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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for February 9, 2026
In This Edition:
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2nd Ward Website
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2nd Ward Twitter
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2nd Ward YouTube
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Instagram
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Office Closure in Observance of President Lincoln's Birthday: Thursday, February 12
 All City of Chicago Offices will be closed on Thursday, February 12, in observance of President Lincoln's birthday. The 2nd Ward Office will reopen with regular business hours on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Please note: Despite city office closures on Thursday for the holiday, garbage and recycling collection will proceed under its normal schedule this week.
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Bridge Ordinance Passes Finance Committee
I am proud to report that an ordinance I authored advanced to the full City Council from the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety today. 2-102-110 (Requirement to provide notice of closure of bridges to City Council) is an important legislative step toward fixing the kind of infrastructure mismanagement that has frustrated so many of us here in the 2nd Ward and across the city. Click here to read the full language of the ordinance that will be recommended "do pass" during next week's city council meeting.
As a resident of Lincoln Park myself, I share the deep frustration neighbors have felt over the extreme congestion caused by multiple, poorly coordinated bridge closures. The simultaneous shutdown of the Chicago Avenue, Halsted Street, and Cortland Avenue bridges, combined with ongoing work on the Kennedy Expressway, created gridlock conditions that were entirely unacceptable. This lack of coordination was the clear catalyst for action.
This ordinance ensures that when a bridge is scheduled to close for 30 days or longer, the Chicago Department of Transportation must come before the City Council in advance, explain the project timeline, and present a concrete plan to manage traffic impacts in surrounding neighborhoods. In other words: no more surprises, no more overlapping closures without accountability, and far better planning for residents, commuters, and local businesses.
While I continue to push CDOT and other agencies to relieve the congestion we are experiencing right now, today’s committee vote represents real progress. It sends a clear message that major infrastructure work must be planned thoughtfully, coordinated across agencies, and carried out with urgency and respect for the neighborhoods it affects—especially here in the 2nd Ward.
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Chicago Area Waterway System Resolution Passes Committee
Last Thursday, my resolution to support the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) reclamation study passed the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy. I was honored to speak alongside Metropolitan Water Reclamation Districts’ Commissioner Cam Davis about the remarkable progress made in transforming the CAWS from a once-toxic river system into the clean, carefully monitored waterway we enjoy today. Thanks to MWRD’s extensive research and remediation, the number of fish species has increased from just 10 to more than 70 since 1974. Last year, swimmers returned to the Chicago River for the first time in a century, marking a historic moment for the City.
I was the lead sponsor of this resolution, which advocates for more funding for the MWRD’s study to address legacy pollution in the CAWS. Securing government funding is necessary to address contaminated sediment stemming from past industrial activity. The resolution commits to uniting with regional partners to confront this critical issue.
Clean water is a fundamental right, and it is our responsibility to preserve the CAWS for current and future generations. I look forward to the efforts taken in response to this resolution. If you would like to read the full language of the resolution, you can do so by clicking here.
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Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
I had the pleasure of attending the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce's (LPCC) Annual meeting last week at Whirlyball, where I joined my colleagues, Aldermen Knudsen and Waguespack. There, we discussed business development in Lincoln Park and provided an overview of the City's 2026 Annual Budget.
Thank you to the LPCC and Whirlyball for hosting the event.
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2nd Ward Shred Event: Sunday, March 8
The 2nd Ward Spring Shred Event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the My Parking Gold Coast Lot, located at 1258 N State Pkwy. Please bring your documents, old electronics, and pharmaceuticals to this very popular shred event to ensure they are properly discarded.
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Weekly Neighborhood Organization Highlight: The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR)
Starting in this edition of the 2nd Ward Newsletter, I will be highlighting the neighborhood organizations that help make our communities thrive. Membership in your local community group is such a benefit to making sure your voice is heard on the most local matters. This week, we will be highlighting SOAR.
I encourage Streeterville residents to get involved with the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), our neighborhood organization dedicated to advocating for and strengthening our downtown community south of Oak and east of Rush Street, to the lake. SOAR brings residents together to engage on issues that matter most, from public safety and development to quality of life and neighborhood planning.
Earlier in my career, I had the honor of serving as president of SOAR. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of the tremendous value a strong, active neighborhood organization provides—ensuring residents have a meaningful voice and helping Streeterville remain a vibrant, connected community.
I hope you’ll consider joining SOAR to participate in community meetings and events, connect with your neighbors, and help shape the future of Streeterville. To learn more or become a member, please visit their official website by clicking here.
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, February 19
 Join 18th District Commander Chris Bielfeldt and the CAPS team for coffee and conversation on Thursday, February 19, at 10:00 am, at the Drake Hotel, located at 140 E Walton Pl.
Meet the officers who patrol your neighborhood and share your concerns and suggestions.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 24
The 18th Police District Councilmembers will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 24, at 6:00 pm.
Commander Bielfeldt from the 18th District, or a representative, will provide crime and safety updates. The guest speaker has not yet been announced. We will provide updates as they become available.
Please RSVP for in-person attendance here. If you wish to participate remotely, click here.
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Vehicle Airbag Thefts on the Rise
The Chicago Police Department's Detectives Division has issued a community alert informing residents to be aware of an increase in airbag thefts across the city. You can read the community notice here. WGN recently covered another CPD alert that was issued last month involving stolen airbags from later model Hondas. Click here to view.
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2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Police Department's Beat community meetings are a key part of the CAPS strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person with the option for remote participation and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. Click here to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis. Click here to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 4 February 26 - Juvenile Offenders Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of a 48-Year-Old Female
Community Alerts:
- 9 February 26 - Seeking to Identify
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 5 February 26 - Juvenile Offender Charged with Multiple Felonies, Including Seven Counts of Attempted Murder of Juvenile Victims
- 5 February 26 - Offender Charged with August 2025 Murder of 63-Year-Old Male
- 4 February 26 - Offender Charged with Nearly Two Dozen Felony Counts, Including Attempted Murder of Chicago Police Officers
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March 17 Primary Election Information
The 2026 General Primary Election is March 17, 2026. This election determines party nominees for federal, state, county, and local offices on the ballot in Chicago. The Board provides official forms and tools for registering to vote, updating your registration, and applying for vote by mail. Information on Vote By Mail, Early Voting, the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster, and other dates and services can be found below.
Only 1 in 5 Chicagoans registered to vote cast a ballot in the last midterm election in 2022 (click here to read more about the low turnout). Please vote to make your voice heard; we get the government we elect.
Vote By Mail Information
Register to Vote By Mail by clicking here.
You can also download the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster application form by clicking here.
NOTE: The Board will begin mailing ballots to those on the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and vote by mail applicants in early February 2026. Applications to receive a mail ballot must be received by the Board no later than March 12, 2026. Mail ballots must be postmarked by March 17, 2026, to count.
On December 24, 2025, USPS changed its definition of a "timely postmark" to mean the date a piece of mail is processed, not that it is received. Mail-in voters should keep in mind that:
- A ballot or any other mailpiece may be taken into any post office to receive a free manual postmark
- Completed mail-in ballots may also be taken to any early voting location to be deposited in secure collection boxes
Click here to learn more.
Early Voting Information (Begins in all 50 Wards on March 2, 2026)
You may find a list of early voting dates and locations by clicking here.
March 2 through March 17 hours of operation:
Weekdays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Election Day (March 17): 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Early Vote sites that are in or near the 2nd Ward:
- Near North Library at 310 W Division St
- Lincoln Park Library at 1150 W Fullerton Ave
Voter Registration and Address Changes
To register to vote or update your address on your voter registration record, use the Illinois Voter Registration Application* available from the Board’s site by clicking here.
*Last Day to register using the online application is March 1, 2026. It reopens on March 19, 2026
The official downloadable form for registration or address updates is here.
Grace Period and Same-Day Registration
Illinois law allows voters to register or update their registration and vote during the grace period at early voting sites and at the Board office through Election Day if they missed the standard registration deadline. Check the official Chicago Board of Elections site for exact grace period details and locations by clicking here.
Election Day
The Primary Election is scheduled for March 17, 2026. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time at your assigned precinct polling place. You may vote in person on Election Day if you have not voted early or by mail. For polling location lookup, click here.
Polling Place Lookup
Find your polling place and voter information by clicking here.
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DIBS Pet Adoption with Chicago Animal Care and Control: Saturday, February 21
 Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is hosting a special adoption event on Saturday, February 21, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The event will take place at CACC headquarters, located at 2741 S Western Ave. Adoption fees will be waived for all pets during this event, and dogs will be wearing special Valentine's Day attire.
Click here for more information.
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Movies in the Park at Lake Shore Park: Survey Open Now
 I, along with the Lake Shore & Seneca Park Advisory Councils, am sponsoring Movies in the Park at Lake Shore Park this summer. You can help choose which movies are shown! Ask your friends and neighbors to complete the survey by selecting a total of five movies in three categories:
- three movies from the Family movie category
- one from the Children's category
- one from the Classics category
Click here to fill out the survey.
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Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place: Every Sunday
 The Water Tower Place Farmers Market will be operating at Water Tower Place (835 N Michigan Ave) on the 4th floor every Sunday through March 29, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
With over 75 vendors, enjoy fresh local produce, ready-made food, and live entertainment. Click here for a list of vendors.
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Chair Yoga at Near North Library: Tuesday, February 13
 The Near North Library is hosting chair yoga for seniors at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 10. Those aged 55+ are invited to this free class, which also has an option for virtual attendance on Zoom. Registration is required for virtual participation.
Click here to register.
February is a busy month at Near North. Click here to view more of their great upcoming events.
CORRECTION: Last Week's newsletter incorrectly stated that Monday Crafternoons would take place on Tuesday. That is incorrect, the segment was meant to highlight Chair Yoga.
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Valentine's Day Dance at Lake Shore Park: Friday, February 13
The Lake Shore Park Advisory Council is hosting a Valentine's Day Dance at the park on Friday, February 13, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Enjoy family-friendly crafts, treats, dancing, and a photo booth! Children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Click here for more information.
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Black History Month Commemorative Day At the Chicago History Museum: Saturday, February 28
 The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N Clark St, is hosting a special "Commemorative Day" event to honor Black History Month. The event will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, featuring programming seeking to honor Black Americans who have had a vital hand in forming this nation.
Click here for more information.
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Little Sisters of the Poor Travinia: Saturday, March 8
 Bring your thinking caps to the Little Sisters of the Poor’s annual trivia event, Travinia, on Saturday, March 14, from 4:45 pm to 8:00 pm, at St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N Lakewood Ave. Gather your team of friends for an indoor evening of trivia fun. Tickets are $30 and will be available to purchase online or over the phone only. To buy tickets or to donate, visit www.littlesistersofthepoorchicago.org or call (773) 935-9600.
Trivia questions begin promptly at 5:30 pm.
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Old Town Progressive Dinner Wednesdays
Progressive Dinner Wednesdays continue this week in Old Town. This Wednesday, February 4, enjoy a variety of delicious menu items from some of your favorite restaurants, all priced at $5 per dish from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm every Wednesday until February 25.
Participating restaurants include Benchmark, Cal’s Corner, Declan's Irish Pub, Fireplace Inn, Glunz Tavern, Happy Camper, Kamehachi, Moon Star Kitchen & Bar, Old Town Pub, Orso’s, Rabbit Hole, The VIG, Woodie’s Flat, and Winnie's.
Click here for more information.
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