1st Ward Newsletter | January 27, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
We continue to be rocked with anger and grief by the actions of ICE in Minneapolis, particularly the senseless and cruel murder of Alex Pretti. The city of Minneapolis has had three shooting deaths in 2026; two of those were committed by ICE agents. We cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into either hopelessness or apathy; Chicago should operate under the assumption that we will see a resurgence of ICE's presence and brutal tactics as the weather warms. I'm grateful for everyone who is joining us tonight for a community defense training and whistle packing session. Thank you for your continuing courage and solidarity.
At the February City Council meeting you will see me as a co-sponsor on a resolution condemning the actions of ICE and calling for its abolition. I do not mean this as a political statement or governing by slogan. I do not believe ICE is an agency in whom trust should be sought or reform can be made. There is not a rationalization that can be made of their violence, impunity, or disregard for the truth. I have come to believe, as have many, that the path toward a more compassionate, safe, and effective immigration system runs through the elimination of this agency and its wholesale replacement.
Accompanying this with some wonderful joy, I was so grateful for the photos Goethe Elementary parents and staff shared with me of the new playground and athletic field that finally opened last week! Hundreds of 1st Ward residents voted for us to fund this project through aldermanic menu money, which was combined with funds from our state representatives and senators, Open Space Impact Fee funds, and a contribution of CPS' capital dollars. Goethe community, I am SO proud of the tireless organizing that made this project happen.
Have a wonderful week!
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Community Meeting: Coco and Serve Robotics
The 1st Ward Office is hosting a virtual meeting on Monday, February 2 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Serve and Coco food delivery robots as these companies seek to expand their operations in the ward. 1st Ward neighbors are invited to share their thoughts and opinions on this business model. This meeting will be streamed on Facebook and a recording will be available following the conclusion of the meeting.
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Additionally, residents may now submit any feedback, issues or concerns regarding sidewalk delivery robots directly to 311 .
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Seniors across the 1st Ward are invited to a special Valentine's Day Brunch in coordination with other Northwest Side Elected Officials. Join us for a fun-filled celebration of our golden agers on Friday, February 13th at 12:30pm. Attendees are asked to register if they plan to attend or to call our office at 872-206-2685 so that we can register you. We hope to see you there!
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On Thursday , January 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold its monthly public meeting at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd).
This month’s agenda includes:
- Vote for COPA Chief Administrator
- Vote for 2026 Commission Strategic Priorities
- Vote for Police Board President, COPA Chief Administrator, and CPD Superintendent 2026 goals
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be
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Community News and Events
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Better Streets for Buses
This past fall, as part of the , CTA and CDOT held three in-person public meetings and an online webinar to introduce the public to bus priority concepts for five corridors including Western Avenue (from Howard to 79th). Understanding that not everyone was able to join one of these meetings, additional community feedback is being collected through an interactive, online activity that gives a brief overview of the project and invites participants to weigh in on a few key questions. This activity will be available through the end of January and is
In-person meeting materials and a recording of the webinar are available on the .
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In conjunction with National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Girls in Sports Summit is a 2-day event that provides young athletes the opportunity to meet with professional athletes, participate in panel discussions and breakout sessions, and take part in a friendly track and field competition.
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Are you a creative interested in taking your work to another level? Applications for Chicago Public Library's 2026 Maker-in-Residence program are now open!
Makers will coordinate eight classes incorporating their unique skills to teach patrons to create their own work using Maker Lab tools. Each 12-week residency is based out of Harold Washington Library Center and comes with an honorarium of $6,500.
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The Designing a Better Chicago program will host two awards this year:
- The NeoConDesign Impact Award recognizing individuals or organizations using design for civic good and related programming in Chicago
- The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Built Environment Award supporting leaders working to bring significant long-term impacts to Chicago communities and neighborhoods.
Grant amounts will be between $10,000 and $25,000. In 2026, DBC will award $50,000 in total — $25,000 in the Design Impact category, and an additional $25,000 in the Built Environment category.
Nominations are due by February 16th, 2026.
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