Dear Chicago,

This has been an exciting week here in the 15^th Ward.  We welcomed fifty-year resident Verna Swan as our new Senior Service Coordinator on Monday.  Watch our video here:

Over the last few months, I have noticed many of our 15^th Ward Seniors were not getting the information they need to enjoy their Golden Years.  Often they were missing out on property tax exemptions, fee reductions and other government discounts afforded to them.  We have begun calling all seniors, starting in West Englewood, to ensure nobody falls behind.

But this effort is more than just good public outreach: this is a reaffirmation of my commitment to my seniors.  Having been largely raised by my grandparents, I value the lived experiences of our seniors and wish younger generations valued them too.

One way we can do that is by connecting our summer workers with seniors in the community.  I am currently drafting a plan for Summer 2026 that hopefully will embody this goal.  Watch for details to come soon!

Lastly, we have been very busy both responding to an uptick in sanitation, parking & building violations while also surveying communities for issues that have not been reported, like faded street signs, graffiti, and trip hazards.  If you see something on your block, please report it to my office at 773-823-1539 so we can address it immediately.

Link

The Small Business Administration was at the 15th Ward Office from April 6th to 17th, helping residents apply for low-interest disaster loans. Here in the 15th Ward, we were #1 in turnout among all 50 Wards in the City of Chicago. Thank you to the Small Business Administration for coming to assist our residents!

You have until May 15th, 2026, to apply online for damage relief.

Congratulations to Hasan Najeem on his recognition in honor of Arab American Heritage Month

Clean and Green in the 15th Ward

Tree Debris Clean Up at 59th / Talman

50th St Resurfacing

Fence Repair at 49th / California

Commercial Trucks Towed in Back of the Yards

Debris Cleanup at 44th / Wood

Fly Dumping Cleaned

Fly Dump Cleaned Up at 56th / Wood

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.

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