Block Parties; Neighborhood Clean Ups

Hi neighbors,

My proposal to combat anti-government extremism in City government advanced in the City Council’s Workforce Committee on Monday. If you’re a member of an extremist organization trying to overthrow the government, you shouldn’t be able to simultaneously collect the government paycheck. And if you’re a member of a hate group, you shouldn’t be empowered to enforce our city’s laws. I look forward to the full City Council approving the proposal next month.

I’m also pleased that the City Council voted to advance my proposal to remove unnecessary red tape around affordable housing construction. It’s become way too challenging for people to find and keep a home they can afford in our community. It shouldn’t be the case that our most affordable homes are often the most expensive to build, and I look forward to the City Council’s Housing Committee taking up my proposal in the coming months.

Earlier this week, the City Council’s Ethics Committee met for the final time with our outgoing Inspector General Deborah Witzburg. As chairman of the Ethics Committee, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked closely with General Witzburg over the last three years to improve government efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Please note trains will bypass the Western Brown Line Station this weekend. The closure begins at 10 PM today, April 17th, so CTA can conduct structural steel repairs to the station. Free shuttles will be provided from the Damen Brown Line Stop. Service is expected to resume as usual at 2:30 AM on Monday. 

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the intersection of Ravenswood & Sunnyside tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 12pm to help clean-up trash as part of the Chicago Citywide Clean & Green Day of Service. 

Also, this coming Monday April 20th we’re hosting a student Art Show in our office from 6pm to 7:30pm. If you’re able to join, you’re more than welcome to bring hygiene items for the final day of our Youth Council’s community health donation drive!

Finally, if you’re able, consider pitching in to help fund new strength equipment including medicine balls and resistance bands for Lake View High School students. The equipment will be used in PE classes as well as by track and field athletes—many of whom competed from an Illinois state title last year!

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Coming Soon: Grace Street Greenway

In late April, the Grace Street Greenway will be installed to connect the 312RiverRun Trail to the Lakefront Trail. Once completed, this will be a nearly 3 mile family friendly route to improve access to parks, trails, and destinations like Wrigley Field.

Learn more

Apply: Free Bounce Houses

Applications are open for the City's Jumping Jack program, which provides free bounce houses for summer block parties.

This is a popular program, so we recommend applying soon. Bounce houses are provided first come, first serve.

If you haven't hosted a block party before, but are interested in getting started, this is the perfect time!

• Jumping Jack Program
• How to Host a Block Party

Ravenswood Neighborhood Clean Up

Saturday, April 18th

Join the Ravenswood Neighbors Association for their next Neighborhood Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 from 9am -12pm!

Meet at Ravenswood & Sunnyside (the west side of the Metra tracks) to participate. Trash pickers, bags, gloves, and safety vest are provided s. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. If you are a student or a scout needing service hours, please join!

Learn more

Revere Park Clean Up

Sunday, April 19th

Help make a difference this Earth Day by pitching in at a cleanup at Revere Park at 9 AM. Activities include things like litter pick up and mulching trees. Materials will be provided, and all ages are welcome. All you have to do is register, show up, and dress for the weather. Spread the word to friends and neighbors.

Learn more

Munch March Dessert and Appetizer Crawl

Wednesday, April 22nd

This April, you’re invited to emerge from your hibernation with a laid-back evening of delicious sweets, munchy treats, and community connection. Bring your appetite, your friends, and your excellent vibes: it’s time for the fifth annual Munch March!

This event is 21+ and will be held rain or shine!

Learn more

Compost for Free at Drop-Off Sites

Did you know that you can drop-off food scraps for free at composting sites across the City?

All you have to do is collect your food scraps in a sealed container, and find a location nearest to you, including:

• Uptown Library - 929 W Buena
• Lincoln Belmont Library - 1659 W Melrose
• Lincoln Square Streets and Sanitation - 5333 N Western

Learn more

Important Changes to Food Benefits

Attention Link EBT cardholders! If you use SNAP benefits to buy food, please listen carefully. Rules for SNAP eligibility have changed. You could lose your benefits if you don't act soon. Learn about new rules, how they impact you, and steps you should take to keep your food benefits.

Learn more

Provide Input: CPS Building Improvements

Chicago Public Schools will conduct five virtual meetings to engage Communities across Chicago on capital improvement priorities, including building and playground improvements, as the District works to develop next years Capital Plan.

The meetings are intended to provide an understanding of the District’s planning process and collect public input to prioritize critical capital needs.

Learn more

Documentary Film Festival at Davis Theater

April 24th - May 3rd

The Doc10 Film Festival premieres 10 highly curated documentary films in Chicago, including films screened at Sundance and and other major festivals. And it's right here in Lincoln Square!

Documentaries spotlight topics including immigration enforcement, women's sports, Girl Scout cookies, and an attempted murder in Iran.

Learn more

Dine-In Solidarity: Spotlight on Lawrence Ave

May 15-17th

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Indivisible Lincoln Square, and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to spotlight our Latin immigrant-owned restaurants!

From May 15-17, spend at least $25 (pre-tax/tip) at one of these featured restaurants and submit your receipt for a chance to win $50 in gift cards to other excellent immigrant-owned restaurants around Ravenswood.

Learn more

Resources

Business



• Apple Fest Vendor Interest, Learn more
• Square Roots Vendor Interest, Learn more
• Union Pacific Local Grants, Learn more
• Networking for Therapists, May 1, Learn more
• Chicago Airport Small Business Summit, May 12, Learn more
• State of Uptown, May 14, Learn more

Workforce

• Chicago Transit Hiring Fair, April 22nd, Learn more
• Chicago Public Health Jobs, Learn more
• Chicago Fire Department Career Exploration, Learn More
• Cook County Assessor Hiring, Learn more

Volunteer: EcoFest Flyering

EcoFest is around the corner, and we need your help to spread the word!

We’re looking for volunteers to drop off flyers at 10–20 businesses during the week of April 27.Please fill out the form if you're interested, and we'll follow up with more details.

Learn more

Survey: Revere Park Visitors

Did you visit Revere Park this year? The Park Advisory Council wants your feedback on important topics like cleanliness, safety, and park programming.

Take the Survey

Giddings Plaza Clean Up

Saturday, April 18th

Help clean up the Giddings Plaza at 10 AM. The City will provide tools, gloves and trash bags. Meet in the plaza by the fountain and fan out to cover the plaza, alley, street, and cul-de-sac. All ages and abilities are welcome to join. Questions?

Call/text Margaret: 615-516-7850

19th District Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 22nd

Join the 19th District Council for a community conversation including topics like:

• Police Department Workforce Allocation Study
• CARE Mental Health Crisis Team Expansion
• Social Services Provided by the City
• and More!

Learn more

Western Brown Line Construction

The CDOT work in the Plaza is progressing as scheduled. The installation of the string lights is expected to be finished today, with signage and pole working continuing next week. The LAZ parking meters will be reinstalled in the parking lot in the next two weeks.

The CTA Western Brown Line Station will be closed from Friday, April 17, 2026 at 10:00 PM to Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:30 AM, for steel support repairs. Shuttle buses will be running between the Western and Damen stops during these times.

Sign up for Updates

Ashland Resurfacing

Work continues along Ashland Ave. Median work between School and Montrose has been completed. Crews are currently focused on preliminary sewer work at the intersections of Winnemac and Carmen, while sidewalk, curb, and gutter repairs continue between Lawrence and Foster.

Sign up for Updates

This Year: Upcoming Projects

• Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
• ComEd Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace

This Week

• McPherson Badger Bash Silent Auction, April 18th, Learn more
• Ravenswood Puzzle Swap, April 19th, Learn more
• Free Yoga, April 19th, Learn more
• Welles Park Bird Walk, April 19th, Learn more
• Carlson Community Services Free Concert, April 19th, Learn more

Next Week

• Student Art Gallery, April 20th, Learn more
• Chicago Methodist Senior Services Spring Concert, April 23rd, Learn more
• Senator Simmons Town Hall, April 23rd, Learn more

Future Weeks

• Obsttorte Cooking Class, April 25th, Learn more
• Roscoe Village Clean Up, April 25th, Learn more
• Toast of Uptown Wine Walk, April 26th, Learn more
• Ravenswood 5K, April 26th, Learn more
• Toast of Uptown Wine Walk, April 26th, Learn more
• Lake View High Alumni Spaghetti Dinner, April 30th, Learn more
• Historical Lecture: Ships that Made Chicago Headlines, April 30th, Learn more
• Haitian Book Club, April 30th, Learn more
• National Tennis Month at Welles Park, May 2nd, Learn more
• Valborg, April 30th, Learn more
• Spring Wine Stroll, May 7th, Learn more
• Chicago River Day, May 9th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood