As we continue working to maintain peace and safety across our neighborhoods, Alderman Raymond Lopez reminds all 15th Ward residents to adhere to the City of Chicago’s Noise Ordinance and Youth Curfew Ordinance:

🔇 Noise Ordinance – Quiet Hours

Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM

Friday and Saturday: 11:00 PM – 8:00 AM

Please be respectful of your neighbors by keeping noise levels down during these designated hours. Violations may result in enforcement action and fines.

⏰ Youth Curfew Ordinance

Minors 12 and older: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM (daily)

Minors under 12:

• 8:30 PM – 6:00 AM (Sunday through Thursday)

• 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM (Friday and Saturday)

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that minors are indoors during curfew hours. Compliance helps promote safety and accountability in our communities.

Let’s work together to keep our neighborhoods respectful, safe, and welcoming for all.

My office hosted a Property Tax Appeal Workshop at the 15th Ward Office to help residents better understand the appeals process and take steps to reduce their property tax burden. I was pleased to partner with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas, who’s staff was on site to provide one-on-one assistance with appeal applications during both morning and evening sessions. The workshop gave homeowners direct access to expert guidance and practical support at no cost. My office remains committed to connecting 15th Ward residents with resources that protect homeowners and promote fairness in the property tax system.

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.

Alderman Raymond Lopez has issued a clear directive to remove dibs throughout the 15th Ward. In coordination with this directive, the Ward Superintendent and City garbage crews have been actively sweeping neighborhood streets to remove items used to improperly reserve public parking spaces.

These efforts are ongoing and will continue across the ward to ensure fair access to street parking, improve public safety, and keep our blocks clean and accessible for all residents. Alderman Lopez remains committed to consistent enforcement and maintaining orderly, respectful use of public streets.

As your Alderman, I want to remind 15th Ward residents that you may now apply online to Vote By Mail for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election. Vote By Mail offers a convenient and secure way to participate in our democratic process from the comfort of your home. Voters may select one ballot type—Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or Non-Partisan (referenda only)—as required under Illinois law.

Ballots are expected to begin mailing in early February and include prepaid return envelopes. Voters can return their completed ballot by mail or place it in a secure drop box at any Chicago Early Voting site by Election Day. Options are also available for permanent Vote By Mail enrollment, accessible voting for individuals with disabilities, and ballots in multiple languages.

For more information or to apply, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections website or contact the Board directly at 312-269-7967.

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.

STEM Academy Information Sessions

January 20 | 6:00–6:45 PM (CT)

March 3 | 5:00–5:45 PM (CT)

Boys to STEM Academy Information Sessions

January 20 | 5:00–5:45 PM (CT)

March 3 | 6:00–6:45 PM (CT)

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.

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.

I want to share an opportunity for residents to provide direct input on public transit improvements in our community. The Garfield Boulevard and Cottage Grove Avenue corridors are currently being studied as part of the CTA and CDOT Bus Priority Corridor Study, and residents who use or live near these routes are encouraged to participate in an upcoming focus group.

Participants selected for the focus group will receive a $100 gift card in appreciation for their time. The South Side session will take place on Tuesday, January 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Interested residents may apply using the following link:

https://forms.gle/uHtBsuQVSzfPm3Bh6

Additional focus groups will be held later in the week for residents in other parts of the city. Participants will be notified directly if they are selected and will receive meeting details at that time.

Your feedback is critical to ensuring that transit investments reflect the needs of the communities they serve, and I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to be heard.

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.