Dear Neighbors,
May was a busy month for members of Alderwoman Hadden's legislative team. The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy held a meeting on May 11 to hear updates from ComEd on its grid reliability as we enter the summer months. These annual hearings are mandated by ComEd's franchise agreement with the City after the tragic and senseless deaths of over 700 Chicagoans during the 1995 heat wave, exacerbated by blackouts. We also requested that ComEd address issues beyond grid reliability during the summer months and how the changing utility landscape will impact ratepayers and efforts to deploy cleaner energy generators. Specifically, we asked them to speak to the impacts of the proliferation of data centers and the impacts of proposed state and federal legislation, such as the recently passed CRGA Act and the proposed POWER Act. You can view a recording of the hearing on the City Clerk's website by clicking here. We have also compiled the materials ComEd shared with the Committee for its hearing, which are available to view here.
During its May 11 meeting, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy also passed an ordinance sponsored by Alderman Hopkins to change the permissible height of non-tree pollinators. The municipal code previously allowed vegetation to grow no higher than 10 inches, or risk being ticketed for a sanitation violation. The ordinance instead allows non-tree pollinators to grow up to 36 inches, which is the ideal height for native pollinators such as Milkweed. The ordinance also advances the goal of the Native and Pollinator Garden Registry Advisory Board: promoting plantings that benefit pollinators and other beneficial insects, such as the Monarch butterfly.
On May 14, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy hosted its inaugural Citywide Green Mixer at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The event was a huge success, drawing more than 150 people from across the city to network and share ideas related to environmental policy. Read more about the takeaways from the event in the newsletter below.
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- Wednesday, June 17, 10 a.m., City Hall, Council Chambers:
City Council
- Friday, June 19:
Juneteenth
- Saturday, June 20, thru Sunday, June 21, Loyola Beach:
Artists of the Wall
- Monday, June 22, 10 a.m., City Hall, Room 1003A:
Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board meeting
- Friday, June 26, thru Sunday, June 28, Rogers Park:
Northside QueerPride
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Ordinance Establishing a Centralized Affordable Housing Listing Portal Pilot Program and Working Group Passes the Full City Council
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Members of the coalition pose for a picture after the Centralized Affordable Listing Portal ordinance passed the full City Council
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An ordinance I championed to launch a pilot program and working group for a centralized portal to list affordable units in the City was unanimously passed by the full City Council this month. I first introduced this ordinance in 2024 in partnership with Alderman Villegas, the Chicago Housing Initiative, Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, Access Living, and ONE Northside.
The pilot program, which launches in early June, will leverage the Illinois Housing Development Authority's ilhousingsearch.org platform to immediately list over 3,700 units. Through the City's rulemaking and contracting processes, all future Affordable Requirements Ordinance units and any units that receive City financing to build affordable units will also be required to list their units on the portal. The listing requirements for future units will help bring the City into alignment with existing State requirements.
Running in tandem with the pilot program will be a working group to analyze it and make recommendations for a permanent portal upon its completion, which is scheduled to sunset in 2028. The working group will also make recommendations on a variety of other topics, such as the development of a universal affordable unit application, listing existing affordable units on the platform, the frequency and scope of reporting requirements, opportunities to streamline the approval process to lease out ARO units, and opportunities with civic and philanthropic institutions to defray any potential costs and explore revenue opportunities.
The pilot program and working group will help streamline the process for Chicagoans seeking affordable housing units and bring more transparency to a disjointed and often opaque system. It will help replace the current obstacle course that tenants, housing providers, and organizations face, making it easier for prospective tenants and housing providers to connect while still allowing housing providers to retain the autonomy they have in their tenant screening and waitlist management processes. This is a critical step to consolidating a fractured and piecemeal system under one simplified platform, helping to connect individuals more quickly to stable housing.
A one-pager with more information about the ordinance is available at this link.
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Department of Environment holds Community Conversation on Data Centers
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In May, the Department of Environment hosted a community conversation on data centers. The event convened subject-matter experts in energy, water, technology, and policy for a panel discussion on key areas the City should consider as data centers seek to expand across the region. The panelists included Rachel Haverleok from the Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Meera Raj of deep tech for P33, Kavi Chintam for Vote Solar, and Sarah Moskowitz with the Citizens Utility Board.
As the City continues to address the demand for more data centers, the panelists encouraged increased transparency and deliberate policymaking to center environmental and consumer protections. Following the panel discussion, the Department of Environment staff hosted an open dialogue with attendees to hear their thoughts and concerns on data centers.
In June, the Department of Environment will publish a report outlining risks and opportunities of data centers and share recommendations with City Council on actions they should consider taking to best position the City for continued data center expansion. The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy plans to hold a subject-matter hearing later this summer to cover the report's recommendations once it is published. Keep your eye on this newsletter for more information as it becomes available.
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Committee on Environment Hosts
Inaugural Citywide Green Mixer
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This month, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy hosted the inaugural Citywide Green Mixer at Garfield Park Conservatory. The night kicked off with welcoming remarks from Chairwoman Hadden. Commissioner Tovar also shared updates on the full restoration of the Department of Environment and the suite of programs—such as Our Roots Chicago and Library Solar—housed within the department to advance the City's climate goals and make it a healthier place to live.
The mixer then transitioned to the main events, which featured three core engagement activities:
- Explore and Connect Area: A space where City Departments and affiliated organizations provided attendees with sustainable programs, volunteer opportunities, and resources for sustainable engagement. We are so grateful for all the amazing tabling items and conversations our attendees engaged with. Thank you to all our tabling organizations!
- Community Sharing Hub: A table where attendees shared their networks and created connections across organizations. Chicago has a vast pool of leaders and idea makers who have transformed environmental justice work! As a committee, we wanted to create a space where attendees could leave their information for future connections.
- World Café Discussion: The world café discussions centered on six environmental justice topics: air, earth, water, energy, waste management, and policy. Twelve experts, two from each field, volunteered their time to facilitate discussion among attendees from all backgrounds. Each table shared lived experiences with one another, pinpointed root causes for various environmental justice issues, and proposed solutions to make Chicago a healthier and cleaner place to live.
All in all, our inaugural Citywide Green Mixer was an evening filled with networking and passionate discussion among elected officials, environmental justice leaders, department representatives, community-based organizations, and Chicagoans who care about their environment. By the end of the night, each attendee had the opportunity to learn about a new program or engage with their neighbor on an environmental issue they were passionate about.
Our neighbors deserve spaces to connect with one another and share ideas, hopes, fears, and issues that are occurring throughout our communities. This won't be the last of our engagement events; the Committee on Environment hopes to continue listening, learning, and providing support for our environmental justice communities and leaders. Thank you to Corky's for the delicious catering and to Mutuall Design for helping attendees navigate the event by providing signage throughout the venue. And, of course, a huge thank you to all who attended. We hope to see you next year!
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City Council Passes Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Senior
Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance
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In May, City Council passed the Reverend Jessie L. Jackson Sr. Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance 42-8. The ordinance establishes protections and expands voting access in honor of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy. The ordinance:
- Makes it unlawful to dox election officials when done to cause harm or facilitate violence or stalking
- Requires landlords to provide and maintain a secure mailbox for each residential unit
- Establishes a new Advisory Council on Access to Democracy
The passage of the ordinance comes on the heels of the Supreme Court's decision to roll back key protections in the Voting Rights Act and as federal officials in the Trump Administration threaten to deploy ICE agents to polling places during the Midterm Elections as a voter intimidation tactic. It also comes at a time when more than a third of election workers have experienced harassment, abuse, and threats.
It's incumbent on the City Council to take measures to protect the sanctity of elections as we continue to face threats to our democracy. The Jessle L. Jackson Sr. Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance is a critical step to securing those protections. Alderwoman Hadden voted yes on the ordinance.
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Ordinance Prohibiting CPD Officers with Extremist Ties Passes Full City Council
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In May, an ordinance that would prohibit Chicago Police Department officers from having ties to extremist organizations, such as the Proud Boys or the Oath Keepers, passed the full City Council 28-21. The ordinance authorizes the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) to investigate complaints alleging that officers actively participate in extremist activity.
The ordinance is a result of the seditious activity on January 6, 2021, when organized groups tried to overthrow the United States' government. The ordinance specifically prohibits CPD officers from participating in groups that advocate to overthrow any level of government, be it federal or local, using violence. Sworn officers take an oath to uphold the constitutional rights and laws of our city, state, and country. Those who are actively trying to overthrow those same laws should not be able to collect a government paycheck.
Alderwoman Hadden voted in favor of the ordinance.
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Compromise on One Fair Wage Ordinance Passes City Council
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This month, City Council reached a compromise on the One Fair Wage ordinance passed in 2023. The compromise comes after Mayor Johnson vetoed an ordinance that would have eliminated the remaining two raises mandated by the One Fair Wage ordinance to bring subminimum-wage workers to parity with minimum-wage workers.
The negotiations were spearheaded by the One Fair Wage lead sponsor, Alderperson Fuentes, working in partnership with the Illinois Restaurant Association, the One Fair Wage coalition, and Alderman Burnett. Instead of outright eliminating the final two pay raises, the compromise pauses them, providing a longer runway for restaurants to reach parity with the minimum wage. Large employers, or businesses with 20 or more employees, will see a two-year pause before resuming pay raises, reaching parity with the minimum wage in 2030 instead of 2028. Smaller employers, or businesses with fewer than 20 employees, will have a 4-year pause, with the minimum wage set to reach parity in 2032.
The compromise strikes a balance between the strains the restaurant industry has felt from a variety of external pressures—such as Trump's tariffs or declining diners experiencing their own financial strain—while also keeping its commitment to creating a more predictable and stable source of income for some of Chicago's lowest earners.
Thank you to Alderperson Fuentes and Alderman Burnett for their leadership on this compromise and for incorporating feedback from a variety of stakeholders into the ordinance that passed City Council.
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Mayor's Office of Community Engagement hosting Three 2027 Budget Roundtables in June
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Mayor Brandon Johnson Mayor Johnson's Office of Community Engagement is hosting three budget roundtables during the month of June. These roundtables offer Chicagoans the opportunity to share their insights and priorities for the 2027 budget.
Doors will open one hour before each roundtable for a city resource fair, where representatives from City departments will be available to answer questions and provide information about City services and programs.
The roundtables will take place on:
- Wednesday, June 3
Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson
Resource fair: 5 PM
Budget Roundtable: 6-8:30 PM
Register Here
- Saturday, June 6
Harry S. Truman, 11445 W. Wilson
Resource Fair: 9 AM
Budget Roundtable: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Register Here
- Tuesday, June 16
Kennedy-King College, 6301 S. Halsted
Resource Fair: 5 PM
Budget Roundtable: 6-8:30 PM
Register Here
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Spotlight on EJ Community Work
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Family Matters Ribbon-Cutting Celebration on
its Building Sustainability Efforts
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We are honored to celebrate Family Matters' sustainable building transformation this month! Since moving to Rogers Park in 1995, Family Matters has been dedicated to sustainable development. In 2020, they joined the Neighborhood Power Project cohort with the Illinois Green Alliance, which led to the installation of multiple sustainable infrastructure projects, including lighting retrofits and a heat pump. Family Matters continued its commitment to reducing building emissions and was recognized in the City of Chicago's 2022 Climate Action Plan. In 2023, they received a Climate Infrastructure Fund grant, which they have used to center their decarbonization efforts.
This month, representatives from the Committee on Environmental Protection, the Department of Environment, the Department of Planning and Development, Nick and Eddie Construction, State Rep. Cassidy's office, and the Neighborhood Power Project joined Family Matters to cut the ribbon on its latest building-sustainability effort: the installation of solar panels. This installation helps them achieve their goal of becoming completely carbon neutral and serves as a model for other buildings on how to retrofit. Thank you to Family Matters for your dedication to this project and for making our neighborhood and our planet a safer, cleaner, and healthier place to live!
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Share Your Favorite Environmental Organization
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This year, the Committee on Environment is looking for more opportunities to engage with Environmental Justice organizations and spotlight their great work throughout the city. Each month, we'll share information on different organizations, their mission, goals, and how to get involved.
Do you have an organization you think should be highlighted? Share it with us at this link!
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In Other Environmental News
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Share Your Feedback on the Green Infrastructure Strategy
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The Department of Environment published its draft Green Infrastructure Strategy. The Chicago Green Infrastructure Strategy will serve as the City’s updated roadmap for using nature-based solutions to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. The report prioritizes equity, climate resilience, and community co-benefits like cooler temperatures and cleaner air.
The draft report provides a series of cross-agency recommendations to address the City's increased frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change. It also identifies key challenges, from departmental alignment to securing funding, to implement these strategies.
The Department of Environment is accepting comments on the draft strategy until July 10. To read the strategy and submit a public comment, click here.
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Register Your Native Pollinator Garden
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation launched its native and pollinator garden registry. Native and pollinator gardens help to support local wildlife and ecosystems. They also help act as a natural defense against erosion and help manage stormwater.
To review the native and pollinator garden guidelines and register yours, click here.
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Request for Proposals: Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot
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Please be notified that the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS) has advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for “2FM City Fleet EVSE Program” and “CDOT EV Charging Pilot Program” under Solicitation Title, 1332033: EV Charging Stations, RFP Solicitation Number 66215, Specification Number 1332033. Interested vendors may submit proposals for either or both scopes. The RFP may be found on the DPS website, hyperlinked below:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/current-bids.html
The RFP can be found more easily by sorting by Supplier Response Due Date; this date is “16-JUN-2026 15:00:20”. Then click on the glasses icon under the “Details” column.
As described therein, responses are due by 3:00 PM Central Time on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
A pre-proposal meeting for interested parties will be held at 10:00 AM Central Time on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 121 N. Lasalle, Chicago IL 60602, Conference Room 1103 (Floor 11). There will also be an online option via Microsoft Teams.
You can register for the pre-proposal meeting via email to Paula Duarte, Senior Procurement Specialist, at [email protected]. Registration must be arranged in advance of the pre-proposal meeting.
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Greencorps Chicago is Now Recruiting!
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Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50. Greencorps Chicago trainees receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications, including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance in finding full-time employment upon completion of the program.
For more info, please see: https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Signing Up for the Citywide Composting Program
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In the fall of 2023, the Department of Street and Sanitation (DSS) announced its first-ever citywide composting initiative, a Food Scrap Drop-Off program, which allows all Chicago residents to bring their household food scraps to a drop-off location located throughout the city.
Since rolling out the program, over 6,000 households have signed up to participate, and over 300 tons of food have been diverted from landfills! That is the equivalent of approximately 24,000 gallons of gasoline!
Due to the success of the program, Streets and Sanitation expanded its drop-off locations to include three more sites, for a total of 20 sites across the city, including one at 6447 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Rogers Park! Participation is easy! Simply sign up for a nearby drop-off location, collect food in sealed containers, and bring the collected materials to the green carts at the drop-off sites. Upon collection, these materials are transferred to a composting facility, where food scraps are processed into compost, a valuable product that looks and smells like rich soil and can be used to improve soil health.
The 20 food scrap drop-off sites are:
- Avondale – 3143 N. Rockwell St
- Belmont Cragin – 5605 W. Grand Ave
- Bowmanville – 5333 N. Western Ave
- Brighton Park – 3359 S. Maplewood Ave
- Edgewater – 5853 N. Broadway
- Englewood – 611 W. 69th St
- Garfield Ridge – 5600 S. Central Ave
- Grand Boulevard – 4352 S. Cottage Grove Ave
- Irving Park – 4605 W. Lawrence Ave
- Logan Square –2460 W. Cortland
- Lower West Side – 1944 W. Cullerton St
- Morgan Park – 11059 S. Homewood Ave
- Near South Side – 1758 S. Clark St
- North Lawndale - 1817 S. Pulaski Rd
- Norwood Park – 6453 W. Higgins Ave
- Pullman - 1012 E. 103rd St
- Rogers Park - 6447 N. Ravenswood
- West Edelson – 3720 W. 55th St
- West Englewood – 1756 W. 74th St
- West Town – 2505 W. Grand Ave
All kinds of food scraps are accepted with the program, including meat, bones, and dairy, as well as fruit and vegetable scraps and old leftovers. A full list of accepted and unaccepted items is available here.
Food in our landfills contributes more to methane emissions than any other landfill materials. Composting is one simple way that Chicago can reduce its emissions while enriching our soil for future produce.
For more information on recycling and the Food Scrap Drop-Off program, including drop-off sites and where to sign up, please visit www.chicagorecycles.org and view the educational video.
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Follow the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy on Social Media!
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Chairwoman Hadden launched social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook for the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy!
Make sure to follow these accounts to stay updated on:
- Updates on EPE happenings
- Legislative progress
- Committee Hearings
- Urban Forestry Board updates
- Shoreline Advisory Board Updates
- City Council Recaps
- And more!
- Environmental Justice News
- Local, State, Federal and Global updates!
- City Council Happenings
- Recap videos
- Updates on important legislative happenings
You can find us on Instagram @chicagoepe and on Facebook at Chicago Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy.
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