|
| Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter! |
|
| | |
Dear Neighbors,
Happy almost Earth Day! There are so many ways to celebrate, and if you’re looking to give back to our community, there are two neighborhood cleanups happening on April 25 and two citywide cleanups happening tomorrow! It’s a great opportunity to come together, keep our ward clean, and take pride in the spaces we all share. Please check out the 46th Ward Community News section for details on how to sign up and get involved.
Last Friday, we had the opportunity to stand with our Mighty Mustangs as they rallied for a much-needed school gym at McCutcheon S.T.E.A.M. Elementary School. This is a vital school right here in the 46th Ward, and our young people deserve safe, supportive spaces to learn, grow, and stay active. Investing in our schools means investing in the future of our community, and we’re proud to support their call for the resources they need to thrive. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
This week at City Council, we secured a huge win for the 46th Ward. As the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) prepares to expand into Uptown—a long-awaited and much-needed resource for our community—we were able to secure $2 million in TIF funding to support the buildout at the Institute of Cultural Affairs’ GreenRise building. This investment helps ensure the space can continue to serve as a hub for critical services, sustainability work, and community collaboration. This is a powerful win for us as we approach Earth Day, this eight-story space also stands as a example of sustainability in action. With solar energy, innovative building practices, and partnerships focused on reducing carbon emissions, GreenRise shows what’s possible when we invest in both our environment and our community’s future. |
|
|
|
Jeff Cohen (L, DPD) Lesley Showers (Middle, ICA), William Grams (R, DPD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This week, I also joined our favorite baseball team for Jackie Robinson Day at Wrigley Field. It was a powerful moment to reflect on Jackie Robinson’s legacy and the impact he had not only on baseball, but on civil rights and breaking barriers across the country. Wrigley Field was also the last MLB stadium Jackie played in, which made seeing players and fans come together to honor his contributions even more meaningful. |
|
| | |
Speaking of baseball, Chicago is gearing up for an exciting series with the HBCU Baseball Classic Week coming to the city from April 26 through May 3. This week-long celebration highlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) talent, culture, and community, with everything from alumni games and showcases to networking events and major matchups.
It’s a great opportunity to support young athletes, connect with community, and celebrate the legacy and impact of HBCU programs right here in Chicago. Be sure to check out the full schedule and join in on the excitement! |
|
|
| Neighbors, I hope you can join us for the Infrastructure Town Hall on Tuesday, April 21 at Truman College from 5:30 pm to 7 pm! It will be a great opportunity to learn about street, sewer, bike lane, and sidewalk projects across the 46th Ward. We’ll also be kicking off Participatory Budgeting 2026, and your voice is a key part of that process. This is your chance to ask questions, share feedback, and help shape what improvements you want to see in our community. Your input matters, and we want to hear from you! |
|
|
|
Lastly, I want to remind parents that as summer approaches Chicago Park District locations will begin open enrollment for summer day camps on April 20th and 21st. These programs fill up quickly, so if you’re planning to enroll your child, be sure to sign up as soon as possible.
Summer camp is a great way for young people to stay active, build friendships, and have fun right in their neighborhood. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure a spot! |
|
|
|
Yours In Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay
|
|
|
| |
Spring is in the air, and that means the return of one of our lakefront’s most beloved visitors. The piping plovers are back at Montrose Beach!
Pippin and Imani have officially returned for the season, marking the start of another nesting period along our shoreline. These small, endangered birds have become a symbol of successful conservation efforts in Chicago and a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural spaces.
If you’re heading to Montrose Beach, please be mindful of posted areas
and help give them the space they need to safely nest and thrive. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 marks the 41st anniversary of citywide Earth Day park cleanups! For four decades, Chicagoans have gathered all over the city each spring to clean and green our beloved parks.
Sign up for this year’s Chicago Park District clean up on April 18th! 
Interested in hosting your own clean-up event? Call 311 to register your group and the Department of Streets & Sanitation will lend the brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags for the clean-up projects.
Looking for a family-friendly event near the 46th Ward? Join the Institute for Cultural Affairs (ICA) for their 4th annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25 from 11 am to 2 pm at Buttercup Park (4901 N. Sheridan Rd). 
Other Earth Day events hosted around the city include: Earth Week - Hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo from April 20-26, featuring free activities and events. one earth film festival - Hosted by the Department of Environment from April 22-27
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | LV2 Parking Passes for Cubs Season
Resident Neighbor LV2 Passes can be picked up directly from our office at 4544 N. Broadway, rather than Wrigley Field. If you live on Alta Vista, Sheffield, Kenmore, Seminary, Wilton, or Waveland, you are eligible for a pass. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | We are excited to announce that on May 21st, the 46th Ward Office is hosting the Uptown Connects Resource Fair in collaboration with the Department of Family & Support Services at the DFSS Office (845 W Wilson Ave)!
This event will bring together local organizations, service providers, and community partners to share resources, build connections with residents, and strengthen collaboration within our Uptown community.
We’re actively seeking a local community organization or group to volunteer any art therapy and/or mindfulness-based activities for this year's fair!
If your organization offers any creative wellness programming, such as guided therapeutic art activities, meditation, stress reduction techniques, or other mindfulness practices, we’d love to have you participate. Our goal is to help create a welcoming, restorative space where attendees can access important services and resources.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Eleana from the 46th Ward at 773-878-4646 or [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Carts at Food Scrap Drop-Offs |
|
The Department of Streets and Sanitation will be using a new type of green cart at food scrap drop-off locations in the near future.
The new carts are: smaller, with a 35-gallon capacity compared to the 65-gallon capacity of the original carts. opened by turning a handle on the top of the lid. See below for details.
Please let the City know what you think! Share your feedback by emailing [email protected]. |
|
|
|
|
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
|
|
|
|
Located right at 3939 N Broadway, Taco & Burrito House is a neighborhood staple known for its generous portions, late-night hours, and classic Mexican comfort food. While the current team has been holding it down at this location for the past five years, the business itself has been serving Chicago for over 30 years.
From tacos and quesadillas to their junior and regular burritos, this casual spot has become a go-to for quick, affordable meals and a favorite for late-night bites. Some might even argue it hits even better after 1 a.m. As they continue to make their mark as one of the ward’s top late-night food spots, we’re just glad to have them here.
We love seeing them in the neighborhood, and we’re especially excited to see their sidewalk newly fixed thanks to menu funds. Please show this small business some love and be sure to stop by next time you’re in the area! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Updates |
|
| The new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements went into effect on February 1. Up to 450,000 Illinoisians are at risk of losing their benefits under the new requirements. For more information on the changes, visit the IL Department of Human Services’ SNAP Federal Impact Center. Under the new requirements, most adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under the age of 14, will be required to work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.
SNAP recipients now have three months to establish eligibility under these new rules, either by demonstrating that they meet work requirements or by submitting a request for exemption form. |
|
|
I. Exemptions from the Work Requirements
Many Chicagoans may be eligible for an exemption to these requirements.
IDHS has a user-friendly screening tool to help individuals determine if they qualify for an exemption or are meeting the requirement: IDHS Exemption tool CLICK HERE.
See the table below for a summary of recent changes |
|
| | II. Ways to Meet the Work and/or Volunteer SNAP Requirements You can find Employment and Training opportunities at this link: IDHS Education and Training DFSS Senior Centers - See the attached flyer for details on the following resources: The Seniors Division at DFSS has opportunities to connect seniors age 55-64 with employment support through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. There are a range of volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting seniors. For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities contact DFSS at 312-744-4016 or [email protected]
Volunteer opportunities across Chicagoland are available at the following links: Serve Illinois – CLICK HERE Chicago Cares website CLICK HERE Volunteer with the 46th Ward CLICK HERE
Meals on Wheels has launched a new program called, "Snap Together Volunteers," which offers accessible volunteer opportunities for seniors at the Nourish Chicago Pantry, located at 2102 W Ogden Avenue.
III. Food Pantry Resources Below are some additional resources that may be helpful to your neighbors and anyone no longer eligible for SNAP Find Food Pantries in Chicagoland: CLICK HERE Get Help Applying for SNAP/Link: CLICK HERE Protect Chicago Website: CLICK HERE
Our DFSS Community Service Centers (CSCs) are always available to assist clients with public benefits enrollment, including SNAP. CSCs operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CSC locations can be found here. |
|
| There are new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements for residents who are not citizens of the United States that went into effect on April 1. If you are a recipient of benefits from the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) who has met their 5-year waiting period, an approved refugee or asylum seeker, or a trafficking survivor (T-Visa holder), your benefits will be revoked during your next redetermination period. For other residents who may not know about whether their benefits are in jeopardy, please consult the list below.
Non-citizens that are still eligible: Cuban or Haitian Entrants admitted to the United States on or after 04/21/1980 Individuals who reside lawfully in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) over the age of 18 who have held that legal status for 5 years or more Legal Permanent Residents who have held that legal status for less than 5 years, if: They are under 18 years old, or They are blind or disabled, or They are a U.S. veteran or active-duty member or their dependent, or They have been credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work history, or They qualify for an exception under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).
Non-citizens that are no longer eligible: VAWA recipients who have met 5 year waiting period (from data on prima facie letter) Refugees and Asylees (application approved), Trafficking survivors (T-Visa holder)
People who have been receiving SNAP under previous noncitizen eligibility will no longer receive SNAP after their next redetermination, unless they meet one of the noncitizen criteria listed above. A notice of ineligibility will be sent when the redetermination is processed. Processing typically occurs prior to the start of the new eligibility period. In households with mixed immigration statuses, SNAP benefits will only be issued to family members who are U.S. citizens or hold one of the noncitizen statuses listed above. New applications for SNAP will be subject to the eligibility changes starting on April 1st. At this time, there will not be any changes to any cash or medical benefits that eligible noncitizens receive through the Illinois Department of Human Services or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. As many as 16,000 individuals in Illinois could be impacted by this change, following verification of status at their redetermination. Refugees, asylees, and human trafficking survivors are among the lawfully present immigrants who may lose SNAP benefits.
|
|
| | | It has come to our attention that large amounts of food are being dumped in various areas of the ward to feed pigeons. We want to remind neighbors that feeding pigeons is a violation of the City of Chicago ordinance.
As a reminder, dumping food in public spaces attracts rodents, creates sanitation issues, and negatively impacts the surrounding area. We ask all neighbors to help keep our ward clean and safe by refraining from feeding pigeons and reporting large food dumping when you see it.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community healthy and welcoming for everyone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have you ever wanted to see the inside of an Alderperson’s office?
Now’s your chance. Join our volunteer team. We’re looking for neighbors who are passionate about public service, community engagement, mutual aid, communications, and providing warm, welcoming customer service to our constituents. Volunteers play an important role in helping us stay connected and responsive to the community.
This opportunity is a great fit for retirees who want to stay engaged and give back, or for students interested in learning more about local government and how City Hall works at the neighborhood level.
If you’re ready to serve your community in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you. Sign up here! |
|
|
|
| | | Submit a Lime Scooter Removal Request |
|
|
|
| Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location. You can also call 1-888-546-3345.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 46th Ward Upcoming Events |
|
|
|
|
| |
Join us for the 8th annual Toast of Uptown Wine Walk - an afternoon of strolling and sipping in the Buena Park & Sheridan Park neighborhoods in Uptown - on Sunday, April 26th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm! All attendees will enjoy delicious wine samples and some light bites while strolling through parts of the Uptown neighborhood. This wine walk will take you on a tour through the many businesses that call Uptown home. Wine selections have been generously curated by North Buena Deli & Wine and Rayan's Fine Liquors and Spirits. Tickets are only $40 and can be purchased at https://partners.exploreuptown.org/events/details/toast-of-uptown-2026-6355.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| | | Houseless Neighbors Updates |
|
| We're looking for donations to help restock our Free Community Cornerstore! Items like baby wipes, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and new children’s socks go a long way in supporting our neighbors who need them most. If you're able to contribute, please consider dropping off supplies at our ward office. Together, we can keep this vital community resource going strong! |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Our office is in close communication with Edgewater/Uptown Migra Watch, a network of neighbors that does rapid response to confirm potential ICE sightings. Confirming ICE sightings is a critical part of keeping our neighbors safe. If you see activities that you suspect may be ICE, please report it to the ICIRR Hotline so that a team can go out and confirm their presence. This is an important part of how we keep our neighbors safe! |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
Camry Parking Lot ExpansionThe Chicago Cubs recently filed an application to amend their existing Planned Development to expand the Camry Parking Lot by approximately 250 spaces. The Planned Development (PD) is located entirely within the 44th Ward, but I understand that many 46th Ward neighbors, particularly those living on Alta Vista, are deeply impacted by the proposal.
The PD amendment will need to be reviewed by the Chicago Plan Commission before approval and has not yet been granted support from me or Alderman Lawson. I encourage 46th Ward neighbors to continue providing feedback to my office for consideration. |
|
| | |
Upcoming Sidewalk Work!It’s that time of year again!
As spring starts, flowers push their way through frozen topsoil, and the sounds of birds chirp in the morning, so does the sound of construction as contractors race out to beat traffic and begin their workdays. We’re pleased to share that more sidewalks will soon be repaired at the locations listed below, giving every neighbor a smoother and safer walk to their destination of choice.
Each of these locations was suggested by a neighbor as part of our 2025 Participatory Budgeting Let’s Fix the Sidewalks! program last year, and we’re excited to share what we have planned for 2026 at our upcoming Infrastructure Town Hall on April 21 from 5:30-7:00pm. If construction results in any challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office and we will work to resolve it as quickly as possible. |
|
|
New Cubs Remote Parking Location in the 46th Ward In accordance with the City Ordinance, the Cubs offer free remote parking for fans on night and weekend games. This year, the Cubs are utilizing the parking garage attached to the former Weiss Memorial Hospital at 4650 N. Clarendon Ave as a free remote parking location, with shuttle service provided to and from Wrigley Field. This arrangement applies to all home games on weeknights and weekends, postseason games, and large events with expected attendance over 12,500, such as concerts. Please note that this arrangement is not in operation during weekday afternoon games.
The proximity of the Weiss parking garage to Lake Shore Drive should deter traffic from neighborhood streets and will prevent fans from parking in the neighborhood during games. Please note the shuttle service will drop and pick up fans from the former Weiss hospital driveway on N. Marine Drive beginning two hours before first pitch and will run until approximately 90 minutes after the end of the game.
We have been advised that the remote parking option should not impact existing parking arrangements for neighbors, and no reserved spaces have been reassigned. Shuttle activity will be contained within the hospital driveway on Marine Drive, and buses will not use residential street parking. Additional staging has been coordinated off-site, including at the Jewel-Osco on Broadway, to help limit congestion in the surrounding area. For more information or concerns about Cubs parking, please contact .
Visit the Cubs website or review the Wrigley Field Parking Map below for details about the Wrigley Field parking options provided for attendees. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations. Search by address here. See our local 19th District’s website here. Email [email protected] or our office with any questions. |
|
|
| | | | | | |
| | Citywide Events & Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | |
|
| | |
| The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.
BACP is here to support your business today: Business Education Webinars: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars Entrepreneur Certificate: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate Neighborhood Business Developments Centers: Chicago.gov/NBDC Small Business Center: Chicago.gov/SmallBusiness
FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies. Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule April 17 - How to Shift Stuck Relationships, Stalled Decisions, and High-Stakes Conversations April 22 - The Blueprint for a Winning Pitch April 24 - Entity Selection and Formation April 29 - How to Apply for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit May 5 - How to apply for a Business License May 6 - City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers |
|
| Sign up HERE to get the BACP Newsletter for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 
The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. |
|
| | ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help. |
|
| SAVE THE DATES  
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series. The series of expos offers business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more.
2026 SMALL BIZ EXPO SERIES: Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Truman College, register Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Malcolm X College, register
|
|
| |
| Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more. The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE.. Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details. |
|
| | | | | 
Enjoy a discounted Chicago Bulls game and support the Chicago Park District's Inner City Hoops Program with your purchase. Learn more and purchase your tickets now at https://bit.ly/BullsTix_ICH2025. |
|
|
Housing/Utility Resources |
|
| | | |
|
|
| | | | | The Department of Family and Support Services’ Senior Services Division provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better to keep them healthy, active and engaged. They have a number of programs to highlight that are available online including:
Creating Dementia-Friendly Buildings - An Online, Self-Directed, Learning Module brought to you by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services. You can register here!
Benefits are a Click Away! At cityofchicago.benefitscheckup.org - We want to ensure seniors have access to the benefits to which they are entitled!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | 2026 Senior Guide Now Available
Looking for helpful tips, resources, and services tailored for our senior community? The Office of the City Clerk has released the 2026 Senior Guide, filled with valuable information to support older adults across Chicago. From transportation programs and health services to emergency contacts and community activities—this guide has it all. View or download the full guide here: Senior Guide 2026 (PDF) Let’s make sure our elders are informed, connected, and cared for. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
|
|
| |
| |
The Clerk’s Office is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team that honors those who have served our country. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard, and reservists are now eligible to receive one free ticket to a 2025–26 regular-season Wolves home game, thanks to this special offer coordinated by Clerk Gordon and the Clerk’s Veterans Services team.
To receive a free ticket, veterans must be enrolled in the Clerk’s Military and Veterans Discount Card Program – a free initiative that also provides access to discounts on food, auto repair, legal services, health and fitness, and more. Those already enrolled are eligible, and additional discounted tickets are available for friends and family attending the game.
Getting your ticket is easy:
Sign up for the Veterans Discount Card at cookcountyclerk.com/veterans or by visiting the Clerk’s Veterans Office at 118 N. Clark, Room 120 in Chicago.
Go to cookcountyclerk.com/Wolves to claim your free ticket and purchase additional discounted ones.
Tickets will be emailed and can be shown on your phone at Allstate Arena – no paper tickets needed!
This special offer is valid for Wolves home games through April 19, 2026, and tickets are available while supplies last.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, veterans and military can call the Clerk’s Veterans Services Office at 312-603-5788.
Let’s cheer on our Chicago Wolves—and honor those who’ve served our county and our country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
Mikva Challenge has opened their applications for recent high school graduates interested public service internships.
Applicants should apply directly to Mikva Challenge here: https://mikvachallenge.org/general-program-application/ |
|
| |
|
|
| | | | |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 
The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring. Click here to view available positions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | |
|
|
|
| |
|
