Neighbors, 

This week we're recapping our No Kings, No Colonies celebration in Humboldt Park, sharing why I'm supporting the Protecting Renters Ordinance, highlighting the Barrio Arts Festival this weekend and a heads up on Bickerdike waitlist openings.

Why I’m Supporting the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO)

One of the best ways to prevent homelessness is to ensure that renters are protected. The current renters ordinance has been operating under the name “Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance,” and it was last updated 40 years ago. Our city has shifted economically and culturally, demanding an update to our current system that does not consider all communities. The update strengthens renters protections through a Tenant Bill of Rights, provides clearer guidelines and expectations for landlords, and implements a clear system of consistent fines and fees. I am in support of this ordinance, and if you want to learn more about the details, see the documents here.

No Kings, No Colonies

No Kings, No Colonies was the theme of an event I co-sponsored on July 4th at the Humboldt Park boathouse. The sounds of bomba y plena, salsa and spoken word beat steady in our ears. The smell of jibaritos, bacalaitos and café con leche filled the hot summer air and tasted even better. The flapping Puerto Rican flags waiving with so much fervor filled over 400 participants with so much pride and joy as they came together as a community with a shared purpose: to proclaim No Kings and No Colonies. I want to thank all the sponsors and vendors who made No Kings, No Colonies possible including MiJente, SEIU, the PRCC, Smash Jibarito, La Bomba Restaurant, Coletivo Sayba, author Marisel Vega, SRBCC, Chucherías, El Corillo, Chicago’s Poet Laureate Mayda Alexandra Del Valle, Pinqy Ring, Siete Nueve and the many elected officials who came from different cities including Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez from St. Louis and Johanna López from Orlando and so many more. Hasta el próximo año.

Barrio Arts Festival 

This weekend is the 26th year of the Barrio Arts Festival hosted by the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (NMPRAC). What started out as 10 vendors in the NMPRAC parking lot has grown to over 60 vendors with so many culturally affirming art activities. Parking will be limited due to the Classic Car Show at the Humboldt Park Boat House but a trolley service will be available on both days. Admission is free and open to the public.

Bring your own chair for a weekend of:

🎶 Live Music

🎨 Art & Artisans

🍽️ Delicious Food

🖌️ Hands-on Workshops

🚗 Classic Car Show

🎭 Face Painting

🎈 Family Activities

✨ And so much more!

📅 Saturday, July 11 | 11 AM to 7 PM 

 Parking at New Life Covenant (3400 W. Division) with trolley service to the Museum.

📅 Sunday, July 12 | 11 AM to 6 PM 

Parking at the Humboldt Park Boathouse (1301 N. Humboldt Drive) with trolley service to the Museum.

Bureau of Forestry

It’s been just over 3 weeks since tornadoes and storms tore through the city and the Bureau of Forestry is working hard to get through the 9000 request to clean up tree debris.  Any new emergency trimming will be pushed until August but you can still call our office to have them submitted. They project about 3 weeks until they are fully caught up and thank you for your patience as they work to clear downed trees and branches.

Bickerdike Apts Waitlist Opening

On Monday, July 13 at 9 AM, Bickerdike Apartments is opening waitlists for two properties here in Humboldt Park. These tend to fill up very quickly, often within the first 30 minutes. If you’re interested, I encourage you to be ready right as it opens.

To apply:

1. Visit Bickerdike's Before Applying for Housing page to learn about our waitlists.

2. www.bickerdike.org/before-applying-for-housing/

3. Select the property you are interested in and review the rent and income guidelines.

4. Confirm that you meet the property's eligibility requirements before applying.

5. Click the Application button to begin the process.

6. Carefully read and follow all application instructions to avoid processing delays.

Colombian Fest Chicago - July 17, 18, and 19

Next weekend is the 12th Annual Colombian Fest Chicago in Humboldt Park near North Avenue and Kedzie. Friday kicks off with house music, followed by Saturday morning’s Café Run 5K and more festivities the rest of the weekend in celebration of Colombia’s independence. Follow Colombian Fest on TikTok to keep up!

In Solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

26th Ward Office Updates

Community Resources

26th Ward Events

Immigration Rights Resources

Construction Projects

26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward's community-led zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting.

Reproductive Justice

If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.