Shanah Tovah to neighbors celebrating Rosh Hashanah, which starts tomorrow. Wishing you a sweet and peaceful start to the year!
Chabad UIC & West Loop is hosting their annual Shofar in the Park event on Sunday, September 13th at Mary Bartelme Park (under the misters). A sing-along for children begins at 3:30 and the Shofar Service begins at 3:45. To learn more, click here.
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Grant Park Safety Update
Last night around 9 pm, a 16-year-old boy was shot at the Grant Park Skate Park. He was transported to the hospital, where he tragically died from his injuries.
My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Public safety is my top priority, and I am in close contact with 1st District Police as they investigate this shooting. I will share additional information as it becomes available.
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El Grito Festival
Grant Park's Butler Field
September 12-13
This weekend, celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Grant Park's Butler Field at El Grito, happening September 12-13. This event will have live music and dance performances, local food vendors, and a Mexican Mercadito showcasing local vendors. To learn more about this event, click here.
For this event, Jackson will be closed from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
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Mexican Independence Day Weekend Impacts
In anticipation of the Mexican Independence Day weekend festivities, the Chicago Police Department may implement intermittent traffic restrictions throughout the Central Business District starting Friday, September 11th.
In the event of limiting vehicle access to the downtown area, the following locations will serve as access points:
- Halsted/Washington
- Halsted/Madison
- Halsted/Jackson
- Division/LaSalle
- Roosevelt/Canal
- Taylor/Desplaines
- 18th/State
- 18th/Indiana
The Illinois State Police may also close interstate exits as needed overnight. Residents and employees traveling in and out of the Loop over the weekend must present proof of address within the Central Business District to gain entry.
Please be advised that the Chicago Police Department reserves the right to close any traffic control point if pedestrians are present in the street or as public safety concerns arise.
My team and I have been working closely with the Chicago Police Department to address safety concerns from those who live and work in the Loop. For more information on public safety and how to sign up for alerts, please visit the OEMC website.
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Blue Line Bus Substitution
September 11, 10:00 PM - September 14, 4:00 AM
Due to construction at the Racine Blue Line station and Morgan substation, shuttle buses will replace rail service between the Illinois Medical District and UIC-Halsted stations starting at 10pm on Sept. 11 through 4am on Sept. 14. Please allow extra travel time due to this construction.
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LaSalle Central Small Business Improvement Fund
Applications opened Sept. 1!
The Department of Planning and Development's Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in September in the LaSalle Central TIF district. SBIF provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs.
Please contact my office with any questions about this process.
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Grant Park Participatory Budgeting
Voting open through Sept. 30!
The Chicago Park District is giving community members a direct voice in deciding future Grant Park improvements through the Grant Park Participatory Budgeting (PB). To learn about the proposed projects, please click here.
Voting runs September 1st–30th. Vote online now or in-person at Maggie Daley fieldhouse or Women’s Park fieldhouse. Every vote helps shape future investments in Chicago parks. Participants must be at least 13 years of age and Chicago residents to vote.
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Printers Row Lit Fest
September 12-13, 2026
Dearborn between Ida B. Wells and Polk
The Printers Row Lit Fest returns for its 41st year on September 12th and 13th!
The fest will be a great chance for book lovers to connect, find their next read, and hear from award-winning authors, including eight Pulitzer Prize winners!
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Madison Row Fest
Saturday, September 12, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Madison from Carpenter to Racine
Madison Row Fest is a family-friendly, three-block neighborhood celebration bringing Madison Street to life for a full day of community fun! Enjoy live music and DJs, local food and drinks, kid-friendly activities, unique shopping experiences, and plenty of opportunities to support neighborhood businesses and celebrate the West Loop community.
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Senior Fest
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph
September 17, 9am-2pm
Join the Department of Family & Support Services for the annual Senior Fest at Millennium Park, an event that celebrates Chicagoans aged 60 and older. Attendees will be greeted with lunch, a Senior Fest bag, and a map of the park, and will have the opportunity to connect with over 70 local organizations. No ticket or registration is required.
Hope to see you there!
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Serve as a Poll Worker for the November 3rd General Election!
The Chicago Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the November 3, 2026 General Election, including bilingual election judges who speak Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, and Tagalog. To learn more and apply, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections website.
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Help Keep Chicago Clean!
By picking up your trash and disposing of your recycling in the blue carts, you can take a big step toward making sure our streets, parks, schools, libraries, beaches, and businesses look their best. Find resources to help you become a cleanup champion here.
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VFW Scholarships
Apply by October 31, 2026
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is offering two scholarships for students. The Patriot's Pen scholarship is designated for students in grades 6 -8 and is an essay writing contest. The Voice of Democracy scholarship is designated for grades 9-12 and is an audio recorded essay.
Click the images below to learn more and apply.
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Green City Market - West Loop
Saturdays from 8am-1pm
900 W. Monroe
The West Loop Green City Market is open on Saturdays on Monroe from Peoria to Sangamon! My team and I are looking forward to another season of bringing City Hall to you! The 34th Ward team will be at the market from 9am-11am this Saturday.
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This week, we will be joined by Connie Fairbanks, who is excited to share information about her Historic Plaques Project. The West Loop is steeped in history, and Connie can answer your questions about the process to get a historic plaque installed on your building.
Green City Market brings dozens of local farmers and food producers to our neighborhood every Saturday from May to November. To see what vendors participate across Green City Market's locations, click here.
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South Loop Farmers Market
Printers Row Park, 632 S. Dearborn St
Saturdays from 9am-1pm
The South Loop Farmers Market is back at Printers Row Park for another season! Stop by on Saturdays through October 31 to support local businesses and connect with neighbors.
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
50 W. Washington
Thursdays from 7am-2pm
Visit Daley Plaza on Thursdays from 7am-2pm for the Daley Plaza Farmers Market! This market hosts a variety of vendors, with offerings from fresh produce to prepared foods and more.
The Farmer at the Green
The Green at 320, 320 S. Canal
Tuesdays from 11am-3pm
The Farmer at the Green opens for another season at 320 S. Canal on June 2nd! This season runs until September 29 and brings over 25 local vendors selling seasonal produce, fresh floral arrangements, handmade goods, and artisanal products.
Chicago Vegan Farmers Market
Skinner Park, 1331 W. Monroe
Fridays, 4-8pm
Visit Skinner Park for the City's only all-vegan farmers market, beginning this Friday and running through September 25th! For updates on the market, visit their Instagram.
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Millennium Park Summer Events
DCASE released their calendar of free & exciting summer events taking place in Millennium Park, including movies, fitness classes, and concerts! Whether you're hoping to catch a screening of 'Ratatouille' before Taste of Chicago, a celebration of Chicago's house music scene, or a workout class with a top local instructor, there's something for everyone in this summer's park programming! Click here for a full schedule.
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Know Your Rights Resources
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Turn Lights Off to Protect Migratory Birds
Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the Chicago area. For more than two decades, Chicago has been a leader in light reduction efforts to protect these migratory birds. Please join participating buildings and turn lights off after 11 p.m. until daylight during migration and help save birds.
To learn more, visit the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors' website.
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West Loop Historic Plaques Project
The West Loop is steeped in history. In fact, we have 19 historical designations, four historic plaques, and one Chicago Landmarks plaque.
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Four more historic plaques are coming to the West Loop in summer 2026, including a UIC classroom, a condo building, and two parks!
To see the rest of the designations, please visit Connie Fairbanks' website.
If you live in a historic building in The West Loop and have historical information about your building you would like to share, please reach out to Connie to learn the process of installing your very own historic plaque!
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CAPS Meetings
Please join my team at upcoming CAPS meetings with the 1st and 12th Police Districts. CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings are a great opportunity to meet with police, neighbors, and my team about local safety initiatives. To find your beat, click here. I hope you can join us at these meetings!
- Beat 1214: Tuesday, September 15, 7pm
- Beat 131: Wednesday, September 16, 5pm
- Awaken Church, 1829 S. State
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COPA People's Academy
Registration now open!
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), which serves as the civilian oversight agency of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), offers a series of learning opportunities throughout the year available to members of the public (civilian and sworn) through its COPA People’s Academy (CPA).
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This six-week condensed version of COPA’s Training Academy is for the public (civilian or sworn) and organizations around the country interested in learning about Civilian Police Oversight, Investigative and Legal Concepts as well as the role of COPA’s Policy, Research and Analyses Division (PRAD). Each course will be taught by COPA Subject Matter Experts.
Session 6 of COPA People’s Academy will be from September 15, 2026 to October 20, 2026 . It will be on Tuesdays from 6:00pm-8:30pm at Wright College Humboldt Park (Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center) – 1645 N California Ave.
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Camera Registration Program
When a crime occurs, Police Officers and Detectives canvass the area looking for evidence to determine what occurred. Video footage can greatly assist in their efforts.
If you have a private security camera that captures the public way and you are interested in assisting in an investigation in the event of a crime in your neighborhood, you can register your camera with the Chicago Police Department.
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By registering your camera, you are simply allowing the Chicago Police Department to contact you in the event of a crime in your area. CPD will not have direct access to your camera system and cannot access camera footage without your consent. This is a free and voluntary program. Learn more on the program website.
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State Street Bridge Work
Sept. 14-17, 9am-2:30pm
CDOT will be installing counterweight racks and weights followed by balancing and testing on the State Street Bridge in advance of fall boat runs.
This work will require a full closure and lifts between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm. The bridge will be fully open to pedestrians and vehicles outside of the work windows details above.
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Crane Lift - 566 W. Van Buren
Between Friday, September 11th, and Monday, September 14th, the tower crane used for the project at 566 W. Van Buren will be dismantled on the adjacent block of Jefferson. Because of this, the parking lane will instead be used as a traffic lane while the east side of Jefferson is closed for crane removal.
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34th Ward Infrastructure Improvements
All dates subject to change based on weather.
With any questions about planned infrastructure improvements, please email [email protected] or call 312-744-6820.
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Street Resurfacing Projects
- 900 block of S. Carpenter - completed
- W. Polk St., from S. Wells to S. Financial - completed
- W. Quincy, from S. Desplaines to end of street - under construction
- W. Rundell, from S. Morgan to S. Aberdeen - under construction
- W. Marble, from S. Dearborn to S. Clark - under construction
- W. Warren, from N. Desplaines to end of street - under construction
- N. May, from W. Madison to W. Washington - under construction
- W. Gladys, from S. Racine to S. Throop - TBA
- S. Throop, from W. Congress to W. Harrison - TBA
Stamped Crosswalks
- W. Taylor & S. Carpenter - completed
- W. Taylor & S. Aberdeen - Fall 2026
- W. Taylor & S. Miller - Fall 2026
- W. Taylor & S. May - Fall 2026
Alley Improvement Projects
- N/S alley bounded by Adams, Jackson, Wabash to State - completed
- N/S alley bounded by Arthington, Taylor, Carpenter to Aberdeen - completed
- N/S alley bounded by Lake, Jefferson, Fulton to Desplaines - under construction
New Alley Reconstruction Project
- E/W alley bounded by Lytle, Ada, Lexington to Flournoy - completed with punch list items to follow
Curb & Gutter Improvement Projects
- 901 - 927 S. Aberdeen - completed
- 103 - 109 S. Aberdeen - completed (restoration from fiber optic)
- 231-241 S. Jefferson - under construction
- 1004 W. Tilden - under construction
- 110 -120 S. Sangamon - completed
Alley Apron Replacement Projects
- 929 S. Aberdeen - completed
- 14 N. Peoria - under construction
Sidewalk Projects
- 1167 W. Madison - completed
- 1221 S. Wabash - completed
- 125 S. Sangamon - under construction
Bump Out Installation
- W. Polk & S. LaSalle - completed
- W. Polk & S. Financial - completed
- S. Jefferson & W. Tilden - under construction
- W. Adams & S. Peoria - TBA
Residential Lighting Projects
- 1200 & 1300 blocks of W. Flournoy - new poles installed - punch list items to follow
- 1000 & 1100 blocks of W. Polk St. - project is delayed
- This project is currently facing material delays, which has halted overall progress. Similar delays occurring throughout the City are stalling projects and creating a backlog for contractors. However, we are hopeful that crews will be on-site within the next 2-3 weeks, with light pole delivery and installation occurring at the end of September. Following the installation, a final restoration will take place.
CDOT Electrical Improvement Projects
- W. Tilden, from S. Desplaines to S. Canal - currently in progress
- S. Jefferson, from W. Jackson to W. Tilden - currently in progress
- W. Van Buren, from S. Desplaines to S. Canal - currently in progress
Speed Indicator Signs
- S. Loomis, from W. Congress Pkwy. to W. Harrison (CWLA request) - coming Fall 2026
- S. Wells, from W. Harrison to W. Polk - coming Fall 2026
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State/Lake Station Closure
On Monday, January 5th, the State/Lake elevated station closed for demolition and the construction of a new, fully accessible station. The new station is expected to be finished in 2029.
As part of the ongoing State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction project, a full closure has been implemented on State Street, from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street. Lake Street, between State Street and Wabash Avenue, will remain closed indefinitely. During this closure, emergency sewer repair work will also be completed on State Street.
Local business and driveway access on State Street will be maintained during the closures, and at least one sidewalk will be open at all times for pedestrians. CTA bus detour information can be found here. The underground CTA Red Line train station at Lake will remain open.
Upcoming Key Work Activities in 2026:
- Water main replacement on Lake Street.
- Retention system installation on State Street.
- Caisson installation on Lake Street.
- Micro-pile installation on Lake Street.
- Structural steel bent reconstruction on Lake Street.
These activities may result in louder noise and some vibrations in the area. Visit the project website to learn how the team is working to reduce these impacts.
Please note, all work is weather dependent.
To learn more about construction at the State/Lake station and local impacts, visit the CTA's website.
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Work is underway for the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction.
Canal – Jackson to Van Buren
- On Friday, May 15, the contractor began work on the western portion of the Jackson intersection. The first phase of work will occur in the southwest portion. The second phase will then shift operations to the northwest portion of the intersection.
- The bus depot located at the southwest corner of Jackson and Canal will remain open throughout construction. Each phase is anticipated to last approximately four to six weeks.
Canal – Van Buren Intersection
- Framing for Stage 1 of the Van Buren intersection is underway. Deck placement is anticipated in early summer, followed by a stage switch to the northeast portion of the intersection.
If you have any questions, please email the project email address at [email protected].
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Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation
Closure started on 10/6
The full street and sidewalk closure on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is in effect and will last until January 2028. During the closures, access to nearby buildings and residences will be maintained for both pedestrians and vehicles.
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Eastbound traffic will be rerouted south on Des Plaines, east on Washington, north on Franklin, and east onto Lake St. Westbound traffic will be rerouted south on Wacker, west on Madison, north on Jefferson, and west onto Lake St. Click here for the full detour map. During this work, CTA Green and Pink lines will operate normally until September 2026. The work on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is expected to be completed in January 2028.
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West Bridge House: Daytime work continues. Concrete foundation repairs are nearly complete, and bridge house wall construction is underway.
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West Bridge Leaf: Structural steel repairs are ongoing. The West leaf steel fabrication is progressing to completion for the 12-day CTA outage float-in this fall.
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- Reminder – 150 N Riverside Upper Riverwalk Access: Pedestrian access from Lake Street to 150 N Riverside Plaza Upper Riverwalk has been closed since Monday, 1/12/26, and will remain closed until sidewalk restoration is complete, expected later in Summer 2026.
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Halsted Street & Chicago Avenue Bridge Project
The Halsted St / Chicago Ave project is underway. Crews have removed existing street lighting, traffic signals, signage, and bus shelters. Viaduct removal is underway along the north leg of Halsted and the east end of Chicago Ave.
Demolition of the Chicago Ave bridge will continue over the next month. In areas where demolition is complete, crews will begin constructing new bridge piers. Crews will implement measures to minimize disruptions as much as possible, but noise and dust are inherent to the bridge demolition process.
Full closure of the Chicago Ave Bridge began September 29. The current detour map can be found here. The full project is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2026.
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Ashland/I-290 Expressway Viaduct Work
Traffic management is currently being implemented on Ashland Av from Flournoy St to Jackson St to facilitate the reconstruction of the west side of the Ashland Ave bridge.
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The project is anticipated to be significantly completed by the end of September 2026.
This week, the contractor will continue to perform the median reconstruction work. The contractor is using daily lane closures to perform the remaining work on Ashland Ave within the project limits.
For road construction updates and general travel information please visit IDOT’s Getting Around Illinois website.
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The City of Chicago and Cook County are hiring! View their respective job posting sites below:
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West Loop Wellness Fest
Saturday, September 19,11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Union Padel Club, 207 N. Paulina St.
Visit the inaugural West Loop Wellness Fest, a community celebration of fitness, wellness, and movement! The afternoon will feature 30-minute fitness and wellness classes, introductory padel clinics and open play, interactive wellness experiences, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with local health and wellness professionals. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.
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Wine Tasting & Jazz Night
Sunday, September 20, After 5 p.m. Mass
700 W. Adams, Hurley Courtyard
Young adults, join Old St. Pat's for a special evening of wine, jazz, and community! Enjoy a wine tasting led by McKenna Cassidy, parishioner and Certified Sommelier with Lux Wines, along with live jazz from The Jo Ann Daugherty Trio, featuring parishioner, jazz vocalist, and musician Jo Ann Daugherty.
Questions? Please contact Matthew Battaglia at [email protected].
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18th Annual Lawndale 5K Run & Walk
Saturday, September 26, 8–11 a.m.
Lawndale Christian Health Center, 3750 W. Ogden Ave.
Lace up and join Old St. Pat’s members and more than 2,000 neighbors from across Chicagoland for a day of movement, friendship, and community! Run, walk, roll—or simply come cheer everyone on and enjoy the free family fun fest, kids’ activities, awards, and raffles while supporting a great cause.
Old St. Pat’s members: Wear your official Old St. Pat’s cap if you have one. Don’t have a cap? No problem! One will be provided at the OSP check-in table before the event.
Want to run or walk the 5K? Registration is required, and you can sign up here.
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Gala Kickoff Party on the National Hellenic Museum Rooftop
September 24, 6-9 PM
333 S. Halsted
Kick off the weekend with The NHM Associates! Enjoy drinks, small bites, music, and views from 6pm- 9pm on NHM’s rooftop.
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Volunteer with Hope's Table!
The Hope’s Table ministry is designed to serve the needs of Chicagoans who are homeless or hungry and is sponsored by First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.
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Saturday morning services typically include serving hot meals and food to go, distributing clothing, and connecting guests with legal support through DePaul University’s Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program. Grace Episcopal Church partners in many ways, most visibly by providing space at 637 S. Dearborn. To volunteer or donate, please contact their volunteer coordinator.
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Helping Cats Near You
4th Sunday of every month, 4pm - 6pm
Details here.
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Discuss how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more!
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