April 2026 Newsletter

3rd, 4th, and 5th Ward Job and Resource Fair

Saturday, April 18th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center (4859S. Wabash Ave.)

Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd), Lamont Robinson (4th), and Desmon Yancy (5th) are hosting a special Job and Resource Fair. Attendees at the fair will be able to speak directly with potential employers, and receive important housing, legal, and employment information, as well as government services, from participating resource partners.

Also at the event, Midway Moving and Storage will offer free document shredding services to residents, the Cook County Sheriff's Office will be on hand for prescription drug takeback and electronic recycling, and the Illinois Secretary of State will host a Mobile DMV!

Featured job and resource vendors include: People's Gas, Chicago Police Department, Illinois Tollway, Cook County Sheriff's Office, Help at Home, the Chicago Housing Authority, Home Health Care, Lawyers Center for Better Housing, CIC, the Chicago Public Library, and many more.

Chicago Fire Groundbreaking

On March 3rd, Alderman Dowell joined Mayor Johnson, Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Related Midwest, members of the Chicago Fire organization, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Chicago Fire Stadium at The 78. The event marked an exciting milestone for the stadium project, as well as for the redevelopment of the larger long vacant property in which the stadium sits.

This moment represents the culmination of months of dedicated work to transform one of Chicago’s most prominent pieces of vacant land into a truly dynamic and impactful part of the City's fabric. The stadium’s design is both bold and soulful, echoing the spirit of the City of Broad Shoulders and embodying a team in Chicago, for Chicago.

Throughout the planning process, the Chicago Fire have been committed community partners, working closely with residents whose criticism, feedback, and support have been invaluable. As additional information regarding the stadium project and "The 78" development becomes available, Alderman Dowell will inform the community immediately.

Street Sweeping Starts April 1st

Chicago utilizes mechanical street sweepers to remove debris and litter from streets. From April 1st through mid-November, bright orange temporary parking restrictions are posted at least a day before sweeping service is scheduled to begin on any street to ensure curb-to-curb cleaning. Some arterial streets have permanently posted signs that specify a once-per-week period when parking is prohibited for street sweeping.

Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.  Please use the following links for street sweeping schedules and maps, and to make a street sweeping request. You can also make a street sweeping request by calling 311.

Using the link above, you will find a map of the street sweeping sections and a chart of when the street sweeper will visit your section. To read the schedule, first identify your section on the map. For example, if you live at 15th St. and Prairie Ave. you would be in Section 1. Once you identify your section, go to the chart and find your section number in the header. Section 1 is the first column on the top left. Below the top of the column there are dates when you can expect your street to be swept. These dates are subject to change due to weather, as sweepers can not clean the street in the rain.

April is Amnesty Month

The Office of the City Clerk is bringing back City Sticker Amnesty Month. This means the City Clerk's office is waving City Sticker penalties to make it easier for Chicago drivers to come into compliance during the month of April. Visit one of the City Clerk or Department of Finance locations to purchase a City Sticker with no late and back fees from Wednesday, April 1 to Thursday, April 30, 2026. Review the frequently asked questions for more information.

You can go to any of the three Office of the City Clerk locations:

1. City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 107

2. North Side Office: 5430 W. Gale St.

3. South Side Office: 5672 S. Archer Ave.



You can go to any of the Department of Finance locations:

1. Southwest Payment Center: 4770 S. Kedzie Ave.

2. Northwest Payment Center: 4445 N. Pulaski Ave.

3. Southeast Payment Center: 2006 E. 95th St.

4. Central Payment Center: 400 W. Superior St.

Or purchase online at ezbuy.chicityclerk.com.

Citywide Clean and Green April 18th!

Chicago's 2026 Citywide Clean & Green Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th. You and your neighbors can make an immediate difference in our community by volunteering your group. Clean and Greens are a great opportunity for residents, school groups, and community organizations to team up and beautify our neighborhood. The City will provide the brooms, rakes, shovels and bags needed for clean-up projects. Register by Monday, April 13th by calling 311 or going to 311.chicago.gov. 

Chicago Youth Works Accepting Applications

Through Chicago Youth Works (formerly One Summer Chicago), youth ages 14 to 24 will gain in-person job and life-skills training in sectors including tech, healthcare, media, and more. To apply, visit ChicagoYouthWorks.org. Applications are due by May 29th. In addition, organizations and companies interested in supporting Chicago's youth through Chicago Youth Works are welcome to apply to become an employer.

Introducing Nicholas Napier, New 3rd Ward Superintendent

Alderman Dowell would like to introduce neighborhood residents to the new 3rd Ward Superintendent, Nicholas Napier! Nick replaces Marchelle Collins, who provided wonderful service to the City and the 3rd Ward for many years.

As Superintendent, Nick oversees Department of Streets and Sanitation operations for the ward. That includes managing refuse and recycling pickup, street sweeping, snow removal, public way cleanliness, tree trimming, grass cutting, sanitation code violations, and much more. Congratulations Nick and welcome to the team!

3rd Ward City-Owned Vacant Lots for Sale on ChiBlockBuilder

ChiBlockBuilder­­ is the City of Chicago’s application portal to encourage the purchase and redevelopment of City-owned vacant land in partnership with community stakeholders. In this round, the City is making 59 lots in the 3rd Ward available for purchase. Applications to purchase lots are due by May 15, 2026.

Submitting an application does not guarantee the ability to purchase City-owned property. All sales are subject to departmental review and approval by City Council. The vast majority of lots this round are being offered for sale at market-rate and may be subject to additional development requirements. For more information about the ChiBlockBuilder program please visit chiblockbuilder.com.

Woodson Elementary Playground Replacement

During the March City Council meeting, Alderman Dowell was proud to support an intergovernmental agreement with CPS to replace the aging playground at Woodson Elementary School (4414 S. Evans Ave.) in the 3rd Ward. This $900,000 project will utilize neighborhood TIF funds to upgrade and expand the school's playground equipment, and install a new soft ground surface covering for children to enjoy. Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer 2026 and be completed in Fall 2026.

Sankofa Bonne Sante Opens in Bronzeville

Alderman Dowell is proud to support the opening of another black owned business in Bronzeville. Sankofa Bonne Sante, located at 4509 S. Indiana Ave., which celebrated its grand opening in March! This former Hyde Park health food store relocated to the 3rd Ward and Alderman Dowell is delighted that a new retail amenity (and a healthy one at that) is part of our growing neighborhood. Thank you to Dr. Eunice Sanders for your investment!

Friends of Historic Second Church Celebrates 20th Anniversary

What a turnout of supporters and preservationists! The Friends of Historic Second Church, a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of the landmarked 2nd Presbyterian Church, celebrated their 20 year anniversary in March. Members shared their amazing efforts to preserve and restore the art and architecture of the church. Check out their work at www.historicsecondchurch.org to learn about the restoration of the church's murals, stained glass windows, light fixtures and more. Take the tour. You won’t be disappointed.

Alderman Dowell Celebrates Roland Burris with the I Am Her Foundation

In March, the I Am Her Foundation, founded by Anjanette Young, honored former Illinois Senator and Attorney General Roland Burris for his lifetime of public service and contributions to our State and City.

Born in Centralia, IL, and a graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Mr. Burris went on to receive his law degree from Howard University. Mr. Burris then worked as the National Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for Operation PUSH before starting his career as an elected official in 1978 when he won the race to become Illinois Comptroller. With his win, Mr. Burris became the first African American elected to statewide office in Illinois. From there Mr. Burris was elected Illinois Attorney General in 1990, and was appointed to the United States Senate in 2008 filling the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Property Tax-Saving Exemptions Applications Now Available

Cook County property tax exemption applications for the current tax year are now available. The most common exemption is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves the typical homeowner nearly $1,000 each year. The Homeowner, Senior, and Persons with Disabilities exemptions are automatically renewed.

However, homeowners must reapply annually for the Veterans with Disabilities, in some cases, and the “Senior Freeze” exemptions. Seniors and disabled veterans that need to reapply will be mailed application booklets by the Assessor’s Office. 

Applications can be downloaded at www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions, where forms are available in Spanish, Polish, and simplified Chinese languages. Homeowners can also easily access the online application at www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions. This streamlined online process can reduce the time it takes to apply. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply online because it allows Assessor staff to easily locate the application, provide a status update, and notify the homeowner if missing documents are needed.

Homeowners with any further questions, can reach out to the Assessor’s Office at (312) 443-7550 or through the website www.cookcountyassessoril.gov.   

Alderman Dowell Co-Sponsors Resolution to Abolish ICE

With Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents terrorizing communities both locally and nationally, Alderman Dowell has co-sponsored a resolution in City Council calling for the United States Congress and the President of the United States to abolish ICE and to enact compassionate, transparent immigration enforcement policies grounded in human rights and due process.

Since 1985, the City of Chicago has prohibited any city employee, including police officers, from participating in or cooperating with federal civil immigration enforcement actions. Despite this policy, Federal immigration officials have carried out aggressive and dangerous enforcement operations across Chicago, many of which resulted in serious injuries, destruction of property, and even death. This needs to stop. That is why Alderman Dowell is calling for Federal officials to disband Immigration and Customs Enforcement and replace the agency with comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

Chicago Fire vs. FC Nashville

Saturday, April 4th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Atlanta United

Saturday, April 11th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Sporting Kansas City

Saturday, April 25th at 7:30 pm

Jumping Jack Program

Is your street having a Summer Block Party? You can apply for a FREE Jumping Jack, provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events! The Jumping Jack Program runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, May 23rd through Sunday, September 6th. Applications open on Wednesday, April 15th. For information and how to apply, click here.

Tax Prep Chicago

Chicago's 2026 free tax preparation assistance program is happening right now at 7 locations citywide. 

Families earning up to $40,000 or individuals earning up to $40,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns. Most sites will be open now through April 15th, but please refer to the links below for specific information on the location and hours of the sites.

For more information about how to access free tax assistance, Chicagoans can:

*  Call or text the City's 2-1-1 helpline

*  Visit the City's tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org   

 *  Visit Ladder Up at www.goladderup.org or call {312) 409-1555

*   Visit the IRS at www.irs.gov and click on the "E-file your taxes for free" link or call (800) 829-

1040 I (800) 829-4059 (TDD)

Illinois Secretary of State Warns Residents of Scams

Scammers are relentlessly targeting Illinoisians with fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Illinois Secretary of State or DMV. These official‑looking texts are designed to frighten you into giving up your personal and financial information by threatening license suspension, registration holds, fines and even legal action.

 If you receive a message like this, it’s a scam.

X   Don’t click any of the links.

X   Don’t reply.

X   Don’t provide personal or financial information.

X Delete the text

X Report the scam to: [email protected]

The Secretary of State’s office remains committed to delivering the services and resources Illinoisians need efficiently and effectively. The only texts their office sends are appointment reminders. They will NEVER text you asking for money or personal information. Learn more at www.ilsos.gov.

TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

TaxSmart is a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program that provides federal income tax credit to qualified homebuyers. A tax credit is a direct reduction of taxes due to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the program, a home buyer would receive a credit to reduce income taxes by an amount equal to 25% of the interest paid on a mortgage.

Home buyers must apply for the MCC when obtaining a mortgage loan. Lenders must be from an approved TaxSmart Participating Lender List. This program is for first-time home buyers (or individuals who have not owned a principal place of residence at any time during the last three years), for owner-occupied properties. Income, home price, and area restrictions apply. For more information or to begin your application, please click here.

My Path To Home

My Path to Home (MPTH), www.mypathtohome.org, is an online platform that connects individuals and families with housing counseling services. The platform helps people connect to the closest appropriate HUD-Approved housing counseling agency. MPTH is designed to expand access to essential housing counseling services by breaking down barriers, especially for households that have been underserved in the past.

Become a Community Mediator

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is looking for community mediators for its new Community Mediation Program (CMP) pilot. The CMP pilot offers a non-disciplinary option for resolving certain complaints filed with COPA involving members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Through structured, voluntary mediation, the program creates a space for community members and officers to engage in constructive dialogue, with the goal of fostering mutual understanding, strengthening relationships, and building trust.

Interested individuals must have at least 200 hours of mediation experience, completion of a 40-hour mediation skills training course, and a desire to help improve communication between Chicago Police and community members. Apply online at chicagocopa.org/mediation. 

Become a Docent for Historic Second Church in Chicago's South Loop

Learn about the art and architecture of this National Historic Landmark church and help share its history and beauty with others by becoming a trained and certified docent. The sanctuary of Historic Second Church, designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, is a masterpiece of American Arts & Crafts design and features many significant murals and monumental stained glass installations. Overall, becoming a docent is a great way to learn about and share significant early Chicago history!

Training takes place in-person on Wednesday evenings from April 22 through May 20. Details and registration are available online: www.historicsecondchurch.org/docents

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, April 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is a virtual eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions. Register here.

When: Wednesdays, April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th at 6:00 pm

Community Training Observation Days

The Chicago Police Department is excited to offer all members of the community a unique opportunity to gain a first-hand look at recruit training for sworn officers through our Community Training Observation Day program. Participants will experience a “day in the life of a recruit officer” where they will observe and participate in select components of the 2026 recruit training curriculum. This initiative promotes transparency, strengthens police-community relationships, and provides valuable insight into the training standards that support professional and accountable policing in our city. Register for full-day or half-day sessions here.

Where: Chicago Police Training Academy (1300 W. Jackson Blvd.)

When: Saturday, April 11th from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Property After Death

The Cook County Clerk's Office is partnering with Alderman Dowell to host a Property After Death and Property Fraud Prevention Forum. Learn how to transfer your home, car and bank account to loved ones. Protect your home from property fraud. Speak with licensed professionals. Register here.

Where: St. Paul CME (4644 S. Dearborn St.)

When: Saturday, April 11th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Illinois Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair

Get 1-on-1 assistance with pension questions, disability claims, housing, education benefits, career resources, health care enrollment, mental health, and more! Make a claims clinic appointment here.

Where: UChicago's David Rubenstein Forum (1201 E. 60th St.)

When: Monday, April 13th from 8:20 am to 3:00 pm

Park District Earth Day Clean-Up

The Chicago Park District is excited to host the 2026 Citywide Earth Day Parks Clean-Up on Saturday, April 18. Residents from across Chicago are welcome to participate in caring for their neighborhood parks.

Each year, thousands of volunteers come together to help clean and beautify parks throughout the city. This event is a wonderful opportunity for residents to connect with neighbors while supporting the green spaces that serve our communities.

Volunteer registration is now open! Residents can find a park and register to volunteer here. This event will take place rain or shine, and volunteers of all ages are welcome.

Where: Various Parks Across the City

When: Saturday, April 18th

Spring Citywide Career Fair

Meet with employers and resource partners including: CTA, Workforce Partnership, Hire 360, COPA, the Chicago Clerk's Office, CARA Collective, City Colleges, World Business Chicago, and more! Attendees pre-register at bit.ly/26SpringCitywide.

Where: Olive-Harvey College Main Building (10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.)

When: Wednesday, April 22nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Bronzeville Fresh Foods Market

A shoppers choice selection of free groceries to prepare healthy, balanced meals at home. Please bring your own bags. This is a walk-up market.

Where: Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles (3933 S. King Dr., Parking Lot)

When: Saturday, April 25th at 11:00 am

Connection Session 2026

The Public Buildings Commission is hosting its annual Connection Session. The event will provide attendees with information regarding PBC’s upcoming opportunities and encourage industry networking

with contractors, professional service providers, Assist Agencies, and MBE/WBE firms, subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers. PBC will also share information regarding its Student Hiring Initiative. Additional information will be made available regarding programming updates and registration, prior to the Connection Session. Register at tinyurl.com/PBCCS2026.

Where: Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.)

When: Thursday, May 14th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 131

Date: April 16th at 11:00 am (Zoom)

Location: For Zoom information please email [email protected] or call 312-745-4381

Beat: 132

Date: April 6th at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Location: Long Grove (2001 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 133

Date: April 16th at 10:00 am (Zoom)

Location: For Zoom information please email [email protected] or call 312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 211

Date: April 13th at 6:00 pm

Location: Illinois College of Optometry (3241 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 213

Date: April 28th at 6:00 pm

Location: St. Elizabeth Church (4058 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221

Date: April 22nd at 6:00 pm

Location: The King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Beat: 224

Date: April 23rd at 6:00 pm

Location: Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.)

Beat: 225

Date: April 8th at 6:00 pm

Location: 2nd District Community Room (5101 S. Wentworth Ave.)

Beat: 231

Date: April 15th at 6:00 pm

Location: Washington Park Field House (5531 S. King Drive)

9th District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 915

Date: April 7 at 6:00 pm

Location: 9th District (3120 S. Halsted Ave.)

Beat: 925

Date: April 15th at 6:00 pm

Location: St. Gabriel Church (4522 S. Wallace)