August 26th, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
We have several important events coming up in the 30th Ward. On Monday, August 31st, we are partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) to offer assistance applying for food benefits, also known as LINK/SNAP. This event will be held at Fresh Market Place (2600 N. Central Ave.) from 10 a.m. to noon. Call GCFD at 773-247-3663 with any questions.
Our office also has a small food pantry that is accessible whenever we are open and is stocked primarily through generous donations from community members. We are currently running low on canned tuna and chicken, canned soup, canned vegetables, and pasta. If you are able to donate, we greatly appreciate your support!
Second-installment property tax bills are now available online and should be mailed out soon. Our office is hosting an event with George Cardenas, Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review, to answer questions about property taxes and offer assistance filing appeals. This event will be held on Tuesday, September 8th, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Chicago Academy Elementary School.
We are also hosting a Mobile DMV event with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office on Saturday, September 19th, at Kilbourn Park from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration is required for this event. To register, call the 30th Ward Office at 773-628-7874. For more information about any of our upcoming events, please see the 30th Ward Events portion of this newsletter.
Finally, as the 2026–2027 school year gets underway, we hope everyone is settling into their school-year routines, making new friends, and catching up with old ones. We wish all of our students, families, teachers, and school staff a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz Alderwoman, 30th Ward |
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To read this newsletter in your preferred Language: Follow this link, click on the newsletter you’d like to read, and select your language from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner. You’ll be redirected to a Google Translate page, where a blue drop-down menu in the top-left corner lets you choose your preferred language. |
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We are very excited to announce that the first phase of the project to expand the sewer system at Austin and Diversey is complete. As of Monday August 24th, Austin Ave is open! The next phase of this project involves replacing the lead service lines at the households on Austin. Once that work is complete there will be a full restoration of the area that includes resurfacing the street and repairing any damage that occurred during the project. Full restoration timeline depends on how quickly the lead service line replacement portion of the work takes. Thank you for your patience while we finish this important investment in our community! |
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Filming in the 30th Ward
There is a commercial being filmed in the 30th Ward this week at New Belmont Auto at 4116 W Belmont. Residents who will be impacted by street closures and parking restrictions will be notified by the filming company and signs will be posted in the neighborhood. If you have any additional questions regarding this filming you can reach the City of Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415. |
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Bat Warning
A recent alert from the Cook County Government about a rabid bat in Wilmette (Chicago Suburb) is an important reminder to give bats plenty of space. While rabies is rare, it is a serious disease. Never handle a bat with bare hands, and if you find a bat indoors or have possible contact with one, contact your local health department or animal control for guidance.
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) manages rabies prevention, pet registration, animal bite quarantines, and population control. You can reach their main office at (708) 974-6140 or (312) 603-6961, or visit the official Cook County Animal and Rabies Control page
At the same time, bats play a valuable role in our environment. They are natural pest controllers, consuming large numbers of insects—including mosquitoes and agricultural pests—each night. In many parts of the world, bats also help pollinate plants and spread seeds, supporting healthy ecosystems and even the production of some foods we enjoy. You can read more about the benefits of bats from the National Park Service.
So, let’s protect ourselves and protect our bats: admire them from a distance, avoid disturbing them, and remember that these nighttime neighbors are an important part of a healthy ecosystem. |
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Chicago Animal Care and Control Site Visit
I visited the Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) shelter with Alderman LaSpata (1st Ward) to better understand its conditions and operations. My thanks to Heather Owen, executive director of One Tail at a Time, and volunteer Irene Jordan, for showing us around and answering our questions.
Ald. LaSpata and I continue to press leadership to fulfill the commitment made in March to create a working group of diverse voices to discuss issues affecting CACC, brainstorm solutions, and improve how CACC serves animals, volunteers, staff, and the public. We look forward to making progress. |
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ICE Press Conference
Earlier this August I attended a press conference to bring attention to the police reports filed by victims of violence during Operation Midway Blitz. At a time when our neighbors are experiencing fear and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reaffirm that no one is above the law.
If you or someone you know has experienced violence at the hands of ICE and would like assistance filing a police report, victims are encouraged to contact Attorney Brian Orozco for a free consultation at (312) 580-1830. |
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National Nurses United
We joined the Red Alert: Save Our Hospitals Bus Tour and Health Fair, helping bring awareness to the importance of protecting access to healthcare while connecting residents with free health screenings and resources. |
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Arise Labor Rights Workshop
We partnered with Arise Chicago to host a Labor Rights Workshop where we shared important information about workers rights with the community. |
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Back To School Celebrations We also celebrated the start of a new school year at the Back to School events across the 30th Ward. Thank you to everyone who invited us to be a part of their celebrations and thank you to all of the families who stopped by and said hi. Cheers to the 2026-2027 school year! |
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Block Parties We stopped by neighborhood block parties across the 30th Ward, connecting with residents, sharing valuable ward resources, and celebrating our vibrant community together. |
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Participatory Budgeting - Chicago Park District
Vote Now to Help Shape the Future of Chicago Parks!
Your voice. Your vote. Your parks. The Chicago Park District's Citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative gives community members the opportunity to help decide how funding will be invested in parks across the city. Community members can rank the project categories they believe should be prioritized, with the top-voted category receiving funding for improvements throughout Chicago's Central, North, and South Regions. Voting is open to all community members ages 13 and up, and every vote helps ensure future park investments reflect the needs and priorities of Chicagoans. Voting is available online or by paper ballot at all park fieldhouses through August 27th. Learn more and cast your vote: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/pb |
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What Makes Irving Park Special Jahmal Cole of My Block, My Hood, My City is wrapping up his month in Irving Park as part of his Live 77 initiative. Residents are invited to share what makes this community so special. Please RSVP using the QR code below. From the MBMHMC, "We will have light bites, good discussions together and Jahmal will talk about the assets within Irving Park and what he's seeing in other neighborhoods." |
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Cicero Land Use Study
The draft of the Cicero Avenue Land Use Study is now available for public comment. Visit www.Chicago.gov/CiceroAve to view the draft plan and submit your feedback by Thursday, Sept. 3rd. |
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Police Superintendent Search - Listening Sessions
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has announced five community listening sessions as part of its nationwide search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
The sessions will give Chicago residents an opportunity to share the leadership qualities, priorities, and vision they believe the next Superintendent should bring to the role. Community feedback will help guide the Commission as it evaluates candidates and selects three finalists to submit to the Mayor for consideration later this fall.
The five listening sessions will be held throughout Chicago to make it easier for residents across the city to participate in this important public safety decision. |
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Proactive Rental Inspections - Community Meeting The City Of Chicago is hosting three community meetings this week to share information about proactive rental inspections and how the city can address conditions. Participates will listen to a presentation and then participate in discussions and complete a survey. |
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Immigration & Know Your Rights |
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The Northwest Side has seen an increase in ICE activity in recent weeks. Northwest side elected officials are closely monitoring the detentions and working with impacted families. Our office has know your rights literature, yard signs, and whistle kits available to anyone who would like one. For real time updates on confirmed ICE Activity on the Northwest side you can follow Northwest Side Rapid Response of social media. |
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The Northwest Side Rapid Response team has created a Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN) to help warn vulnerable neighbors when there is confirmed ICE activity in the area. To learn more, or sign up see below. |
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| | Our office will continue to share reliable updates and connect residents with Know Your Rights and immigration resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
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30th Ward Youth Committee |
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We encourage everyone to donate unwanted clothing instead of throwing it away. Donating clothes helps reduce waste and gives items a second life with someone who may need or enjoy them.
The Give N Receive, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that the 30th Ward has proudly collaborated with on multiple community events and clothing drives. Through these partnerships, clothing and other essential items are provided to residents and community members who need them.
Thrift stores are another great option for giving your gently used clothing a new home. Consider donating to: Salvation Army
Savers Thrift
Unique Thrift
Village Discount Outlet
These stores accept clothing donations and place items on their shelves for others to purchase and reuse. Donation boxes are also available in many public locations, making it easy to drop off unwanted clothing and other items.
Before throwing something away, consider one of these options! |
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Belmont/Central Corridor Activation Program
The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office.
This initiative will help revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.
For more information, visit: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail |
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My Position on Data Centers in Chicago I appreciate everyone who has reached out to our office with concerns on this issue, which we have been monitoring this issue for some time. I certainly understand the need for stronger regulations on data centers. Last month, I participated in a subject-matter hearing of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy to receive a long-awaited report from the Sustainable Data Centers Working Group and ask questions of its authors and experts. Regarding the Mayor’s executive order on data centers, I support instructing the Department of Environment and Department of Planning and Development to give data center proposals extra scrutiny under existing laws and regulations. I also welcome the establishment of a Data Center Task Force to refine and implement the recommendations of the Working Group. Please continue to reach out to our office with your thoughts on this important issue—or any other topics facing the City. Chicago Front Yard Survey Chicago native and University of Oxford (UK) researcher Jessica Ryan-Smith has reached out to the 30th Ward, asking for YOUR help with a project to understand “how residential green spaces and native plants can help reduce flood risk in Chicago neighborhoods.” The survey is open to Chicago residents with a front yard. The link is here: http://bit.ly/chicago-front-yard-survey 
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Honorary Street Designations Each year, I am allowed to propose four honorary street designations in the 30th Ward to recognize historical figures or community leaders. Proposed honorees must be deceased and must have made a significant contribution to the community—anything from service to their local block club all the way up to national affairs. Their endeavors can be related to education, business, the arts, nonprofit organizations, science, athletics, or simply being an outstanding neighbor. For more information and to propose a person for this honor, please visit my website. |
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Connect with your Northwest Side Elected Officials Need help finding out who your state elected officials are? You can look up that information here. |
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Food Resources
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map of locations where you can find food assistance: |
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The 30th Ward office has a supply of pantry essentials. If you or someone you know is in need we can provide a bag of groceries, no questions asked. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. |
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The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be at the 30th Ward office on the third Thursday each month. The VACCC is a county-based veterans service organization that assists honorably discharged veterans and their dependents who live in Cook County, Illinois. It focuses on both immediate emergency support and benefit navigation to help veterans access the resources they’ve earned. If you or someone you know needs help in the meantime, you can reach out to the VACCC directly at 312-433-6010. Our office will not be having the VACCC in person in August; check back in September for the September date! |
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Engaging with the Chicago Police Department There are a variety of ways to engage with the Chicago Police Department. Here are upcoming opportunities, including CAPS meetings, Conversations with a Commander, and District Council meetings. If you are unsure of the police district or beat that you live in you can look up that information here. |
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Have you visited us at 5418-A W. Belmont Ave? Stop by and say hi! Here are our hours: Monday: 9am-7pm Tuesday: 9am-5pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-3pm Second Saturday each month: 9am-1pm |
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Meet Alderwoman CruzJoin us Monday night from 5-7pm to meet Alderwoman Cruz. Share ideas, concerns, or feedback directly with the Alderwoman - no appointment needed! |
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