May 1st, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
April flew by, and with May here, there’s plenty to look forward to across the ward. We’re kicking things off tomorrow, Saturday May 2nd with our Día del Niño celebration at Riis Park from 1–3pm. This free, family-friendly event will include activities for all ages, and we hope you can join us.
While April is behind us, it certainly made an impression. The record-breaking rainfall brought a number of storms and, with them, several tree emergencies across the ward. Be sure to check out the City Services section of this newsletter for important information on storm cleanup and flood prevention.
As we head into May, we also want to flag an important change: new SNAP rules go into effect on May 1, and many families across the city may lose access to food benefits. If you or someone you know needs support, the 30th Ward food pantry is here for you. If you’re in a position to give, we’d greatly appreciate your support. Please call our office at 773-628-7874 to learn more about our current needs. This pantry is truly for the community, by the community.
That spirit of connection is something we’re continuing to build on. In this issue, you’ll also find a section dedicated to strengthening community with your neighbors.
Finally, we are very excited to welcome two new small businesses to the 30th Ward! Xurro at 5843 W Belmont and Blue Moon Market at 4058 W Belmont. Be sure to check out the Business Highlights section of this newsletter to learn more about these businesses and don’t miss the opportunity to complete our survey and share what you’d like to see in the Belmont/Central corridor!
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz
Alderwoman, 30th Ward |
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To read this newsletter in your preferred Language: Follow this link, click on the newsletter you’d like to read, and select your language from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner. You’ll be redirected to a Google Translate page, where a blue drop-down menu in the top-left corner lets you choose your preferred language. |
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The 30th Ward is proud to be hosting the following event: |
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Belmont/Central Corridor Activation Program
The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office.
This initiative will help revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.
For more information, visit: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail |
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Now Open: Xurro Located at 5843 W Belmont Open Mon-Sun 11am-9pm 
Check out their menu here! |
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Now Open: Blue Moon Market Located at 4058 W Belmont Open Wednesday - Monday 8am-7pm 
Read more about this new addition to the 30th Ward from our friends at Block Club Chicago |
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We organized a 3 v 3 basketball tournament with St Patrick High School, the 25th District CPD, and the 16th District Chicago Police Department. It was wonderful to see so much participation! We also collected canned goods at the event to help stock the 30th Ward Food Pantry. A huge thank you to The Dog Stop Chicago for feeding the players! |
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We attended the Scammon School Centennial Gala where we celebrated along side parents, staff, and Scammon Alumni. It was inspiring to hear about Scammon's rich history in the community and their bright future as one of the neighborhood public schools in the 30th Ward. Here's to the next 100 years! If you would like to learn more about the history of Scammon and the surrounding neighborhood there will be a documentary screening later in May. Check out the upcoming events portion of this newsletter for more details. |
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We attended the grand opening of the newest location of Total Spectrum, an organization dedicated to providing Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to kids and young adults with autism. |
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We joined Palenque LSNA for their 64th annual congress, where we heard from keynote speaker State Senator Graciela Guzman about the importance of building community. |
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We stopped by the Steinmetz College Prep career fair, where our staff talked about pursuing a career in public service. |
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We joined Northwest Center at their event celebrating the graduates of the Parent Mentor program. |
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We cohosted a job fair Kilbourn Park with State Rep. Will Guzzardi where we were joined by other Northwest Side elected officials. We helped residents connect with companies and organizations that are currently hiring and provided support for resume and interviewing skills. |
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We hosted a meeting with the water department for residents who will be impacted by the upcoming work around Independence Park. |
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We hosted an informational session with the Chicago Department of Planning & Development for small businesses to learn more about funding opportunities through the city such as The Small Business Improvement Fund, Community Development Fund, and Neighborhood Retail Activation Program. |
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We hosted our annual Shred-a-Thon event with Midway Moving and Storage, where we helped residents safely dispose of sensitive documents and old electronics. We even had a resident drop off items using their bike! |
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We participated in a Child Abuse Awareness and Resource event with the 25th District at Riis Park. |
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| We helped hand out free warm meals with the Islamic Relief Fund alongside State Rep Eva Dina Delgado and State Senator Omar Aquino. |
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| We helped out with the first Addison Avondale Mural Garden Clean Up of 2026. We cleaned up garbage, pulled weeds, and pruned vegetation. Follow the Addison Avondale Mural Garden on Facebook to learn more about future clean ups! |
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| We joined students and families at Scammon Elementary for their Dia del Nino event - which was an extra special celebration for the Scammon community because Scammon turned 100 this year!
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Spring Ward Night Schedule |
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Warmer weather means more opportunities to meet your neighbors! |
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Block Party Season
Are you planning on hosting a block party this summer? You can stop by our office to pick up your application packet or download it from the 30th Ward Website. Please don’t forget to send the flyer that will be shared with neighbors to advertise the block party when you submit your application.
We are also excited to announce that the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Jumping Jack Portal is now open. The Jumping Jack (inflatable bounce house) is available, free of charge, to Residential Block Parties within the city limits from Saturday, May 24th through Sunday, August 31st. This program is first-come, first-serve, so if you already know the date of your 2026 block party, apply early! Sign up here. |
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Community Building Micro Grants
The Avondale Neighborhood Association is offering Micro Grants to help Avondale residents plan and host community building events. Learn more and apply here. |
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Neighborhood Festivals and Gatherings
Coming together as a community is a great way to get to know your neighbors and make new friends. Several 30th Ward neighborhoods organize garden walks where people have the opportunity to admire the gardens in their neighborhood and get inspired for their own garden. There are also festivals at several 30th Ward Parks that bring the community together. Kilbourn Park has their annual concert series every July, and Chopin Park is having their first ever summer fest this June. |
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The 30th Ward team celebrated Earth Month in every part of the ward! Earth month may be over, but you can organize a community clean up all year long! If you are interested in gathering neighbors to help clean up your block, neighborhood, park, or school please reach out to our office for supplies. |
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Immigration & Know Your Rights |
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Our office will continue to share reliable updates and connect residents with Know Your Rights and immigration resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
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Feedback Needed: Belmont Central Retail Activation Program The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office. This initiative will revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park. For more information, click here.
Our office, together with Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, is working to bring in businesses ready to serve our community.
Imagine the future of Belmont & Central with us! What businesses, shops, or restaurants would you love to see in the corridor? Your ideas will help guide future development in our neighborhood. Take the survey. |
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Have you heard about the proposed Crosstown Trail? This project would convert an unused rail line on the Northwest Side to a biking and walking trail. From the Friends of The Crosstown Trail website:
…the proposed trail could connect on the north end to the North Branch and Weber Spur trails, and on the south end—with a short road connection—to the western end of the Bloomingdale Trail, the heart of the 606. In total, the trail would create 40 acres of new green space (about the size of 20 soccer fields) for neighbors across the city.
To learn more or get involved check out their website. |
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Our office compiled the flood prevention tips from our last newsletter into a printable, shareable flyer. If you would like a copy to share with your neighbors stop by our office to pick one up! |
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Forestry Reminders
Tree Trimming: Chicago residents no longer need to submit a request for an individual tree to be trimmed. The Bureau of Forestry’s goal is to operate weekly in every ward during the tree trimming season (generally April - December), barring any emergency weather incidents. Trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. If there is a tree in your parkway that you are concerned about please reach out to our office to let us know.
Tree Removals: The City of Chicago will only remove a tree from the parkway if it is dead, dying, or diseased. If there is a tree in your parkway that seems unhealthy, please reach out to our office so we can request an inspection. Once it is inspected and forestry determines that it is dead. dying, or diseased it will be scheduled for removal.
Tree Emergencies: If a large branch or tree comes down during a storm please call our office to report it. If the debris is smaller than a desk you can report directly to 311. Call us anytime with questions!
Tree Planting: If you are interested in having a free tree planted in your parkway you can Submit a request through 311. Take advantage of this opportunity to beautify your neighborhood, improve air quality, and add more greenery to Chicago’s streets! |
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SNAP Food Assistance Eligibility is Changing The federal government has enacted changes to the eligibility standards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, also known as LINK/EBT in Illinois. As a result, as many as 250,000 people may lose access to SNAP food assistance benefits. To keep their benefits, many people 18-64 years old without dependents under 14 will need to work or volunteer at least 80 hours/month. More specifically, a person must perform paid or unpaid work, participate in SNAP Employment & Training Programs, volunteer, perform community service, or any combination of the above. Click here for more information on meeting these work requirements.
Exemptions are available if you are pregnant, have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to work, are a student, and for other situations. Visit the SaveOurSNAP.org website for more information about these changes and for links to additional resources. Honorary Street Designations Each year, I am allowed to propose four honorary street designations in the 30th Ward to recognize historical figures or community leaders. Proposed honorees must be deceased and must have made a significant contribution to the community—anything from service to their local block club all the way up to national affairs. Their endeavors can be related to education, business, the arts, nonprofit organizations, science, athletics, or simply being an outstanding neighbor. For more information and to propose a person for this honor, please visit my website.
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Food Resources
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map of locations where you can find food assistance: |
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The 30th Ward office has a supply of pantry essentials. If you or someone you know is in need we can provide a bag of groceries, no questions asked. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. |
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Spring Migration is Underway!
We are entering into peak bird migration season. These tips from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology to learn more about how you can help keep migrating birds safe.
If you find an injured bird please call Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at (773) 988-1867. |
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Resources for Homeowners
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Or looking to be? The City of Chicago is offering the TaxSmart Mortgage Credit program, which may be able to bring down your annual housing costs through an income tax credit. Annual income limits apply. For more information, visit City of Chicago :: TaxSmart or call (312) 744-0891. |
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The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program recently launched a Flood Mitigation Rebate Program for members. If you are interested in becoming a member or applying for this program please reach out directly to NWHEAP at 773-622-0700. |
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The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be at the 30th Ward office the third Thursday of each month. The VACCC is a county-based veterans service organization that assists honorably discharged veterans and their dependents who live in Cook County, Illinois. It focuses on both immediate emergency support and benefit navigation to help veterans access the resources they’ve earned. If you or someone you know needs help in the meantime, you can reach out to the VACCC directly at 312-433-6010. |
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Resources For Students and Their Families |
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Chicago Youth Works
Chicago Youth Works has announced their summer employment program, formally known as One Summer Chicago! This program connects youth ages 14-24 to summer employment opportunities across Chicago. Applications are due by May 29th. |
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Honoring Fallen Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew
The 30th Ward office is giving out blue light bulbs for houses that would like to show their support for fallen Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew and his family. Please stop by the 30th Ward office to pick one up during our regular office hours. Supplies are limited, so we are only able to provide one light bulb per 30th Ward family.
Thank you to 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee for providing the light bulbs, and to our resident who suggested the idea. If you would like to check on availability before stopping by our office at 5418a W Belmont please give us a call at 773-628-7874. |
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Engaging with the Chicago Police Department
There are a variety of ways to engage with the Chicago Police Department. Here are upcoming opportunities - including CAPS meetings, Conversations with a Commander, and District Council meetings. If you are unsure of the police district or beat that you live in you can look up that information here. |
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Have you visited us at 5418-A W. Belmont Ave? Stop by and say hi! Here are our hours: Monday: 9am-7pm Tuesday: 9am-5pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-3pm Second Saturday each month: 9am-1pm |
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Meet Alderwoman CruzJoin us Monday night from 5-7pm to meet Alderwoman Cruz. Share ideas, concerns, or feedback directly with the Alderwoman - no appointment needed! |
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Connect with your Northwest Side Elected Officials Need help finding out who your state elected officials are? You can look up that information here. |
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