MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER | | This Labor Day weekend, I encourage everyone to recognize and appreciate the hardworking women and men who have helped build our great nation. As the proud son of an ironworker, I am forever grateful for the contributions of working families to our infrastructure, communities, and economy. We also honor the labor unions that have fought for fair treatment, safer working conditions, and better wages for generations of American workers. | | |
Proudly Serving,
Alderman Jim Gardiner
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Thank you Chicago Department of Transportation IUOE Local 150
Laborers' Local 1001
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMEN GARDINER'S REEL
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Thieves target ATMs at Six Corners pharmacy, O’Hare corridor bank; car break-in reported in Jefferson Park
FULL STORY HERE
| | September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We remember the children whose lives have been lost, pray for those courageously fighting, and stand with the families and loved ones supporting them every step of the way. | | |
If you’re looking for a great local place to grab a burger or sandwich, check out Bust Outs at 5200 N. Elston Avenue! Bust Outs brings a fun Chicago feel to its menu, serving all-natural burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fresh-cut fries, and more. With creative menu items inspired by Chicago and its CTA lines, there are plenty of options to try. Bust Outs is a great place to stop in for lunch, pick up dinner for the family, or enjoy a casual meal close to home. Supporting our neighborhood restaurants helps keep our community strong, so next time you’re deciding where to eat, consider giving Bust Outs a try!
5200 N. Elston
773-993-0391
Bust Outs Chicago's Top All Natural Burgers Beef Chicken Sandwiches
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A love of good food and family memories helped inspire Fry the Coop, a neighborhood favorite in Portage Park. Owner Joe Fontana was inspired to open the restaurant after enjoying fried chicken at a restaurant in California, which brought back memories of eating fried chicken with his family as a child. What started with Joe cooking chicken at home and sharing it with neighbors eventually grew into a restaurant where the community could come together over great food. With his background as a bartender and a passion for the restaurant industry, Joe turned that idea into reality. Fry the Coop is known for its variety of crispy fried chicken sandwiches, served on a brioche bun with their signature Coop sauce. Guests can choose their preferred level of heat, ranging from “Country” with no heat to the famously intense “Insanity.”(R.I.P. the menu says). The Nashville sandwich is a popular choice, topped with coleslaw and pickles. We’re proud to highlight local businesses like Fry the Coop, which bring great food, personality, and a welcoming neighborhood spirit to Portage Park. With convenient counter seating and a spacious outdoor dining area.
4300 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-853-2412
Fry the Coop
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Mayor Brandon Johnson reveals $882 million budget gap for 2027
FULL STORY HERE
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Mayor Brandon Johnson says 2026 budget gap to be closed with debt refinancing
FULL STORY HERE
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson teases 'special announcement' as reelection questions grow
FULL STORY HERE
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Chicago alders request hearing on promotional campaign featuring Mayor Johnson
FULL STORY HERE
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Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Ivan Capifali stepping down
FULL STORY HERE
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Chicago race for mayor 2027: Who's running so far?
FULL STORY HERE
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Democratic states file new lawsuit seeking to block Trump's order limiting mail voting in midterms
FULL STORY HERE
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Chicago alders call on Bally’s to resume full casino construction
FULL STORY HERE
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Illinois tolls will increase in January after board's 8-0 vote
FULL STORY HERE
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State watchdog finds Chicago migrant crisis workers were paid to do nothing
FULL STORY HERE
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The Cook County Board of Review is now accepting pre-filed property tax appeals for the 2026 tax year. Property owners can pre-file an appeal now or wait until their township’s 30-day appeal period opens.
You do not need to find or submit comparable properties with your appeal. The Board of Review will use the most current property information when reviewing your appeal.
Please click the link below for additional information or to pre-file an appeal.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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CTA Bus Service Improvements
Beginning Sunday, August 23, the CTA implemented service improvements on two bus routes serving our community:
- #85 Central: Joined CTA’s Frequent Network and now provides service every 10 minutes or better from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. This represents 30% more weekday service, 40% more Saturday service, and 50% more Sunday and holiday service.
- #91 Austin: Saturday service now begins at 5:20 a.m. southbound and 6:00 a.m. northbound. Sunday and holiday service begins at 6:00 a.m. southbound and 6:40 a.m. northbound.
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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FOSTER AVENUE UPDATE
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S REEL
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Portage Park Neighborhood Bikeways Network update!
Four new bikeways have been selected for construction in fall 2026, for details and project updates please visit chicago.gov/portagepark.
| | Need service hours? Alderman Jim Gardiner is here to make that happen while allowing you to help neighbors.Contact us today 773 853-0799 or [email protected] | | |
Curious about what's happening in the community?
Check out ChiStreetWork, the City of Chicago’s interactive map portal that provides up-to-date information on infrastructure projects and permits. It compiles data from city agencies and private utilities.
Just enter an address or intersection into the search bar to see a clickable map with detailed information about active projects in that area. From sewer work to resurfacing, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s going on and when.
CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS
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Connect With Your Community
Neighborhood Associations in the 45th Ward
Our neighborhood associations help keep residents connected through community events, local updates, neighborhood initiatives, and opportunities to get involved. Residents are encouraged to connect with their local association and become involved in their community.
Gladstone Park Neighborhood Association
Click here for additional information
Edgebrook Community Association
Click here for additional information
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Click here for additional information
North Edgebrook Civic Association
Click here for additional information
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Visit our 45th Ward Office
5460 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Tel: 773-853-0799
Office Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri.-8:30-4:30PM,
Thurs. 9:30-4:30PM Email: w[email protected]
Click the link-www.aldermangardiner.com
| | Thank you for being part of the 45th Ward community. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and remain dedicated to providing exceptional constituent services. | | |
Looking for a “SLOW DOWN” or “CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG” sign?
Stop by the 45th Ward Office to pick one up.
| | The Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission visits our office each month to assist veterans in our community. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support or has questions, please feel free to stop in. | | MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD | |
Senior Services
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services offers a wide range of programs and resources to support older adults across the city. Services are designed to meet the diverse needs of seniors—whether they are active and independent, living in long-term care facilities, or in need of additional assistance at home.
From wellness programs and social activities to home-delivered meals and in-home support, these services are focused on helping older adults maintain their independence, health, and quality of life.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
| | CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | | The Express Permit Program is a web-based interface for homeowners, businesses, and other building owners/tenants (and the contractors that work with them) to obtain building permits needed to repair or replace existing features of a building or undertake specific small improvement projects, such as adding residential solar panels. The web interface allows permit applicants to check application status, pay fees, and view inspection results online 24/7. | | CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED | | |
The Department of Family and Support Services provides programs and support to older adults aged 60 and better. DFSS offers a range of programs and services throughout the year to keep older adults healthy, active, and engaged.
Click here for additional information
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Recycling Program Update
Residents are advised that all off-site recycling centers are currently on hold as the City transitions the recycling program.
At this time, the only recycling center that remains open is located at
1150 N. Branch Street.
We will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available regarding the future of the program and the status of other recycling locations.
| | SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER | | |
The 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 and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND REGISTER FOR UPCOMING BACP WEBINARS
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The City of Chicago is now accepting applications for its Community Development Grants (CDG) program, which supports local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations with funding for projects that create jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods.
Small and Medium grant applications are open now, with a deadline of August 14, while Large grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Small grants can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with awards up to $250,000.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar or review available resources before applying.
Click here for more information and to apply.
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The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education webinar series. The program is designed to give entrepreneurs the essential information they need to start and grow a business in Chicago. The program’s curriculum covers essentials in business planning, financing, marketing, legal topics, technology, and more. Click here for additional information
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Local Chambers of Commerce
Our neighborhood Chambers of Commerce support local businesses through advocacy, networking, marketing, and community events. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to connect and get involved.
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Gladstone Park Chamber Of Commerce 6150 N. Milwaukee (773) 756-6206
Click here for additional information
Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 46311 (773) 545-9300
Click here for additional information
Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.5 (773) 736-6697
Click here for additional information
Polish American Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.1 (773) 205-1998
Click here for additional information
Six Corners Chamber of Commerce 4054 N Milwaukee Ave (773) 685-4955
Click here for additional information
Portage Park Chamber of Commerce 4946 W. Irving Park Rd. (773) 777-2020
Click here for additional information
| | Beat Meetings are a great opportunity to meet your local officers, learn about public safety in your area, and share concerns. We encourage residents to attend and stay involved. | | 2026 BEAT MEETING SCHEDULE | | |
Beat 1621
Edgebrook Library
5331 W. Devon
October 7th
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Beat 1622
Dunham Park
4638 N. Melvina
September 9th
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Beat 1623
16th District Police Station
5151 N. Milwaukee
September 30th
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Beat 1731
Kilbourn Park
3501 N. Kilbourn
September 3rd
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Beat 1624
Portage Park
4100 N. Long
September 23rd
| | CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR BEAT | | |
Beaubien Elementary School
5025 N. Laramie Ave., (773) 534-3500
Click here for additional information
Edgebrook Elementary School
6525 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773) 534-1194
Click here for additional information
Edgebrook Early Learning Branch
6407 N. Minnehaha Ave., (773) 534-0720
Click here for additional information
Farnsworth Elementary School
5414 N. Linder Ave., (773) 534-3535
Click here for additional information
Hitch Elementary School
5625 N. McVicker Ave., (773) 534-1189
Click here for additional information
William J. Onahan School
6634 W. Raven St., (773) 534-1180
Click here for additional information
Prussing Elementary School
4650 N. Menard Ave., (773) 534-3460
Click here for additional information
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Catalpa Early Childhood Center
5252 N. Long Ave., (773) 534-8380
Click here for additional information
St. Constance School
5841 W. Strong St., (773)-283-2311
Click here for additional information
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity School
6040 W. Ardmore Ave., (773)-763-7080
Click here for additional information
St. John's Lutheran School
4939 W. Montrose Ave., (773) 736-1196
Click here for additional information
St. Roberts Bellarmine School
6036 W. Eastwood Ave., (773) 725-5133
Click here for additional information
St. Mary of the Woods
6955 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773)-763-4968
Click here for additional information
Wildwood Elementary School
6950 N. Hiawatha Ave. (773) 534-1188
Click here for additional information
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Disney II Magnet School (7th-12th)
3900 N Lawndale Ave., (773) 534-5010
Click here for additional information
Horizon Science Academy Belmont (7th-10th)
4434 N. Laramie Ave., (708) 667-0941
Click here for more information
Vaughn Occupational High School
4355 N. Linder (773)-534-3600
Click here for additional information
| | CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION | | |
Why do we highlight job openings for suburban Fire Departments? Because becoming a Firefighter has never been more competitive therefore applying in several municipalities is encouraged for those interested in a career.
The Skokie Fire Department is preparing for our next firefighter hiring process. If you're looking for a rewarding career serving an outstanding community, your opportunity is just around the corner.
The application process opens August 1, 2026.
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Why promote jobs outside of Chicago?
Because there are young women and men hungry to become Firefighters and therefore the 45th ward promotes various options for those interested.
The Franklin Park Fire Department (Franklin Park, IL) is hiring for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic.
Salary: $78,200.95 - $119,014.78 Annually
Please submit your application materials by 09/04/2026.
Start your career in public safety today!
| | Supporting Our Neighbors in Need | | |
New Hope Community Food Pantry
Address: 6125 W Foster
Phone:773-775-1215
Hours: Tuesday:
9:30- 11:30 AM
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St. Elizabeth Food Pantry
Address: 6020 W. Ardmore Ave.
[email protected]
Hours: Tuesday:
9:00 - 10:00 AM
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Volunteer Opportunities
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering as a Gardiner Angel in the Ward office providing clerical assistance, research, communications assistance, etc. or would like to provide on the ground help cleaning up the ward, please reach out to us at [email protected]
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