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Dear Neighbors,
Early voting is now underway right here in Lakeview! As a reminder, our 44th Ward early voting site has shifted from Merlo Library to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (814 W Nelson) to accommodate additional voting machines. Early voting is also available downtown at the Supersite (137 S State) and the Chicago Board of Elections offices (69 W Washington, 6th Floor). The 44th Ward consistently ranks among the highest-turnout wards in the city, so consider voting early to keep that tradition going. See here for all early voting details.
I was glad to join the team at Panda Express to celebrate the grand opening of their newest location at 1027 W Addison. In addition to bringing another dining option to the neighborhood, Panda Express has a history of giving back in meaningful ways. Since 2008, Panda Express and its guests have helped raise more than $7.2 million for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, supporting family services for patients and caregivers and to make sure families have support while their child receives care. They have also been a longtime partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and presented the Nourishing Hope food bank with a donation at their grand opening celebration.
 
In public safety news, earlier this week CDOT reported to our office that there were officially zero traffic fatalities in the 44th Ward in 2025. While safety is always a work in progress—and injuries and close calls still demand continued action—we were glad to see this milestone. Chicago overall recorded a multi-year low in traffic fatalities last year, underscoring the importance of continuing to invest in safer streets. Residents can view our interactive infrastructure map here to explore pedestrian, bike, vehicular, and other transit safety improvements made from 2023 to present, and can also review the City’s recent crash and traffic fatality data here.
The Chicago Police Department has released a 'February In Review' report, highlighting citywide public safety trends. According to the report, categories of crime including robberies, burglaries, violent crime, property crime, and transit-related offenses are down between 7%-27% compared to last year. CPD reported recovering 652 illegal firearms in February, an average of 23 per day. The department additionally released an Executive Summary of its Workforce Allocation Study, a data-driven analysis of staffing levels and deployment aimed at improving how resources are aligned with public safety needs. CPD has also opened registration for Community Training Observation Days, where residents can observe aspects of recruit training at the Police Academy. Read the full update here.
The Chamber has released its annual St. Patrick’s Day guide, highlighting parade day events, themed brunches, Irish food and drink specials, and other celebrations across Lakeview East and Wrigleyville. If you’re making plans for the holiday, it’s a great local resource to explore on their website here.
Our office is now partnering with Spirit of Harmony and Hungry for Music to host an instrument donation drive. If you have an old guitar, trumpet, violin, or other instrument sitting in a closet gathering dust, consider giving it a second life by donating it at the 44th Ward Office. Spirit of Harmony will collect these working or repairable instruments and work with Hungry for Music to repair and distribute them to children and music programs in need.
While you’re cleaning out the house, we also want to shout out Brown Elephant resale at 812 W Belmont and 5404 N Clark in Andersonville. They are currently accepting donations of clothing, furniture, and other household goods and also offer curbside pickup to help support Howard Brown Health's mission to provide LGBTQ+ healthcare. These are two great ways to kick off your spring cleaning while also giving back to the community. See our website's Donations Hub for more opportunities to support nonprofits in and around the 44th Ward.
 
Earlier this week, I stood alongside members of Chicago’s Jewish community to call for action following the Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ report on anti-Jewish hate crimes. While overall hate crimes in Chicago declined, the report found that anti-Semitic hate crimes increased by 58% from 2023 to 2024, underscoring the need for urgent attention. I joined community leaders to urge the Mayor to implement the Commission’s recommendations which were announced in July of 2025, including establishing a dedicated task force on antisemitism, identifying accountable leadership, and advancing stronger education and prevention efforts. Everyone in Chicago deserves to feel safe practicing their faith and living openly in their community. You can read the full 2025 report here, their most recent report here, and see the press conference here.
As an update on the Cubs' Camry Lot expansion and signage proposals, the Cubs will be presenting their plans at the East Lake View Neighbors meeting on Tuesday, March 10th at 6:00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Casey Hall (728 W Belmont). The presentation will include details on these topics and others, followed by a community Q&A. We encourage residents interested in learning more or sharing feedback to attend the meeting, and you can view the full meeting flyer and agenda here.
Two City agencies are currently hiring. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is seeking to hire several hundred Traffic Management Aides (TMAs) ahead of the upcoming baseball season to help manage traffic and pedestrian flow on game days and during major events. These postings are not currently listed, but be sure to monitor the City's website here to be the first to apply. Meanwhile, the Department of the Environment is also recruiting for several roles, including a Public Relations Representative, Environmental Engineer (multiple openings), and Assistant Commissioner. You can learn more about these roles and apply here.
 
PRIDEChicago organizers announced that the 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade will return to Lakeview on Sunday, June 28th with this year’s theme, “Free to Be Proud.” The theme reflects both Pride’s celebration of identity and the continued fight for equality and visibility. The parade will follow last year's route through Lakeview and Northalsted. Organizers also announced several community grand marshals, including journalist and historian Tracy Baim, civil rights leader Mona Noriega, philanthropy leader Evette Cardona, and the Alliance of Illinois Judges, which includes Illinois’ first openly transgender judge, Jill Rose Quinn. Read more in Block Club here. We will be sure to share additional details as planning for one of Lakeview's most historic traditions continues in the months ahead.
For those continuing to observe Lent, we wish you a meaningful and reflective season. The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has put together a helpful guide to fish frys and seafood specials continuing in and around the neighborhood, with options ranging from year-round favorites to Friday Lent menus. You can find that guide on the Chamber’s website here.
And in honor of Women’s History Month, there are also many great ways to celebrate locally and across the city. The Chamber has another guide here spotlighting women-owned businesses in Lakeview, and Choose Chicago has also published a citywide list of Women’s History Month events, exhibitions, markets, landmarks, and women-owned businesses throughout Chicago here.
As Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest today, we reflect on the profound legacy of a civil rights leader who spent his life expanding opportunity, defending dignity, and calling people into public life. From the civil rights movement to voter registration and economic justice, he helped “Keep Hope Alive,” shaping the moral and political life of the nation. Many of his efforts were rooted here in Chicago through the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which for decades has served as a hub for organizing around civil rights, economic opportunity, and voter engagement locally and nationwide. For me, this legacy is also personal: Rev. Jackson registered me to vote when I was a senior in high school, a moment I have never forgotten. His impact will continue to be felt in Chicago and across the country through the movements, leaders, and communities he inspired. Watch the services live here.
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