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48th WARD NEWS: FEBRUARY 12, 2026
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Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
- When: Saturday, February 21 from 10:30am-4pm
- Where: Argyle & Sheridan
- RSVP here for a chance to win prizes from Argyle businesses!
Join us for the annual Argyle Lunar New Year celebration! To welcome the Year of the Horse, Uptown United will be hosting the Lunar New Year Parade featuring 20+ local performers and community groups, including the 48th Ward Office and many of our local elementary schools. Then, stick around for pop-ups and family-friendly activities until 4pm hosted by local businesses, non-profits, and cultural organizations on Argyle. Learn more online.
Volunteer Opportunities
Uptown United is seeking volunteer parade marshalls to help out from 12-2:30pm. Sign up here.
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Participatory Budgeting Info Session
- When: Wednesday, February 18 from 5:30-6:30pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members decide how to spend $1 million towards permanent infrastructure improvements in our ward. It gives people real power over real money. Project ideas are generated and voted on by you: the community. Join us for this virtual presentation where we'll go over projects on the 2026 PB ballot and talk about how to vote! Learn more about PB here.
380 neighbors have voted already, and our goal is over 1,000! Ready to vote now? Go to the ballot and vote today.
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Emanuel Congregation / Fern Hill Community Meeting
- When: Thursday, February 26 at 6:30pm
- Where: Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Join us for an in-person community meeting at Emanuel Congregation to discuss the proposed synagogue redevelopment. The meeting will include a presentation by the development team including a summary of the most recent community feedback, potential concept modifications under consideration based on feedback received at this time, and a Q&A session. Interested participants may enter from the north entry door. No parking is available on site at this time, so please plan accordingly.
The online feedback period for their zoning change request is now open and will remain open for two weeks after the community meeting. To view project details and submit feedback, click here.
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Join Us for Ward Night
- When: Tuesday, February 17 from 6:30-7:30pm
- Where: HYBRID - 1129 W Bryn Mawr & Zoom
- Register online.
Ward Night is an opportunity for neighbors to come together to ask questions and share concerns with the alderwoman. Join us in person or virtually any time during the hour. We aim to host these meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month. See the calendar on our website for future Ward Night dates.
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You Name a Snowplow - Last Chance
Voting is now open for the fourth annual 'You Name a Snowplow' Contest! Visit the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) site to see previous winners and vote for up to six names! Voting is open through Saturday, February 14.
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1527 W Edgewater - Last Chance to Provide Feedback
Feedback is open for a proposed zoning change from RS-3 to RM-4.5 at 1527 W Edgewater to build a four-unit residential building. The existing structure—a vacant, former house of worship—will be demolished. Feedback is open through February 15. Learn more on our blog.
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Chicago Park District Participatory Budgeting
The Chicago Park District is launching their own citywide PB process to deepen community engagement, increase transparency in public spending, and strengthen resident trust in park planning and resource allocation.
Residents, park users, and community stakeholders will be invited to submit specific park improvement ideas for parks across the city. As a goal of this initial pilot program, the District intends to advance approximately nine (9) proposed projects with an estimated value of roughly $50,000 each. Learn more and submit your ideas online here.
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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.
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Front Desk Volunteer Opportunity
The 48th Ward Office has an opening for a Front Desk Volunteer on Mondays and Fridays. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and for information on how to apply.
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ICE, SNAP, & Policy Town Hall with Sen. Simmons
- When: Thursday, February 12 from 5:30-6:30pm
- Where: Clarendon Park Field House (4501 N Clarendon)
- Register online.
State Senator Mike Simmons is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss his policy priorities related to ICE, data centers, election financing, SNAP, and more.
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48th Ward Office Closed February 12 and 16.
The 48th ward office will be closed on Thursday, February 12 and Monday, February 16 for Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays respectively. While we are away, please contact 311 for non-emergency requests. In the case of an emergency, contact 911. See the full list of City of Chicago holidays here. We also include these closures on our community calendar.
Garbage Collection Schedule
All garbage and recycling collection over the February 12 and February 16 holidays will follow the regular schedule. Please see ChicagoRecycles.org or the Recycle Coach app for schedule details.
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Edgewater Indoor Market
- When: Saturday, February 14 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Broadway Armory Gymnasium (5917 N Broadway)
- Learn more online.
Edgewater Indoor Market returns this Saturday! On select Saturdays this winter, enjoy the BIGGEST indoor market of its kind on the North Side featuring 70+ food vendors, artists, and artisans selling prepared foods, baked goods, winter produce, warm drinks, local treats, art, gifts, and more! Other dates include February 28, and March 14. See the full vendor lineup here.
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Early Voting Opens Thursday, Feb. 12 at Downtown Supersite
Early Voting opens Thursday, February 12 at 9am at the NEW Voting Supersite at 137 S State Street. Visit our blog to learn more about voting early, voting by mail, and being a pollworker for the March 17 primary election.
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Senior Real Estate Tax Deferral Program
The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program allows eligible seniors to postpone paying up to $7500 in property taxes each year on their primary residence. This tax relief works like a loan from the State of Illinois and is repaid when the home is sold or after the death of the participant. The application deadline is March 1. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.
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Gunder Mansion Open House
- When: Friday, February 20 at 6:30pm
- Where: Gunder Mansion, Berger Park (6205 N Sheridan)
- No RSVP required
Join the Berger Park Advisory Council (BPAC) for an open house at the Gunder Mansion, one of Berger Park's most significant historic structures. At 7pm, Edgewater Historical Society's Bob Remer will give a talk about the history, context, and current condition of the building.
Looking to get more engaged with this local park? the BPAC meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm.
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SAVE THE DATE: Edgewater Music Fest
The North Side's coolest street fest returns this year! Save the date for Edgewater Music Fest 2026 which will be coming back to Broadway August 28-30. The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking retail vendors, artisans, food vendors, sponsors and more. Learn more online.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Andy's Antiques & Thorndale Revitalization
Congratulations to Andy's Art Antiques & Oddities on their grand reopening at 1138 W Thorndale! We're so excited to see this local business join the rich tapestry that is the Thorndale corridor. Visit our blog to learn more about our work to revitalize Thorndale through economic development, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, public safety, and more.
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Community Development Grant Applications - Last Chance
Small and Medium Community Development Grant (CDG) applications are due on February 13. Funded by the Economic Development Bond, this reimbursement grant can be used for up to $5 million in construction or renovation costs for your business. Large CDG applications for over $5 million in reimbursed grants are also available and are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more online here. Community Development Grants support small businesses, nonprofits, and property owners for local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects.
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ARO units available for rent at The Mabel
Three affordable units (two 1-bedroom apartments and one 2-bedroom apartment) are now available for rent at The Mabel Exchange (5920 N Ridge)! These units are accessible and are restricted to be affordable to 60% Area Median Income (AMI). More information can be found here.
The Alderwoman approved a zoning change in 2024 to allow the conversion of long-vacant, ground-floor commercial spaces into 17 brand-new, accessible apartment units, including 3 new affordable units. We are excited to see these units come online soon! Click here for a map of all of the ARO units in the city.
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R3 Funding Opportunity for Community-Based Organizations
The Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is officially open! Through March 6, 2026, eligible community-based organizations can apply for funding that supports reentry, youth development, violence prevention, economic development, and civil legal aid in communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply online here.
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48th Ward Black-Owned Business Guide
From restaurants like Tesfa and Teranga; to retail favorites like DMApothecary, SOUNDOFF Studio, and African Safari Imports; to cafes like Sip & Savor and Mella Cafe, the 48th Ward is full of incredible Black-owned businesses. In celebration of Black History Month, we're compiling a list for our blog, and we need your help! Fill out this form to tell us about your favorite local Black-owned businesses and help them get featured on our site!
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Kids Activity Open House - Business Registration Deadline
- When: Saturday, February 28 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
- Sign Up Your Business/Organization online.
With summer 2026 just around the corner, Edgewater Chamber is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase the best activities, classes, camps, and programs for kids ages 0-17. The deadline to register your business to participate is Friday, February 13.
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SNAP & Food Security Resources
As of February 1, new SNAP eligibility work requirements have gone into effect. Now, most adults ages 18-64 must work or volunteer 80 hr/month to receive benefits. Visit our blog to learn more about how to access supplemental nutrition assistance within the 48th ward and for ways to help our most at-risk neighbors. We also encourage all SNAP recipients to check their eligibilityand exemptions.
- Keep up with changes to the SNAP program here.
- Check to see if you are subject to, meeting, or exempt from SNAP work requirements here.
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Register for Green Homes Chicago
Green Homes Chicago provides free home energy upgrades and energy efficiency retrofits to income-eligible homeowners, including new insulation and heat pump heating and cooling systems. Selection for this program is based on household eligibility and available funding. A site inspection will determine eligibility and scope of work. The registration period will be open from 9am on Tuesday, February 17 - 4:30pm Friday, February 27. Learn more about eligibility and how to register here.
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24th District Council December Meeting
- When: Sunday, February 22 at 3pm
- Where: Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark)
- No RSVP required
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.
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Heat Pump Info Session
- When: Thursday, February 26 from 6:30-8:30pm
- Where: First Sip Cafe (1057 W Argyle)
- Register online.
Are you considering replacing your existing furnace with a heat pump or mini-split, but unsure if it's right for you? Attend this info session and community social to hear from Northwind Heating and Air Conditioning, The Electric Home Company, and homeowners who have had heat pumps installed, and ask them your most burning questions.
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Gun Locks Available at the 48th Ward Office
Our office has received a supply of gun locks from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Gun locks are a critical tool in promoting safe firearm storage and preventing accidental injuries, particularly among children and vulnerable residents. Having them available in our office underscores our commitment to community safety and harm reduction. Neighbors can stop by during office hours to pick one up at no cost while supplies last. Limit three per household.
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Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors Available at the 48th Ward Office
Free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available at the 48th ward office while supplies last, courtesy of the Chicago Fire Department. Come by 1129 W Bryn Mawr any time we’re open to claim yours!
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CLICK HERE 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.
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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.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Leni, Agnes, and Conor were invited to take a hard-hat tour of TimeLine Theatre's beautiful new home at 5035 N Broadway with Executive Director Mica Cole, Director of New Home Development Liz Auman, and Artistic Director PJ Powers. We’re thrilled for their grand opening slated for late spring/early summer!
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Thank you to Sandy Chaet and everyone at Malibu East for the kind invitation and lively conversation about public safety, development, infrastructure and more! To invite Leni to your next event go to: Invite the Alderwoman. We will see you soon at Thorndale Beach South, East Point, Park Tower, and more!
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