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| Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter! |
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| | February 06, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
Happy Black History Month! This month is super special and as the first Black Alderwoman of the 46th Ward, it is truly an honor to serve and to be part of the Black excellence that shapes our community every day. Black History is rooted in love, overcoming acute obstacles, and achievements that have benefited our entire world.
In celebration of Black History Month, we will be highlighting Black-owned businesses throughout the ward. Be sure to check them out in our weekly newsletter, and remember to shop with your favorite Black owned businesses all month long. |
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Speaking of excellence, last week we opened our doors to One Northside’s Community Partners for Peace (CP4P) violence prevention team for a hot meal and winter essentials giveaway. It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with community partners to serve our neighbors and help them bundle up this winter. We’re extremely thankful to have partners that continuously show up for our neighbors. |
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This week, I joined the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago's law school for panel discussion about how zoning decisions get made and what they mean for neighbors, communities, and the city as a whole. I was joined by my colleagues, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth and Alderman Matt Martin, and we shared our perspectives about the passage of the Broadway Upzoning ordinance.
The Broadway Upzoning is an important step toward encouraging mixed-use development, increasing housing options near transit, and strengthening commercial corridors while keeping our neighborhoods vibrant and walkable. I appreciated the opportunity to highlight why initiatives like this matter for long-term affordability, economic vitality, and sustainable growth in our community. |
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I’m wrapping up my week at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center’s annual Museum Day, on Saturday, February 7th. The program starts off with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9:30am and it’s FREE and open to the public! It will be a grounding space to reflect on Black history and leadership and learn about how that legacy shows up in the work we do every day. With great enthusiasm, I chose to honor the Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) as the 46th Ward recipient of a 2026 DuSable Museum Legacy Award, which will be given to HAMOC’s founder and CEO Elsie Hector Hernandez at the Museum Day event.
I’m grateful to the DuSable Museum for continuing to create space for learning, conversation, and community, and for reminding us why leading with intention and care matters, especially for the neighbors we serve. Please feel free to join me. I hope to see you there! |
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| Yours In Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay
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The new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements that went into effect on February 1. Up to 450,000 Illinoisians are at risk of losing their benefits under the new requirements. For more information on the changes, visit the IL Department of Human Services’ SNAP Federal Impact Center. Under the new requirements, most adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under the age of 14, will be required to work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.
SNAP recipients now have three months to establish eligibility under these new rules, either by demonstrating that they meet the work requirements or by submitting a request for exemption form. Exemptions from the work requirements:
Many Chicagoans may be eligible for an exemption to these requirements (see table below). IDHS has a user-friendly screening tool to help individuals determine if they qualify for an exemption or are meeting the requirement: IDHS Exemption tool CLICK HERE
See a summary of the changes below:
What has changed?
Adults ages 18 – 64 must report any of the following for at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving SNAP.
To meet this requirement, a person must: •Work (paid or unpaid), •Participate in SNAP Employment & Training Programs, •Volunteer, •Or any combination of the above
Who is impacted? Anyone between 18-64, unless exempt Failure to meet requirements may result in loss of SNAP for up to 3 years, unless work requirements are met.
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Individuals under 18 or over 64 Physically or mentally unable to work Pregnant individuals Caregivers for a child under 14 or an incapacitated person Participants in drug/alcohol treatment programs Some Native Americans
2. Ways to meet the work and/or volunteer requirements: You can find Employment and Training opportunities at this link: IDHS Education and Training DFSS Senior Centers - See the attached flyer for details on the following resources: The Seniors Division at DFSS has opportunities to connect seniors age 55-64 with employment support through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. There are a range of volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting seniors. For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities contact DFSS at 312-744-4016 or [email protected]
Volunteer opportunities across Chicagoland are available at the following links: Meals on Wheels has launched a new program called, "Snap Together Volunteers," which offers accessible volunteer opportunities for seniors at the Nourish Chicago Pantry, located at 2102 W Ogden Avenue.
3. Food Pantry Resources: Below are some additional resources that may be helpful to your residents and anyone no longer eligible for SNAP Find Food Pantries in Chicagoland: CLICK HERE Get Help Applying for SNAP/Link: CLICK HERE Protect Chicago Website: CLICK HERE
Our DFSS Community Service Centers (CSCs) are always available to assist clients with public benefits enrollment, including SNAP. CSCs operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CSC locations can be found here.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Broadway Bikes, located at 4653 N. Broadway, is celebrating their one year anniversary this week! Owner-operators Leah Plummer and Nina Hazelton took over the business (formerly Uptown Bikes) last winter and rebranded, adding their own spin to the store that has been a fixture in Uptown for over 30 years. The duo spent a month renovating and reorganizing the space with the help of friends and family before reopening as Broadway Bikes on February 4th, 2025. Leah and Nina had a collective 24 years of bike shop experience going into their new roles as small business owners. Their accrued knowledge of the industry, professional training, and mechanical expertise, combined with a lot of creativity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to the community are the solid foundation of their shop.
The first year in business has been an exciting adventure, and there’s no place Nina and Leah would rather be. Broadway Bikes is proudly carrying on their predecessor Uptown Bikes’ long tradition of providing high-quality, personalized service, and sales for all kinds of cyclists from the neighborhood and beyond. They’ve been overwhelmed by the support they have received from customers, neighbors, and fellow local businesses, especially as they expand the store’s offerings to include more events and classes, like the recent Winter Rider Meet Up and the upcoming Intro to Shifting class, Flat Repair class, and Intro to Brakes class.
Looking forward to 2026, Broadway Bikes will continue to provide a welcoming space where people who ride all kinds of non-motorized bikes can feel comfortable to ask questions and receive reliable, affordable service. In addition to commuter-oriented routine maintenance, Leah and Nina are excited to do more wheel building and custom bike builds.
TEXT Broadway Bikes at (872) 216-6564 to schedule a Winter Tune Up Special.
Interested in taking a maintenance class? Click HERE for details and to register.
Business Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11am to 6pm. CALL (773) 728-5212 or TEXT (872) 216-6564.  
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Join us for a Mobile DMV Event in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State on March 9 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Available Services: Driver’s License & State ID Cards – Standard and REAL ID (First-time, Renewal, Duplicate, or Corrected) Vehicle Registration and License Plate Sticker Renewal
For a full list of acceptable documents, please visit ILSOS.gov.
Appointments are required to ensure timely service. To participate, please complete sign-up form at bit.ly/ILMobileDMV-46thWard or call our office at 773-878-4646 to schedule an appointment. |
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The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest FREE filing program. This past tax season, 26,000 volunteers in 3,600 communities across the country helped more than 1.7 million people save over $1.3 billion in tax refunds. The service is aimed at, but not limited to taxpayers who are 50 or older. AARP prepares taxes for taxpayers of all ages and income levels For the coming tax season, volunteers who are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service, will offer this service at the Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 Clarendon Ave, on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning February 3rd through April 14th. Appointments will be available from 9:30 to 2:00 PM. Both federal and state tax returns will be prepared and electronically filed. To book an appointment, enter the following link into your computer’s browser and follow the online appointment instructions. https://taxappointment.aarp.org/s/registration?locationId=a1rUv00000Dn158. Alternatively, you can log into AARP.org and search for the Tax-Aide Locator tool. Again, the service is FREE and you do NOT need to be a member of AARP to use the services.
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Heat up your January with a hot Hip Hop class, courtesy of Lawrence Powell Jr.! Lawrence is back and will lead a FREE one-hour class that covers the steps and technique of an American classic, Hip Hop.
Reserve your spot, TODAY!
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| | RESERVE ONLINE IN ADVANCE Free Winter Weekdays for Illinois Residents at The Art Institute
January 5–February 27
Free admission is available each weekday we’re open from 11 a.m. through closing (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 p.m. on Thursdays).
You can reserve your free tickets online in advance; your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit for assistance. |
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| | | Submit a Lime Scooter Removal Request |
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| Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location. You can also call 1-888-546-3345.
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| Reminder: Don’t Feed the Pigeons (Seriously!) As much as we all love our feathered friends, feeding pigeons does more harm than good — attracting rats, damaging property, and creating a mess for neighbors and local businesses. A friendly reminder that feeding pigeons is actually against City ordinance. Let’s do our part to keep the ward safe and sanitary for everyone. |
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| 46th Ward Upcoming Events |
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| | | | | | Houseless Neighbors Updates |
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| The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has informed my office that the temporary family shelter at the American Islamic College located at 640 W Irving Park (AIC) will officially close on June 30th, 2026. This closure is part of a planned shelter decompression and is being coordinated with the current shelter operator KLEO, DFSS and partner agencies.
KLEO, in collaboration with DFSS, will provide transitional support to current neighbors living at AIC. All shelter residents will be offered placement at other family shelters across the city based on school needs, shelter availability and resident choice. Decompression will happen in multiple phases over the next few months to not disrupt the school year for children. KLEO staff will remain on site through the closure date and will continue providing services and guidance during this transition.
Over two years ago, just a few months after taking office our entire city was tasked with showing up for thousands of new neighbors who endured horrible conditions to find a better life. My office is proud and grateful we were able to meet this unprecedented moment with the help of neighbors, our local schools, mutual aid networks, faith based organizations, the Chicago Police Department and city departments. The evolution and success of this family shelter allowed our most vulnerable neighbors, many of them children, to have a safe space with wrap-around services as they transition into permanent housing.
If you are aware of local landlords who are interested in filling affordable units in their buildings, please reach out to our office as we are collecting local housing resources to share with neighbors who want to stay in the area. A special shout out to 19th District Mutual Aid, an organization that formed to meet the needs of new arrivals during the peak of the crisis. Visit their website here for ways to continue to support their mission.
Over the next couple of months, our office will continue to meet with KLEO and DFSS to ensure that the shelter transition happens smoothly. We will share updates and information as we receive it and encourage anyone with questions to reach out to us at [email protected] or via 773-878-4646.
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| We're looking for donations to help restock our Free Community Cornerstore! Items like baby wipes, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and new children’s socks go a long way in supporting our neighbors who need them most. If you're able to contribute, please consider dropping off supplies at our ward office. Together, we can keep this vital community resource going strong! |
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| | | Our office is in close communication with Edgewater/Uptown Migra Watch, a network of neighbors that does rapid response to confirm potential ICE sightings. Confirming ICE sightings is a critical part of keeping our neighbors safe. If you see activities that you suspect may be ICE, please report it to the ICIRR Hotline so that a team can go out and confirm their presence. This is an important part of how we keep our neighbors safe! |
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Last week, the Department of Water Management began conducting emergency repairs to the sewer main on the 4300 Block of Broadway. This work is expected to last at least through the end of next week and will continue to require street closures and traffic detours to maintain safe working conditions for the repair crew. The 100-year old sewer suffered an internal collapse creating a high risk of backups and basement flooding.
Broadway is currently closed to traffic between Cullom and the Jewel-Osco parking lot exit and drivers will need to use Sheridan as a detour - see the diagram below. As the repairs continue the location of work will shift to the north, potentially requiring closure of the Sheridan/Broadway intersection for several days. We will share any information about additional closures as soon as we have them. Sidewalks will remain open during construction.
This work will not impact residents' or businesses' water or sewer service. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Bus (#36) will continue to run in both directions using Broadway, Sheridan, Irving Park, and Broadway.
Our office is in contact with the Department of Water Management and will continue to share updates as we receive them. Thank you for your patience as crews work to repair the sewer main. |
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See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations. Search by address here. See our local 19th District’s website here. Email [email protected] or our office with any questions |
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| | | | | Community/Citywide Events & Resources |
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Applications are now open for the 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service!
The Obama Foundation is looking for current college sophomores and community college transfer students interested in pursuing a career in public service. If you are seeking a transformative leadership development and scholarship program that includes financial aid to ease the burden of college debt, an immersive work-travel experience, and access to a powerful network of mentors, then this program is for you!
We need your help to spread the word! Please apply now or send this to a college sophomore in your life who might be interested. | 
| Started by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, the CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, the Voyager Scholarship gives students with demonstrated financial need a deeper understanding of the issues they are passionate about, exposes them to new communities and perspectives, and inspires them to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
The program has enabled students to travel to every corner of the globe during their Summer Voyages– from Bolivia to work on gender-based violence prevention trainings, to Alaska to learn about indigenous approaches to climate resilience, to Morocco to support migrant education initiatives, and many places in between. The Voyager Scholarship has exposed students to meaningful learning opportunities and ways to engage with the world that would not otherwise be possible.
The application closes on March 17, 2026, and we need your help to spread the word!
Apply today or share with a college sophomore in your life who could benefit from the Voyager Scholarship. | |
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| 46TH WARD DOG OF THE MONTH
Millie is a beautiful 3-year old Vizsla who lives in the 46th Ward. She and her human Meredith dropped by the ward office this week to purchase some Daily Residential Parking Permits. Bring your well-behaved pup on a leash into the 46th Ward Office for a chance to feature them in a future edition of the newsletter. |
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 CityKey holders are also eligible for various benefits and discounts through our many business partners:
Click HERE to find out more about CityKey Benefits.
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| | | Illinois Restaurant Association hosting 2026 Illinois Laws: A Legal Update for Restaurant Owners & Operators |
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Attention business owners, commercial property owners, and developers: applications are now open for the next round of Small and Medium Community Development Grants. Grants can support projects ranging from $250,000 up to $5 million for new construction, rehabilitation, or expansion.
The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026. Recent 46th Ward awardees include the Black Ensemble Theatre (2025) and Access Contemporary Music (2024) for The Checkout. |
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| The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.
BACP is here to support your business today: Business Education Webinars: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars Entrepreneur Certificate: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate Neighborhood Business Developments Centers: Chicago.gov/NBDC Small Business Center: Chicago.gov/SmallBusiness
FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies. Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule:
February 11 - What You Need to Know About Your Business & Federal Taxes February 13 - Financing Your Business February 18 - The Start-Up Challenge: Is Your Dream Built to Succeed
February 19 - Empower Hour: Reach for the Stars |
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| Sign up HERE to get the BACP Newsletter for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation. |
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Small Business Taxes 101 When: Monday February 9, 12:30 - 2 pm Where: Uptown Business Center - 4619 N. Broadway
Learn tax season tips and tricks from local experts. Presented by Wintrust Bank and Noren, Nordling and Associates PLLC. Click HERE to register.
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The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. |
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| | ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help. |
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| | SAVE THE DATES 
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series. The series of expos offers business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more.
2026 SMALL BIZ EXPO SERIES: Thursday, March 12 at 9 am to 12:30 pm held remotely, register Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Truman College, register Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Malcolm X College, register
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| Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more. The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE.. Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details. |
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| | Our partners at the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are helping keep our community safe. Following Mayor Johnson’s new “ICE-Free Zone” Executive Order, the Chamber has free official signage and whistles are available in their office, 4619 N Broadway, for local businesses and property owners. 15 large signs and 10 small stickers (shown below), first come, first served during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM). Below you will also find a quick guide small businesses can use if ICE arrives.
Let’s continue standing together for an Uptown where everyone feels safe and supported. |
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Enjoy a discounted Chicago Bulls game and support the Chicago Park District's Inner City Hoops Program with your purchase. Learn more and purchase your tickets now at https://bit.ly/BullsTix_ICH2025. |
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Housing/Utility Resources |
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| | | | | The Department of Family and Support Services’ Senior Services Division provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better to keep them healthy, active and engaged. They have a number of programs to highlight that are available online including:
Creating Dementia-Friendly Buildings - An Online, Self-Directed, Learning Module brought to you by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services.
You can register at https://dementiafriendlybuildings.com
Benefits are a Click Away! at cityofchicago.benefitscheckup.org - We want to ensure seniors have access to the benefits to which they are entitled! Senior Services is partnering with the National Council on Aging to implement this Chicago-specific guide to senior resources. BenefitsCheckUp: City of Chicago
The Fall edition of the “Chicago Seniors Connected” program brochure is here! Clicking here will provide you access to the brochure.
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| | 2025 Senior Guide Now Available
Looking for helpful tips, resources, and services tailored for our senior community? The Office of the City Clerk has released the 2025 Senior Guide, filled with valuable information to support older adults across Chicago. From transportation programs and health services to emergency contacts and community activities—this guide has it all. View or download the full guide here: Senior Guide 2025 (PDF) Let’s make sure our elders are informed, connected, and cared for. |
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The Clerk’s Office is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team that honors those who have served our country. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard, and reservists are now eligible to receive one free ticket to a 2025–26 regular-season Wolves home game, thanks to this special offer coordinated by Clerk Gordon and the Clerk’s Veterans Services team.
To receive a free ticket, veterans must be enrolled in the Clerk’s Military and Veterans Discount Card Program – a free initiative that also provides access to discounts on food, auto repair, legal services, health and fitness, and more. Those already enrolled are eligible, and additional discounted tickets are available for friends and family attending the game.
Getting your ticket is easy:
Sign up for the Veterans Discount Card at cookcountyclerk.com/veterans or by visiting the Clerk’s Veterans Office at 118 N. Clark, Room 120 in Chicago.
Go to cookcountyclerk.com/Wolves to claim your free ticket and purchase additional discounted ones.
Tickets will be emailed and can be shown on your phone at Allstate Arena – no paper tickets needed!
This special offer is valid for Wolves home games through April 19, 2026, and tickets are available while supplies last.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, veterans and military can call the Clerk’s Veterans Services Office at 312-603-5788.
Let’s cheer on our Chicago Wolves—and honor those who’ve served our county and our country.
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Explore summer partnership opportunities with the Art Institute. | Thursday, March 5 12:30–2:00 Uptown Library Branch
929 W Buena Ave
Chicago, IL 60613 |
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As we kick off the new year, we are delighted to welcome neighborhood leaders to learn about Willem de Kooning Drawing, and discuss ways to bring the story and the excitement of abstract art to life on the North Side.
Whether via streetscape beautification, business partnerships, or storefront activations like our window display contest, Project Windows, we invite you to join us in making it an artful Chicago summer. |
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| Arrivals and welcome with lunch provided |
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| Overview of the exhibition and partnership opportunities |
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Willem de Kooning Drawing runs from June 14–September 20, 2026.
Please contact Civic Relationships and Partnerships manager Achaia Moore at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. |
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The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring. Click here to view available positions.
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| Are you bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog? Then we definitely need your help! Sign up and support all our communities across the city and serve as an election judge in 2026. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County. You can earn up to $230 for your service. Click HERE to apply online to serve as an Election Judge for the March 17, 2026 Primary |
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