33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 19, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
I would like to take time this week to provide updates about the status of the 2026 City Budget negotiations, and to bring you all up to speed on what has transpired throughout the week. I have been at City Hall each day this week to participate in discussions with my colleagues, to continually develop recommendations to the proposed budget in real time. We expect to be at City Hall every day moving forward until a balanced budget is approved.
These negotiations between the fifty council members and the Mayor’s office have been complex, layered, and I imagine, hard to keep track of. These decisions have huge impacts on the daily lives of everyone in our community, and based on the incredible amount of feedback from you all, I remain committed to passing a budget that is balanced, is fiscally responsible, and does not put the burden of a balanced budget on the working people of our communities.
On Tuesday of this week, during the Committee on Finance meeting, a coalition of alderpeople, filed a proposed revenue plan for next year’s budget. This proposal depends on revenue from selling ad space on public infrastructure, installing video gambling machines in any premises with a liquor license, increasing taxation on alcohol sales, and selling city debt like uncollected parking tickets and utility bills to debt collection agencies.
This proposal was introduced with the express purpose of substituting the Community Safety Surcharge. The matter-of-factly named “alternative budget,” is nothing more than a representation of the status quo Chicago politics that would rather nickel and dime working people to protect the bottom line of corporations. The only “alternative” to the proposed Protecting Chicago budget, which includes the Community Safety Surcharge, is harmful mid-year cuts to essential services that Chicagoans depend on to survive.
During the committee hearing, I asked my colleagues to present the research that went into their revenue proposal, asking for evidence that this plan would not leave our budget unbalanced. An unbalanced budget, which in other words means a budget that does not generate enough revenue to meet our financial commitments, in addition to being illegal by state law, would bring City Council back together in the middle of the year to discuss layoffs and cuts to services due to lack of funding. There was no solid evidence to support the proposal, and despite numerous questions to this point, many of us left feeling unsatisfied and unable to trust the soundness of the proposal. Despite this, the majority of the Finance committee voted to recommend passage of this revenue plan.
The following day, after taking time to scrutinize the revenue plan, the Mayor’s office was able to present an analysis at the Budget Committee. Our city’s financial experts, including our Comptroller, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Budget Management, were unable to determine how the revenue plan will meet projections to raise the necessary money. Despite their concerns, the supporters of this plan voted again to recommend passage of the revenue plan.
Today, the City Council met to, sadly, pass this revenue plan that is expected to produce an unbalanced budget. My vote has remained “no” throughout this process, and I look forward to continuing to discuss plans and negotiate how best to balance our budget. Our City Council must make evidence-based decisions. We cannot continue to legislate based on the interests of corporations and campaign donors when our neighbors lives are on the line.
Currently, our federal government, President Trump and his administration, are working around the clock to defund and destroy life-saving social safety net programs, and his terrorist immigration enforcement regime is kidnapping our neighbors off the streets of Chicago. It is the primary goal of a fascist government to concentrate wealth and power behind corporate interests. We must come together to resist a budget that furthers this harm. Chicago belongs to the people! Please continue to respond to our budget survey and our survey detailing a proposal to fund the Chicago Public Libraries.
I know for many of my neighbors, this time of year is a special time to celebrate the holidays with your friends and families. Despite the uncertainty we have all faced together this year, I am so proud of our incredible accomplishments. We continue to come closer together, create new ways to support each other, and deepen our resolve to protect each other. I hope you enjoy your holiday season, and we look forward to being together again in the new year! |
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Thank you for doing this work with me. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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The 33rd Ward Office will be closed December 22 - January 2 for Winter Break. We will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, January 5. |
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The 33rd Ward Office is now a distribution site for Gun Safety Locks.
Locks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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The 33rd Ward Office has a new stock of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. December 20 — Friendship Center Holiday Meal Kits, 2-5pm, 2709 W Lawrence Ave. - There will be enough food. You do not have to arrive at 2pm. Please do not line up before noon. January 9 — Free Meals - Each 2nd Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 5:30pm - 7:00pm January 15 — Low-income Housing Workshop, in Korean, 1pm on Zoom - Register January 22 — Low-income Housing Workshop, in Korean, 6pm on Zoom - Register February 13 — Free Meals - Each 2nd Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
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Support Our Local Businesses
We know many neighbors are choosing to stay in during this difficult time, and we understand safety comes first. At the same time, our local businesses, corner stores, restaurants, and shops are feeling the impact of the recent attacks on our community. If you’re able, please consider supporting them in ways that feel safe for you, whether by ordering takeout or delivery, shopping online from them, or picking up from a trusted spot. Every gesture of support helps keep these community anchors strong while we look out for one another. |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. |
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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Neighbor NightUpcoming Neighbor Night: to be announced
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:30pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a guest presentation. All are welcome to join.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. |
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Participatory BudgetingIf you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org |
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33rd Ward Snow Shoveling ProgramYou can sign up to help a neighbor with their snow shoveling or sign up to ask for help by filling out the form by clicking here, calling our office at 773-840-7880, or emailing our office at [email protected]. We will help to pair you with a neighbor for the duration of the winter season. |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review3039 W Irving Park Rd – Project Website Status: In Community Review - Deadline to submit comments is Dec. 19. Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B2-3 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Job Openings at St. Mary of Providence
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FREE tutoring during the Spring TermDeadline to apply: January 15
There are only 10 spots available. Students will receive 18 hours of tutoring with a professional tutor of their choice from February 1 - May 31 for FREE. The high-quality one-on-one tutoring sessions can cover any subject or test the student needs help with while also teaching the underlying learning and life skills for long-term success. Learn about our one-of-a-kind Tutoring Program and incredible Results. If you know students who would benefit from our tutoring program, please nominate them using this form. |
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Holiday Markets In Avondale - 12/20, Revolution Brewing - 12/20, Sleeping Village - 12/20, Into the Feral |
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Friendship Center Holiday Meal KitsDecember 20, 2-5pm, 2709 W Lawrence Ave.
There will be enough food for neighbors. You do not need to arrive at 2pm, but can come later. Please do not line up before noon. |
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HANA Center Low-income Housing WorkshopsKorean: January 15, 1pm on Zoom - Register
Korean: January 22, 6pm on Zoom - Register
Join us for our new series of housing workshops and learn about different types of subsidized housing, eligibility requirements, and how to apply! All workshops will be held on Zoom. |
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Thank you to Mather High School students Benart Babatinca and Destiny Ugalde for creating this graphic to share legal aid resources! |
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Support RHS to Bring Dance Programming
Support us in bringing the gift of dance and music to Roosevelt students! Make a tax-free donation by using this link and note BSU (Black Student Union) where it says "How would you like to direct your donation?" |
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Free Meal - “Gather Together”
Each 2nd Friday until June 2026 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Christ Lutheran Church, 4541 N Spaulding |
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ESL Classes at Cleveland! We are partnering with Truman College to offer another semester of ESL Classes! Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 13th at 9:30am-12:30pm for 16 weeks. We ask that all folks that are interested come to the Parent University on Wednesday, December 10th for on-site registration. More information can be found in the flyer attached |
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Family Literacy Program to Improve English LiteracyCommunity Integration at RICS-Refugee and Immigrant Community Services is excited to share about our Family Literacy Program that supports parents and pre-school aged children who are learning English. |
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APMA Game NightJanuary 31, from 5:30 - 9:00pm
3600 W Irving Park Road |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Winter Gear Drive
3000 W Lawrence Ave Drop off times: Mondays & Wednesdays 4pm - 8pm; Saturdays 12pm - 4pm |
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Roosevelt High School - Holiday Help Drive |
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Trilogy - Winter Clothing Drive
We are accepting donations through Feburary 2026
Drop-off locations: Rogers Park- 1400 West Greenleaf Ave. Albany Park - 3737 West Lawrence Ave. Chatham - 8541 S. State St. (Wednesday only 8:30am to 5:00pm)
As temperatures fall, many struggle to access warm clothing. Trilogy aids adults and children with a mental illness and seeks donations of gently used winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves and winter boots), particularly larger sizes.
Your generosity can enhance their dignity and well-being. Let's collectively spread warmth and kindness in our community! |
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December Hot-Meals To-Go ScheduleEvery Thursday from 12:00 - 1:30pm St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie
All food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID or registration necessary. |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Available at Our Ward OfficeThey are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Policy Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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