1st Ward Newsletter | March 17, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
This is your 1st Ward Chief of Staff, Nick. Before I toss this week's newsletter intro to our Policy Director Leah, I wanted to address concerns regarding the fatal shooting that took place in our ward this weekend. Alderman La Spata issued the following statement via social media on Saturday:
"This morning I spoke with Commander Baier of the 12th District regarding a homicide that occurred earlier today at Ohio and Marshfield. It was a truly senseless and tragic shooting of an unarmed man from outside the neighborhood, and my heart goes out to the victim and all friends and neighbors impacted by this violence. Because the investigation is ongoing, I cannot provide additional details at this time, but I have pledged support for all resources necessary to keep our neighborhood safe."
As of this writing, I am scheduling a follow up call with our 12th District team. We sincerely hope to receive more information we can share with neighbors ASAP. Now, sending it over to Leah.
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While the Alderman is out, I have been tasked with a few legislative items in line with the Alderman's policy priorities. The first of these items is a Living Wage for Musicians Resolution, set to be introduced this Spring.
- This resolution calls for the federal government to pass the Living Wage for Musicians Act, which establishes a dedicated fund to ensure musicians are paid a living wage.
- Currently, musicians are paid less than one cent per stream, and only the top 1% nationwide earn enough to make minimum wage.
- Alderman La Spata supports artists earning a livable wage and modernizing an industry framework which hasn't been updated since the 1990s.
The second item the Alderman is expecting to pass this Spring is an ordinance regarding minority-owned (MBE) & women-owned business enterprises (WBE) participation and City Resident Hiring goals in development projects.
- This ordinance builds on an Executive Order signed by Mayor Emmanuel, which established 26% participation goals for MBE, 6% participation for WBE, and 50% City resident hiring goals in projects that receive City benefits.
- While 100% of the projects that went through Plan Commission agreed to meet these goals, the vast majority did not.
- This ordinance would address this by creating a public, online dashboard to track compliance and increase transparency for Plan Commissioners, Aldermen, and residents.
Have a great week,
Leah
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P.S. Click here to open this newsletter in another tab!
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Swing by the West Town Library (1625 W. Chicago) on Wednesday, March 25 for a free hot meal distributed by Islamic Relief USA! Meals will be available beginning at 3:00 p.m. and will be distributed until all are claimed.
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Applications for Cook County Health's Provident Scholarship Fund are now being accepted! For more information and eligibility requirements, please click here.
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The Humboldt Park Patriots are currently recruiting boys and girls ages 6–13 for the upcoming season. The Patriots focus on youth development, teamwork, and keeping kids active and engaged. For more information, please visit www.humboldtparkpatriots.com.
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Do you know a young person looking for a summer job? The Chicago Youth Works (CYW) application portal is now open! The application deadline is May 29, and youth are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of receiving a job offer.
Interested youth can apply online at ChicagoYouthWorks.org. Applicants will receive bi-weekly updates with reminders, resources, and interview notifications throughout the application period.
Youth ages 14-15 will have access to stipend paid opportunities while youth and young adults ages 16-24 will be paid an hourly wage.
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Virtual 1st Ward First Look: Monday, March 30, 2026
- 1619 North Artesian: Applicant proposes to rezone existing non-conforming 4-unit residence, to add a 3rd floor and redistribute the units throughout the building. 1st Ward Office provided initial review on development possibilities involving the existing structure as is, while also assessing the initial proposal for a third floor addition. (received February 2026)
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Josephinum School
On Friday, a plat of subdivision for the field area of the Josephinum school lot received favorable recommendation from the Committee on Transportation and Public Way. The lot was formally split via sale, to allow the school to continue operations in its historic location, and to allow the redevelopment of the remaining portion of the lot. The property owner of the lot proposes to subdivide the northern portion of the parcel into four equal zoning lots, to be developed by right under the existing zoning with 28 dwelling units. The northernmost 9 feet of this field have been dedicated as public right of way, formally creating a 25 foot wide alley.
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1628 W Division
The 1st Ward Office has checked in with the Department of Planning and Development and developer on this permit application, to establish the redeveloped residential building at this location. The 1st Ward Office has requested a meeting and will communicate any updates with neighbors when available.
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Community Review Updates:
The 1st Ward publishes all zoning proposals and inquiries to maintain a transparent development process. Here are current community review updates in advance of the next 1st Ward First Look:
- Recent Negative Recommendations: The 1st Ward Office has no update on 1320 No Bosworth. Regarding 2149 N Milwaukee, it is expected any future development will occur under the existing Planned Development zoning, and a courtesy meeting will be held when feasible, to share design updates and any construction or logistical updates with neighbors as appropriate.
- 1600 W Chicago: Regarding proposed tavern and public place of amusement license, 1st Ward Office awaits updated operations information from the development team. No further updates available at this time.
- Recent Zoning Inquiries: There are no updates for any of the five inquiries currently published on the website.
- Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards: There are no expected zoning map amendment cases at the Committee at this time.
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