1st Ward Newsletter | October 7, 2025
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Dear neighbors,
As I write this, we know that National Guard troops from Texas have been stationed in the area, over the objections of our governor and mayor and with a pending lawsuit from both levels of government. We do not yet know where and when they will be present in the city of Chicago, but I can say with confidence that their presence is not what makes our city safe, stable, and thriving. I would argue that through your care and commitment to your undocumented neighbors you are doing more than the Guard possibly could. Be courageous and careful.
In the midst of this anxiety, I try to celebrate the small signs of success and hope around us. The hundreds of you who have weighed in on the development proposal at 2240 N. Milwaukee gives me hope for democratic process. The new fields and playgrounds under construction at Goethe and La Salle II (and the ones that just opened at Pritzker, De Diego, and Wicker Park) help me believe we can create beautiful futures for our children–and pets! When so many canvass to make sure their neighbors know their rights, I feel proud to represent communities so grounded in solidarity.
I will conclude by saying we lost a critical vote on the Plow the Sidewalks Pilot last week, and after more than two years of hard work, municipal sidewalk snow clearance will not be coming to Chicago this winter. I'm grateful for the many 1st Ward residents who reached out in support of this pilot. To be clear, we know how to do this; we can afford to do this; and equity demands that we ought to do this. All we lack remains the political will, and we will get there too. I firmly believe that legislatively if you never lose, you've never reached far enough. I'm thankful to all of you for pushing me to reach further, even when we don't win the first time.
Sincerely,
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Indigenous Peoples' Day
The 1st Ward Office and all city offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Please ensure your black and blue carts are accessible to crews for the remainder of the week.
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is and last month, our office held a subject matter hearing on the prevalence of domestic violence in Chicago in the Committee on Health and Human Relations.
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Our advocates against domestic violence are hosting events and opportunities throughout the month to connect, take action, and raise awareness to end domestic violence. Learn more here!
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The 1st Ward Office is recruiting volunteers for the final Meet Me On Milwaukee taking place on Sunday, Oct. 26th! Volunteers will assist with set-up, take-down, acting as entrance attendants, etc. Sign up at the link below!
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Construction on Park 399 is complete! 1st Ward residents voted for this project through participatory budgeting, voted on the park design, and now we hope you'll join us this Friday at 10:00 a.m. for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its new improvements.
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Commissioners Steele and Vasquez are hosting a Property Tax Appeal Seminar next Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Moos Elementary (1711 N. California). Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and a presentation on the appeals process will take place at 6:00 p.m. Registration is not required, but highly recommended.
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Upcoming Construction
Upcoming work in the 1st Ward:
- Alley South of N Milwaukee Ave from N Paulina St to N Ashland Ave
- N Talman Ave from W Belden Ave to W Lyndale St
We are awaiting start and completion dates from the contractor and will provide further information as it is provided. Residents can expect 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.
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Wood / Walton (937 N Wood) ICE Claims
The 1st Ward office continues to get calls alleging ICE / federal agents staging at the Sheriff's office at 937 North Wood. Alderman La Spata and staff have checked on this site numerous times, and all sightings of vehicles are sheriff's plates, local law enforcement plates, or personal vehicles parked in the rear of the lot. We have reached out to our Cook County Commissioner to verify any other claims.
If you believe you see ICE, Border Patrol, or other immigration enforcement agents, the best course of action is to call the ICIRR Family Support Network with as much specific information as possible: 1-855-435-7693.
Please do not post unverified information on social media alleging ICE sightings. These posts, especially when vague and unverified create more fear in our neighborhoods. Instead of posting, call organizations like ICIRR and use the SALUTE method:
- Size: How many agents/ officers?
- Activity: What specifically are the agents doing?
- Location: Give an exact address or intersection.
- Unit(s): What letters, details, or patches are visible on the uniforms/jackets/vests/vehicles? (e.g. HSI/Homeland Security Investigations/Police Gang Unit, ERO, POLICE, CBP/US Customs and Border Protection, CBP Field Operations, etc.)
- Time: What precise time did you witness this? This info should be shared quickly.
- Equipment: What did agents have with them? (e.g. weapons, flexicuffs, dogs, door breakers, sound cannon, vans, SUVs, etc.)
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Community News and Events
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As leaves begin falling from our trees, please do not rake them into the street. Instead, put them in large paper bags and submit a 311 request for yard waste pick-up. You can submit a 311 online or call our office at 872-206-2685 for assistance. Thank you for helping keep our sewers clear!
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The Department of Public Health is hosting numerous vaccine clinics around the city at no cost to residents. No insurance is required. Routine pediatric shots and physicals will also be available to school-aged children! Visit Chicago.gov/Vax for more information.
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