
You can read a full explanation of the proposal by the applicant here, but important features include:
Operating hours of 9 am to 9 pm – no late-night hours. 15 dedicated parking spaces on site. Capacity of 50 people.
Direct management by the property owner, who also owns the jewelry business next door at 3348 N Milwaukee.
The facility is intended for small events, including baby showers, birthdays, graduations, engagements, and family gatherings.
The issuance or denial of special use permits is decided by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), a quasi-legal body of Chicago’s city government. Alderwoman Cruz has no official role in the process, but she will send a letter to the ZBA expressing her position. However, our office still seeks to survey nearby residents to understand public opinion about the proposal, which will help the Alderwoman whether she will support or not support the special use application. Click here to respond to the survey for 3346 N Milwaukee.
3745 North Cicero - rezoning request
We are also surveying residents regarding a request to rezone 3745 N Cicero from a B3-1 business district to a C1-1 commercial district to allow for its continued use as a food storage warehouse. The request only seeks to legalize the property’s current use; no construction or redevelopment of the property is proposed. Although most of the Cicero Avenue properties in the area are zoned B3-1, there is C1-1 zoning on the SW corner of Cicero and Grace.
The property owner runs AZ Foods, a Chicago-based manufacturer of salsa and other products, headquartered at 3717 N Cicero, and the 3745 N Cicero property is a warehouse for ingredients and finished products.
Click here to respond to the survey regarding 3745 N Cicero. |
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Food Resources
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map of locations where you can find food assistance: |
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The 30th Ward office has a supply of pantry essentials. If you or someone you know is in need we can provide a bag of groceries, no questions asked. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. |
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The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program recently launched a Flood Mitigation Rebate Program for members. If you are interested in becoming a member or applying for this program please reach out directly to NWHEAP at 773-622-0700. |
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The City of Chicago’s Homegrown Assistance Program is now accepting applications. Check out the flyers below for more information and visit here to learn more about potentially life changing program. |
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Resources For Job Seekers |
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The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be at the 30th Ward office on the third Thursday each month. The VACCC is a county-based veterans service organization that assists honorably discharged veterans and their dependents who live in Cook County, Illinois. It focuses on both immediate emergency support and benefit navigation to help veterans access the resources they’ve earned. If you or someone you know needs help in the meantime, you can reach out to the VACCC directly at 312-433-6010. |
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Resources for Students and Their Families |
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Engaging with the Chicago Police Department
There are a variety of ways to engage with the Chicago Police Department. Here are upcoming opportunities - including CAPS meetings, Conversations with a Commander, and District Council meetings. If you are unsure of the police district or beat that you live in you can look up that information here. |
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Have you visited us at 5418-A W. Belmont Ave? Stop by and say hi! Here are our hours: Monday: 9am-7pm Tuesday: 9am-5pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-3pm Second Saturday each month: 9am-1pm |
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Meet Alderwoman CruzJoin us Monday night from 5-7pm to meet Alderwoman Cruz. Share ideas, concerns, or feedback directly with the Alderwoman - no appointment needed! |
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Connect with your Northwest Side Elected Officials Need help finding out who your state elected officials are? You can look up that information here. |
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