33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - APRIL 3, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community, |
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Today is Good Friday, a day that, across many traditions, calls us to sit with the reality of suffering and the weight of injustice. Earlier today, we joined Israel’s Gifts of Hope, Pastor Tom from Christ Lutheran Church, and members of our diverse faith communities to honor the lives stolen by gun violence. We also welcomed Jahmal Cole from My Block, My Hood, My City who just moved into Albany Park as part of his tour around the city to know our communities better and develop collaborative relationships. As we stood with survivor families, we were reminded that grief is not meant to be carried alone.
In the 33rd Ward, we have a long, beautiful history of refusing to look away from each other’s pain. We are a community that knows how to practice solidarity, not as a vague feeling of pity, but as a "firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good." This week, the ward office has navigated a lot of pain and grief alongside our neighbors, from managing cases of gender based violence, to helping manage a challenging period of growth for two local school communities, while caring for our unhoused neighbors. |
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We have recently received many residents from the former Legion Park encampment into our ward as they wait for their assigned housing. I understand that this encampment has caused great concern for many neighbors. When this community moved into our local park, my office began working in close, daily collaboration with many local organizations, mutual aid groups, nonprofit agencies, and government partners to ensure that our neighbors most in need receive the care, attention, and resources they deserve.
Our communities, our city, and our country are facing an extreme housing crisis due to challenging and complex issues, including rising rents, barriers to accessible housing, systemic racism, and economic inequality. These challenges have been compounded by federal cuts to social services and a violent immigration enforcement campaign.
I am overjoyed to share that, despite extreme limitations, many neighbors are on a clear path to transitioning into housing: one neighbor has already moved into their new home, and several more will be moving into their new homes in the coming days. My office’s position remains that all of our neighbors deserve safe, accessible, dignified, healthy, and affordable housing. The pathway to finding housing is different for all of us, and I am grateful for the incredible community that has been organized to provide help. This is ongoing work, and we remain committed to meeting people where they are and supporting pathways forward. |
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Theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez taught us that the poor and the marginalized are not "escapable facts of destiny," but neighbors to whom we are bound by a shared humanity. This truth is at the heart of our work today at Ronan Park. Until every neighbor has a roof over their head, our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable remains. We are currently facing challenges, from the housing crisis to the trauma of violence that demand we see the humanity in every person we pass on the street.
The Theology of Liberation reminds us that "the Church," or in our case, the community, is not a building or a hierarchy; it is the people organizing to feed, protect, and lift one another up. As we navigate this moment together, let us stay grounded in the practice of mutual aid. Let us continue to be a place where we don't just "help" those in need, but where we walk alongside them until we are all home. |
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Thank you for doing this work with me. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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33rd Ward Spring resources: Clean and Greens: Please email [email protected] to request resources to help clean up your block, like garbage bags, grippers, and gloves. Street Sweeping began April 1. You can view our interactive sweeping schedule and map by clicking here. To apply for a block party permit, please fill out this form. To apply for a yard sale, please stop by our office or fill out this form.
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 4pm Phone: 773-840-7880 www.33rdward.org / Connect with us and access resources by clicking here. |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. April 6 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House at 5:30pm April 15 — Jumping Jack Portal opens, 9am
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33rd Ward Participatory Budgeting Winners Announced!We are so excited to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 PB Cycle! We will be developing a webpage and graphics with more details of each of these project in the coming days, so please watch for more details. Horner Park Dog Park Improvements Sitting Benches by Bus Stops Haugan Elementary School Playground Improvements Outdoor Volleyball Court, St. Louis Ave. between Leland and Wilson New or Additional Drinking Fountain at a Park Raised Bike Lane Connection between Horner Park Trail and Montrose Bike Lane Neighborhood Greenway Bike Lane Street Resurfacing up to a total of $500,000
Winning Policy Projects |
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Congresswoman Delia Ramirez Community Project FundingThis week we joined Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for her Community Project Funding award ceremony where we were able to celebrate funding for a new playground and play space at Patrick Henry school! We can’t wait to see the construction start! Thank you to Principal Reynolds for your leadership and powerful words! |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. Sign up for the ICE Alert System: bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE Follow our local rapid response social media: @northwestsiderrt on Instagram 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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Local Mutual Aid, Donation Drives, and Food Distribution2025 Mutual Aid Map | NRC Albany Park Map | 33rd Ward Map |
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Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, April 6 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Upcoming: Monday, April 20
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:30pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a ward office open house. All are welcome to join.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review3007-11 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Feedback is in Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
3446 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Feedback is in Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
4634-36 N Avers Ave– Project Website Status: Feedback is in Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: RS-3 to RT-4
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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The snow and ice are melting! As we eagerly await Spring, the melting of the snow has exposed a whole winter’s-worth of trash, debris, and yard waste. You can report any major debris or trash collection issues to 3-1-1 or give our ward office a call for assistance.
We also appreciate all of the outreach we are receiving about neighbors wanting supplies to start helping to clean up. If you are in need of large trash bags or trash grabbers, please do reach out.
Street Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Here is the interactive map our Ward Superintendent made to keep track of scheduled street sweepings! |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044, W032
4400-4700 N St Louis (Block)
4400 N Bernard (Block)
4500 N Drake (Block)
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Nominate Cross Guard of the YearNomination Form
This year, we are going to select FOUR Crossing Guards (one from each region) to be recognized for the Crossing Guard of the Year award. Nominations are due by 5 pm on Friday, April 17, 2026 The winner will be determined and acknowledged on Monday, May 18th, 2026
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HANA Center Career FairWednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10:00AM - 1:00PM HANA Center, 4300 N California Ave |
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Spring Citywide Career FairWednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10:00AM - 2:00PM Olive-Harvey College: Main Building, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Parking Available in Student Parking Lot Pre-Registration Strongly Recommended, but Walk-Ins Welcome Dress Professionally Attendees Pre-Register Here |
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PreK at Hibbard ElementaryOpen House - Tuesday April 14, 2026 9AM and 5:30PM Playdate - Saturday April 18, 2026 10AM-11AM Application - April 7th-28th |
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Sports Cards, TCG, Comics & Collectibles Show Sunday, April 12 from 10am - 3pm Rickover Naval Academy, 5700 W Berteau Ave, Door 1 |
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Free Eviction Sealing Event with LCBHApril 13, 2026 - Register here by March 30, 2026
In Illinois, eviction filings remain on a renter's credit record for seven years regardless of outcome, oftentimes, locking families out of safe and stable future housing!
That's why LCBH is teaming up with DePaul University College of Law Pro Bono & Community Service Initiative and DePaul University College of Law Center for Public Interest Law to host a FREE community legal clinic where law students and pro bono attorneys will help eligible renters look up old evictions and write a motion to seal, or erase, it from their rental record.
If you know someone who would benefit from this free service, please share our registration form using the link below. You can also find sample social media and newsletter copy, promotional graphics, and FAQs here.
Registrants must complete the form for each eviction record they would like to seal by March 30th, 2026, to secure their spot. Space is limited! |
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Please note: This clinic is for tenants who have a previous eviction(s) on their rental/credit record. If they have an active eviction case, visit cookcountylegalaid.org or call (855) 956-5763 to get help. |
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Annual Celebrate Cleveland EventJoin Friends of Cleveland and your 33rd Ward Neighbors for our 8th Annual Celebrate Cleveland Fundraising Gala! Celebrate Cleveland will be held on Friday April 17th, 2026 at Michelle's Ballroom; 2800 W Belmont Ave from 6pm to 12am! Cocktail entertainment will be provided by Parkwest Strings and we'll dance the night away to popular Latin & English tunes spun by the incomparable DJ Sandra Suave! We can't wait to CELEBRATE with you!
Celebrate Cleveland is FOC's largest annual fundraiser for Cleveland Elementary with 100% of funds received from donations, the silent auction, and games used to provide much-needed support for our school. This year in addition to funding our annual $10,000 Cardinal Grant Program, proceeds will go towards the Friends of Cleveland Theater Revitalization Grant to cover Phase II of sound improvements to our beautiful 110 year old Auditorium which are scheduled for this summer break.
Purchase your tickets now at https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/! |
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Bands Apply for Lot Jams 2026Apply Here |
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Apply for Youth Jobs - [formerly One Summer Chicago]We are excited to announce that the Chicago Youth Works (CYW) application portal is now open. Chicago Youth Works — formerly One Summer Chicago — reflects the City’s continued investment in expanding youth employment opportunities and strengthening pathways to long-term career success for Chicago’s young people.
Interested youth can apply online at ChicagoYouthWorks.org. Applicants will receive bi-weekly updates with reminders, resources, and interview notifications throughout the application period.
Youth ages 14-15 will have access to stipend paid opportunities while youth and young adults ages 16-24 will be paid an hourly wage. |
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Support our Local Business LD PhoPlease stop by to eat or you can support their GoFundMe link. |
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Property Tax Exemption Application Now OpenThe Cook County Assessor opened the property tax exemption application for 2026, and he has announced that the exemption application will likely be open for 2 months. Our County Commissioner’s can help navigate your property tax appeals. You can find you county commissioner’s name through this link. As a reminder, there are several types of exemptions: Homeowner Exemption - homeowner has lived in the property since at least January 1, 2025 Senior Citizen Exemption - homeowner is over 65 Low-Income Senior “Freeze” Exemption - homeowner is over 65 and household makes under $65,000 Persons with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner has documentation of disability Veterans with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner is veteran with disability benefits
You can learn more about each of these exemptions, including eligibility requirements, on the Assessor's website at this link. Residents can still complete a Certificate of Error for any missing exemptions for tax year 2024-2021. If residents would like assistance checking which exemptions they receive or applying for exemptions for 2024-2021, please have them call our office at 312-603-6386. |
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Senator Graciela Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual)The last Monday of every month, from 6-7pm Upcoming Dates: March 30, April 27, May 25 Register for Zoom Link
State Senator Graciela Guzman's monthly legislative town halls are back! Her team will be hosting these meetings every last Monday of the month from now until May. Join them from 6-7 via Zoom to hear what they are up to in Springfield, express your opinions, and work to shape the future of our state. *Spanish Translation Available* |
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Gather Together Free Meal Neighbors cooking and eating together each 2nd Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Located in Christ Lutheran Church basement, 4541 N Spaulding |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Connect with our local schoolsConnect with our local schools by accessing a list of schools on our website by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Jonathan Nagy, Chief of Staff John Cruz-Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Director of Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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