In this newsletter:

26th Ward Office Events •  26th Ward Office Updates  • Resources for Youth • Community Events • Public Notices • Job Opportunities

Dear Neighbor,

From fighting for living wages to investing in neighborhood safety, celebrating educators, and bringing our communities together in solidarity, this week was rooted in care for the people who make our ward strong. As we head into Mother’s Day weekend, we’re also honoring the many ways love, leadership, and community care show up across our neighborhoods every single day.

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez Introduces Bill to Raise the Federal Minimum Wage

On Monday, my team sat in on Congresswoman Delia Ramirez’s hearing on the Living Wage for All Act, a bill that would increase the federal minimum wage to $25. Since 2009, the federal minimum wage has been a starvation wage of $7.25 an hour. This is not dignified. No one should have to worry about how they will survive just one catastrophic circumstance because they simply don’t have the money. I will always stand up for our workers – their labor is what produces all profit. Follow Congresswoman Ramirez’s Instagram for updates on her other federal priorities.

Meet the Block Safety Walk After Shooting

On Thursday, my team joined the 25th police district on a Meet Your Block walk after a shooting that occurred on the 1900 of block Kilbourn. During the walk, we spoke with neighbors about the conditions on the block, and neighbors identified several issues impacting community safety. These issues included inadequate block lighting, missing street signs, and neighborhood cleanliness. 

While walking with the police, we also observed several abandoned vehicles on Homer without plates and city stickers, significant gang graffiti and what appeared to be unlicensed businesses. My office has already begun coordinating with Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), Union Pacific, the Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) to address these concerns

Connecting Neighborhoods: Solidarity Ride

On Saturday, May 16, we are hosting our 4th Annual Connecting Neighborhoods: Solidarity Bike Ride. Grab your helmet and meet us at Logan Square Plaza, which is finally open after wrapping construction early. From there, we will roll together as one community for a six-mile ride and head back to the plaza for food, games and more. We're hosting alongside Equiticity, West Town Bikes, CHANGE Illinois, and fellow electeds across the Northwest side. No bike? No problem. Free Divvy bikes will be there waiting for you.

On Mother(hood):

In our communities, motherhood is often the hood. The community. A rotation of hands, a network, a relay. The aunt who picked you up from school. The neighbor who fed you when there wasn't enough at home. The grandma who raised her grandchildren. The teacher who saw you and invested. The big sister who carries it all. The mom doing both jobs. The chosen family who chose you back.

To the moms, sisters, tías, titís, abuelitas, godmothers, foster mothers, doulas, queer elders and trans parents, the neighborhood abuela, teachers, and caregivers of all sorts: we say thank you for showing up. Thank you for showing up out of blood, out of love, out of necessity, or because someone had to.

Thank you. Happy Mother's Day.

Educator Appreciation Week

As many of you may know, before I was elected, I spent a decade in education alongside some of the most brilliant and caring people I have ever met. And my pathway to education began as a young person who was pushed out of a system not built for me.

When I arrived to Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, I was angry and depressed about my situation. And in spite of my disconnection, every single staff member, teacher, and mentor wrapped me in love. They taught me about my Puerto Rican ancestry, immersed me in my culture, celebrated my queerness, and made sure I had everything I needed to thrive. This gentleness and care empowered me to be my authentic self and to later become a Dean of Students. Being in an intentional learning space changed my life, and I carry the identity of educator with me with all the work that I do as your Alderperson.  

Every week, I run into a former student of mine, reiterating the constellation of impact educators have on their students and their students’ families. I share my genuine gratitude to every single lunchroom worker, custodian, crossing guard, security guard, Safe Passage worker, teacher, counselor, dean, clerk, faculty member, and administrator who give our young people the power to curate their futures. 

In Solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

26th Ward Office Updates

Property Tax Exemption Applications: DEADLINE 5/15

Connecting Neighborhoods: Solidarity Ride - 5/16

ALSO’s Peace Walk: 5/23

Construction Alerts

Jumping Jack Program opens: 4/15

The Jumping Jack Program is limited to residential block parties within Chicago. Events on private property, parks, forest preserves, schools, libraries, or churches; private parties; birthdays; community events; and festivals are not eligible.

Applicant must reside on the block where the Block Party is taking place.

If completed correctly, applicants will receive an immediate auto reply confirming their request. If no confirmation is received, the application was not submitted.

To avoid errors, applicants should:

• Complete the application on a computer using Google Chrome.

• Manually fill in each field. Auto fill can cause errors.

• For the block party address, add a period after the street direction (N., S., E., or W.).

• Press SUBMIT at the end of the application.

• Applicants will receive an approval or denial email once processed.

• Jumping Jacks are available Saturdays and Sundays only. Demand is highest on Saturdays, so consider Sundays.

• The program will not operate on Saturday, July 4.

• Only one request per block per season will be approved. Multiple requests from the same block will be denied.

• Approved block parties receive one Jumping Jack for four hours. Delivery is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with pickup between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Specific time requests cannot be accommodated.

• If the wrong date is selected, email [email protected] for instructions. Last-minute changes will not be honored.

• Requests must be submitted through the registration portal. Email requests will not be accepted.

• Must obtain a permit from their Aldermanic Ward office to hold a block party.

• Requests are first come, first served.

Immigration Rights Resources

Construction Projects

26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting.

We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties.

Reproductive Justice

If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.