As we continue working to maintain peace and safety across our neighborhoods, Alderman Raymond Lopez reminds all 15th Ward residents to adhere to the City of Chicago’s Noise Ordinance and Youth Curfew Ordinance:

🔇 Noise Ordinance – Quiet Hours

Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM

Friday and Saturday: 11:00 PM – 8:00 AM

Please be respectful of your neighbors by keeping noise levels down during these designated hours. Violations may result in enforcement action and fines.

⏰ Youth Curfew Ordinance

Minors 12 and older: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM (daily)

Minors under 12:

• 8:30 PM – 6:00 AM (Sunday through Thursday)

• 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM (Friday and Saturday)

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that minors are indoors during curfew hours. Compliance helps promote safety and accountability in our communities.

Let’s work together to keep our neighborhoods respectful, safe, and welcoming for all.

If you witness any criminal activity or notice suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, please report it immediately. Call 911 first to ensure a timely response from the Chicago Police Department, and then notify the 15th Ward Office at (773) 823-1539 so we can follow up and provide support where needed. Your vigilance and cooperation play a vital role in keeping our community safe. Together, we can make the 15th Ward a safer place for all.

Chicago Animal Care and Control is hosting a special Paws in Pajamas adoption event on Sunday, January 18, with all adoption fees waived. This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to welcome a new companion into their home while supporting lifesaving work for animals across our city.

The event will take place at Chicago Animal Care and Control, 2741 S. Western Avenue, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come comfortable and enjoy meeting dogs and cats ready for their forever homes.

Alderman Raymond Lopez has issued a clear directive to remove dibs throughout the 15th Ward. In coordination with this directive, the Ward Superintendent and City garbage crews have been actively sweeping neighborhood streets to remove items used to improperly reserve public parking spaces.

These efforts are ongoing and will continue across the ward to ensure fair access to street parking, improve public safety, and keep our blocks clean and accessible for all residents. Alderman Lopez remains committed to consistent enforcement and maintaining orderly, respectful use of public streets.

As your Alderman, I want to remind 15th Ward residents that you may now apply online to Vote By Mail for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election. Vote By Mail offers a convenient and secure way to participate in our democratic process from the comfort of your home. Voters may select one ballot type—Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or Non-Partisan (referenda only)—as required under Illinois law.

Ballots are expected to begin mailing in early February and include prepaid return envelopes. Voters can return their completed ballot by mail or place it in a secure drop box at any Chicago Early Voting site by Election Day. Options are also available for permanent Vote By Mail enrollment, accessible voting for individuals with disabilities, and ballots in multiple languages.

For more information or to apply, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections website or contact the Board directly at 312-269-7967.

Local School Councils (LSCs) play a vital role in shaping the future of our neighborhood schools by giving parents and community members a direct voice in school governance. Serving on an LSC is an opportunity to help select school leadership, support student success, and strengthen accountability at the local level.

The application period to become an LSC candidate is open, parents and community members may submit their nomination materials. All applications must be completed and submitted by 3:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026. Election Day is March 18, 2026, when all LSC elections across Chicago will be held.

In addition to candidates, Chicago Public Schools is also seeking 2,000 paid election judges to help administer the 2026 LSC elections—an excellent way to support civic participation in our schools. Application workshops are available for parents and community members who would like assistance completing nomination forms.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Office of Local School Council Relations (OLSCR) at 773-553-1400 or [email protected]. Your involvement matters, consider participating and helping shape the future of our schools.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Boys to STEM Academy summer programs. These free, week-long, residential programs are designed to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Families and students are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of upcoming information sessions to learn more about program eligibility, curriculum, and the application process.

STEM Academy Information Sessions

January 20 | 6:00–6:45 PM (CT)

March 3 | 5:00–5:45 PM (CT)

Boys to STEM Academy Information Sessions

January 20 | 5:00–5:45 PM (CT)

March 3 | 6:00–6:45 PM (CT)

The Exelon Foundation also offers a limited number of STEM Ambassadors who can attend local community events to share program details and answer questions.

For additional information, application materials, and promotional flyers (available in English and Spanish), please contact our office or visit the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy webpage.

We encourage families, educators, and community organizations to share this opportunity and help connect students with this exceptional STEM experience.

2026 CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy

Alderman Raymond Lopez is pleased to share that the Chicago Park District is offering a new round of Veteran and Military Programs this winter, running from early January through mid-March. These programs provide veterans and active-duty service members with opportunities to stay active, build community, and support overall wellness through professionally led recreational and fitness activities at local park facilities.

All equipment is provided, and programs are offered in a supportive, welcoming environment. Registration is required, and participants must provide proof of military service. Veterans and service members interested in participating are encouraged to register in advance and contact the program coordinators for additional details.

Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off Program makes it easy for residents to compost food waste and reduce what goes into our landfills. Items like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be dropped off at designated neighborhood sites at no cost.

This simple step helps cut down on odors and pests, reduces methane emissions, and supports the production of compost used in parks and green spaces across the city.

I encourage residents of the 15th Ward to participate by bringing food scraps in a reusable container and following posted site guidelines. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods cleaner and make Chicago a more sustainable city.