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More than 475 City-owned lots now available for sale and redevelopment

For a limited time, you can apply to purchase hundreds of vacant parcels across Chicago for mixed-use projects, housing, side yards, open spaces, and urban agriculture. The current ChiBlockBuilder program inventory includes 15 lots in the 5th Ward. Market values start at $3,000. 

Apply by November 16 on the ChiBlockBuilder land sale portal. For more information on this sale, register now for the ChiBlockBuilder webinar on Wednesday, October 28 at 10 a.m.

Buy city-owned lots for $1

You can also find $1-per-lot properties through the ChiBlockBuilder portal. These lots are part of the Missing Middle Infill Housing Initiative, a city program that turns vacant city-owned lots into medium-density, multi-unit homes like two-, three-, and four-flat residences. It also supports construction of two- to six-unit buildings with up to $150,000 in financial assistance per residential unit.

I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to enhance our ward.

Staying focused on the Fifth,

Ald. Desmon Yancy

See You Tonight, East Hyde Parkers!

Free Property Tax Redemption Assistance

If you've been struggling to navigate Cook County’s complex property tax redemption process, remember you can get free legal guidance through the Property Tax Redemption Help Desk on Thursday, October 15th.

The Help Desk is a first-of-its-kind partnership between County Clerk Monica Gordon’s office and Legal Aid Chicago. It provides free, one-on-one legal assistance to help affected homeowners with redemption issues, court notices, filing requirements, statutory deadlines, and other redemption-related legal questions.

The Clerk’s Real Estate and Tax Services Department offers Help Desk services by appointment only. The Help Desk provides advice only, not extended legal representation. Participants must be pre-screened for eligibility.

The Help Desk will operate on the third Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Room 434.

To complete the screening process and make an appointment, email [email protected].

Calling Enterprising Entrepreneurs!

Join the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS) for the 2026 Procurement Symposium—a premier event connecting businesses, contractors, suppliers, and public sector leaders to explore contracting opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen Chicago's procurement community.

Doors Open: 9:30 AM

Symposium Begins: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Whether you are an established prime contractor, a certified MBE/WBE/VBE/DBE firm, a small business, or a company interested in doing business with the City of Chicago, this symposium offers valuable resources, insights, and networking opportunities to help your business grow.

At the symposium, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Learn about upcoming procurement and contracting opportunities.
• Hear from City leaders, industry experts, and prime contractors.
• Explore pathways to doing business with the City of Chicago.
• Network with government agencies, contractors, suppliers, and resource partners.
• Discover financing, technical assistance, and business development resources to support your business.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable information, expand your professional network, and position your business for future success.

Need Financial Aid after the July 27th Storm?

October 19 Is the Deadline to

Apply for Disaster Relief

Fifth Ward residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations are eligible for financial assistance from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For more details, click here.

What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?

Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

The application deadline for physical damages related to this disaster is October 19th.

The SBA is operating a disaster loan outreach center at the Hazel Crest Municipal Building, 3601 183rd Street, Hazel Crest, 60429, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To discover whether you qualify for a loan program, click here.

Leverage the City of Chicago's

Job Search Resources

The City of Chicago has created an online resource for those searching for positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. You can find these opportunities listed year-round on the Careers page on the City's website. Job seekers are encouraged to add this resource to their job search toolkit.

Weekly until November 30^th

Discover Water-Related Careers

Well-Being Support You Need!

Free Rides Out of Your Food Desert

Help Seniors Facing Housing Instability

What Else Is Going On?

My CHI. My Future. is excited to kick off Chicago’s 2026 Fall Fest initiative with Fallapalooza, a teen-focused celebration planned by young people from The Alliance 98 and Urban Male Network in partnership with the Mayor’s Office.

Designed for teens ages 14–19, Fallapalooza provides a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for young people to connect with peers and enjoy an evening of engaging activities, including:

• A taco bar
• Arts and crafts
• Spooky activities
• Laser tag
• Costume competition with prizes
• And more!

Event Details

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026

Time: 5:30–8:00 PM

Location: Harold Washington Library Center, Winter Garden

(Attendees should enter through the 401 S. Plymouth Ct. entrance)

Cost: Free

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Register today!

Have Fun While Making Halloween Safe for Everyone

Block Captain Sign-Up Ambassador Sign-Up

What's On at the Obama Presidential Center

Click the calendar for details.

Weekly "At Your Pace" Program Continues

The Obama Center's weekly exercise program, "At Your Pace," steps through October.

Each session begins at Jackson Park Field next to Home Court with a guided warm-up, followed by a group walk or run. The route travels through the OPC campus and surrounding park. There's no performance pressure. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and move in a way that feels right for you.

Every Thursday through October 29, 2026

9:15 a.m. Check in/Registration

9:45 a.m. Dynamic Warm-Up

10 a.m. "At Your Pace" Program

11 a.m. Cool Down

The "At Your Pace" program is free, and registration is optional. Peace Runners 773, a nonprofit organization that advocates for health equity, developed the program.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY

If you couldn't attend our Back-to-School Celebration and would like free school supplies, simply drop by the Fifth Ward office at 2230 East 71st Street. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have plenty of bookbags and other classroom needs on hand.

Live in a Safer Community

Connect with Your Beat Police Monthly

Attending 2nd or 3rd District Community Policing (CAPS) meetings provides opportunities to connect with your local beat officers, address your concerns, and exchange valuable information. Together, these efforts contribute to a safer, stronger community.

Not sure of your beat number? Call (312) 747-7004. Learn more.

Volunteer to Make Halloween Safe for the Entire Community

Does your nonprofit organization have a program or event that Fifth Ward residents should know about?

Please send your information and flyer at least two weeks in advance to [email protected]

ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FIFTH!

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