|
Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati
Saturday, May 2nd at 7:30 pm
Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls
Saturday, May 9th at 1:30 pm
Bruno Mars - The Romantic Tour
Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th at 7:30 pm
Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC
Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30 pm
The Deadline to Apply for Property Tax Savings is Friday, May 15
When you claim exemptions on your home, you unlock savings that help lower your property tax bill. Applying online is easy and allows certain exemptions to roll over year-over-year.
You may be eligible for exemptions. Browse available exemptions and apply online today. The most common exemptions are: Homeowner Exemption, Senior Exemption, "Senior Freeze" Exemption,
Persons with Disabilities, and Veterans with Disabilities. If you already applied, you can check the status following these three steps.
1. Click here, enter your PIN or address.
2. Select "2025" in the "tax year" dropdown field before clicking "search."
3. Click on the "Exemption Status" tab in the sidebar menu.
For more information on how properties are assessed and potential property tax exemptions, visit www.cookcountyassessoril.gov.
Changes to SNAP Benefits Start May 1st
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced new SNAP work requirements that go into effect May 1st. This is on top of the new requirements enacted on February 1st that limited SNAP benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD), and for formerly eligible groups including refugees and asylum seekers.
If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents that relies on SNAP, do not lose your benefits!
Work reporting requirements what’s changed? Who is impacted?
• The age cutoff for work requirements has moved from 55 to 65.
• Parents with children ages 14- 18 must meet work requirements now. Previously, parents with children under 18 were exempt.
• Homeless individuals, youth aging out of foster care, and veterans are no longer exempt from work requirements
Who are still exempt from work requirements
• People who are medically certified as physically or mentally unable to work
• Caregivers for a child under age 14 or an incapacitated person
• A regular participant in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program
• Some Native Americans
Immigrant eligibility
No longer eligible
• Refugees
• Asylees
• Victims of human trafficking
• Certain victims of violence and torture
Still eligible
• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who have been in the US for at least 5 years (or are exempt from the 5-year wait period)
• Cuban and Haitian entrants
If you are a SNAP recipient, please use the State screening tool to confirm eligibility bit.ly/4sUxnVt. To learn more about the new work requirements, visit bit.ly/3QskfJD. Additional resources are available at Job Ready IL and Serve Illinois.
Soldier Field 10 miler
The Soldier Field 10 Miler is on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The yearly event honors the courageous service members who sacrificed everything for our freedom. The day will begin with a heartfelt playing of taps and a military salute, setting a reflective tone for the event. The course runs along the lakefront (map here).
Night Nation Run
The Night Nation Run is the World’s 1st Running Music Festival an ultimate blend of a Music Festival and a Fun Run. Experience a music filled course with Live DJs, Light Shows, Bubble Zones, Neon and Black Lights. Cross the finish line into an Epic Main Stage After Party featuring Top Headliner DJs. Saturday, The event is scheduled for May 30th at 6:00 pm. Course map here.
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Applications Open
This is a reminder that the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) application remains open and is accepting applications on a rolling basis (continuously throughout the year)!
Submitted applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis, and the next deadline is at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 15th (Applications submitted after May 15 will be reviewed the following quarter.) Find the list of deadlines here.
The NOF is an innovative program that invests downtown development fees in catalytic commercial corridor investments on the South, West and Southwest Side. Designed to stimulate business activity, strengthen amenities, and deliver essential services, NOF grants up $250,000 may be redeemed by successful applicants through reimbursements or construction escrows.
Theses application rounds include the following improvements for grantees:
• Additional technical assistance for up to 20% of the grant amount to cover services provided by pre-selected project managers and architects.
• Grant coverage up to 75% of project costs, up from 50%.
• Loan Loss Reserve funding from pre-selected Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
For more information on the program, informational webinars, and in-person community meetings, please visit https://chicago.gov/nof or contact [email protected].
47th/State TIF District Opens May 1st
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the following TIF district in May.
Applications open: 9 a.m. Friday, May 1st
Applications close: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30th
The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.
Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.
Summer Band Camp
Intonation Music is hosting a FREE summer band camp from June 22nd through July 31st, weekdays, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Session A for children 3rd -5th grade will be at Kennicott Park (4434 S. Lake Park Ave.). Session B for children 6th-12th grade will be at Intonation HQ (3633 S. State St.). If your camper is interested in music, fun field trips and performances, go to www.intonationmusic.org.
ComEd Construct Youth Academy Summer Program
The CONSTRUCT Youth Academy is a paid, pre-career exposure program designed to build awareness of careers in the utility and energy sector. The program introduces students to entry level roles and career opportunities within the industry. The curriculum focuses on increasing students’ knowledge, awareness, and workforce readiness across a variety of roles, with the goal of strengthening pathways into ComEd adult workforce programs and long term career opportunities. Register for this program here.
Program Details
• Program Length: 2 weeks each month Cohort
• Schedule: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Monday–Friday)
• Stipend: $400 upon successful completion
• Transportation: On ComEd field days, students will be transported as a group from the partner agency location to ComEd
• Students should apply to the location most convenient for daily morning drop-off.
Program Dates & Locations
June Cohort | June 15–26
• South Side YMCA , 6330 S. Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL
• Goodwill, 815 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL
July Cohort | July 13–24
• Kelly Hall YMCA, 824 N. Hamlin Ave, Chicago, IL
3rd Annual Dear Mama Pop Up Shop
Mt. Pisgah Women's Ministry is hosting a pop up shop featuring multiple food truck and over 20 vendors on site. All are welcome, entry is free.
Where: Mt. Pisgah MBC Social Hall (4622 S. King Dr.)
When: Saturday, May 2nd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Veterans Town Hall and Resource Fair
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson is hosting a town hall where he will discuss important updates, share future plans, and hear your valuable feedback. This is a great opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and work together toward our shared goals. Register here.
Where: Major Charles L. Hunt VFW Hall (344 W. 119th St.)
When: Tuesday May 5th 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, May 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)
2026 Workplace Law Changes: What You Need to Know
Stay ahead of the latest updates impacting your business. Join the Near South Planning Board for an interactive roundtable discussion on key 2026 changes in employment law, workplace regulations, and wages. RSVP here.
Where: Cafe Bionda (1924 S. State St.)
When: Wednesday, May 6th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm (networking happy hour from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm)
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 a virtual eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions. Register here.
When: Wednesdays, May 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th at 6:00 pm
Dog Park Cleanups
South Loop Dog PAC will be coordinating morning cleanups at the South Loop Dog Parks in May. Link for a signup form and further information will be sent out before the events. More info? Shoot us an email at [email protected].
Where: Fred Anderson Park (1629 S. Wabash Ave.)
When: Saturday, May 9th (small dog area), Saturday, May 16th (big dog area), Saturday, May 23rd (Grant Bark Park.
5th Annual Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair
Join the Chicago Department of Aviation for the 5th Annual Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair. The Small Business Summit will welcome small business owners to participate in engaging workshops and network with fellow vendors. From noon to 4p.m., the Job Fair will connect attendees directly with hiring businesses and organizations for on-the-spot hiring alongside skill-building sessions. Register at www.flychicago.com/summitandjobfair/.
Where: UIC Forum (1213 S. Halsted St.)
When: Tuesday, May 12th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
PBC Connection Session 2026
The Public Building Commission (PBC) is hosting its annual Connection Session. The event will provide
attendees with information regarding PBC’s upcoming opportunities and encourage industry networking with contractors, professional service providers, Assist Agencies, and MBE/WBE firms, subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers. PBC will also share information regarding its Student Hiring Initiative. Additional information will be made available regarding programming updates and registration, prior to the Connection Session. Register at tinyurl.com/PBCCS2026.
Where: Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.)
When: Thursday, May 14th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Spring Lounge: Celebrating Lorraine Hansberry
Celebrate Lorraine Hansberry’s birthday at Arts + Public Life! We’re marking the occasion with activities across the Arts Block to honor the renowned author and playwright who grew up in the Washington Park Subdivision. Start your visit with birthday cake and a screening of A Raisin in the Sun (1961) in the Cultural Stewardship Reading Room. Take home a free book by Lorraine Hansberry—available while supplies last—and browse books, magazines, and archival materials on South Side arts, culture and history. Register here.
Where: Arts Incubator (301 E. Garfield Blvd.)
When: Tuesday, May 19th from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
BLKNEWS: Terms & Conditions | Film Screening + Activations
Arts + Public Life welcomes you to a night of high-frequency culture centered around the screening of Kahlil Joseph’s BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions. This event transforms the cinematic experience into a living environment where film and hip-hop culture collide. Following a small opening reception and the film screening, the evening continues with a series of activations designed to mirror the energy from the screen.
Expect a night of movement and making featuring a live DJ set and art-making stations alongside space for drinks, small bites and discussion. Stay tuned as we announce specific activation details and the lineup of featured artists joining us for this takeover. Register here.
Where: Greenline Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)
When: Friday, May 22nd from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
|