Dear Chicago,

It has been quite the week in the 15^th Ward and for me personally.

First, allow me to start by saying that on Monday, I had a medical procedure that will keep me on very light duty for the next few weeks.  I want to personally thank not only everyone who has reached out offering their best wishes & prayers for my speedy and complete recovery, but also to our great #Team15 that has been diligently working to address all manner of service requests.  I remain in constant communication with the office and am never more than a call away for them – or you!

Second, despite my recovery, I managed to return to City Hall on Tuesday to fight for three ordinances that are both common-sense and much-needed in the City of Chicago.  O2025-0015393 is an amendment to the Municipal Code regarding animal cruelty and neglect.  The law mandates owners keep animals in breed-, sex- and weather-specific conditions.  Failure to do so would result in upgraded $5,000 fines per offense!  O2024-0009463 creates enhanced penalties for individuals wearing masks while committing crimes.  This measure was held at my request to address concerns my colleagues had regarding its language.  O2023-0005298 sought to amend the Municipal Code, holding parents responsible for the crimes of their children if they knowingly or willingly allowed them to commit said crimes.  Though the Progressive Caucus defeated this measure in committee by a vote of 10-5, I am not giving up on this measure.

Third, Early Voting has begun in the City of Chicago.  15^th Ward Voters may use ANY early voting location in the city.  However, many voters will use the “vote by mail” or VBM option.  While historically this has been a safe and easy way to vote from your own home, recent changes within the United States Postal Service require me to warn you, my voters, to be careful when waiting to return your ballot.  While the state law says a VBM must be postmarked before 7:00pm on Election Day, the USPS no longer guarantees same-day postmarking.  Your vote is your voice.  Make sure it is heard by giving yourself at least two weeks to have your ballot processed.  Otherwise, you may bring it to specific ballot dropbox locations.

Lastly, this Lenten season, I am again resuming my Friday Fish Fry visits across Chicago.  I will be in Lakeview today and welcome you to join me at any location every Friday until Good Friday!

Vehicle Recovered

The following vehicle was recovered by the 9th District in connection to a hit and run that occurred. Any information regarding this incident or the vehicle’s owner would be greatly appreciated.

Abandoned Vehicle at 48th St / Union Ave

Fire in Canaryville

The Alderman is working with CPD and the 9th District regarding the recent crash in Canaryville that resulted in a vehicle explosion. Any information regarding this incident would be highly appreciated.

Debris Clean Up - 62nd St / Troy St

Debris Clean Up - 56th St / Hermitage Ave

Debris Clean Up - 58th St / Hoyne Ave

Boat Towed - 58th St / Hoyne Ave

Alderman Lopez demands that the City hold parents accountable for the crimes they commit during Teen Takeovers

Alderman Lopez championed an Animal Cruelty Ordinance that passed the Health and Human Relations Committee on March 3rd

Alderman Raymond Lopez recently joined fellow community leaders and residents at the Get Behind the Vest fundraiser hosted by Alderman Matt O'Shea. The event raised funds to help Chicago police officers purchase and replace essential protective vests.

Alderman Lopez was proud to stand alongside colleagues and supporters in backing the brave men and women of the Chicago Police Department

Alderman Raymond Lopez was honored to welcome the Vice Consul of Taiwan to the 15th Ward Office for a productive visit focused on strengthening international relationships and discussing shared priorities between local communities. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and highlight the important role Chicago’s neighborhoods play in fostering global partnerships and cultural understanding. Alderman Lopez appreciates the Vice Consul’s visit and looks forward to continued dialogue and cooperation in the future.

If you witness any criminal activity or notice suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, please report it immediately. Call 911 first to ensure a timely response from the Chicago Police Department, and then notify the 15th Ward Office at (773) 823-1539 so we can follow up and provide support where needed. Your vigilance and cooperation play a vital role in keeping our community safe. Together, we can make the 15th Ward a safer place for all.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

  UIC Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum | 725 W Roosevelt Rd

10AM to 3PM | Doors at 9:30AM

Applications are now open for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Boys to STEM Academy summer programs. These free, week-long, residential programs are designed to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Families and students are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of upcoming information sessions to learn more about program eligibility, curriculum, and the application process.

The Exelon Foundation also offers a limited number of STEM Ambassadors who can attend local community events to share program details and answer questions.

For additional information, application materials, and promotional flyers (available in English and Spanish), please contact our office or visit the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy webpage.

We encourage families, educators, and community organizations to share this opportunity and help connect students with this exceptional STEM experience.

Com-Ed Municipal Customer Experience Survey

2026 CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy

Alderman Raymond Lopez is pleased to share that the Chicago Park District is offering a new round of Veteran and Military Programs this winter, running from early January through mid-March. These programs provide veterans and active-duty service members with opportunities to stay active, build community, and support overall wellness through professionally led recreational and fitness activities at local park facilities.

All equipment is provided, and programs are offered in a supportive, welcoming environment. Registration is required, and participants must provide proof of military service. Veterans and service members interested in participating are encouraged to register in advance and contact the program coordinators for additional details.

Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off Program makes it easy for residents to compost food waste and reduce what goes into our landfills. Items like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be dropped off at designated neighborhood sites at no cost.

This simple step helps cut down on odors and pests, reduces methane emissions, and supports the production of compost used in parks and green spaces across the city.

I encourage residents of the 15th Ward to participate by bringing food scraps in a reusable container and following posted site guidelines. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods cleaner and make Chicago a more sustainable city.

Drop Off Map