33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - MARCH 13, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
This has been a busy week in the 33rd Ward Office, and I have a lot of updates to share about our work together this week. However, before I share those updates I would like to share an important request for financial support for the family of Oscar Suarez, a father who was abducted by ICE officers on Monday of this week. His wife, Camila, shared this note:
“My name is Camila, and I am reaching out for help for my family after my husband, Oscar Suarez, was suddenly detained by ICE. Oscar is a devoted father to our two young children, ages 2 and 8, and a loving husband.
Since Oscar was taken, our lives have been turned upside down. Our children have been deeply affected—our 8-year-old is struggling to go to school, and our 2-year-old keeps asking for his papa. I am unable to work because I need to care for our youngest, and without Oscar’s income, we are struggling to cover basic needs. We are also facing a costly legal battle to protect him from being deported and to keep our family together. The trauma of seeing their father taken has left a mark on our children, and every day is a challenge as we try to hold our family together.”
If you can, please visit this GoFundMe link and help however you can. |
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Since the official ending of Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” our communities have remained in danger, and stories like Suarez family’s are happening daily across our city. In the 33rd Ward, we are fortunate to have many local organizations, elected officials, and community leaders who have come together to protect each other, create structures of care, and provide each other with resources through this challenging times.
While I and my staff were responding to ICE activity in the ward on Monday, we were also setting up for a community gathering at Roosevelt High School to highlight this important organizing work, and to help our neighbors get more involved. I want to thank the Roosevelt High School community for lending us your cafeteria for the evening, so that we could be together and learn from each other.
And thank you to all of our amazing organizers from the Albany Park Alliance, Albany Park Defense Network, 33rd Ward Working Families, Palenque LSNA, Northwest Side Rapid Response Team, Senator Guzman’s office who help us all coordinate our School Watch program, the parents and community members that sustain our local Walking School Bus programs at Volta and Hibbard schools, and the Latino Union. Our communities thrive when we all come together, and I am so proud to be in community with you all. |
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On Wednesday, I was back at Roosevelt High School for the day, to talk with 9th grade classes about ways that they can come together to support their peers, organize to protect their civil rights, and to teach them more about how our city government works and what it means to be an elected official and an alderperson. I had so much fun re-connecting with my roots as a teacher, and I learned so much talking together with our young neighbors.
Across history, young people have come together to change the world. In our own city, the Black Panther Party of Chicago was chaired by a young man named Fred Hampton, who left an incredible impression on our communities. The BPP brought neighbors together to care for each other and address material needs through organizing a free breakfast program, the first of it’s kind, and free healthcare clinics. |
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I am also excited to announce progress on an important policy priority of my office. On Thursday, the City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate voted unanimously to approve my ordinance to establish a “Proactive Rental Inspections Working Group” for the city. This working group is a very important step forward to advance the work of the Chicago Healthy Homes Coalition. You can read their press release here. Thank you to the coalition for your important leadership and creativity to move this work forward!
My office has been working in partnership with the coalition for years to advocate and organize for a policy proposal to establish a proactive rental inspections program for Chicago. Cities across our country are establishing similar programs, which require rental units to be regularly inspected to ensure the health and safety of tenants.
Every person deserves a healthy place to call home, yet our children remain in constant danger because so much of our housing stock is outdated and falling into disrepair. In our ward, we hear the heartbreaking stories of families trapped in deteriorating conditions, and this ordinance is our chance to finally protect them from harmful toxins like lead poisoning, toxic mold, and carbon monoxide, and to help better ensure our housing is safe. You can learn more by watching the presentation to the committee by clicking this link and forwarding to the 1:17:00 mark. |
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Lastly, please review important information below about voting day, next Tuesday, March 17. I encourage you to please contact my office should you need any support, we are here to help. Thank you for doing this work with me. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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Important Voting Information Please review our special announcement below regarding voting information. Early Voting locations are now open, and Election Day is Tuesday, March 17. The 33rd Ward Office has a supply of Injustice Watch Voter Guides for community members to pick up during business hours.
The Chicago Board of Elections recommends that mail-in ballots completed after March 10 be dropped off at any of 51 Early Voting Centers open now through Election Day, including the new downtown voting Supersite at 137 S. State St. You can also return them directly to a post office, but be sure to request a manual postmark. Our 33rd Ward Early Voting Center is the American Indian Center, 3401 W. Ainslie St. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 4pm Phone: 773-840-7880 www.33rdward.org / Connect with us and access resources by clicking here. |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. March 14 — Healing Village, Roosevelt High School, 10:30am - 3:30pm March 17 — Voting Day for the Democratic Primaries - Register March 23 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House at 5:30pm March 30 — Senator Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual), 6-7pm, Register
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Voting InformationEarly Voting locations across all of Chicago’s 50 wards, in addition to the Early Voting Supersite in the Loop, are open for voting on Monday, March 2. You can find the closest early voting location through the Chicago Board of Elections by clicking here. You can vote at the location nearest to you. You do not need to vote at the location in your ward. Voter registration is also available on site, you can learn more about voter registration here.
The 33rd Ward Early Voting location is the American Indian Center, 3401 W. Ainslie St.
You can also download a sample ballot, to prepare ahead of time by researching candidates. Sample ballots can be accessed here.
I would also like to share important updates for mail-in ballots: The Board of Elections has made two announcements for people who have registered to vote by mail. First, please return your mail-in ballots by March 10 to ensure they are properly counted. This is to accommodate new procedures at the post office. You can also follow instructions on your mail in ballot to return your ballot in other ways. Second, the first round of Vote By Mail ballots were shipped with the previous election cycle’s ballot return envelopes, which reference two ‘A’ and ‘B’ ballots. To confirm, there is only one paper ballot for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election. Please learn more here if you have questions.
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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. Sign up for the ICE Alert System: bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE Follow our local rapid response social media: @northwestsiderrt on Instagram 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources
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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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Local Mutual Aid, Donation Drives, and Food Distribution2025 Mutual Aid Map | NRC Albany Park Map | 33rd Ward Map |
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Healing VillageSaturday, March 14 from 10:30am - 3:30pm Roosevelt High School |
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Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, March 23 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Upcoming: Monday, April 6
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:30pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a ward office open house. All are welcome to join.
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]. |
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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 Review3240 W Lawrence Ave – Project Website Status: Supported Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B1-2 to B2-5
3007-11 W Irving Park Rd – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
3446 W Irving Park Rd – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
4634-36 N Avers Ave – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: RS-3 to RT-4 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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The snow and ice are melting! As we eagerly await Spring, the melting of the snow has exposed a whole winter’s-worth of trash, debris, and yard waste. You can report any major debris or trash collection issues to 3-1-1 or give our ward office a call for assistance.
We also appreciate all of the outreach we are receiving about neighbors wanting supplies to start helping to clean up. If you are in need of large trash bags or trash grabbers, please do reach out.
Street Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Our Ward Superintendent will be providing updated sweeping schedules and maps before the start of the season on April 1. Stay tuned for that update. |
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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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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Free Eviction Sealing Event with LCBH April 13, 2026 - Register here by March 30, 2026
In Illinois, eviction filings remain on a renter's credit record for seven years regardless of outcome, oftentimes, locking families out of safe and stable future housing!
That's why LCBH is teaming up with DePaul University College of Law Pro Bono & Community Service Initiative and DePaul University College of Law Center for Public Interest Law to host a FREE community legal clinic where law students and pro bono attorneys will help eligible renters look up old evictions and write a motion to seal, or erase, it from their rental record.
If you know someone who would benefit from this free service, please share our registration form using the link below. You can also find sample social media and newsletter copy, promotional graphics, and FAQs here.
Registrants must complete the form for each eviction record they would like to seal by March 30th, 2026, to secure their spot. Space is limited! |
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Please note: This clinic is for tenants who have a previous eviction(s) on their rental/credit record. If they have an active eviction case, visit cookcountylegalaid.org or call (855) 956-5763 to get help. |
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Horner Park St. Paddy’s Day Celebration |
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Annual Celebrate Cleveland EventJoin Friends of Cleveland and your 33rd Ward Neighbors for our 8th Annual Celebrate Cleveland Fundraising Gala! Celebrate Cleveland will be held on Friday April 17th, 2026 at Michelle's Ballroom; 2800 W Belmont Ave from 6pm to 12am! Cocktail entertainment will be provided by Parkwest Strings and we'll dance the night away to popular Latin & English tunes spun by the incomparable DJ Sandra Suave! We can't wait to CELEBRATE with you!
Celebrate Cleveland is FOC's largest annual fundraiser for Cleveland Elementary with 100% of funds received from donations, the silent auction, and games used to provide much-needed support for our school. This year in addition to funding our annual $10,000 Cardinal Grant Program, proceeds will go towards the Friends of Cleveland Theater Revitalization Grant to cover Phase II of sound improvements to our beautiful 110 year old Auditorium which are scheduled for this summer break.
Purchase your tickets now at https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/! |
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Bands Apply for Lot Jams 2026Apply Here |
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Apply for Youth Jobs - [formerly One Summer Chicago]We are excited to announce that the Chicago Youth Works (CYW) application portal is now open. Chicago Youth Works — formerly One Summer Chicago — reflects the City’s continued investment in expanding youth employment opportunities and strengthening pathways to long-term career success for Chicago’s young people.
Interested youth can apply online at ChicagoYouthWorks.org. Applicants will receive bi-weekly updates with reminders, resources, and interview notifications throughout the application period.
Youth ages 14-15 will have access to stipend paid opportunities while youth and young adults ages 16-24 will be paid an hourly wage. |
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Support our Local Business LD PhoPlease stop by to eat or you can support their GoFundMe link. |
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Property Tax Exemption Application Now OpenThe Cook County Assessor opened the property tax exemption application for 2026, and he has announced that the exemption application will likely be open for 2 months. Our County Commissioner’s can help navigate your property tax appeals. You can find you county commissioner’s name through this link. As a reminder, there are several types of exemptions: Homeowner Exemption - homeowner has lived in the property since at least January 1, 2025 Senior Citizen Exemption - homeowner is over 65 Low-Income Senior “Freeze” Exemption - homeowner is over 65 and household makes under $65,000 Persons with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner has documentation of disability Veterans with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner is veteran with disability benefits
You can learn more about each of these exemptions, including eligibility requirements, on the Assessor's website at this link. Residents can still complete a Certificate of Error for any missing exemptions for tax year 2024-2021. If residents would like assistance checking which exemptions they receive or applying for exemptions for 2024-2021, please have them call our office at 312-603-6386. |
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Senator Graciela Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual)The last Monday of every month, from 6-7pm Upcoming Dates: March 30, April 27, May 25 Register for Zoom Link
State Senator Graciela Guzman's monthly legislative town halls are back! Her team will be hosting these meetings every last Monday of the month from now until May. Join them from 6-7 via Zoom to hear what they are up to in Springfield, express your opinions, and work to shape the future of our state. *Spanish Translation Available* |
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Gather Together Free Meal Neighbors cooking and eating together each 2nd Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Located in Christ Lutheran Church basement, 4541 N Spaulding |
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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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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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The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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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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Connect with our local schoolsConnect with our local schools by accessing a list of schools on our website by clicking here. |
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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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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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