MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

The City of Chicago encourages residents to sign up for the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program which is only available one day for each calendar year.

Monday, January 12th marks the day that our office will be inputting addresses of residents who are interested in getting a FREE appraisal without any strings attached.

Contact my office today to pre-register for this once-a-year event at (773) 853-0799 or [email protected].

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

🚨 One Day Only — This Monday, January 12th

Join us this Friday at our office—details below.

In the past two months, our office has worked with Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs office to ensure 45th Ward residents received over $45,000 of unclaimed funds.

Contact our office at (773) 853-0799 or [email protected] if you are interested in attending our next workshop in February.

Helpful tips regarding vehicle break-ins in .

Man pleads guilty to pushing Chicago chef face-first onto CTA Blue Line tracks

Masked suspect follows women into garage in NW Side robberies, Chicago police issue warning

Chicago rideshare surcharge for pick-up, drop-off in congestion zone takes effect Tuesday

Peoples Gas $202M rate hike request sparks public outcry, protests in Chicago area

Shedd Aquarium announces free admission days for Illinois residents

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Dog House Fitness offers a welcoming and supportive environment for residents of all fitness levels. Located in Jefferson Park, the gym focuses on its “three pillars of change”: movement, nutrition, and community—helping members build strength and confidence both inside and outside the gym.

Dog House Fitness has certified personal trainers on staff who work one-on-one with members to create customized workout programs based on individual goals, abilities, and preferences. With experienced instruction, accountability, and flexible scheduling, the gym provides a smart and adaptable approach to personal training for those looking to improve their overall health and wellness.



5242 N. Elston Ave.

(773) 908-7654

DNA Dance Studio in Gladstone Park offers dance classes for ages 1½ through adult in an encouraging environment where dancers build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Owner Marissa is a lifelong dancer who has choreographed musicals for local schools and taught dance at neighborhood parks. The studio emphasizes community, creativity, and support. For families looking for indoor activities for their children during the cold winter months, DNA Dance Studio is a great local option.



The studio also hosts birthday parties, making it a fun option for families. Supporting local businesses like DNA Dance Studio helps keep our neighborhood strong.

5525 N. Milwaukee Ave.

(773) 500-8561

The 45th Ward is thrilled to welcome Portage Park Breakfast Place, our newest small business.

This cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant is family owned and operated, offering a unique blend of traditional American and Latino inspired cuisine.

Portage Park Breakfast Place is located at 5040 W Montrose, and open Tuesday-Sunday from 7am-3pm. Please join us in welcoming Areli and Alvaro to our vibrant community.

I want to thank everyone who chose to shop small and dine local this holiday season. The Six Corners Chamber of Commerce has shared how much this support meant to neighborhood shops and restaurants, helping many independent businesses have a successful holiday season.

Local businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, and their success depends on year-round community support — not just during the holidays. When you choose to shop small, you are investing in the vitality of our commercial corridors and the character that makes our neighborhoods strong.

Pictured here in one of our Six Corners businesses are Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Ivan Capifali, Assistant Commissioner Chris Jessup, and myself, showing our continued support for independent businesses and the important role they play in keeping Chicago vibrant, walkable, and uniquely Chicago.



I encourage residents to continue supporting our local businesses throughout the year.

CHICAGO POLITICS

My objective is to improve on , which will ultimately enhance revenue, benefiting both our city and commuters who utilize CTA.

Chicago City Council committee approves revised curfew ordinance

City Hall hiring freezes, including under Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have proved to be more of a chill

Barack Obama invites Chicagoans to apply for jobs at Presidential Center

Rep. Mike Quigley confirms plans for Chicago mayoral bid

‘Broadview Six’ prosecution claims a political casualty as Cook County Board candidate ‘Cat’ Sharp exits race

Expose the corruption in Illinois

Hundreds of public employees investigated by the state of Illinois improperly took millions in PPP loans

Over $200,000 of taxpayer funds were used to prosecute while the City failed or refused to disclose exculpatory evidence related to the two-year investigation...

THRIVING IN WARD 45

Wilson Park Winter Programs – Openings Available

Wilson Park still has openings in its Winter 2026 classes, running from January 5 through March 13. A variety of programs are available for all ages and interests.

“A Bump on the Leg” is a play inspired by the life of 45th Ward resident James Mallon.

Please see the flyer for details on this special one-time performance.

Alderman Gardiner offers quick tips to help Streets & Sanitation during snow and frigid weather.

Curious about what's happening in the community?

Check out ChiStreetWork, the City of Chicago’s interactive map portal that provides up-to-date information on infrastructure projects and permits. It compiles data from city agencies and private utilities.

Just enter an address or intersection into the search bar to see a clickable map with detailed information about active projects in that area. From sewer work to resurfacing, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s going on and when.



CONTACT INFORMATION

Visit our 45th Ward Office

5460 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Tel: 773-853-0799

Office Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri.-8:30-4:30PM,

Thurs. 9:30-4:30PM Email: w[email protected]

Thank you for being part of the 45th Ward community. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and remain dedicated to providing exceptional constituent services.

VETS IN 45

The Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission visits our office each month to assist veterans in our community. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support or has questions, please feel free to stop in.

Each week, we will highlight a different service offered by the Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission.

MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD

Chicago Seniors Connected

The City’s Chicago Seniors Connected program offers a wide range of virtual, telephone, and in-person activities designed to help older adults stay engaged and connected—especially during the holiday season. While this time of year can be joyful for many, it can also feel isolating for others. Chicago Seniors Connected ensures that no senior has to feel alone by providing meaningful opportunities for social connection, enrichment, and support throughout December and beyond.

WARD 45 RESOURCES

Every high school age student in Chicago (public or private) interested in the possibility of becoming a first responder should apply for this excellent program.

The Express Permit Program is a web-based interface for homeowners, businesses, and other building owners/tenants (and the contractors that work with them) to obtain building permits needed to repair or replace existing features of a building or undertake specific small improvement projects, such as adding residential solar panels. The web interface allows permit applicants to check application status, pay fees, and view inspection results online 24/7.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education webinar series. The program is designed to give entrepreneurs the essential information they need to start and grow a business in Chicago. The program’s curriculum covers essentials in business planning, financing, marketing, legal topics, technology, and more. 

Local Chambers of Commerce



Our neighborhood Chambers of Commerce support local businesses through advocacy, networking, marketing, and community events. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to connect and get involved.

Gladstone Park Chamber Of Commerce 6348 N. Milwaukee (773) 756-6206

Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 46311 (773) 545-9300

Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.5 (773) 736-6697

Polish American Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.1 (773) 205-1998 

Six Corners Chamber of Commerce 4054 N Milwaukee Ave (773) 685-4955 

Portage Park Chamber of Commerce 4946 W. Irving Park Rd. (773) 777-2020

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

Disney II Magnet School (7th-12th)

 3900 N Lawndale Ave., 



Horizon Science Academy Belmont (7th-10th)

4434 N. Laramie Ave., (708) 667-0941

Vaughn Occupational High School

4355 N. Linder (773)-534-3600

WARD 45 SAFETY NEWS

2026 BEAT MEETING SCHEDULE COMING SOON

We are currently awaiting updated beat meeting schedules. We will share the full calendar when it is available.

Beat 1621

Edgebrook Library

5331 W. Devon

TBD

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

TBD

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

TBD

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

TBD

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

January 13th

LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

Supporting Our Neighbors in Need

New Hope Community Food Pantry

Address: 6125 W Foster

Phone:773-775-1215

Hours:Tuesday:

9:30- 11:30 AM

Joined Hands Food Pantry / Our Lady of Victory

Address: 5212 W Agatite

Phone: (312)972-1164 

Hours: Wednesday:

5:00 - 7:00 PM

[email protected]

Harvest Christian Center Chicago Food Pantry

Address: 4020 N. Tripp Ave.

Phone:  773-685-4222

[email protected]

Hours:  Last Friday of the month:

1:30 -2:30 PM

If you would like a "SLOW DOWN" or "CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG" sign, please come in our office at 5460 N. Milwaukee.