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WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
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Pictured: Michael "Mickey" Altman and Sheridan Gorman.
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Good morning neighbors,
This week brought tragedy to our ward. On Monday, a residential fire displaced neighbors in our community and the life one of our brave Chicago Firefighters, Mickey Altman. On Thursday, at 1am, Loyola freshman, Sheridan Gorman's life was taken by a masked gunman while she was out with friends at Loyola Park. Our condolences go out to the family's of both Mickey and Sheridan.
The fire that took Mickey's life was ruled arson and yesterday, police arrested and charged a man with the fire and the resulting death.
Police are working hard to find the person who murdered Sheridan and if you have any information that could lead to justice for her family, please reach out to my office or the Chicago Police Department directly. The investigation has so far led police to believe that there is no broader threat to neighbors or the Loyola community.
Thank you to our first responders, firefighters, EMTS, 24th District Police and the Loyola Police Department for your swift action and dedication to our community.
Have a safe and restful weekend,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
- WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources housed on the 49th Ward website
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Celebrations & Appreciations
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Thursday, March 19, at sundown, marked the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, which is the festival of breaking the fast. We wish all those who celebrated a day full of happiness, peace, and prosperity!
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES
As Operation Midway Blitz continues and ICE agents have been active around the City, we want to remind neighbors of our Fighting Against Fascist Occupation resources. Know your rights, stay safe, and stay informed. Find our guide here.
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Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Artist Applications Open
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Artist applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest! The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is Rogers Park’s annual outdoor celebration of arts and community, run by a volunteer planning committee to showcase our neighborhood’s arts, talents, and businesses. Interested in applying? Click here: https://gaaf2026.artcall.org/
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CTA Submits Enhanced Security Plan to FTA
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The CTA has submitted its enhanced security plan to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which includes a 75 percent increase in monthly system policing hours, aggressive crime reduction targets, and expanded social service support. Early data indicates that crime reduction strategies implemented over the past three months are working, as shown by a 25% decrease in transit worker assaults in January 2026. Among many initiatives, the CTA's plan commits to 75 percent more monthly policing hours on the CTA’s system, funding 30 dedicated shelter beds—a five-fold increase—with $1.65M in allocated funding, and launching Crisis Intervention Specialists and Violence Interrupters—trained staff to de-escalate mental health and behavioral crises and refer and connect riders to social services.
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1224 W Loyola Ave Demolition Paused
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Please be aware that the demolition at 1224 W Loyola Ave has been paused, due to coordination with the CTA as they wait for clearance to move forward. Please continue to send any questions or concerns to Jennifer Clark, Loyola's Director of Neighborhood Initiatives, at [email protected].
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Lighting Project on 1615 - 1758 W Chase & 7200 - 7331 N Paulina
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The Chicago Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a residential street lighting project on the 1600 to 1700 block of Chase and the 7200 to 7300 block of Paulina, which will last roughly 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting. There will be a No Parking tow zone in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the duration of the project. Workers will need to tear up the sidewalk in this process, though they plan to do this early in the timeline so as not inconvenience residents for a long period of time.
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Loyola University Construction at 6347 N Broadway
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Loyola University is currently undergoing several construction projects, including one at 6347 N Broadway. Construction at this address will result in a single lane closure affecting N. Broadway and the alley to the east beginning February 28. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Loyola at [email protected].
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24th District Council Meeting March 22
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The next meeting of the 24th District Council will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Indo American Center (6328 N California). Anyone may submit written public comment by delivering it at the public meeting or by emailing it to [email protected]
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Classic Film Screening March 23
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Join the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark) for Powell & Pressburger's fantastical romantic comedy classic, A Matter of Life and Death, celebrating its 80th anniversary! The film will be in the 2nd Floor Community Room on Monday, March 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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The Japanese American Service Committee is pleased to announce a free repair day for wheelchairs, walkers, and canes on Thursday, March 26. This event is open to everyone in the community, and will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at JASC (5700 N Lincoln).
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CCPSA Monthly Meeting March 26
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On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold its monthly public meeting at George Washington High School (3535 E. 114th Street Chicago, IL., 60617). For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom. To sign up for virtual public comment, please email: [email protected]. If there are more requests than time allows, speakers will be selected by random drawing.
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Pottawattomie Park Bunny Brunch March 28
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Join the Chicago Park District on Saturday, March 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a Bunny Bonanza Brunch at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers)! Come get tattoo stickers, arts & crafts, an egg hunt, and more! Tickets cost $5 per person, and you can purchase tickets here.
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New Life Church will be holding an easter egg hunt on Sunday, March 29, at Touhy Park (7325 N Clark) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Stop by for face painting, rabbit petting, and more!
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Rogers Park Litter Pickup April 1
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Join the Rogers Park Litter Pickup for an hour of making a positive impact on our community by participating in a litter cleanup in the beautiful neighborhood of Rogers Park, followed by a happy hour! The team will meet at The Fish Keg (2233 W Howard St) at 6:00 p.m. on April 1. RSVP here!
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Rogers Park Library April Events
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The Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St) has plenty of upcoming events during the month of April, free for all constituents! Check out the above posters and support your local library.
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Jarvis Square Egg Hunt April 4
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Jarvis Square (Jarvis/Greenview) will be holding an egg hunt on Saturday, April 4, at 10:00 a.m. for all who want to attend. There will be a free egg hunt and live music from Miss A Leigh's Live High Energy Interactive Musical Experience! Stop by and celebrate with the community!
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Park District 2026 Parks Clean-Up April 18
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The Chicago Park District is excited to host the 2026 Citywide Earth Day Parks Clean-Up on Saturday, April 18. Each year, thousands of volunteers come together to help clean and beautify parks throughout the city. This event is a wonderful opportunity for residents to connect with neighbors while supporting the green spaces that serve our communities. Volunteer registration is now open! Residents can find a park and register to volunteer here
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RPBA Spiral Into Spring Fundraiser April 19
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Join the Rogers Park Business Alliance for a Glenwood Sunday Market fundraiser on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rhapsody Theater (1328 W Morse). General admission tickets cost $50 and VIP admission tickets cost $100 or $500. Tickets purchased raise critical funds to help the market remain open and provide fresh, healthy food for all attendees, including SNAP customers who can use their dollars at these farmer's markets. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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FREE Health and Wellness Class at Howard and Evanston Community Center
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Howard and Evanston Community Center is offering a FREE Health and Wellness class three days a week from March 31 to June 12. If you are interested in a job in the healthcare field or want to learn about different health conditions, then this entry-level class may be for you! For more information, email May Dartez at [email protected], and visit bit.ly/4jLm4Kw to sign up.
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Project Wingspan Virtual Seminars March & April
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Throughout Spring 2026, Project Wingspan will be hosting virtual webinars about its agriculture-focused Pollinator Steward Certification in Illinois and Ohio. This is a free workshop for Illinoisans geared toward agricultural landowners, managers, producers, and affiliated professionals, regardless of the size of the land they have access to, and will show how to support pollinator conservation by incorporating pollinator-friendly plants and practices on their land. You can register here.
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Support a local Rogers Park resident with their top surgery!
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Kyren Epperson, owner of our beloved Culture of Safety (6961 N Clark St), is scheduled for a medically necessary gender-affirming top surgery on April 2, and is requesting the community's help! Not only is the surgery expensive, but the recovery will be a financial burden too. Unlike most people with desk jobs, who can often return to work fully after just 1-2 weeks of recovery, Kyren is told they will not be able to see clients for a minimum of six weeks, thus impacting Culture of Safety's operations. If you are able to, please consider helping Kyren through this process via one of the options below:
- Donate to Kyren's GoFundMe
- Sign up to bring food to Kyren after surgery (via MealTrain)
- Write a Google Review for Culture of Safety. Every bit of support for the business means greater security for Kyren and their partner before and after surgery.
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Gale Community Academy Exercise Events
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Gale Community Academy (1631 W Jonquil Terr) has a variety of weekly events for the community to participate in! Join a fitness workshop, try out a Zumba dance class, or connect with other Rogers Parkers at Gale's weekly game night! All events are free and open for all. Check out the above flyers to see what most interests you!
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Culture of Safety Weekly Wellness Programs
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Culture of Safety (6961 N Clark St) has two weekly wellness programs that they offer for interested participants! Weekly Meditation in the Samatha Tradition occurs on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is open to beginners on a drop-in basis through March 22. Led by Kyren Epperson, classes are free of charge, but registration is required: https://cultureofsafetychi.com/wellness/samatha-meditation/#Register
CoS also offers Community Tai Chi classes on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., taught by Sifu Rodrigo. There is a suggested donation of $15/session. Learn more or register online: https://cultureofsafetychi.com/wellness/taichi/
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Support A Local Music Group!
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Local Chicago group Funkadesi, which combines Indian bhangra, Bollywood, folk, reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean grooves, is celebrating its year-long 30th anniversary. They will return to the studio at the end of March and are inviting their family, friends, and supporters to make this dream a reality. If you are able, they are accepting donations at this link.
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Chicago Loves Local Campaign Available
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Chicago Loves Local is a free, collaborative campaign open to all 77 community areas, designed to uplift neighborhood businesses, amplify local pride, and encourage residents to shop close to home. Through its Instagram platform, the campaign highlights small businesses and commercial corridors across the city, helping drive visibility, storytelling, and local spending. Check out the campaign here, and remember to shop local wherever you can!
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Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
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The Rogers Park Branch Library (6907 N. Clark) offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here.
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Theater Above the Law Presents: Cyrano
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Theater Above the Law will be performing Cyrano, by Michael Dalberg, directed by Tony Lawry, from March 13 to April 12. In this Original TATL adaptation by Michael Dalberg (Grimm, The Blood Countess, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) Cyrano cannot share her love to the multi-courted Roxanne. Thus, she speaks her truth through dim witted Christian, Roxanne’s true desire.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. at the Jarvis Square Theater (1439 W. Jarvis). Please visit theatreatl.org for tickets. Use the Rogers Park coupon code unclecardinal at checkout for $10 OFF THE REGULAR $25 ticket price. Subject to availability, not valid opening or closing weekends.
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Lifeline Theatre Presents: Kitty And The Beanstalk
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Closes: Sun, Mar 22
Where: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
In the alleys of a sunless Big City, sibling stray cats Kitty and Tom use the garbage around them to make their world a more magical place. But when Kitty trades one of Tom’s precious creations for some magic beans, Tom angrily throws them away–only to have them sprout into a magnificent beanstalk. When they climb it, they discover why the sun has vanished from the city below (hint: a giant is involved). A world premiere with music for kids ages 4-10 and their families, based on Jack and the Beanstalk.
Purchase tickets here!
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Choose The Theme For Artists of The Wall 2026
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The Loyola Park Advisory Council is beginning planning for Artists of the Wall 2026, and they need your help choosing this year’s theme!
Please take a moment to cast your vote for your favorite theme. Your input helps shape one of our community’s most creative and beloved traditions.
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DWM Summer Intern Application Closes March 30
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The Department of Water Management is looking for summer interns for 2026! This role is for students seeking to gain knowledge of and valuable work experience in public sector/city government operations. Work hours are flexible to meet the needs of students and city departments. These are
temporary positions. Internships are limited to one academic year. You can find more and apply here. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 30.
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Free ACT Test Prep For Students
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Attention students! GoSTEM, a local organization that partners with CPS, is offering free ACT test prep for Chicago students who are interested. This enrichment program allows students to gain valuable test prep experience and learn from trusted volunteers. Interested in learning more? Contact their Program Assistant, Cathy Ly, at cathy@thegostem.org or click here.
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Chicago Youth Works Application Portal Now Open
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Get Paid. Get Skilled. Get Ahead. Chicagoans from 14 to 24 years old can apply for paid summer jobs and opportunities today at ChicagoYouthWorks.org! Check out this fantastic opportunity for this summer!
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My Chi. My Future. Teen Bash Tickets Available!
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Tickets for the 2026 My CHI. My Future. Teen Bash, one of the biggest FREE events for teens in Chicago, are now available! Teens ages 13-19 are invited to attend this event on Saturday, March 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier (840 E Grand Ave). Doors open at 12:00 p.m. for a resource fair featuring summer job applications, and the main event begins at 1:00 p.m.
Attendees can expect:
- Free pizza and snacks
- Giveaways (including Lollapalooza and Chicago Sky tickets)
- Live musical performances & DJing from Pep Rally Takeover
- Exclusive merch drops designed by Clue?
- Video Games
- Skateboarding & Air Hockey
- Resource fair with summer job opportunities
- And more!
The event is completely free, but all attendees must register for a ticket. You can register for a ticket here: tinyurl.com/teenbash26.
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Paid Junior Bike Ambassador Fellowship Available
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The Chicago Safe Ambassador program is currently accepting applications for junior bike ambassadors to educate children of all ages about mobility safety in the city. This paid seasonal mentorship is for Chicago residents 16 or older who enjoy working with kids and navigating the city by bike. For more details about the program, please reach out to [email protected]. For those interested in the job, please reach out to [email protected] or fill out this interest form.
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Chicago Park District Summer Jobs Available
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The Chicago Park District has plenty of opportunities for teens this summer, from ages 13 and up! To see a list of open positions and submit an application, click here.
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Student Employment Opportunities Available for Summer 2026
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WEC Energy Group is hiring interns for summer 2026! If you know a college student looking for work in the energy industry, please direct them to wecenergygroup.com/careers to review available opportunities.
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49th Ward Clean and Green April 18th!
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Join us for our annual ward-wide cleaning event, the 49th Ward Clean and Green! Our annual event will be held on Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m! If you would like to sign up to volunteer and submit a location to be cleaned, please complete this form: bit.ly/cleanandgreen2026. We hope to see you all there, beautifying our neighborhood one piece of trash at a time!
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TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Program Available
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The Chicago Department of Housing has announced the launch of the TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program – Series 2026, an initiative designed to help eligible homebuyers reduce their federal income tax liability and expand access to affordable homeownership opportunities for Chicago residents.
The TaxSmart MCC Program provides qualified homebuyers with a federal income tax credit based on a percentage of the mortgage interest paid annually. By reducing homeowners’ federal tax liability, the program helps lower the effective cost of homeownership and increases purchasing power for income-eligible households, including many first-time homebuyers.
You can learn more about the program by visiting City of Chicago :: TaxSmart, or by calling (312) 744-0891.
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CCHR Hate Crime Reporting
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The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) has provided us with a brief graphic explaining the difference between a hate crime and a hate incident, and how to report either act. You can contact CCHR with any questions at [email protected].
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Property Tax Exemption Applications Available
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Are you a homeowner in Cook County? You may be eligible for property tax savings. The following are available exemptions:
- Homeowner Exemption
- Senior Exemption
- Senior Freeze Exemption
- Veterans with Disabilities Exemption
- Returning Veterans Exemption
- World War II Exemption
- Persons with Disabilities Exemption
View exemption eligibility, documentation required, and apply online at www.cookcountyassessoril.gov/exemptions. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply online so that there is a digital record of their application. Applying online allows Assessor staff to easily locate the application, provide a status update, and notify of missing documents needed to complete the application.
Homeowners can join in-person and virtual workshops on how to file for exemptions. For a list of upcoming events, visit cookcountyassessoril.gov/event-list .
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North Side Queer Pride Community Survey Open
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A growing coalition of queer & queer supportive business owners, community organizations, artists, organizers, and state & local officials is proposing North Side Queer Pride, a uniting of previous Rogers Park pride events. Your input & support are important, so please take 3-5 mins to share your thoughts & ideas here. Thank you!
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Connect with Your Elected Officials
Want to get connected with your other elected officials? Find links to sign up to their newsletters and website information below!
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Cook County:
Commissioner Josina Morita Website
State of Illinois:
Rep. Cassidy Newsletter | Website
Sen. Simmons Newsletter | Website
Federal Government:
Congresswoman Schakowsky's website
Senator Durbin's website
Senator Duckworth's website
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