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48th WARD NEWS: JULY 24, 2026
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CELEBRATING DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH
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SAVE THE DATE: Project Sidewalk Workshop
- When: Sunday, August 16 from 1-3pm
- Where: 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
- Register online.
This Disability Pride Month, we are proud to partner with Access Living on a new initiative to make our sidewalks more accessible: Project Sidewalk! Join us as we make big investments in making our public way more accessible for everyone! At this workshop, cohosted by the 48th Ward and Access Living, we'll use a virtual tool to identify sidewalks in need of repair. This project was voted on during 2026 Participatory Budgeting by YOU! No experience is needed; training will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Honoring Disability Pride Month at City Hall
Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate people with disabilities and commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This month, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and her colleagues passed a resolution recognizing and celebrating Disability Pride Month at City Hall. Read the full resolution here.
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Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth Honors Constantine Zografopoulos in City Council
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth invited business entrepreneur and inclusivity advocate Constantine "Gus" Zografopoulos to the July 15 City Council meeting to be recognized for Disability Pride Month. You may know him from St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. For more than two decades, through the Open Doors Organization and as founder of the Z Life Program, Constantine has worked to make travel more accessible for people with disabilities.
Here in Chicago, his impact is visible across our city. He has mentored countless individuals through Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, helped advance accessible improvements to our lakefront, and helped organize the annual Beyond the Waters Beach Party at Hollywood Beach in the 48th Ward, so hundreds of people with and without disabilities can enjoy our beaches together. Visit our blog to learn more about Constantine and read Leni's full remarks.
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Celebrating Disability Pride Month at the Obama Presidential Center
This week, 48th Ward interns Sarah, Meklet, Elie, and Kasandra attended a Disability Pride Month event at the Obama Presidential Center! The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) partnered with the Chicago Public Library to host this event which featured a West African drumming and dance class, American Sign Language lessons, a letter writing project, and voter registration.
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Devices 4 the Disabled
Leni met with Bob Shea, Founding Director of Devices 4 the Disabled, and Edgewater neighbor. Devices 4 the Disabled refurbishes used medical equipment that would otherwise end up in landfills, and provides it for free to those who need it most. Read more on their website.
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Celebrate Disability Pride with the Chicago Public Library
Whether you have a disability yourself or are an ally looking to learn and grow in your support of others, Chicago Public Library invites you to celebrate with them! Click here to check out our recommended reading lists, coloring pages, and more!
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Treatment Not Trauma Townhall
- When: Tuesday, July 28 from 6:30-8:15pm
- Where: Broadway United Methodist Church (3338 N Broadway)
- Register online.
Join us for a conversation with neighbors about Treatment Not Trauma and Chicago's citywide CARE system. This event brings together a local coalition of community members, elected officials, and organizations to build community and learn more about public mental health.
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SSA #26 Open House
- When: Wednesday, July 29 from 3-6pm
- Where: DMApothecary (5430 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required
We are still 100 signatures short of the SSA #26 renewal and we need your help! Edgewater Chamber is hosting a friendly, casual, informational open house at their office to give property owners the opportunity to talk directly with staff about SSA #26 and sign in person! If SSA #26 expires, Edgewater's business districts will lose funding for sidewalk litter abatement, landscaping, streetscaping, holiday decor, sidewalk snow removal, neighborhood branding, public art, special events, and more. Learn more online.
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Smart Streets Pilot Program
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth is proud to support the Smart Streets pilot, which is showing meaningful results. The program targets vehicles that illegally block bike lanes and bus lanes using cameras mounted on City of Chicago vehicles and CTA buses. The cameras capture violations with fines of up to $250. In less than two years, the city has issued tens of thousands of warnings and citations, generating nearly $2.6 million in fines. Unsurprisingly, corporate delivery giants, Amazon, Fed Ex, and UPS are the top three ticketed violators.
The most important outcome, however, isn't the revenue, it's the behavioral change. Before Smart Streets, nearly 16% of drivers who were cited for illegally blocking bus or bike lanes committed another violation within 90 days. Since the program's implementation, that recidivism rate has dropped to below 8%. The city now plans to significantly expand the program by equipping more City and CTA vehicles with enforcement cameras. Programs like Smart Streets don't just generate revenue, they make our streets safer, and ultimately save lives. Read more on the Chicago Tribune.
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Sign Up for Air Quality Alerts
To stay informed about Chicago’s Air Quality Index, sign up to receive NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org or download the Chicago OEMC App for public safety tips and alerts. Our team has been distributing face masks for free outside the Bryn Mawr red line station and from our office (1129 W Bryn Mawr). Pick them up while supplies last! Stay safe out there 48th Ward!
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Tour De Granville
- When: Saturday, August 1 at 8am
- Where: Corner of Granville & Glenwood
- No RSVP required
Have fun riding bikes with your neighbors and learn how to bike to a variety of destinations using the Granville bike lanes! This is a seven-mile ride that is planned to take under 2 hours. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
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Pines of Edgewater Waitlist Opens July 27
We are pleased to announce the re-opening of the income restricted 1 bedroom waitlist on Monday, July 27 for the Pines of Edgewater apartments. We hope you will pass this on to friends, clients, and colleagues who may be interested in applying for affordable housing in the 48th Ward.
The waitlist is not a lottery. All applicants will be added to the list and contacted for an interview when their name comes to the top of the list. To review eligibility requirements and complete an application please visit www.thepinesofedgewater.com starting on July 27 and click “Affordable Waitlist.” Contact 773-728-5009 or [email protected] with questions and concerns.
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Chicago Life Expectancy Reaches All-Time High
For the fourth consecutive year, CDPH has announced an increase in life expectancy for Chicagoans, reaching a record 79.5 years in 2024. This is the highest life expectancy ever recorded for the City and a new baseline for future progress. The previous record was 78.8 years, recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. All racial and ethnic groups in Chicago have seen improvements in life expectancy since the pandemic. The data also shows progress in narrowing Chicago’s racial life expectancy gap. Read more on our blog.
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Broadway Refuge Islands
Construction of the refuge islands at Broadway/Rosedale and Broadway/Hood is currently on schedule. Sidewalk restoration is currently underway and pavement markings will follow. The Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons have been ordered and are expected to arrive in September for installation.
The refuge island at Broadway/Norwood is being postponed to fall. We have received verbal authorization from IDOT for the permit to begin construction; the contractor is in the process of scheduling the work for Fall 2026. After construction is complete, Broadway will remain two lanes in each direction. Read more about the Broadway Refuge Islands here.
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Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
We‘ve been informed CDOT is targeting a construction start near the end of September of the highly anticipated Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at Ridge/Wayne. The contractor is lined up and the materials are on order. We are working with CDOT on the traffic plan; Ridge will remain open during construction. We are pleased to share that, at the Alderwoman’s request, the project is expected to include a spigot for the community garden. Read more on our blog.
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Sheridan Resurfacing: Montrose - Foster
Sheridan resurfacing is on schedule. Final paving is happening this week, followed by pavement markings. Parking restrictions will be lifted once pavement markings are complete.
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Ashland Resurfacing - Update
The second and final layer of asphalt is expected to be finished this week (weather permitting). CDOT crews are laying the asphalt in the unfinished section from south to north. As soon as crews finish laying the new asphalt, they will re-stripe parking, lane lines, and crosswalks. Striping and sign installations are scheduled to be completed by the end of July (weather permitting). Parking restrictions will be removed block by block as soon as they finish striping.
Once repaving and striping is complete, crews will work on the raised crosswalks, concrete bus pads, and restoration of impacted parkways. We anticipate that these finishing touches will be complete by the end of August. Please note that concrete bus pads require patches of the new asphalt to be removed and replaced with longer-lasting concrete designed to handle the extra use from buses making frequent stops.
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Three Week Outlook
The following construction work is expected to take place in the next three weeks, weather permitting.
Grind Schedule - July
- Glenwood: Balmoral to Berwyn (street)
- Glenwood: Bryn Mawr to Ridge (street)
- Glenwood: Rosedale to Ardmore (street)
- Sheridan: Glenlake to Thorndale (street)
- Argyle/Ainslie/Kenmore/Sheridan (alley)
- Hollywood/Olive/Clark (alley)
- Glenwood/Ridge/Hollywood (alley)
- Glenlake/Thorndale/Kenmore/Sheridan (alley)
Paving Schedule - August
- Glenwood: Balmoral to Berwyn (street)
- Glenwood: Bryn Mawr to Ridge (street)
- Argyle/Ainslie/Kenmore/Sheridan (alley)
- Hollywood/Olive/Clark/Glenwood (alley)
See our 2026 Construction blog for more information about upcoming projects.
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CTA Construction Activity Notices
Please review the following construction notices from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). To sign up for alerts near you, click here.
ALLEY CLOSURES
West side of the tracks from Bryn Mawr - Hollywood
- Friday, July 17 - Friday, August 7
- Work Activity: Underground Utility Work + Curb Installation
ALLEY IMPACTS
West side of the tracks from Balmoral - Catalpa
- Monday, July 6 - August 7
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
East side of the tracks from Hollywood - Ardmore
- Wednesday, July 8 - Monday, August 14
- Work Activity: Surface Grading and Paving
East side of the tracks from Balmoral - Catalpa
- Monday, July 20 - Friday, August 14
- Work Activity: Curb Installation & Underground Utility Work
East side of the tracks from Catalpa - Bryn Mawr
- Monday, July 6 - Monday, August 17
- Work Activity: Curb Install
East side of the tracks from Berwyn - Balmoral
- Monday, July 13 - Friday, August 21
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Foster - Berwyn
- Monday, July 20 – Friday, August 21
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Ainslie - Argyle
- Tuesday, June 7 - Monday, August 24
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Ainslie - Argyle
- Tuesday, June 7 - Monday, August 24
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Winona - Foster
- Tuesday, July 7 - Monday, August 24
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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2026 Mid-Year Town Hall
Thanks to everyone who joined us this week at our Town Hall at the Berger Park Cultural Center. We had over 100 neighbors in attendance as we went through service, construction, development, and policy highlights from our first three years in office. Review the meeting slides here.
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SAVE THE DATE: Dim Sum & Then Some
- When: Saturday, August 1
- Where: 1016 W Argyle
- Learn more online.
Get ready to race, feast, and celebrate as we kick off a day of fun, fitness, and culture in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood! Whether you’re running the 10K, 5K, or cheering on the kids in the Dash, Dim Sum & Then Some promises an unforgettable experience that’s more than just a race.
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SAVE THE DATE: 48th Ward Back to School Bash
- When: Friday, August 21 from 5-7pm
- Where: Margate Park (4921 N Marine Dr)
- No RSVP required
Come by our annual Back to School Bash to pick up a free backpack and enjoy music and fun for the whole family! Supplies are limited, so backpacks will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis to children accompanied by an adult.
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Our Roots Chicago - Request a Parkway Tree
Did you know you can request a tree for your parkway through 311? Our Roots Chicago is the city's campaign to equitably expand the tree canopy in Chicago by planting 75,000 new trees in the city of Chicago. To do this, we need everyone's help. Request a tree for your parkway through 311 today!
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Chicago Seniors Connected - Summer Brochure
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division provides social services and support programs to adults 60 years of age and older. They serve a diverse population of older adults including those that are vulnerable, homebound, active, and fit. See the Summer 2026 edition of the DFSS Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure here to learn about upcoming virtual and in-person programming!
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Minimum Wage Ordinance Update
As of July 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Chicago is $17.05 per hour for employers with 4 or more employees. Tipped workers (workers who receive tips as part of their wage, like restaurant servers) have a minimum wage of $12.96 for employers with 4 or more employees. If a tipped worker’s wages plus tips do not equal at least the full minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
The Minimum Wage to be paid under City contracts or concessionaire agreements is $18.50 per hour. When applying an allowance for gratuities to the wage of City concessionaire employees in positions that customarily receive gratuities, the resulting rate is the same as the Chicago Minimum Wage for similarly situated employees. Learn more online.
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Ward Night Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our July 21 Ward Night meeting! You can read an overview of what we discussed here. Register for the next Ward Night meeting here.
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Leni Signs Onto Letter Urging ICC to Oppose Gas Rate Hike
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth recently signed onto a letter urging members of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to oppose Peoples Gas’ proposed rate hike, reject its request for an excessive profit rate, and continue to pursue reforms to its Pipe Retirement Program (PRP).
In 2023 Peoples Gas implemented the largest gas utility rate hike in Illinois history. Many of our constituents are already struggling to afford their home heating bills on top of other escalating cost of living expenses. An additional rate hike is a burden that many Chicagoans cannot bear. Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth stands with other electeds, ready to work to achieve a better future for Chicago utility customers. Read the full letter on our blog.
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Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale
- When: Friday, July 24 - Sunday, 26
- Where: 4800-5800 N Clark
- Learn more online.
Join us as more than 40 businesses from 4800 to 5800 N Clark and adjacent side streets expand their storefronts to line the sidewalks with summer sales, bargain antiques, one-of-a-kind merchandise, fashion apparel and local treasures! Once again this year, independent musicians and other artists will perform throughout the district, entertaining as you explore the one-mile district. See a list of participating businesses here.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Last week, we partnered with the Chicago Treasurer's Office to provide a FREE workshop designed to help neighbors get financially ready for homeownership. There are lots of resources available for people interested in buying their first home. Learn about additional resources and workshops here.
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Leni and Agnes toured Flyway City and Chicago’s Living Habitat exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Center. They met with and talked bird-friendly design with co-curator and architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang.
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There's no season like block party season! We had a blast hanging out with neighbors on Balmoral who were spending the afternoon grilling, dancing, and enjoying the good weather. Want to invite Leni to your block party or another event? Click here!
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The 48th, 47th, and 40th wards came together last week to take a tour of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) headquarters. OEMC supports public safety throughout Chicago by overseeing 311, sending out emergency alerts about everything from air quality to road closures, and promoting public education.
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