33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 17, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
I would like to begin this week’s newsletter with a “thank you!” Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed the incredible power of community coming together. When ICE came to our school communities to attack our young neighbors, their parents, and our schools, you all showed up at a moment’s notice to look out for each other. Last weekend, when ICE threw teargas on our neighborhood streets, you all showed up to care for each other, and so many of you reached out to offer to stay involved. Your courage and care have allowed us to tell these incredible stories of resilience and hope for communities across Chicago and our country. Let's keep it up!
There are so many ways over the next couple of weeks to be in community with each other, in addition to supporting each other. I encourage you to join any of the upcoming Halloween and Fall Festival events listed below, to submit your decorations for our ward office’s decoration contest, and to enjoy our amazing small businesses and restaurants to help support them during this period of uncertainty.
While we are organizing ourselves to take care of each other and resist Trump’s immigration agenda, we also must now work to address his economic agenda. Trump and his administration are hard at work dismantling our government. They are working to remove protections, programs, investments, and resources for the most vulnerable people across our city and the country. I joined local campaigns this past weekend at the Google Headquarters to speak about how efforts to shrink our government harm everyone.
It is clear that the ultra-rich in this country have benefited from an incredible redistribution of wealth, from the many of us to the few of them. Their wealth, the greatest ever in human history, has permitted them to buy elections and control our society. It has now become imperative for us to fight for wealth redistribution if we want to defeat Trump and his allies’ fascist agenda. Yesterday, Mayor Johnson addressed City Council to release his budget proposal, which makes great strides in doing just that.
This proposal provides an incredible opportunity for Chicago to invest in our communities, to meet current needs, and to preserve and expand essential health and safety programs, all without balancing the budget through taxing working people. The Mayor’s budget proposal is balanced through the implementation of two main solutions: 1) using TIF surpluses to fund our public schools, and 2) creating new revenue sources by re-establishing a corporate head tax as a “Community Safety Tax” and instituting a first-of-its-kind “SMART” tax on social media corporations to create a permanent fund for our public mental health clinics. This proposal does not include new property taxes or a grocery tax.
For too long we have been forced to balance budgets by taxing our poor and working neighbors. I look forward to continuing to explore the Mayor’s proposed solutions to creating new revenue sources for the city. Each year we are told our only solution is to cut services or risk layoffs. Each year we are left with the lingering question of where to find more revenue to keep our city running. We know where the money we need is. While the ultra-rich and corporations continue to enjoy increased tax breaks and accumulate historic wealth, the rest of us are left fighting for scraps. It’s time for everyone to pay their fair share.
In addition to the Mayor’s press release, you can learn more about specific details of this proposal through reporting by WTTW, The Triibe, and Block Club. You can read the Mayor’s Budget Address here, and can review budget documents here. I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback and ideas.
I am also happy to report that the Committee on Finance and City Council approved TIF funding for our community this week as well. Beginning in 2020, the North River Commission and community partners organized a Community Needs Assessment that identified a need for investment in River Park and Ronan Park. Since 2020, our 33rd Ward Participatory Budgeting program funded a playground at River Park which opened in 2023. This TIF funding will assist in the completion of park improvements at both parks. We look forward to enjoying the final results, years in the making! |
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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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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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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. October 18 — Roosevelt High School Open House from 11am - 1pm October 18 — Bateman’s BOOOsterfest from 11am-2pm, Trunk or Treat at 1pm! October 18 — Von Linne Fall Fest from 2pm-4pm October 19 — New Life Church Fall Fest from 10:30 - 12pm October 20 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Guest presentation at 5:30pm October 21 — FAFSA Workshop at Roosevelt High School, 6-8pm - RSVP October 23 — Discuss Arts and Culture in Albany Park from 6pm - 8:30pm at Movement on Montrose - Survey October 24 — Horner Park Neighborhood Association Halloween Party, 5pm, Crust Tap Room, 3000 West Irving Park Rd October 24 — Cleveland Elementary Halloween on the Green from 12:45 - 4:30pm October 25 — Von Steuben Fall Festival, 5031 N Kimball Ave from 11:00 - 2:00 October 27 — Participatory Budgeting All-Community Meeting, 7:00pm at the 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave October 29 — Police District Councils Joint Meeting - CPD Budget Analysis - 6:00pm, Swedish Hospital October 30 — Autumn Fest at Roosevelt High School, 5:30-7:00pm October 30 — Haugan Elementary Fall Festival and Local Small Business Vendor Market, 4:30 - 6:30 pm - All community is welcome! October 31 — Deadline - County Homeowner Relief Program - Apply Here November 3 — Neighbor Night; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Guest presentation at 5:30pm
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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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Ways You Can Get Involved to Support Immigrant NeighborsIMMR will host virtual Family Preparedness workshops at 6 p.m. every Thursday evening throughout September. Residents are invited to register for the webinars online and can view additional information on IMMR’s website.
UPGRADED IMRR WEBSITE The City has also launched a newly enhanced IMRR website at www.chicago.gov/IMRR. Step-by-step, easy-to-follow guidance for immigrant families and individuals; User-friendly content and clear visuals; Resources tailored to immigrant and refugee communities, highlighting services and protections.
ALBANY PARK MUTUAL AID APMA have been helping with grocery deliveries to folks who may not want to leave their homes right now. Their contact information can be found on their website: https://www.albanyparkmutualaid.com/
ADOPT A HIRING CORNER Latino Union is helping day laborers with their “Adopt a Hiring Corner” volunteer team. Sign up : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV1HGjpuXg8TBZXRwk4iAKa2GyRSVlgOlTwwXXgfgRBg2Ykw/viewform.
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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 Night
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].
Next — October 20, 33rd Ward Office Open House, 4747 N Sawyer Ave Appointments available: 4:30-5:30pm Guest presentation: 5:30-6:30pm
Upcoming — November 3, Details to be announced Appointments available: 4:30-5:30pm Guest presentation: 5:30-6:30pm |
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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
PB All-Community MeetingJoin us on October 27 at 7pm for our next Community Meeting related to Participatory Budgeting. We will be meeting at the 33rd ward office. You can join us to learn more about participatory budgeting, to share ideas for the ballot, or to learn about volunteering for PB. See you there! |
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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 Review
3240 W Lawrence Ave – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B1-2 to B2-5 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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2025 Street SweepingWe are nearing the end of street-sweeping season, with the final scheduled sweeps ending by mid-November. Sweeping will continue on main streets as weather permits.
View a printable street sweeping schedule. You can find your zone by referencing the interactive map by clicking here. |
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Fall Leaves Announcement from Department of Streets and SanitationIt's fall, and that's exactly what the leaves are doing - falling from Chicago's trees. Help us keep our streets, curbs, and gutters clean and safe! Remove leaves that fall into the street in front of your residence. Reuse them as mulch in your yard. Bag them and call 311 for a yard waste pickup.
DO NOT sweep or rake leaves into the street. Doing so is a violation of City Ordinance and can clog the sewer system, leading to flooding, ice over the upcoming winter months, and other issues. |
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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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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044 - W032
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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November 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.
Free Adult Health Screenings and Groceries
St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie Wednesday, November 19 Free adult health screenings: 10 am - 1:30 pm Free Groceries: 12:30-1:30 pm |
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Luella’s Southern Kitchen is Now Open!Pay our new neighbors a visit at 4114 N Kedzie Ave! |
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Oktoberfest in Humboldt ParkOctober 18, 2025 12pm-8pm |
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Von Steuben Fall FestivalSaturday, October 25th from 11:00-2:00pm Von Steuben, 5031 N Kimball Ave, Door D
The day of the event, there will be food, games, prizes, and more! Again, I've attached the flyer we've made for the Fall Festival. |
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Emergency Heating Repair ProgramOpens November 1, 2025.
EHRP offers income-eligible Chicagoland owner-occupied properties with direct assistance to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH).
The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested homeowners can apply online. They will complete the online pre-qualification questions. Afterwards, their information is transferred through the City's portal. They will receive an email on the same day with a link to proceed with completing the application. Homeowners with an email address can apply online.
Constituents can also receive a paper application via one of the following methods: The City's 311 service line CHI311 APP www.chicago.gov/ehrp. where applicants can complete a service request to apply, and an electronic status letter will be generated for their records. Paper application can be downloaded at www.chicago.gov/hrp and printed out.
A homeowner who does not have an email address or access to a computer will need to call 311 to be sent a paper application package by mail. Completed applications can be returned to: Department of Housing, Attu: Emergency Heating Repair Program, 121 N Lasalle, Room 1000, 10 flr, Chicago, Illinois 60602. |
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Police District Councils Joint Meeting regarding CPD BudgetOctober 29, 6:00pm Swedish Hospital |
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Homeowner Relief Fund - Deadline Extended
The Cook County Homeowner Relief Program is a one-time $1,000 lottery-based payment is intended to help eligible households meet basic needs, reduce housing cost burdens, and provide financial relief.
To be eligible, Cook County homeowners must: Have experienced a property tax bill increase of at least 30% in tax year 2021, 2022, or 2023 Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income for the applicant's household size (AMI Guidelines: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/renters/svcs/ami_chart.html ) Have a Cook County homeowner exemption on the property, which shows that is your primary residence Be at least 18 years old
You can fill out a short, 10 minute application at: https://hrf.cookcountyil.gov/apply. The application closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, October 31st.
If you are an 8th District resident and you need assistance with the application or have questions about eligibility, call Commissioner Jessica Vásquez’s office at 312-603-6386. |
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Autumn Fest with NRC and Roosevelt High SchoolOctober 30 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm Roosevelt High School |
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Horner Park Neighborhood Association Halloween FestivalOctober 24, 5:00pm Crust Brewing |
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Fall Pre-Apprenticeship Fair with CTAOctober 22 from 10am - 12pm JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd
This special outreach event is to provide more awareness and education to both youth and adults alike who are interested in careers in construction. Current apprentice and journeypersons are encouraged to attend this event. The event will include a presentation of noteworthy information on construction industry pathways, training resources, wage outlooks and current opportunities with CTA construction contractors -- for both construction and administrative work. After the 30-minute presentation there will be networking and raffles for all attendees. There will also be a free food truck.
Scores of attendees are expected so please encourage those interested in careers in the construction trades to register now using the link below: CTA Workforce Initiatives Fall Pre-Apprenticeship Fair Registration |
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Survey - Arts & Culture in Albany ParkOctober 23rd 6pm - 8:30pm
Movement on Montrose, 2951 W. Montrose Ave
Survey
Tell us your vision for Arts & Culture in Albany Park! Let’s celebrate our community’s deep diversity, join together in joy and support, and create collective visions for the future. Take our SURVEY on your experience of neighborhood arts and culture now. Fun activities, free food, and collective design. All ages welcome. |
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Roosevelt High School Open HouseOctober 18, from 11am - 1pm at Roosevelt High School
Roosevelt is a proud neighborhood high school in the heart of Albany Park. We are home to students from all around the world who speak 23 different languages. We offer five CTE pathways: culinary, teaching, medical, game programming and computer networking. We also have a Spanish Dual Language program and offer Honors, AP, and Dual Credit courses. We host a variety of after-school programs, as well as sports, on our beautiful home field. |
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Queen of Angels School - Children’s ResaleSaturday, October 18 from 8am-1pm Queen of Angels Church, 2330 W Sunnyside Ave $2 Entry |
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Bateman BOOOster FestCommunity Festival from 11-2pm Trunk-Or-Treat from 1-2pm Bateman School Playground, 4220 N Richmond St
$3 per person or $10 per family. Tickets for purchase on site. Cash preferred.
Throw on your costumes! Be There, Be Scared, and Be Bateman! Join us for Halloween activities, games, pie-in-the-face, a SPOOky Haunted House, and a Jurassic World Adventure! Food trucks by Napoli per Tutti, Tamales Express,and Somethin' Sweet Donuts
EVERYONE WELCOME! More information at: www.friendsofbateman.org/booosterfest |
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Irving Park Food Pantry Hat, Scarf, Glove DriveThe Pantry is collecting new hats, scarves and gloves to provide our registered clients in the 60641 and 60618 ZIP codes. This program replaces our annual coat drive, which we are unable to run.
We will give out the items during our October distributions (October 1st, 8th, 14th, 15th, 22nd and 29th). You can drop off your donation of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for men, women and children any time through Sunday, October 26th. But early is better!
NOTE: Please limit your donation to ONLY hats, scarves and gloves. We have no space to offer other items. Thank you for your support of this worthy cause! |
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Kedzie Center Community Needs AssessmentAfter 10 years of providing accessible mental health care to Chicago’s North River area, we’re conducting a comprehensive assessment to ensure we’re meeting our community’s needs.
If you live in Albany Park, Irving Park, North Park, or Sauganash, please consider taking our survey or joining a focus group to let us know what YOU need. All participants will have the chance to win $50 gift card to a local business. Share with your neighbors and help us provide quality care to our North River community. |
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Chicago Public Schools Opens GoCPS Applications for the 2026-27 School YearChicago Public Schools (CPS) opened the GoCPS application window this week, allowing students and families to explore schools for the 2026-27 school year. From now through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, families of students entering grades K-9 in the 2026-27 school year can submit applications to a wide variety of schools - with myriad special programs - offered throughout the city.
To support families through the application process, CPS is hosting a series of online GoCPS information sessions, available in both English and Spanish. Families can register for a virtual session and also view step-by-step informational videos by visiting cps.edu/gocps. |
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Free Community Meals - Second SundaySunday, October 12; Sunday, November 9; Sunday, December 14 2nd Sunday of each month, 6-7pm Holy Family Hall (basement of Queen of Angels Church), 2330 W. Sunnyside.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul invites you and the members of your household to a new free Community Meal. Come, relax, and share a hot meal with other members of the community! Pick up a to-go bag with a packed lunch to eat the next day.
If you have questions, please call the Queen of Apostles Parish Office at 773-539-7510. Leave a message and the team will call you back. |
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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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Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward OfficeOur office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to [email protected] for more information. |
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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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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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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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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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