Greek Independence Parade
April 19, 2026
The Greek Independence Parade steps off at 2:30pm on April 19th at Washington and Halsted and heads south on Halsted to Van Buren. Join neighbors along the parade route for an exciting Greektown tradition!
If you're traveling in the area, please be mindful of the planned closures and parking impacts:
- Street Closures
- Halsted from Randolph to Harrison
- Washington from Green to the Expressway
- All east/west streets that intersect Halsted from Randolph to Harrison will be closed from Green to the Expressway starting at noon
- No Parking (in effect 7am-5pm)
- Halsted from Randolph to Harrison
- Washington from Green to the Expressway
- Green from Randolph to Van Buren
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Free Admission for the National Hellenic Museum
April 19, 10am-6pm
333 S. Halsted
The National Hellenic Museum is offering free admission on Sunday, April 19. If you’re coming to Greektown for the parade, include a visit to the Museum in your plans! Explore Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story and make your time in the
neighborhood a full cultural experience.
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April Council Updates
At Wednesday's City Council, we approved water revenue bonds that will invest in our water system, replacing 20 miles of lead pipes across our city. While I am gravely concerned about our debt load, this is a responsible financial decision based on the solid credit of our water system, long life of the pipes to be installed, and necessity of making these investments to support the health of neighbors across Chicago.
Alderman Villegas was approved as Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards. I appreciate Alderman Villegas's leadership and partnership as a fellow member of the Veterans Caucus, and I look forward to working with Chairperson Villegas to grow our city, increase affordability, and build more housing.
I voted to approve Kenya Merritt as the Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Commissioner Merritt has decades of experience in City government, including as the Chief Financial Officer at DCASE, and I am excited to work more with her to support our vibrant arts and culture landscape.
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34th Ward Shred-A-Thon
May 9th, 9am-11am
Chicago World Language Academy Parking Lot - 1340 W. Harrison (enter at Congress and Loomis)
Are you in spring cleaning mode and not sure what to do with leftover documents, mail, and other papers? Look no further than the 34th Ward Shred-A-Thon, happening May 9th from 9am-11am (or until the truck is full)! Bring up to 2 boxes of documents to shred, and please remember to remove staples, binder clips, and paper clips.
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Clean & Green Events
April is Earth Month, and there are many great events happening across the Ward to support our planet! Clean & Greens are great ways to connect with neighbors and clean up around our community. The Park District has a number of upcoming Clean & Greens on April 18th, including at Mary Bartelme Park, Heritage Green Park, Skinner Park, Arrigo Park, Printers Row Park, Dearborn Park, and Grant Park. To sign up for a Clean & Green with the Park District, click here.
West Central Association is hosting their annual Madison Street Clean-Up on April 25th at 9am. Sign up and learn more here.
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Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Program
Apply by May 15th at 5pm
The Department of Planning and Development's Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation (CCSA) program has officially launched and the small business grant application that will fund up to 75% of eligible commercial space improvement costs for qualifying small businesses and property owners.
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State Street from Randolph to Jackson is an eligible commercial corridor under this program, and the Chicago Loop Alliance is supporting this program locally to revitalize State Street! The Loop Alliance is partnering with DPD to assist with business-related tasks such as marketing, accounting and business planning, as well as project-specific tasks that include design and permitting.
Grant applications are open on a rolling basis and projects are selected quarterly. The first round of applications is open until 5:00 pm on May 15, 2026. To learn more about program eligibility and how to apply, click here.
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1331-1333 W. Flournoy Community Meeting
April 22, 6pm
Virtual via Zoom
The owner of the subject property at 1331-1333 W. Flournoy is seeking to
change the zoning of that property from the RT-4 Residential Two-Flat, Townhouse and Multi-Unit District to the RM-5 Residential Multi-Unit District.
The rezoning will allow the owner to bring the existing two-story, 5 unit apartment building into full compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance. The owner purchased the property in 2004 with the existing 5 apartment units. No physical changes are proposed to the footprint, setbacks, or height of the existing multi-unit building.
Provided the owner is allowed to proceed with the zoning change, he will voluntarily rezone the property back to the RT-4 Residential Two-Flat, Townhouse and Multi-Unit District after the required permits are issued.
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Amnesty April is back!
Chicago City Clerk Valencia is waiving late fees and back charges to drivers from April 1-30, 2026.
City Stickers can be purchased at any Office of the City Clerk or Department of Finance location, online using EzBuy (must have or create an account by April 17) or at a Mobile City Hall event.
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Jumping Jack Applications
Applications opened on April 15
Each year, the Jumping Jack Program delights children at block parties across Chicago. This inflatable playground, provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, is available for FREE on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Please email our office to apply for a block party permit and to reserve a Jumping Jack!
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Street Sweeping began April 1!
As the weather starts to warm up, we're ready to usher in a new street sweeping season! Starting April 1st, sweepers have been back in action, so keep in mind the street sweeping schedule in your area so you don't get ticketed and towed. I have worked with the Department of Streets and Sanitation on a robust street sweeping schedule this year. Please click here to find your street sweeping zone and here to find your zone's schedule.
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Apply for Chicago Youth Works!
Applications close May 29th.
Chicago Youth Works applications are now open! This youth employment program provides summer opportunities for Chicagoans ages 14-24. Interested in learning more or applying? Click here.
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Know Your Rights Resources
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Turn Lights Off to Protect Migratory Birds
Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the Chicago area. For more than two decades, Chicago has been a leader in light reduction efforts to protect these migratory birds. Please join participating buildings and turn lights off after 11 p.m. until daylight during migration and help save birds.
To learn more, visit the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors' website.
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West Loop Historic Plaques Project
The West Loop is steeped in history. In fact, we have 19 historical designations, but only two plaques: Old St. Pat’s- National Register of Historic Places plaque and The Jackson Boulevard Historic District- Chicago Landmark plaque.
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To see the rest of the designations, please visit Connie Fairbanks' website.
If you live in a historic building in The West Loop and have historical information about your building you would like to share, please reach out to Connie to learn the process of installing your very own historic plaque!
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CAPS Meetings
Please join my team at upcoming CAPS meetings with the 1st and 12th Police Districts. CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings are a great opportunity to meet with police, neighbors, and my team about local safety initiatives. To find your beat, click here. I hope you can join us at these meetings!
Next week, there are no scheduled CAPS meetings.
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Camera Registration Program
When a crime occurs, Police Officers and Detectives canvass the area looking for evidence to determine what occurred. Video footage can greatly assist in their efforts.
If you have a private security camera that captures the public way and you are interested in assisting in an investigation in the event of a crime in your neighborhood, you can register your camera with the Chicago Police Department.
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By registering your camera, you are simply allowing the Chicago Police Department to contact you in the event of a crime in your area. CPD will not have direct access to your camera system and cannot access camera footage without your consent. This is a free and voluntary program. Learn more on the program website.
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Cinco de Miler Community Meeting
Monday, April 20, 6pm
The Cinco de Miler 5-Mile Run is coming to the West Loop on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Stepping off at Union Park, runners experience a festive race through the West Loop along Hubbard and Fulton Streets before finishing under a giant 3-story piñata! They'll then celebrate with delicious food, drinks, and live mariachi music at the post-race fiesta.
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The event is organized by Chicago's Ventures Endurance Events, bringing events to life such as the Soldier Field 10, Run Mag Mile, and the Bucktown 5K.
To attend the community meeting, please click here and register in advance.
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34th Ward Infrastructure Improvements
Street Resurfacing Projects
- S. Carpenter Street - from W. Arthington to W. Taylor - scheduled to begin on/around 4/7
- W. Polk Street - from S. Wells to S. Financial - scheduled to begin on/around 4/7
Alley Resurfacing Projects
- The N/S alley bounded by Carpenter, Aberdeen, Taylor, Arthington - scheduled to begin on/around 4/7
- The N/S alley bounded by Adams, Jackson, State, Wabash - scheduled to begin on/around 4/8
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State/Lake Station Closure
Started January 5th, 2026
On Monday, January 5th, the State/Lake elevated station closed for demolition and the construction of a new, fully accessible station. The new station is expected to be finished in 2029.
Lake St has been reduced to one lane at the site, and State St has been reduced to one lane in each direction between Wacker Dr and Randolph St. The work affects the CTA bus routes listed here.
Trains operating along the Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines and the Purple Line Express will no longer stop at the State/Lake elevated station for the duration of the construction. Loop trains will continue to operate, and riders can use the adjacent and fully accessible stations at Washington/Wabash and Clark/Lake. The Red Line station at Lake will remain open.
To learn more about construction at the State/Lake station and local impacts, visit the CTA's website.
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Work is underway for the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction.
Canal – Jackson to Van Buren
- The contractor has completed placement of the base course for the roadway, installation of light poles and HMA overlay will follow. Once work on Canal is complete, reconstruction of the west half of the Jackson intersection will begin, including new base course and HMA overlay.
Canal – Van Buren to Harrison
- The contractor has begun demolition on the southwest portion of the Van Buren intersection and the northwest portion of the Harrison intersection. Base course, sidewalks, and curb installation are scheduled for this week, with completion of both intersections anticipated by the end of April.
Canal – Van Buren Intersection
- Framing for Stage 1 of the Van Buren intersection is scheduled to begin next week. Deck placement is anticipated in early summer, followed by a stage switch to the northeast portion of the intersection.
If you have any questions, please email the project email address at [email protected].
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Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation
Closure started on 10/6
The full street and sidewalk closure on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is in effect and will last until January 2028. During the closures, access to nearby buildings and residences will be maintained for both pedestrians and vehicles.
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Eastbound traffic will be rerouted south on Des Plaines, east on Washington, north on Franklin, and east onto Lake St. Westbound traffic will be rerouted south on Wacker, west on Madison, north on Jefferson, and west onto Lake St. Click here for the full detour map. During this work, CTA Green and Pink lines will operate normally until September 2026. The work on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is expected to be completed in January 2028.
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West Bridge House: Daytime work continues. Concrete foundation repairs are nearly complete, and bridge house wall construction is underway.
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West Bridge Leaf: Structural steel repairs are ongoing. The West leaf steel fabrication is progressing to completion for the 12-day CTA outage float-in this fall. See attached photo of new truss fabrication at shop.
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Reminder – 150 N Riverside Upper Riverwalk Access: Pedestrian access from Lake Street to 150 N Riverside Plaza Upper Riverwalk has been closed since Monday, 1/12/26, and will remain closed until sidewalk restoration is complete, expected later in Summer 2026.
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Halsted Street & Chicago Avenue Bridge Project
The Halsted St / Chicago Ave project is underway. Crews have removed existing street lighting, traffic signals, signage, and bus shelters. Viaduct removal is underway along the north leg of Halsted and the east end of Chicago Ave.
Demolition of the Chicago Ave bridge will continue over the next month. In areas where demolition is complete, crews will begin constructing new bridge piers. Crews will implement measures to minimize disruptions as much as possible, but noise and dust are inherent to the bridge demolition process.
Full closure of the Chicago Ave Bridge began September 29. The current detour map can be found here. The full project is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2026.
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Ashland/I-290 Expressway Viaduct Work
Stage 2 traffic is currently being implemented on Ashland Av from Flournoy St to Jackson St to facilitate the reconstruction of the west side of the Ashland Ave bridge.
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In this stage, traffic configuration will consists of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave.
A detour plan for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Van Buren St will be implemented to send traffic to WB Jackson Blvd, SB Laflin St, then WB Van Buren St. A detour plan will also be implemented for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Congress Parkway to send traffic to EB Harrison St, NB Wood St, then EB Congress Parkway. In addition, that the west side sidewalk of the bridge will be closed, and pedestrians will be detoured to east side sidewalk of the bridge.
Stage 2 is underway to reconstruct the east half of the bridge. During Stage 2, traffic configuration will also consist of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave. The project is anticipated to be complete late June 2026.
This week, the contractor will work on in the installation of the proposed beams within stage 2 limits. The project is still anticipated to be completed by June 2026. There are no changes to stage 2 traffic configuration.
For road construction updates and general travel information please visit IDOT’s Getting Around Illinois website.
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The City of Chicago and Cook County are hiring! View their respective job posting sites below:
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Union Pacific 2026 Community Ties Giving Program
Union Pacific Railroad's application period for the 2026 Community Ties Giving Program is open until Thursday, April 30. This competitive grant program helps UPRR achieve its mission by providing small- and medium-sized grants to local organizations in communities across their network.
Learn more and apply on their website.
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West Loop Wine Walk
May 15, 5pm-8pm
Join WCA for the West Loop Wine Walk! Stroll down Madison Street as you sample a diverse selection of wines. Each stop features unique pairings, showcasing the culinary talent of local restaurants. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, the West Loop Wine Walk offers a delightful experience for all.
Get your ticket here.
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One Earth Film Festival
April 22-27
As the Midwest’s premier environmental film festival, One Earth brings together filmmakers, activists, educators, and audiences to explore solutions to today’s most urgent environmental challenges in partnership with the City of Chicago’s Department of Environment.
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This year’s program highlights stories of climate solutions, environmental justice, and grassroots leadership from Chicago and around the world. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering the festival for the first time, your participation helps strengthen a growing community committed to protecting our One Earth.
Each screening features facilitated conversations with filmmakers, experts, activists, and community leaders, creating space for dialogue and equipping audiences with concrete actions to protect our planet and advance environmental justice.
Discover more and secure your tickets on the One Earth Film Festival website.
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Volunteer with Hope's Table!
The Hope’s Table ministry is designed to serve the needs of Chicagoans who are homeless or hungry and is sponsored by First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.
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Saturday morning services typically include serving hot meals and food to go, distributing clothing, and connecting guests with legal support through DePaul University’s Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program. Grace Episcopal Church partners in many ways, most visibly by providing space at 637 S. Dearborn. To volunteer or donate, please contact their volunteer coordinator.
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Helping Cats Near You
4th Sunday of every month, 4pm - 6pm
Details here.
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Discuss how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more!
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