| |
| Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter! |
|
| | | Dear Neighbors,
I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter Sunday! With Tax Day just five days away, this is a friendly reminder to file if you haven’t already. Ladder Up is providing free tax assistance services at various locations in Chicago, including Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. Please review the Community News Section for more information on their hours and how to access these services. |
|
| Earlier this week, I had the amazing opportunity to tour Chicago Women in Trades and learn more about the incredible work being done to connect women to careers in the trades. It was inspiring to see firsthand the hands-on training, skill-building, and support systems in place to help women enter and thrive in these industries. Programs like these are critical to expanding access to good-paying, sustainable careers and building a more inclusive workforce. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn more and look forward to continuing to support pathways like these for our community. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | We also co-sponsored a Small Business De-escalation Workshop focused on equipping small business owners and staff with practical tools for de-escalation. The training created space for learning, connection, and practical skill-building, emphasizing real-world strategies to navigate challenging situations while prioritizing safety, respect, and clear communication. I deeply appreciate all of the organizations who made this important event possible, including Broadway Bikes, 19th District Council, the 20th District Council, One Northside, Uptown Special Service Area #34, and Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth. Thank you for the critical work you do to support and empower our communities. Special thank you to Thousand Waves Martial Arts group for facilitating the training and Chicago Fair Trade Museum for hosting! |
|
| | We had the pleasure of joining some of our favorites at Wilson Abbey for Cornerstone Community Outreach’s annual volunteer appreciation event. It was a beautiful moment to celebrate the individuals who show up day in and day out to support our neighbors and strengthen our community. We’re so grateful for the dedication, compassion, and care that each volunteer brings to this work. |
|
| | This week, we also spent time out in the ward doing a ride-around to get a closer look at what’s happening on the ground. We took note of problem areas, including drainage issues, larger potholes, missing or damaged signage, and other infrastructure concerns. These ride-arounds are an important way for us to stay proactive, understand what neighbors are experiencing day to day, and identify solutions. We’ll be following up on our observations and continuing to work with city departments to get these issues resolved! |
|
| | Speaking of infrastructure, I hope you can join us for our upcoming Infrastructure Town Hall on Tuesday, April 21 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at Truman College. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the work happening across the ward, including streets, sewers, bike lanes, and sidewalk repairs. We’ll also be sharing updates on upcoming projects, highlighting progress from the past few years, and launching Participatory Budgeting 2026. We hope you’ll join us and be part of the conversation. Please see the flyer below for full details! |
|
|
|
Yours In Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay
|
|
|
| | |
|
2026 marks the 41st anniversary of citywide Earth Day park cleanups! For four decades, Chicagoans have gathered all over the city each spring to clean and green our beloved parks.
Sign up for this year’s Chicago Park District clean up on April 18th! 
Interested in hosting your own clean-up event? Call 311 to register your group and the Department of Streets & Sanitation will lend the brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags for the clean-up projects.
Looking for a family-friendly event near the 46th Ward? Join the Institute for Cultural Affairs (ICA) for their 4th annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25 from 11 am to 2 pm at Buttercup Park (4901 N. Sheridan Rd). 
Other Earth Day events hosted around the city include: Earth Week - Hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo from April 20-26, featuring free activities and events. one earth film festival - Hosted by the Department of Environment from April 22-27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | LV2 Parking Passes for Cubs Season
Resident Neighbor LV2 Passes can be picked up directly from our office at 4544 N. Broadway, rather than Wrigley Field. If you live on Alta Vista, Sheffield, Kenmore, Seminary, Wilton, or Waveland, you are eligible for a pass. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Join the 46th Ward and the Department of Family and Supportive Services (DFSS) on Thursday, May 21st from 12-4pm at 845 W Wilson for a Resource Fair!
Our ward has so many incredible organizations, social service providers and resources, this event will be a chance to connect with people who can help with access to housing, food, wellness services, crisis intervention and more, we hope to see you there! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Carts at Food Scrap Drop-Offs |
|
The Department of Streets and Sanitation will be using a new type of green cart at food scrap drop-off locations in the near future.
The new carts are: smaller, with a 35-gallon capacity compared to the 65-gallon capacity of the original carts. opened by turning a handle on the top of the lid. See below for details.
Please let the City know what you think! Share your feedback by emailing [email protected]. |
|
|
|
| | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Updates |
|
| The new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements went into effect on February 1. Up to 450,000 Illinoisians are at risk of losing their benefits under the new requirements. For more information on the changes, visit the IL Department of Human Services’ SNAP Federal Impact Center. Under the new requirements, most adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under the age of 14, will be required to work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.
SNAP recipients now have three months to establish eligibility under these new rules, either by demonstrating that they meet work requirements or by submitting a request for exemption form. |
|
| I. Exemptions from the Work Requirements
Many Chicagoans may be eligible for an exemption to these requirements.
IDHS has a user-friendly screening tool to help individuals determine if they qualify for an exemption or are meeting the requirement: IDHS Exemption tool CLICK HERE.
See the table below for a summary of recent changes |
|
| | II. Ways to Meet the Work and/or Volunteer SNAP Requirements You can find Employment and Training opportunities at this link: IDHS Education and Training DFSS Senior Centers - See the attached flyer for details on the following resources: The Seniors Division at DFSS has opportunities to connect seniors age 55-64 with employment support through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. There are a range of volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting seniors. For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities contact DFSS at 312-744-4016 or [email protected]
Volunteer opportunities across Chicagoland are available at the following links: Serve Illinois – CLICK HERE Chicago Cares website CLICK HERE Volunteer with the 46th Ward CLICK HERE
Meals on Wheels has launched a new program called, "Snap Together Volunteers," which offers accessible volunteer opportunities for seniors at the Nourish Chicago Pantry, located at 2102 W Ogden Avenue.
III. Food Pantry Resources Below are some additional resources that may be helpful to your neighbors and anyone no longer eligible for SNAP Find Food Pantries in Chicagoland: CLICK HERE Get Help Applying for SNAP/Link: CLICK HERE Protect Chicago Website: CLICK HERE
Our DFSS Community Service Centers (CSCs) are always available to assist clients with public benefits enrollment, including SNAP. CSCs operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CSC locations can be found here. |
|
| IV. New SNAP Eligibility Requirements There are new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements for neighbors who are not citizens of the United States that went into effect on April 1. If you are a recipient of benefits from the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) who has met their 5-year waiting period, an approved refugee or asylum seeker, or a trafficking survivor (T-Visa holder), your benefits will be revoked during your next redetermination period. For other neighbors who may not know about whether their benefits are in jeopardy, please consult the list below.
Non-citizens that are still eligible: Cuban or Haitian Entrants admitted to the United States on or after 04/21/1980 Individuals who reside lawfully in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) over the age of 18 who have held that legal status for 5 years or more Legal Permanent Residents who have held that legal status for less than 5 years, if: They are under 18 years old, or They are blind or disabled, or They are a U.S. veteran or active-duty member or their dependent, or They have been credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work history, or They qualify for an exception under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).
Non-citizens that are no longer eligible: VAWA recipients who have met 5 year waiting period (from data on prima facie letter) Refugees and Asylees (application approved), Trafficking survivors (T-Visa holder)
People who have been receiving SNAP under previous noncitizen eligibility will no longer receive SNAP after their next redetermination, unless they meet one of the noncitizen criteria listed above. A notice of ineligibility will be sent when the redetermination is processed. Processing typically occurs prior to the start of the new eligibility period. In households with mixed immigration statuses, SNAP benefits will only be issued to family members who are U.S. citizens or hold one of the noncitizen statuses listed above. New applications for SNAP will be subject to the eligibility changes starting on April 1st. At this time, there will not be any changes to any cash or medical benefits that eligible noncitizens receive through the Illinois Department of Human Services or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. As many as 16,000 individuals in Illinois could be impacted by this change, following verification of status at their redetermination. Refugees, asylees, and human trafficking survivors are among the lawfully present immigrants who may lose SNAP benefits.
|
|
| | | It has come to our attention that large amounts of food are being dumped in various areas of the ward to feed pigeons. We want to remind neighbors that feeding pigeons is a violation of the City of Chicago ordinance.
As a reminder, dumping food in public spaces attracts rodents, creates sanitation issues, and negatively impacts the surrounding area. We ask all neighbors to help keep our ward clean and safe by refraining from feeding pigeons and reporting large food dumping when you see it.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community healthy and welcoming for everyone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have you ever wanted to see the inside of an Alderperson’s office?
Now’s your chance. Join our volunteer team. We’re looking for neighbors who are passionate about public service, community engagement, mutual aid, communications, and providing warm, welcoming customer service to our constituents. Volunteers play an important role in helping us stay connected and responsive to the community.
This opportunity is a great fit for retirees who want to stay engaged and give back, or for students interested in learning more about local government and how City Hall works at the neighborhood level.
If you’re ready to serve your community in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you. Sign up here! |
|
|
|
| | | Submit a Lime Scooter Removal Request |
|
|
|
| Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location. You can also call 1-888-546-3345.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 46th Ward Upcoming Events |
|
| |
At the Clothing Swap, participants of all ages, sizes, and genders are invited to bring clean, gently used clothes and accessories they no longer wear and exchange them for something they will from April 10-12. This year, the event will be held at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum (4704 N. Broadway), the world’s first and only museum dedicated to fair trade. Tickets are $10 for General Admission on Saturday and Sunday, and $39 for the Exclusive Preview Night on Friday where guests can get first dibs and enjoy snacks and drinks. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| | | Quixotic!
Looking for a fun storytelling event in the neighborhood?
Join Andy Davis, storyteller extraordinaire, as he brings Don Quixote to life at Nabala Cafe (4660 N. Broadway) on Saturday, April 11 at 7 pm.
There is a $10 suggested donation and you can reach out to [email protected] or 312-955-0135. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Houseless Neighbors Updates |
|
| We're looking for donations to help restock our Free Community Cornerstore! Items like baby wipes, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and new children’s socks go a long way in supporting our neighbors who need them most. If you're able to contribute, please consider dropping off supplies at our ward office. Together, we can keep this vital community resource going strong! |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Our office is in close communication with Edgewater/Uptown Migra Watch, a network of neighbors that does rapid response to confirm potential ICE sightings. Confirming ICE sightings is a critical part of keeping our neighbors safe. If you see activities that you suspect may be ICE, please report it to the ICIRR Hotline so that a team can go out and confirm their presence. This is an important part of how we keep our neighbors safe! |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
Trader Joes coming to Uptown?!Last Friday, March 27, the Department of Buildings (DOB) issued an alteration / renovation permit for the build out of a shell space for Trader Joes on the ground floor of 804 W. Montrose.
The 46th Ward Office has been in contact with the management of the property about the possibility of Trader Joes moving into the currently vacant retail space on Montrose and Clarendon. This development is in its early stages, and we will share additional information about their plans and timeline as soon as we receive it.
That said, we are looking forward to our large vacant retail spaces on Montrose being occupied soon, between this promising project and the upcoming Planet Fitness at 909 W. Montrose, we expect to see Montrose being an even bigger destination within the next few months! |
|
|
Camry Parking Lot ExpansionThe Chicago Cubs recently filed an application to amend their existing Planned Development to expand the Camry Parking Lot by approximately 250 spaces. The Planned Development (PD) is located entirely within the 44th Ward, but I understand that many 46th Ward neighbors, particularly those living on Alta Vista, are deeply impacted by the proposal.
The PD amendment will need to be reviewed by the Chicago Plan Commission before approval and has not yet been granted support from me or Alderman Lawson. I encourage 46th Ward neighbors to continue providing feedback to my office for consideration. |
|
| | |
Montrose Beach Bridges - Construction Update! |
|
|
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is closing two bridges on Simonds Drive within the Montrose Harbor Park for a two week period to pour asphalt and lay down sealant to complete the bridge construction project at this location. CDOT anticipates the bridges will be closed through Monday, April 20, pending weather conditions.
The two bridges are located on Simonds Drive; one structure is between Lawrence and Wilson and the other is between Wilson & Montrose. For the bridge between Lawrence & Wilson, traffic will be detoured to the horseshoe (Lawrence Ave) just to the east of Simmonds by the dog beach. For the structure located between Wilson and Montrose, through traffic will not be allowed and motorists will have to exit the park to get to either north or south of the bridge.
After this closure, the bridges will be permanently open to traffic. CDOT anticipates that full completion the four-bridge project, including the bridges, the underpasses, and the creation of additional parking spaces, is roughly 1.5-2 months away; pedestrian and cyclist underpasses will start opening around the end of May, with the last ones re-opening by mid-June. |
|
|
|
|
Sidewalk Work in Progress!It’s that time of year again!
As spring starts, flowers push their way through frozen topsoil, and the sounds of birds chirp in the morning, so does the sound of construction as contractors race out to beat traffic and begin their workdays. We’re pleased to share that more sidewalks are being rebuilt at the locations listed below, giving every neighbor a smoother and safer walk to their destination of choice.
Each of these locations was suggested by a neighbor as part of our 2025 Participatory Budgeting Let’s Fix the Sidewalks! program last year, and we’re excited to share what we have planned for 2026 at our upcoming Infrastructure Town Hall on April 21 from 5:30-7:00pm. If construction results in any challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office and we will work to resolve it as quickly as possible. |
|
|
New Cubs Remote Parking Location in the 46th Ward In accordance with the City Ordinance, the Cubs offer free remote parking for fans on night and weekend games. This year, the Cubs are utilizing the parking garage attached to the former Weiss Memorial Hospital at 4650 N. Clarendon Ave as a free remote parking location, with shuttle service provided to and from Wrigley Field. This arrangement applies to all home games on weeknights and weekends, postseason games, and large events with expected attendance over 12,500, such as concerts. Please note that this arrangement is not in operation during weekday afternoon games.
The proximity of the Weiss parking garage to Lake Shore Drive should deter traffic from neighborhood streets and will prevent fans from parking in the neighborhood during games. Please note the shuttle service will drop and pick up fans from the former Weiss hospital driveway on N. Marine Drive beginning two hours before first pitch and will run until approximately 90 minutes after the end of the game.
We have been advised that the remote parking option should not impact existing parking arrangements for neighbors, and no reserved spaces have been reassigned. Shuttle activity will be contained within the hospital driveway on Marine Drive, and buses will not use residential street parking. Additional staging has been coordinated off-site, including at the Jewel-Osco on Broadway, to help limit congestion in the surrounding area. For more information or concerns about Cubs parking, please contact .
Visit the Cubs website or review the Wrigley Field Parking Map below for details about the Wrigley Field parking options provided for attendees. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations. Search by address here. See our local 19th District’s website here. Email [email protected] or our office with any questions. |
|
|
| | | | | | |
| | Citywide Events & Resources |
|
|
|
| |
| | | | |
|
| | |
| The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.
BACP is here to support your business today: Business Education Webinars: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars Entrepreneur Certificate: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate Neighborhood Business Developments Centers: Chicago.gov/NBDC Small Business Center: Chicago.gov/SmallBusiness
FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies. Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule April 15 - Banking Services Available for Small Businesses April 16 - Empower Hour: Teamwork Englewood April 17 - How to Shift Stuck Relationships, Stalled Decisions, and High-Stakes Conversations April 22 - The Blueprint for a Winning Pitch |
|
| Sign up HERE to get the BACP Newsletter for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 
The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. |
|
| | ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help. |
|
| SAVE THE DATES 
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series. The series of expos offers business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more.
2026 SMALL BIZ EXPO SERIES: Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Truman College, register Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Malcolm X College, register
|
|
| | |
| Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more. The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE.. Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details. |
|
| | | | | 
Enjoy a discounted Chicago Bulls game and support the Chicago Park District's Inner City Hoops Program with your purchase. Learn more and purchase your tickets now at https://bit.ly/BullsTix_ICH2025. |
|
| Housing/Utility Resources |
|
| | | |
|
|
| | | | | | The Department of Family and Support Services’ Senior Services Division provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better to keep them healthy, active and engaged. They have a number of programs to highlight that are available online including:
Creating Dementia-Friendly Buildings - An Online, Self-Directed, Learning Module brought to you by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services. You can register here!
Benefits are a Click Away! At cityofchicago.benefitscheckup.org - We want to ensure seniors have access to the benefits to which they are entitled!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | 2026 Senior Guide Now Available
Looking for helpful tips, resources, and services tailored for our senior community? The Office of the City Clerk has released the 2026 Senior Guide, filled with valuable information to support older adults across Chicago. From transportation programs and health services to emergency contacts and community activities—this guide has it all. View or download the full guide here: Senior Guide 2026 (PDF) Let’s make sure our elders are informed, connected, and cared for. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
|
|
| | |
| |
The Clerk’s Office is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team that honors those who have served our country. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard, and reservists are now eligible to receive one free ticket to a 2025–26 regular-season Wolves home game, thanks to this special offer coordinated by Clerk Gordon and the Clerk’s Veterans Services team.
To receive a free ticket, veterans must be enrolled in the Clerk’s Military and Veterans Discount Card Program – a free initiative that also provides access to discounts on food, auto repair, legal services, health and fitness, and more. Those already enrolled are eligible, and additional discounted tickets are available for friends and family attending the game.
Getting your ticket is easy:
Sign up for the Veterans Discount Card at cookcountyclerk.com/veterans or by visiting the Clerk’s Veterans Office at 118 N. Clark, Room 120 in Chicago.
Go to cookcountyclerk.com/Wolves to claim your free ticket and purchase additional discounted ones.
Tickets will be emailed and can be shown on your phone at Allstate Arena – no paper tickets needed!
This special offer is valid for Wolves home games through April 19, 2026, and tickets are available while supplies last.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, veterans and military can call the Clerk’s Veterans Services Office at 312-603-5788.
Let’s cheer on our Chicago Wolves—and honor those who’ve served our county and our country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
Mikva Challenge has opened their applications for recent high school graduates interested public service internships.
Applicants should apply directly to Mikva Challenge here: https://mikvachallenge.org/general-program-application/ |
|
| |
|
|
| | Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo
Join the Mayor’s office for People with disabilities for an inclusive summer jobs expo on Saturday, April 11 from 10 am to 1pm at 2102 W. Ogden Ave.
At the Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo, attendees will be able to:
To sign up for the 2026 Inclusive Summer Expo, scan the QR code on the flyer or sign up here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 
The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring. Click here to view available positions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | |
|
|
|
| |
|
Street Closure Alert! 
Marine Drive between Buena and Irving Park Road
9am, Saturday April 11
