February 2026 Newsletter

Important Changes to SNAP Benefits Take Affect February 1st

The federal government passed a new law that makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link in Illinois. Follow these steps so you don't lose your food and grocery benefits:

1. Update your information: Report any changes in your income or changes to your household to the Illinois Department of Human Services
2. Review work requirements: Find out if you need to be connected to a job, volunteer opportunity or education and training program for at least 80 hours per month. If you qualify for an exemption, apply for one.
3. Stay informed! Get the latest updates and share this information with family and friends.

Don't wait until your benefits stop. Take action today!

Support is available. No one should go hungry because of paperwork. Visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository to get help managing your benefits or to sign up for SNAP today.

Roosevelt Rd. Bridge Testing

From February 4-6 between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, the Roosevelt Road Bridge (150-500 W. Roosevelt Rd.) will be closed to conduct bridge testing. During the trials, Roosevelt Rd. will be fully closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, during the closure, the detour for eastbound traffic is Roosevelt Rd. to northbound Jefferson St., to eastbound Harrison St., to northbound Wells St., to eastbound Ida B. Wells Dr., to southbound State St., then back onto Roosevelt Rd. For westbound traffic, please use Roosevelt Rd. to northbound State St., to westbound Ida B. Wells Dr., to southbound Wells St., to westbound Harrison St., to eastbound Clinton St., back onto Roosevelt Rd.

DWM Sewer Lining Project - Root St. from Shields to Wentworth

The Chicago Department of Water Management is alerting residents to an upcoming sewer lining project in the 3rd Ward. The project will be located on Root St. from 90 ft. east of Shields Ave. to Wentworth Ave.

The rehabilitation work includes cleaning the sewers and the installation of CIPP (Cure in place pipe). The installation of CIPP consists of lining the existing sewers and generally does not require excavation except when repairs are required prior to lining of the sewer main, catch basin lateral connections, catch basin structures or manhole structures.

Typical work includes the following:

• Main sewer cleaning and televising
• Catch Basin (drainage structures on the curbside) cleaning, televising, and lining of the pipe connections to the main sewer
• Catch Basin and Sewer Manhole structures lining
• Main Sewer Lining immediately followed by the reinstatement of house drain services and catch basin pipe connections
• The lined sewer will be televised to ensure that the work was done properly

An estimated construction schedule will be sent to all residents when permits have been issued to the contractor. Please note, work is performed in staggered stages, therefore crews will not be on-site every day. As the contractor begins lining the main sewers, residents will be provided with a letter/flyer with notification of the work for each project location. No parking signs will be posted in the immediate area a workday prior to the start of any scheduled work. It will be necessary to close some lanes, but the streets will remain open to traffic.

Update on the Bronzeville Regional Senior Center

The Chicago Public Building Commission selected the design build team of Burling Builders, Inc. and Future Firm, Inc. for the construction of the new Bronzeville Regional Senior Center (4711 S. Calumet Ave.) Burling Builders is an African American-owned construction company that built the Williams Park Fieldhouse at Dearborn Homes. Future Firm is an ideas-driven building and design research practice that designed the Southside Community Arts Center expansion and Bronzeville Winery. Construction on the senior center is set to begin later in 2026.

The project scope is anticipated to include but is not limited to a new, approximately 25,000 sq. ft., two-story facility where a variety of social, educational and recreational activities are available to Chicago’s senior community. This center will have state of the art comforts that allow seniors to feel at home while enjoying luxuries, building friendships, and strengthening themselves in mind and body. The Senior Center will serve Chicago seniors 60 years of age and older. Programming will consist of a fitness exercise room, wellness program (dietician, social worker, nurse, and pharmacist), Golden Diner Program, and computer classes. There will be additional classes offered based on the preferences of seniors attending this center. Additionally, there will be special events (older American month celebration, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). The building itself will include an entry/reception/lobby with security, front offices, activity rooms, technology center, game room, movie room, dining room with commercial warming kitchen, multi-purpose rooms, men’s and women’s restrooms with janitor’s closet, all-gender restroom, two passenger elevators, conference room, community lounge, administrative office, storage, fitness room, massage room, outdoor terrace, and utility rooms along with building support spaces.

Chicago Announced as Host of WNBA All-Star Game

As the home to all-time women's basketball greats Yolanda Griffith, Cappie Pondexter, nearby residents Candace Parker, and Tamika Catchings, and of course the 2021 WNBA Champions Chicago Sky, Chicago is proud to be named the host of the WNBA All Star Game July 23-25, 2026. Alderman Dowell, herself a college basketball player at the University of Rochester, participated in the launch of this upcoming event which puts Chicago on the world stage for Women’s Basketball. The game itself will be played at the United Center, with Wintrust Arena in the 3rd Ward hosting the 3-point contest and the skills challenge. For the most up-to-date information on the festivities, go to www.wnba.com.

3rd Ward Projects Receive Community Development/NOF Grants

Congratulations to Kabob-it Restaurant, Supportive Opportunity Space, and Morcom Construction for receiving grants from the City of Chicago to support their development projects. For this grant round, a total of 58 neighborhood projects were selected to receive a total of $33 million.

As part of the "small grant" awards ranging from $51,800 to $250,000, 3rd Ward business Kabob-it Restaurant (10 W. 35th St.) was selected, as was the nearby Morcom Construction project at 326 W. 47th St., which is just outside the 3rd Ward boundary. Supportive Opportunity Space at 536 E. 47th St. received $769,615 to create a $1.5 million shared services hub for minority-owned small businesses. Congratulations once again to all of the projects that were selected. For more information on the City's development grant opportunities visit Chicago.gov/CDG and Chicago.gov/NOF.

DCASE Neighborhood Access Program/Arts Relief Fund Grantees in the 3rd Ward

Kudos to Jessica Anderson, the South Asia Institute, and the South Side Community Art Center for their successful grant applications! Jessica Anderson and the South Asia Institute won Neighborhood Access Program (NAP) grants, and the South Side Community Art Center was chosen for a Arts Relief Fund grant.

The Neighborhood Access Program is an annual program created to support arts and culture activities in all neighborhoods with a focus on those that have traditionally not received significant funding through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events' (DCASE) Cultural Grants Program.

The DCASE Arts Relief Fund is a one-time grant to support arts and culture organizations impacted by recent federal funding cuts by delivering responsive aid for organizations who provide vital programs and resources to Chicago’s communities.  

To find out more about DCASE grant opportunities, please click here.

Pierce Arrow Building Chosen for Adopt-a-Landmark Grant

The Pierce Arrow Building (2400-22 S. Michigan Ave.) has received a $240,000 Adopt-a-Landmark grant to support facade and parapet repairs as part of a $405,450 rehabilitation of the 1909 Motor Row showroom currently used as commercial space.

The Adopt-A-Landmark Fund supports the restoration of Chicago landmarks designated by City Council. Grants are funded by voluntary zoning fees paid by downtown development projects through the City’s Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus system. Since 2016, more than $14 million in grant awards have been allocated for 31 historic preservation projects valued at $174 million.

St. Paul C.M.E. Church Receives Preliminary Landmark Recommendation

The St. Paul C.M.E. Church building at 4644 S. Dearborn St. in Grand Boulevard received a preliminary landmark recommendation at the January meeting of the Chicago Commission on Landmarks. The church was completed in two phases in 1917 and 1925 to serve as the home for Chicago's oldest Christian Methodist Episcopal congregation. The Tudor Revival building reflects the design traditions of the Methodist faith and was inspired by the former headquarters of the C.M.E. Church in Jackson, Tennessee.

Business Violation - New York Deli, Inc. (316 E. 47th St.)

The Chicago Department of Public Health has suspended the license of New York Deli at 316 E 47th St. for violations related to inadequate plumbing, broken pipes, and no hot water. The business is to remain closed until the violations are addressed. Questions regarding this judgment can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Alderman Dowell Co-Sponsors, Holds Hearings on the Establishment of a Chicago Tourism Improvement District (CTID)

As the Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Alderman Dowell hosted a public hearing in January on the creation of a Chicago Tourism Improvement District. A Tourism Improvement District (TID) is a zoning overlay district, similar to an SSA or TIF district, where hotels with over 100 keys within the TID would impose a 1.5% surcharge on guests, the proceeds of which would go to Choose Chicago to spend on promoting Chicago domestically and internationally, and also to offer incentives to conventions to host their meetings in Chicago. In 2023 the State of Illinois passed a law allowing jurisdictions within state to create TIDs.

The hotel surcharge is not a tax on Chicago residents. It is only paid by guests of Chicago hotels within the district as part of their regular hotel bill. The proposed district would cover the following Zip Codes: 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60604, 60606, 60607, 60609, 60610, 60611, 60612, 60615, 60616, 60653, 60654, and 60661. The creation of a TID is supported by Chicago's hotel industry and related business groups.

Many peer cities already have TIDs (Las Vegas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Miami, LA, Dallas, Boston, Orlando) or are in the process of implementing TIDs (Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Madison). Existing TIDs generate tens of millions of dollars annually for their cities, and a Chicago TID is expected to generate an additional $40 million for Choose Chicago’s budget.

The tourism industry is one of Chicago’s most reliable economic engines. In 2024 alone, it generated an estimated $2.8 billion in state and local tax revenues and supported more than 130,000 jobs across all 77 neighborhoods. A TID would allow Chicago to better compete with our peer cities for guests, valuable conventions, and trade shows.

Alderman Dowell Supports Resolution to Call for a Hearing on Splitting the City's Advanced Pension Payment

With the recent reporting that Chicago's Office of Budget and Management (OBM) only paid a portion of the City Council-mandated advanced pension payment, Chairman Dowell has co-sponsored a resolution calling for a hearing on why the full payment was not made. Typically, the City makes the full pension payment in one lump sum at the beginning of the year in order for the pension funds to get the best return on their investments. Splitting this payment, which was not disclosed to Aldermen prior to the partial payment being made, is a break from this norm and OBM must explain why this choice was made. A hearing on this issue would be conducted in Alderman Dowell's Committee on Finance.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

Chicago Fire vs. FC Montreal

Saturday, February 28th at 1:30 pm

2026 Summer Event Calendar

The City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has announced its summer events schedule. Enjoy this summer's art, food, music, culture, and dance experiences provided in partnership with the City of Chicago!

• Chicago Farmers Markets (Citywide markets including Daley Plaza)— May through October; Division Street Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 16, and Daley Plaza Farmers Market opens Thursday, May 21. ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us
• Maxwell Street Market (1330 S. Halsted) — Monthly, Sundays, May - October. MaxwellStreetMarket.us
• Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade — Saturday, May 23, Chicago.gov/DCASE
• Millennium Park Summer Workouts (Great Lawn) — Saturdays, May 16 - September 5. MillenniumPark.org
• Chicago Blues Festival (Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, June 4 – 7. MillenniumPark.org | ChicagoBluesFestival.us
• Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Nine concerts, most Mondays & Thursdays, June 15 – August 6. MillenniumPark.org
• Millennium Park Summer Film Series (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Tuesdays, June 30 – August 18. MillenniumPark.org
• Taste of Chicago (Grant Park) — Wednesday through Sunday, July 8–12. TasteofChicago.us
• Chicago Gospel Music Festival (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) — Friday and Saturday, July 24 – 25. ChicagoGospelMusicFestival.us
• Chicago Summer Dance (Citywide, including Night Out in the Parks pop-up events and Spirit of Music Garden) — July and August. ChicagoSummerDance.org
• Chicago Air and Water Show (North Avenue Beach) — Saturday and Sunday, August 15 – 16 (rehearsal Friday, August 14). ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us
• Chicago House Music Festival & Conference (Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, August 27 – 30. ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.org
• Chicago Jazz Festival (Citywide, including Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park) — Thursday through Sunday, September 3 – 6. MillenniumPark.org | ChicagoJazzFestival.us
• World Music Festival Chicago (Citywide) — Friday through Sunday, September 25 – October 4. WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org
• Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale (Chicago Cultural Center) — Saturday, October 24. ChicagoMade.us
• City Holiday Events (Millennium Park) — City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony (Friday, November 20); Holiday Market (Friday–Sunday, November 20 – 22); and Holiday Sing Along (Fridays, December 4, 11, 18). Chicago.gov/Holiday
• New Year’s Eve Celebration — Thursday, December 31. Chicago.gov/NYE

All dates and event details are subject to change. For updates and full programming information throughout the season, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and the individual festival websites linked above.

Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy

The Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy's mission is to support the next generation of public servants by providing them with the education and experience they need to serve and protect the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. Cadets attend training twice a week during the school year at the Chicago Police Academy or the Chicago Fire Academy. The curriculum emphasizes academics, physical fitness, leadership training, career exploration, and the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become a police officer or firefighter/EMT.

Current sophomores can apply beginning in January until May 1. Students are encouraged to attend an information session in the winter or spring before applying. More information about these sessions will be available at CPS.EDU/CPFTA.

UChicago Arts and Public Life Spring Sessions

Arts + Public Life Education welcomes youth from the South Side of Chicago to join one of our four programs this Spring:

• Teen Arts Council (TAC)
• Design Apprenticeship Program (DAP)
• Backstage Production Program (BSP)
• Choreographic Arts Program (CAP)

These programs cultivate creativity, leadership, and social development, giving young people the tools to find—and create—their place in the world. All participants are compensated for their time and hard work. For more information about the programs, and to apply, click here.

Dates: Feb 23 – May 9, 2026

Eligibility: South Side residents only

Designing a Better Chicago Grant Opportunity

The Designing a Better Chicago program will host two awards this year: 1) the NeoCon: Design Impact Award, recognizing individuals or organizations using design for civic good and related programming in Chicago and 2) the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment Award, supporting leaders working to bring significant long-term impacts to Chicago communities and neighborhoods. 

Grant amounts will be between $10,000 and $25,000. In 2026, DBC will award $50,000 in total — $25,000 in the Design Impact category, and an additional $25,000 in the Built Environment category. We anticipate awarding 2–4 grants in total.

Nominations are due by February 16th, 2026. Learn more or make a nomination.

UChicago Collegiate Scholars Program

The University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program is a free, three-year enrichment program that prepares talented Chicago public high school students for admission to and success at highly selective colleges. 

Online applications are open through February 22, 2026 for current 9th grade students. Priority given to low-income or first-generation college students. Learn more.

Space Explorers Program

The University of Chicago Space Explorers Program is a free multi-year science enrichment program offered by the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics. Participants meet and work with astronomers and physicists; interact with University faculty, staff, students, and labs; engage with college-level math and science course work; take part in field trips and lab tours; and receive college and career readiness support.  

Applications are open through February 22, 2026 for current 9th-11th grade Chicago public school students. Priority given to low-income or first-generation college students. Learn more.

1st District Council Public Safety Meeting

The Chicago Commission for Public Safety and Accountability's 1st District Council has announced the agenda for its monthly meeting. Topics will include a presentation from the Better Government Association on CPD's budget, a discussion on public safety in downtown Chicago, an opportunity to share your concerns with district council members, and information on how to get involved. Register to attend here.

Where: Harold Washington Library (400 S. State St., Room 7N5)

When: Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:00 pm

Grant Park Framework Plan

The plan is here! After broad public engagement, the Chicago Park District has finalized the Grant Park Framework Plan - Chicago's Front Yard Reimagined. Join a virtual meeting to discuss the plan at bit.ly/GrantFPMeeting-Feb4.

When: Wednesday, February 4th at 6:00 pm

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Come and join a health and resource fair for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Free lunch, free HIV testing, glucose testing, blood pressure checks, body mass index, breast cancer info, giveaways and much more will be offered. Sponsored by Cook County Health, the Department of Family and Support Services, and health partners.

Where: King Community Service Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: Monday, February 9th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Love-a-Palooza

Gather your family and join Bright Horizons for a day of fun-filled activities, including music with special guest Mr. Sam from Tiny Tunes, sensory fun, messy art, and friendship activities.

Where: Detour 2 Discovery at Bright Horizons (2001 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Saturday, February 14th from 10:30 am to 11:45 am

Bronzeville: An American Story

Historian Bernard Turner will discuss how Bronzeville became a Black Metropolis and why it is now a National Heritage Area. He will take a look at the places and people who tell the important story of Bronzeville and how it has become an international tourist destination and cultural epicenter. This free online event requires registration.

When: Sunday, February 15th at 2:00 pm 

Chicago Black History of Phillips and DuSable High Schools

CPS will host “Chicago Black History of Phillips and DuSable High Schools,” a community-based event highlighting the enduring impact of both schools in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The panel discussion will explore the history and legacy of both high schools, and their impact and will highlight the significant contributions of the Black community in the renowned Bronzeville neighborhood. 

The panel event will feature CPS Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King, Chicago State University Professor Dr. Lionel Kimble, DuSable campus Principals Dr. Leonetta Sanders of the Daniel Hale Williams Preparatory School of Medicine and Dr. Demetra Richardson-Starks of Bronzeville Scholastic Institute, Phillips Principal Rashad Talley, DuSable and Phillips students and alumni, along with historian and CPS alumnus Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, a graduate of Auburn Gresham’s John W. Cook Academy.

Where: Wendell Phillips Academy High School (244 E. Pershing Rd.)

When: Tuesday, February 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, February 17th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions.

Where: Chatham Office (639 E. 87th St.)

When: Saturday, February 21st and 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

DIBS for Pets

Chicago Animal Care and Control presents: DIBS for Pets, an adoption event. Adoption fees will be waived. For more information click here.

Where: Chicago Animal Care and Control (2741 S. Western Ave.)

When: Saturday, February 21st from noon to 6:00 pm

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 131

Date: February 19th at 10:00 am (Zoom)

Location: For Zoom information, please email [email protected] or call 312-745-4381

Beat: 132

Date: February 18th at 5:00 pm

Location: Long Grove (2001 S. Michigan Ave.)

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213

Date: February 25th at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 841 2964 4400 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 215

Date: February 24th at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 890 0660 2371 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 221

Date: February 18th at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 840 8967 0980 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 223

Date: February 17th at 6:000 ppm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 870 7383 9739 Passcode: 5101

9th District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 915

Date: February 10th at 6:00 pm

Location: Brighton Park Library (4314 S. Archer)

Beat: 925

Date: February 18th at 6:00 pm

Location: St. Gabriel Church (4522 S. Wallace)