In this newsletter:

26th Ward Office Events •  26th Ward Office Updates  • Resources for Youth • Community Events • Public Notices • Job Opportunities

Dear Neighbors,

This week, I joined WTTW Chicago to speak out about the urgent need for real accountability in our city's immigration enforcement.

We have seen what happens without oversight. Silverio Villegas González, a father from the Chicago area, was shot and killed by federal immigration agents, and Marimar Martínez, a Chicagoan, was shot multiple times during an immigration enforcement encounter before charges against her were dropped. These are not abstract stories. These are our neighbors. Federal immigration agents do not have the right to violate our families and the city in this inhumane manner.

Chicago’s Welcoming City ordinance is clear. When there are serious questions about whether that line was crossed, the public deserves answers.

At the same time, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order directing the Chicago Police Department to document and refer potential misconduct by federal immigration agents so that evidence can be preserved and reviewed for possible prosecution. This is one way our city is pushing back when federal enforcement actions are carried out without local oversight and put neighbors at risk.

This is about protecting our neighbors, upholding the law, and making sure Chicago lives up to its promise of being a welcoming city. Click on the images below to learn more.

Communities United visit to City Hall

That same demand for accountability is why I continue to stand with young people who are speaking up for solutions rooted in care, not punishment. On Tuesday, young people from Communities United and VOYCE joined me at the Committee on Public Safety to share their thoughts about the Snap Curfew Substitute Ordinance. They organized meetings with multiple alders and committed to extensive research to develop their position, prepare their speeches, and speak during public comment. They were even interviewed afterwards! Chair Hopkins again tabled the ordinance, meaning that the vote will again be delayed. We see this delay as a win for young people – they don’t need more policing, they need more investment in safe spaces to congregate. Thank you to Jessica, Derrianna, Isaiah, Nur Islan, Fumiah, Meyiya, Ari, Judith, Armani, Romya, and Yurem for standing up for all Chicago youth.

Know Your Rights in Hermosa

Listening to our youth goes hand in hand with making sure our communities have the information they need to stay safe and informed. As immigration enforcement continues, it’s critical to the vitality of our communities that we share Know Your Rights information with our small business owners. Last week, my team, led by Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez, canvassed businesses in Hermosa to share Know Your Rights information and family preparedness packets. Business owners and managers were grateful to receive information that helps keep them up to date. 

Empowering our business owners helps sustain them during these challenging times. We encourage residents to continue supporting small businesses. We will continue to show up to ensure small business owners have the tools they need to protect their families, employees, and livelihoods.  If you are a business owner or manager in the 26th or 35th Wards, join us at an in-person KYR for Businesses on Thursday, February 26 at 6pm. RSVP for location in Hermosa.

Safety Walk on Lawndale

Safety also means showing up in real time when harm happens and letting neighbors know they are not alone. In response to a recent sexual assault on the 1400 block of North Lawndale, my Community Safety Committee, State Rep. Lilian Jiménez and I conducted a safety walk on Wednesday. We knocked on neighbors’ doors to alert them of the incident and encouraged anyone with cameras to submit footage to the 25th District Chicago Police Department.

It is critical that community members feel safe and know that their neighbors and local organizations care deeply about what happens in their community. I want to acknowledge how ALSO has stepped up since the assault. They have maintained a consistent presence in the neighborhood, and it was clear during the walk that their engagement efforts are making a difference. Many neighbors recognized them immediately and expressed gratitude for their support during this difficult time.

The 25th District has confirmed that an arrest has been made and that the State Attorney’s office has approved charges against the offender. 

Incidents like this impact not only the individual harmed, but also their loved ones and the broader community. If you or someone you know needs non-emergency health or social services, call 211 or visit 211.metrochicago.org. For mental health support, contact the NAMI Chicago Helpline at 1-833-626-4244. For 24/7 support related to domestic violence, call the Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-877-863-6338.

Community Zoning Meeting at Pierce Church

On Wednesday, we held a community zoning meeting at Pierce Church to hear directly from neighbors about a proposed adaptive reuse of the former church building at 3300 W Pierce Avenue. The developer, a 26th Ward resident, shared a presentation outlining plans to convert the long vacant building into 20 housing units, including affordable and workforce housing, while preserving the historic structure. The presentation also addressed parking, safety, construction impacts, and affordability.

Neighbors asked thoughtful questions and provided important feedback on the site's future. That input matters and helps ensure development reflects community needs, not just market pressure. Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged. Our office will continue to center transparency and community voice as this zoning process moves forward.

Winter Walk

Winter asks a lot of us in Chicago. It asks even more of our neighbors without stable housing. On Sunday, February 8, I will be walking in Winter Walk Chicago in Humboldt Park, and I hope you will join me.

Winter Walk brings together housed and unhoused neighbors to show up with care, dignity, and action as we work to end homelessness in our city. We walk together to raise awareness and support organizations doing life-saving work for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.

Registration begins at 9:15 am at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, followed by the walk and program. Whether you walk with us, donate, or help spread the word, every step matters. Bundle up, bring your people, and walk with me.

In Solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

26th Ward Office Updates

Businesses Know Your Rights 2/26

Good Vibes Save Lives - 3/4

Tree Planting in Hermosa 4/25

The 26th Ward Office is partnering with Openlands, an organization dedicated to protecting natural areas and expanding Chicago’s tree canopy, along with the 35th Ward Office, the Office of Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, and Nixon Elementary School to host a community tree-planting day on April 25th. We are currently identifying Hermosa residents who are interested in having a tree planted in front of their home at no cost. Increasing tree coverage helps reduce extreme heat, improve air quality, and manage stormwater in our neighborhoods.

The Hermosa neighborhood has been identified as a high-priority area for tree planting due to its relatively low tree canopy coverage. On April 25th, residents, students, and partners will come together to take action and invest in the long-term health of our community.

If you are a Hermosa resident interested in having a tree planted in front of your home, or if you would like to volunteer during the tree-planting day on April 25th, please email [email protected]. If you are interested in a tree planting but do not live in the Hermosa community, please contact the 26th Ward Office at [email protected] or call or text 773-395-0143 for assistance.

Development Feedback - 3251 W. Division

Bike Lane Plowing

California Ave Construction Alert

Immigration Rights Resources

CDOT Street Work

Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project

The “Logan Square Boulevards District” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension of this Landmark District is currently being considered. This process typically takes 6 to 9 months and includes communication and notices throughout the process.

This project builds on decades of historic preservation work and reflects the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to encouraging sustainable development and maintaining the unique identity of our neighborhoods.

You can learn more about the project, review FAQs, and submit your thoughts at the26thward.org/boulevard-landmarking.

26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting.

We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties.

Youth Events/Resouces

Lens on Love - Youth & Healthy Relationships

ASM: Spanish Dance Experience

Palenque Youth Opportunities

City Cruises College internships

GoSTEM Youth Programs

Be a Student Election Judge

Community Events

Center for Changing Lives Events

Seed Swap 2/21

Community Resource Fair 2/28

Trial in the Delta

C3 Housing Fair 3/7

Repair Day 3/26

Public Notices/Resources

Bilingual Foster Homes Needed

Cycling Safety

Real ID

Community Clinic

Pet Food Pantry

Become a Homemaker

Chicago EDI Program

Become a Foster Parent

Senior Home Support

Domestic Violence Resources

Housing Services

CEDA Utility Relief Programs

Seniors Community Care Program

NEW Illinois Immigration Info Hub

Veteran Services

Cannabis Expungement Project

City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide

ICIRR - Rights Card

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials.

📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish.

✅The right to remain silent.

✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation.

✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help.

Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support

Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness

Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Chicago Rents Program

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 

14th Police District Council

Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety.

Job Opportunities/ Training

Reproductive Justice

If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.