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49th Ward Update: May 30, 2026

Relevance: 2/10
city_budget

Summary

Alderwoman Maria Hadden (49th Ward) highlights local updates including construction and infrastructure work: Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument improvements began this week, tree trimming is scheduled for June 1, and Loyola University/City DOT projects will involve temporary sidewalk or lane closures (plus a residential lighting project on Chase and Paulina). She also notes city-related budget planning input via a 2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable at Harry S. Truman College on June 6, and shares funding/program announcements such as SBIF applications opening June 1 and FEMA/SBA flood relief funds now available. Other major announcements include the Juneteenth grand opening weekend of the Obama Presidential Center (June 19–21), beach season opening, seasonal street sweeping starting, and several community events such as the Glenwood Sunday Market returning June 7 and a volunteer “It’s Your Park Day” cleanup at Leone Beach Park on May 30.

49th Ward Update: May 30, 2026

49th Ward Update

May 30th, 2026
WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
    
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Good morning neighbors,

The warm weather is here, which means the beaches are open and it's also time to reacquaint ourselves and our family members with water safety information! Check out info below in Ward Updates.

This week was the last week of long-time staff member Clarissa Steinbrecher, our Director of Constituent Services. Clarissa started with our office as an intern while studying at Loyola University. It's been a pleasure having her on our team. Our community has benefitted from her commitment to public service and problem solving abilities.

We're also welcoming two new team members on Monday. Lauren will be joining us for a full-time summer internship and Kamryn (our summer intern last year) is returning as our newest ward staffer! We're excited to ramp up for a summer filled with top-notch services and community engagement.

Lastly, yesterday I was honored to get a sneak peek at the new Obama Presidential Center. Along with other County and City officials, I toured the museum, library, great lawn and gardens, as well as the Home Court community center. In a word, the whole center is spectacular. It was thoughtfully designed and constructed with care and high environmental standards.
The exhibits and artwork are powerful and thought provoking. The grand opening will be on Juneteenth weekend, June 19-21. Tickets are $26 for adults and $15 for youth who are Illinois residents. There are also many free areas of the museum that are always open to the public. The site includes our newest Chicago Public Library Branch which features a Presidential Reading Room that is certainly worth a visit. You can find tickets, sign up for updates, and learn more about all the Center has to offer by visiting the website, Obama.org.

Have a safe and restful weekend,

Alderwoman Maria Hadden
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

Celebrations & Appreciations

Thank you, Clarissa!

Friday, May 29, was Clarissa Steinbrecher's last day in our office as a member of the 49th Ward team. Clarissa served as our Director of Constituent Services and has worked for the 49th Ward for four years, where she was instrumental in making sure your questions and requests were answered. If you called, emailed, or stopped by our office within the past four years, you most likely spoke with Clarissa! No matter the content or scope of your request, she always sought to help in any way she could, for which we cannot thank her enough. While we are sad to see her go, we know she will continue to bring her passion for helping others and commitment to public service to the next stage of her career. Thank you for being an indispensable part of our 49th Ward team. We wish you countless accomplishments in the years to come, Clarissa!

Family Matters Builds Greener Infrastructure

Since moving to Rogers Park in 1995, Family Matters has been dedicated to sustainable development. In 2020, they joined the Neighborhood Power Project cohort with Illinois Green Alliance, which led to the installation of multiple sustainable infrastructure developments, such as lighting retrofitting and a smart thermostat. Family Matters continued their commitment to lowering building emissions and was recognized in the City of Chicago 2022 Climate Action Plan. In 2023, they received a Climate Infrastructure Fund grant, which they have used to further their decarbonization efforts. This week we were honored to celebrate their commitment to our climate with a ribbon-cutting to celebrate their new solar panels and decarbonization projects. The 49th Ward thanks you for making our neighborhood and our planet a safer, cleaner, and healthier place to live!

Ward Updates

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.

Beach Season Is Here!

Beaches opened for the season on Monday! The season runs through Labor Day weekend. Lakefront beaches will be open for swimming daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For your safety, lifeguards will be on duty along the lakefront.

Daily swim status updates are available by checking the Chicago Park District website or by calling the beach hotline at 312-74-BEACH.

Make sure to review water safety tips from the Chicago Park District's website and the Greater Lakes Surf Rescue Project online. 

Please remember that Howard Street Beach is closed indefinitely and is not meant to be accessed by beachgoers, hence the rocks and lack of a safe access path to the beach. The Army Corps of Engineers installed the rocks in 2019 to address lakefront erosion and flooding issues experienced by local homeowners. You can read more here on the Park District website. The beach is supposed to be off-limits, swimming is prohibited, and no lifeguards are present. Instead, residents should use the nearby Jarvis/Marion Mahony Griffin Beach. 

Glenwood Sunday Market Returns Next Week

It's almost time for the return of our favorite farmer's market! The Glenwood Sunday Market (6962 N Glenwood) returns on Sunday, June 7, at 8:45 a.m., for a special opening ribbon cutting and annual ringing of the bell. The market will continue every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., until October 25 (except for June 28 and August 16). We are so excited for this fantastic annual tradition to return and bring joy to the Rogers Park community!

2026 Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Poster Design Contest

Submit your entry now for the 2026 Glenwood Ave Arts Fest poster design contest! This image will be used to showcase this year’s festival on bulletin boards and in public spaces, as well as digitally. It should be easy to read, stylish, and radically welcoming to everyone in our community. Submit your entry by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to [email protected]. Click here for more information.

SNAP Cuts Began May 1

Neighbors, as you may be aware, recent federal changes to the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program (SNAP) mean that up to 250,000 neighbors in Illinois are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits due to new work requirements and other eligibility changes. These changes went into effect on May 1. 

If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, take action to protect your benefits today.
  • Click here to see if you are meeting the new SNAP work requirements.
  • If you qualify for an exemption from the new work requirements, you can apply for this exemption here.
  • If you are subject to the SNAP Work Requirements, you must do one or a combination of the following activities for an average of 20 hours per week (total of 80 hours per month):
    • Work (paid or unpaid)
    • Volunteer to take part and comply with an approved qualifying work program that offers activities such as basic education, vocational training, and work-based learning.
    • Do self-initiated community service or volunteering with a community-based organization (see more information below)
    • Any combination of the above.

Seasonal Street Sweeping Has Begun!

Street sweeping season has begun! If you park a vehicle on the street, please be mindful of the sweeping schedule and make sure to move your vehicle so that we can clean up the trash and organic waste that has accumulated on this winter. The Department of Streets and Sanitation sweeps the city’s streets April through November every year. The city hangs bright orange temporary parking restrictions a few days before sweeping service is scheduled to begin. Those who fail to move their vehicle between the restricted hours of 9 am-  2 pm can be fined $60. The street sweeping schedule is available on our website and is updated for this year.​

Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Artist Applications Open

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/

Infrastructure Updates

Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument Improvements

While not completed in time for Memorial Day, we're excited that the construction improvements did begin this week for the Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument. Joyce Kilmer was a celebrated American Poet best known for his poem, "Trees." He also enlisted and served in the New York National Guard during World War I and was deployed to France in 1917 with the 69th Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle at the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918 at the age of 31. Many schools and parks across the country are named in his honor, including our very own Kilmer Elementary School.

The monument was installed in 1953 and donated by the American Legion Post 780. It is located in a triangle at the intersection of Birchwood, Ashland, and Rogers. Last year, CDOT completed a necessary intersection redesign for pedestrian and vehicular safety. Care and future plans for the monument, including providing a more prominent placement for it, were included in the redesign. Plans include brick pavers, a pedestal for the monument, and natural stone landscaping features that will create a mini-plaza for reflection around the monument. We look forward to hosting opening the newly improved space in a couple of weeks.

Tree Trimming Occurring June 1

The Bureau of Forestry, a division of the Division of Streets and Sanitation, will be conducting tree trimming for the 6400 block of N Lakewood Ave and the 1400 block of W Arthur on Monday, June 1. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming.

Loyola University Telecom Work Incoming

After hearing concerns from residents through community surveys of 2024 and 2025, Loyola University will be conducting telecommunication cabling work on the west side of Sheridan Rd to bring upgraded lighting and safety features to the 1200 block of West Loyola Avenue.

The next phase of this work will take place south of the L-embankment from mid-June until mid-July. For intermittent short periods of time, commuters and pedestrians should be aware of temporary sidewalk closures and temporary vehicle lane closures as crews push cable under the street from east-to-west; seen as a red line in the above diagram. Please exercise caution and awareness in the area once construction begins.

Kilmer Nature Play Area Construction Ongoing

Just to the west of Kilmer Elementary, the school’s new playground is taking shape! There will be two separate play areas with age-appropriate equipment, funded by CPS, located on Kilmer's current playground space. Adjoining these two areas will be a nature play space, made possible by $200,000 won by Kilmer parents through our Participatory Budgeting process. Already, the entire space has been fenced off and the old play equipment removed, with the full project scheduled for completion in time for the fall semester. There will be a temporary No Parking restriction during work hours on the east side of N Bosworth, directly in front of the playlot, while construction is in effect. The result will be a wonderful asset both to Kilmer students and to the surrounding community!

Lighting Project on 1615 - 1758 W Chase & 7200 - 7331 N Paulina

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. Crews are currently working to restore the landscape work, which they estimate will take roughly two weeks.

Loyola University Construction at 6347 N Broadway

Loyola University is currently undergoing several construction projects, including one at 6347 N Broadway. Construction at this address resulted in the northbound lane closure at N. Broadway on April 4. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Loyola at [email protected].

Community Engagement

Park District It's Your Park Day Today

The Chicago Parks Foundation is kicking off volunteer season with a special clean-up event across the city, and Leone Beach Park will be one of the participating parks! Join participants today, May 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1222 W Touhy Ave for trash pick-up and tree mulching, and help beautify one of your favorite 49th Ward parks. You can register to attend here.

Sullivan Community Car Wash June 1

Stop by Sullivan High School on Monday, June 1, for a free community car wash from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., located at Parking Lot B on Greenview (6631 N Bosworth). There will be a lunch break from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Edgewater Monday Market Returns June 1

Chicago’s ONLY Monday Farmers Market is returning for the 2026 season. Produced by Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Monday Market will take place every Monday from 3pm to 7pm at the southeast corner of Broadway & Thorndale, in the Broadway Armory parking lot (5917 N. Broadway).
 
The market runs from June 1st to September 28th and will feature 50+ vendors over the course of the year, including a mix of weekly vendors, and rotating pop-up vendors. Each market will include approximately 30 vendors.
 
Featured vendors include a curated selection of local farmers, produce, specialty foods, bakers, prepared foods, craft goods, and artisans. This year’s market will also include live music and a chef’s table for demonstrations and samples on select dates.
  
Edgewater Monday Market participates in the Link Up Illinois “Link at the Market” match program. The market also accepts SNAP, Illinois WIC Coupons and Senior Farmers Market Coupons.
 
Admission to the market is free for everyone and no advance registration is necessary. You can see the full list of vendors, schedule, and find out more information about the Edgewater Monday Market at Edgewater Chamber’s website (www.edgewater.org) or at  https://www.edgewater.org/events/monday-market/

Vivent Health & TPAN Vigil and Town Hall June 4 and June 5

Vivent Health + TPAN, a leading provider of HIV care and prevention, will host a community town hall and participate in a candlelight vigil in Chicago as part of Seven Days in June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY, a nationwide, nonpartisan mobilization highlighting recent devastating cuts to healthcare infrastructure. Residents are invited to attend a Town Hall and the candlelight vigil as part of the national effort running from June 1-7. 

The town hall will be on June 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Vivent Health + TPAN (5537 N Broadway), and will be a discussion about access to care, HIV prevention and treatment, and pathways to health equity. The vigil will be on June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the AIDS Garden Chicago (3003 N Lakefront Trl). You can register here.

First Fridays Returns June 5

Your favorite summer outdoor music series returns! Join SSA54 and Loyola University for the First Friday music series, resuming on June 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. along Sheridan Rd between Devon Ave and Pratt Ave. Enjoy performances on Sister Jean Plaza by the Loyola Red Line station and outdoor patios at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Mama’s African Cuisine, Khmai, The 400 Theater, Great Wall, Arepa Pa’ Los Pana, and Giordano’s.

The last First Friday will be on September 4, so mark your calendars!

Rogers Park Presbyterian Music Event June 6

Join the Chicago Community Chorus at the Rogers Park Presbyterian Church (7059 N Greenview) on Saturday, June 6, at 4:00 p.m. for a spring concert! This concert seeks to celebrate all the ways that music can enrich life, adding songs with value, depth, and meaning to our lives. Tickets cost $25 for adults. Call 312-282-3612 for more information.

Upcoming CIRR Immigration Workshops

The Committee on Immigration and Refugee Rights, chaired by 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez, will be holding a series of immigration resources workshops throughout June. 
  • On Thursday, June 4, at 6:00 p.m., join CIRR for a virtual Immigration Workshop: Understanding Your Status, with an immigration update on TPS, Asylum and DACA and the importance of understanding your status. They will provide an overview of understanding the function of each federal agency such as USCIS, Immigration Court, ICE Detainee Locator. This event will be only in English. You can register at bit.ly/CIRRKYR.
  • Later, join CIRR on Tuesday, June 9th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for their next virtual immigration briefing. CIRR will go over recent changes to federal immigration law and policies, and their impact on Chicagoans. This event will be virtual and only in English. You can register at: Immigration Briefing Registration.

2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable June 6

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City will be hosting a series of Budget Engagement Roundtables to hear your insights and priorities about the 2027 Budget. The closest roundtable to our ward will be at Harry S. Truman College (1145 W Wilson) on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Doors will open one hour before each Roundtable for a City Resource Fair, where representatives from City departments will be available to answer questions and provide information about City services and programs.

Sign up to attend here.

Pickleball Tournament for Seniors June 9

Great news, seniors! The 24th District CAPS team will be hosting their annual pickleball tournament this year at Warren Park (6601 N Western), and they want you to join! The tournament begins on Tuesday, June 9, and will start at 8:00 a.m. Email [email protected] to register for this event!

Artists of the Wall Volunteering Opportunities

Calling all volunteers! The Loyola Park Advisory Council is looking for volunteers for Artists of the Wall on June 19 in the afternoon, June 20 from 7AM-5PM, and June 21 from 9AM-4PM. They are looking for volunteers for:
  • Artist check-in and registration support
  • Paint distribution and restocking
  • Set-up, clean-up, and general event help
Shifts are flexible, and you don’t need any special experience—just a willingness to help and be part of something joyful and creative. Interested? Sign up today and help make Artists of the Wall happen.

Monarch Community Cafe Opens June 15

We are so excited for the opening of the Monarch Community Market and Cafe (7010 N Clark St) on June 15! This cafe promises to be a community staple with coffee, tea, shakes, and more offerings exclusive to their store. To celebrate, they want to give out 5000 cups of free coffee/tea in their opening week! RSVP to reserve yours during their grand opening from June 15 to June 20.

RSVP here, and they will hold a free drink for you. When you come in any day between June 15 and 20, just show them your RSVP at the register. This offer is good for a free 12-oz brewed coffee/tea, between the dates of June 15th and June 20th only.

June Events At Rogers Park Library

Summer is right around the corner, and the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark) has plenty of special events just for you! Interested in any of the above events? Click here for more details.

Culture of Safety Summer Offerings

Are you wondering what your child should do for the summer? Consider registering for Culture of Safety's (6961 N Clark) summer karate and empowerment camps for ages six and up! These sessions will teach students the basics of karate and self-empowerment. All camps are offered at sliding scale/tiered pricing. Register here.

For non-students, don't forget about weekly meditation on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., led by Kyren Epperson. These classes are free of charge and open to beginners on a drop-in basis. You can register here. Additionally, Culture of Safety offers community Tai Chi classes on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., taught by Sifu Rodrigo, with a suggested donation of $15/session. Learn more or register here.

North Side Queer Pride Volunteer Form Available

Are you interested in volunteering for the inaugural weekend of North Side Queer Pride? NSQP plans to have a whole weekend of events for Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and they're asking for your help to make it a reality. Sign up here to volunteer and be part of this wonderful event.

Rogers Park Artists Cooperative Seeking Volunteers

Rogers Park Artists Cooperative (RPAC) is a new organization to empower our local artistic community by providing support and promoting collaboration to ensure sustainability through shared resources and culture. They are seeking volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors. Please contact [email protected] for details.

Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library

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. 

Rogers Park Arts

Willye B White Call For Artists

Calling all musicians! Make Music Chicago, a summer solstice musical event on June 21, will take place at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard), and they are looking for performers! This free opportunity to perform is available for all musicians. To be included, please send your demo to [email protected].

Theatre Above The Law Presents: The Matchmaker

Thornton Wilder’s classic work, "The Matchmaker," has been reimagined by Theatre Above the Law, in alignment with their mission to challenge the norms of theater by presenting classic stories in relatable ways. The play has been condensed into an inventive 90-minute production, divided into four scenes.

Wealthy merchant Horace Vandergelder enlists the services of Dolly Levi to find him a suitable wife. What follows is a series of comical mishaps—all in the name of adventure!

Directed by Tony Lawry, with stage management by Reagan Stevenson. The cast includes: Justine Serino, Caleb Ryan Jones, Ross Compton, Stephanie Stockstill, Izzy Shafer, Teddy Nielsen, Mery Drilling Coren, and Elijah Warfield.

"The Matchmaker" will run from May 29 to June 28 at Theatre Above The Law (1439 W. Jarvis), and tickets will be priced between $15 and $25. You can purchase tickets here.
Use the special District 49 code, OhHorns!, to receive a $10 discount off the regular ticket price ($25); subject to availability and valid for online purchases only.

Chicago Tap Theatre Presents: Saturn Returns

Directed by Molly Smith, Saturn Returns tells the universally human story of getting older through tap dance and live music with new choreography by Smith and the dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre. Based on the Saturn return process in astrology, this show, the ultimate in CTT’s ’25-’26 season, is a heartwarming snapshot of our individual pasts, presents, and futures. Saturn Returns will show at The Edge Theatre (5451 N Broadway) on Thursday, June 11th, at 7 pm, Friday, June 12th, at 7 pm, Saturday, June 13th, at 5 pm, and Sunday, June 14th, at 2 pm. You can purchase tickets here.

Lifeline Theatre Presents:
LOKI - The End Of The World Tour

LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?

LOKI closes Sun, June 14, and will be at the Lifeline Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood Ave.) You can purchase tickets here.

Youth Shine in 49

Camp Courage Applications Open Now

Camp Courage applications are available now! This unique camp is designed for youth ages 13–18 and offers a hands-on introduction to the world of firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Over the course of three days, participants will take part in physical fitness training, firefighting and EMS skill-building, team-based challenges, and mentorship with CFD professionals— all at no cost to families.

Camp Courage 2026 will run from June to July and will be held at various locations in the city. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony to celebrate each participant’s accomplishments. 

Space is limited, and participants will be selected based on eligibility, interest, and a short essay. A mandatory parent/guardian virtual orientation will be held prior to the start of camp, with materials shared via email. Please complete this form to apply. We look forward to learning more about you! 

For questions, email: [email protected]

Mayor Youth Commission Application Open Now

Apply for the Mayor’s Youth Commission for 2026-2027, now through Friday, June 19, 2026! The Mayor's Youth Commission (MYC) is a group of up to 40 Chicagoans (who live within the boundaries of the City of Chicago) between the ages of 14 and 19 who serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor's Office and Chicago's youth.

The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth voices to impact the City's critical policy conversations. Any youth who is interested must apply by June 19, 2026. This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voices heard! Want to learn more? Click here!

Mary Crane Center Space Available Now

Interested in the Mary Crane Center? Operating with the goal of providing high-quality early care and education programs, the Mary Crane Center is currently recruiting prospective families for its year-round childcare. Interested? Click here to learn more.

Pottawattomie Park Summer Camp Open Now

Get ready for an unforgettable summer! Join the Chicago Park District at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers) for six weeks of exciting activities, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories. Day camp will operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for ages 6-12. The registration fee will be $195 for the day camp. For those interested in extended camp, this will operate from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will cost $70. Both camps will run from June 22 to July 31. You can register online here.

Uniting Voices Chicago Programs Available

The Rogers Park Neighborhood Choir is one of 12 after-school programs, offering instruction twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at Indian Boundary Park (2500 W Lunt). The choir has three ensembles for varying ages and musical experiences, and begins accepting singers who are 8 years old and entering 3rd grade. Check out the schedule below!
  • Allegro  (ages 8-10) -  Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15 pm
  • Vivace (10-12) - Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 pm
  • Presto (13+)- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:15 -7:30 pm
Uniting Voices' programming is tuition-based and determined by family annual income. Fill out this form to get involved today.

HECC Early Learning Programs Currently Recruiting

If you have a child aged 0-5, consider applying for Howard Evanston Community Center's Early Learning program for this upcoming school year. Their Early Learning Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start, provide a comprehensive range of services that include play-based education, health and safety, mental wellness, nutrition, disability support, and strong parent engagement. Interested in enrolling? Click this link to learn more.

Become a Lifeguard This Summer

Being a lifeguard along Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront or a neighborhood pool is a job unlike any other. You'll be part of one of the country's largest and best-trained lifeguard corps, gaining life-saving skills while making a difference in people's lives. Be part of their team in 2026 & make $20.50 an hour! Apply today & register for a swim test. 

Science in Art Competition Open Now

Students, are you looking to win a prize and create some art along the way? The Willye White Park Advisory Council 2026 Science in Art Competition invites you to select an active, future, or past mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and create a two-dimensional artwork inspired by or interpreting that mission. (NASA missions are found at www.nasa.gov/missions/.) Submit your original artwork along with an entry form to the Willye White Fieldhouse beginning May 1, 2026, and no later than May 30, 2026. This competition is open to all elementary students, or homeschool equivalents, attending school in Rogers Park. Submissions may be dropped off at the Fieldhouse or mailed to:

Willye White Park

Science in Art Contest

1610 West Howard Street

Chicago, IL 60626

A Safe Haven Resources

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), A Safe Haven provides communal and familial settings through apartment-style accommodations to promote a sense of belonging in safety. Semi-private, fully-furnished apartments, cribs, linens, groceries, bus vouchers, and more will all be provided. If you are interested in these resources, call 312-372-6707 ext. 131 or 132, or email [email protected].

Paid Junior Bike Ambassador Fellowship Available

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.

Chicago Park District Summer Jobs Available

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.

Need to Know Info

Mayor's Office Chicago Reparations Study

The City of Chicago is gathering input to help inform Chicago’s Reparations Study. We encourage you to complete the survey and share your lived experiences, priorities, and perspectives. Once you complete the full survey, you will be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win a $100 gift card. Surveys will be accepted through May 31, 2026. You can fill out the survey here.

Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeals Open Until June 1

Properties in the north suburbs & City of Chicago are not being reassessed this year. However, if an individual property undergoes significant changes related to division work, permit applications, or other special applications, then it may be reassessed. Under these circumstances, the property owner would receive a Reassessment Notice containing the new estimated fair market value.

Currently, the Rogers Park township is open for appeals until June 1. If you reside in this township, you still have an opportunity to file an appeal. To file an appeal, click here. To learn more about filing, click here.

SBIF Applications Opening June 1

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications for the Devon/Sheridan corridor, serving Edgewater and Rogers Park. Applications open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.

DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process. For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.

SBIF Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 | Register

OEMC Flood Relief Funds Available

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from July 25–28, 2025. This declaration will allow homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain non-profit organizations to apply for low-interest loans to help cover damages not covered by insurance.

Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as appliances and furniture. Businesses and some not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.
 
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 22. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 25, 2027. Residents can apply for disaster assistance at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance now.

WBEZ School Board Survey Open

Hey, Chicago parents & voters! You get to vote for your first-ever fully elected school board this fall. Inform WBEZ's candidate questionnaire and school board voter guide by telling them what issues are affecting you and your family, and what questions you have for the candidates. Take their survey at wbez.org/survey! 

Additional Resources

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!
Alderwoman Maria Hadden 
49th Ward Service Office
1447 W. Morse Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
773-338-5796 | [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday: 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 5 pm*
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*Remote office hours
 
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Alderwoman Maria Hadden · 1447 W. Morse Ave · Chicago, IL 60626 · USA