March 20th, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
As the snow melts away and temperatures begin to rise, we’re reminded that spring is finally here. This season brings renewed energy, fresh opportunities, and more time to enjoy our community together.
During this time of year, many residents begin preparing for spring cleaning and neighborhood beautification. You can find more information on how to participate in this year’s “Clean and Green” in this week’s City Service Focus, with additional opportunities to be shared soon.
As we move further into the season, our office is also preparing for upcoming Easter celebrations and community activities. We encourage residents to save the dates and review the full list of events included below.
This is also an important time for our youth. In this newsletter, you will find information on available scholarships and seasonal employment opportunities.
Finally, I would like to thank all the community members who participated in Zakat Foundation’s “Journey of the Heart” event. It was a meaningful opportunity to come together, share a meal, and celebrate community. Together, we continue building a safer and more welcoming ward for everyone.
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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Free Warm Meals
On March 11th we joined Metropolitan Family Services, Zakat Foundation of America, Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, Islamic Relief USA, and State Rep. Will Guzzardi (39th District ) to help distribute free warm meals and fresh produce. Thank you for helping make this meaningful day possible! |
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Conversation with the Commander
This past week, we participated in the “Conversation with a Commander” event at the 25th District, where residents shared concerns and ideas about community safety directly with local police officers and our office. The open forum fostered meaningful dialogue and strengthened connections across the community.
Beyond public safety, Alderwoman Cruz shared updates on infrastructure improvements, upcoming projects, and small business grants along the Belmont Corridor.
A special thank you to Dunkin’ Donuts at 5959 W. Diversey for welcoming our neighbors and team, and to the 25th District and everyone who attended. |
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Virtual Field Trip for Marvin Camras Children's Engineering School
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a virtual field trip for the first graders at Marvin Camras Children’s Engineering School, where we introduced them to the important role local government plays in preserving natural ecosystems in urban environments.
The students were not only engaged in the discussion, but they also shared their thoughtful persuasive letters on the topic of habitat fragmentation and presented us with their informative, colorful posters. Their creativity and passion for protecting the environment were truly inspiring!
It’s moments like these that remind us how bright the future looks when young minds are excited and invested in making the world a better place. |
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Exciting New Outdoor Projects Coming to Our Schools
With great excitement, our office, CPS, and Open Space are bringing two new projects to Disney II and Reilly Elementary School, ranging from a vibrant butterfly garden to a brand-new artificial turfield. |
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Journey in the Heart
We celebrated community at the Journey of the Heart Brunch, organized by the Zakat Foundation of America. A special thank you to Sarah and Luis at My Fair Lady Banquet Hall for graciously hosting us, and to our dedicated volunteer, Tere, for all your help.
Residents from across the community enjoyed a delicious meal, a lively dance performance by Chinelos (traditional carnival dancers from the Mexican state of Morelos) and, most importantly, each other’s company. It was wonderful to see neighbors connecting, exchanging contact information, and building new relationships.
We hope everyone had as much fun as we did! |
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Belmont Cragin Elementary School Reading
I had a wonderful time connecting with and reading to 4th graders at Belmont Cragin Elementary School. A big thank you to the amazing teachers who make this possible every day! We enjoyed reading Calling the Doves / El canto de las palomas. |
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VA Commission of Cook County Visit
Our VA representative Conner came to his monthly visit. He offered expert guidance and hands-on help navigating VA benefits and more. In case you missed him, his next visit is on April 16. To see additional veteran resources, see our veteran resource section below. |
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The 30th Ward is proud to be partnering on the following events:Food Giveaway: Save the date for our next food giveaway with State Rep Guzzardi, State Senator Guzman, and the Chopin Park Advisory Council at Chopin Park on March 27th. Pictures with the Easter Bunny at Kilbourn Park: Saturday, March 28th, from 10am-11:30.The Give-n-Receive at Kilbourn Park: We are excited to invite you to a FREE thrifting boutique with clothes and accessories for all ages and genders at Kilbourn Park on Saturday, March 28th from Noon-3pm. The Give n Receive will also be accepting donations of gently used clothes and accessories, a great opportunity to get a head start on your spring cleaning while supporting an amazing community organization.Old Irving Park Association Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 28th, 10am at Belding Elementary.Chopin Park Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday April 4th, 3420 N Long, 10am-12pm.Northwest Side Job Fair: Join elected officials and the IL Dept. of Employment Security for a job fair on Friday, April 24, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, at Kilbourn Park, 3501 N Kilbourn Ave, Chicago, IL. Shred-a-Thon and Electronics Recycling: Join us at St. Viator’s for our annual shred-a-thon on April 25th. More details coming soon!
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Small Business Improvement Fund - Belmont/Central
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in April in the Belmont/Central TIF district. Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by April 30, and register for an informational webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 bit.ly/apr26sbif. |
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Get to know the new Sole Service Provider for SSA2 |
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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 resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
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Spring into Clean & Green
As we say goodbye to winter and welcome the fresh air of spring, it's the perfect time to declutter, recycle, and give back to our community. The 30th Ward is hosting a Thrifting Event at Kilbourn Park on March 28th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM! Whether you're looking to declutter your home or find gently used items, come out to donate or pick up clothing and more!
Event Details: What: Thrift event – Donate gently used clothes and pick up others if desired. Where: Kilbourn Park, 3501 N Kilbourn Ave. When: March 28th, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
It’s a great opportunity to contribute to sustainability by reusing, recycling, and supporting your neighbors. And if you’re interested in doing even more, the city is gearing up for its annual Clean and Green Event on April 18th, where volunteers across the city come together to clean and beautify our neighborhoods.
If you're interested in partnering with the Chopin Park Advisory Council (CPAC) or the Kilbourn Park Advisory Council (KPAC) for future park clean ups, don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly:
CPAC Contact: [email protected] KPAC Contact: [email protected]
Finally, if you are interested in partnering with Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association for their annual Spring Alley Cleanup on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, feel free to meet at the corner of Lawndale and Byron where brooms, shovels, and garbage bags will be provided.
There will also be coffee, donuts, and a free entry for a raffle for volunteers.
** Service hours for high school students are available.
Let’s make this spring the cleanest, greenest one yet! |
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Chicago Green Initiatives |
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Securing the Administration’s Commitment to a Working Group for Animal Care and Control
As you may remember, I have been fighting to conduct a national search for a new executive director for the Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control (CACC). Mayor Johnson had nominated Sue Cappello, the acting director of CACC for the last three years, to the permanent post in early February, shortly before Ald. Gil Villegas and I circulated a letter calling for a national search that was co-signed by 15 of our colleagues.
At last week’s Committee on Health and Human Services hearing, I was the only committee member who asked a series of detailed questions of Ms. Cappello about her qualifications, CACC’s operations and performance, and the concerns identified by many volunteers and rescue groups about high rates of dog euthanasia, mistreatment and retaliation against volunteers, and other issues. Ultimately, I was the only alder to vote no on her nomination in committee.
Following the committee vote, Alderman Villegas and I reached out to Mayor Johnson’s administration asking for a meeting with Ms. Cappello, other CACC leadership, and some of the advocates raising concerns. At that meeting this past Tuesday, we were able to secure a commitment from the administration to form a working group that will focus on issues facing CACC and work on solutions. The group will include balanced representation, including some of the advocates and volunteers who have been raising concerns.
Ms. Cappello was confirmed by the City Council yesterday. Although I was still recorded as a no vote on her nomination, I want her to succeed in her role. The goal of the working group will be to help her and CACC staff and volunteers make positive changes that improve outcomes for shelter animals and the welfare of animals and residents throughout the City.
I want to thank all the ward residents, CACC volunteers, rescue groups, and experts who reached out to our office, met with us, showed up at meetings, and helped to educate us to be the most effective advocates we could be. We are truly grateful for your time and effort. My office and I will stay highly engaged on CACC and animal care and control issues moving forward, and we encourage everyone to continue reaching out.
More info here: Medicare for All Resolution Adopted by City Council My resolution calling on Congress to adopt Medicare for All for all American citizens was adopted without objection by the City Council this past Wednesday. Chicago is now on record as the largest city in the US to issue such a call. As Dr. Claudia Fegan, renowned universal health care advocate and former chief of medicine for Cook County Health, noted during her committee testimony last week, no one in America should be waiting at home to die because they cannot afford health care.
Chicagoans and all Americans suffer from a health care system that is insanely complicated, medically unsound, and ruinously expensive for individuals, businesses, and the nation as a whole. Medicare for All would put actual medical care back at the center of our health care system, leading to better outcomes and lower costs for millions of Americans. Every other developed nation on Earth—and some developing nations as well!—has figured out how to provide universal health coverage to their people. It is long past time for Congress to do the rational, responsible thing and adopt Medicare for All in the United States.
I want to thank the advocates who approached our office to bring this resolution forward and worked with us to pass it through the City Council. We have sent a strong message to Congress that the people of Chicago want—and deserve—a health care system that puts them first, rather than profits and process.
Coverage here: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/city-council-subminimum-wage-tipped-workers-freeze/(scroll to end of article) https://www.commondreams.org/news/medicare-for-all-bill https://www.citizen.org/news/chicago-passes-medicare-for-all-resolution/
Council Votes to Freeze Tipped Minimum Wage The City Council voted 30-18 on Wednesday to freeze the tipped minimum wage at 76 percent of the full minimum wage. I voted no. Although I am very sympathetic to the difficult economic situation in which many restaurants currently find themselves, I do not believe the solution should fall on the backs of workers. The 30th Ward is home to thousands of working families, including many in the restaurant industry, and I feel passionately that it is my job to stand up for them.
Mayor Johnson has pledged to veto the ordinance, so it will likely return to City Council at our April meeting. 34 votes would be needed to override the mayor’s veto.
Coverage here:
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Artists and Vendors Wanted |
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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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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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Mikva Challenge Summer Fellowship
The Mikva Challenge Summer Fellowship is a great opportunity for students interested in learning and working in a government office.
Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026 |
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Friends of the Forest Preserves
Friends of the Forest Preserves are currently hiring for seasonal roles! Great for recent graduates: https://fotfp.org/about/open-positions/ |
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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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Junior Bike Ambassador Program
Pedal with purpose this summer. Get paid, build skills, and help your community as a Junior Bike Ambassador. Ride, educate, and grow! Apply here: https://bit.ly/4snsh4K |
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Secretary of State Summer Jobs
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is accepting applications for its 2026 summer youth employment program, offering 25 paid positions for high school, college, and trade school students across Illinois. |
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2026 Teen Bash
The annual @mychimyfuture Teen Bash is happening on Saturday, March 28th at Navy Pier! Doors open at 12PM for a resource fair featuring summer job applications, and the main event begins at 1PM.
The event is completely free, but all attendees must register for a ticket. Please share this registration link to teens in your network: tinyurl.com/teenbash26. |
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CLFC Scholarships
Every student deserves a chance! The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is providing $5,000 scholarships to students from across Chicago. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 11:59pm. Apply today at https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships |
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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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