Neighbors, 

From over a thousand of you joining us at Playdate to welcoming eight new amazing interns, this week’s newsletter is full of community, gratitude and a few important announcements as we head into the 4th of July weekend.

Chicago’s Largest Playdate Recap

1,124 Chicago parents and tiniest neighbors showed up to play in Humboldt Park this past Saturday at Chicago’s Largest Playdate. The park was full of children getting their faces painted, learning to fish, playing with bubbles, and connecting with EACH OTHER! I’m so grateful to the Mayor’s Office, DFSS, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Early Learning, all our resource partners who made the day special.

LoSAH Healing Sound Bath

On Monday, the LoSAH Center of Hope and The Evolutionary Soul hosted the members of our team to participate in a therapeutic “sound bath” session. Our team members were so grateful to indulge in and learn about the free mental health resources that LoSah provides to its neighboring community areas of Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa.

Birthright Citizenship Ruling

This week, in a 6 to 3 ruling, the Supreme Court struck down the executive order that tried to strip citizenship from babies born in the US soil to immigrant parents affirming the 14th Amendment that simply states, if you were in the United States, you are a citizen of the United States. I am proud to join the Northwest Side Progressives on a joint statement standing behind this ruling - read the full statement here.

Introducing our 2026 Summer Interns

Thanks to our partnerships with After School Matters, City of Chicago, Mikva, and PRCC, we are hosting seven interns this summer. Learn more about who may be answering your calls, writing our newsletter reflection, making our graphics, and researching policy for the next six weeks!

Camila Cedano

Hi! My name is Camila Cedano and I am a rising senior studying Mathematics at Dominican University. I was raised in McKinley Park and Irving Park, and I’m passionate about using data and research to better understand our communities. This summer, I will be leading the 26th Ward Back to School Fair and I am excited to partner with you! 

Theo Damita

Hello, my name is Theo Damita, and I am a rising senior studying Social Policy + Education and Latine Studies at Northwestern University. I am originally from Humboldt Park and am looking to continue to learn from my community through its people, stories, and initiatives to become better equipped to one day serve the 26th Ward as a government official.  

Anahi Sailema

Hello, my name is Anahi Sailema, and I’m an incoming freshman at Northeastern University where I will be studying Speech Language Pathology and Linguistics. This is my first year working as a 26th ward intern, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with the community. I hope to uplift voices and make the 26th ward feel welcomed and heard in every space.

Camila Alvarado

Hello!! My name is Camila Alvarado and I am an incoming freshman at Bowdoin College where I will be majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Spanish. I am so excited to be a part of the 26th Ward’s hardworking team for this summer and I look forward to doing meaningful work for the constituents of the 26th Ward through my work with this office. I hope to see you around! 

Suhana Koshal

Hi! My name is Suhana Koshal and I am a rising junior at Whitney Young High School. Throughout high school, I have been deeply involved with the Chicago communities through clubs and non-profits. I am thrilled to further pursue this passion while working with the amazing 26th ward team this summer. Having lived in Chicago my whole life, I am so grateful for this opportunity to give back to my community while better understanding our local government systems.

Ruby Sanchez

Hello, my name is Ruby Sanchez. I am a rising junior at DePaul University studying Political Science, and International Relations, and this is my first summer as a 26th Ward intern. I am excited to gain insight about the effects of local government on the community, how local policy and legislation can make communities more equitable, and how community resources can directly improve lives. I hope this will one day assist me in writing legislation for my own Chicago community and teach me what resources best serve a community and its members' daily lives.  

Isabella Santiago

Hi! My name is Isabella and I am a summer intern at the 26th Ward Aldermanic office. This is my fourth Summer working as a 26th Ward intern and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue giving back to my community. Throughout my internships I have assisted with constituent services, office operations, and local events while learning more about public service and civic engagement. I am passionate about serving others and look forward to making a lasting positive impact in my community.

Fourth of July Updates

Finally, the office will be closed TOMORROW the 4th of July. While the 26th Ward is excited to celebrate the Fourth of July with the rest of the community, we would like to remind everyone to be mindful of their neighbors this holiday. Many community members, including our furry friends, are sensitive to loud noises. Fireworks can be fun, but not for everyone. So please be considerate of those in your community and stay safe this holiday!

26th Ward In the News

• Humboldt Park Washrooms Open for Summer Season

• Chicago’s Largest Playdate Brings Families Together in Humboldt Park

• Logan Square Farmers Market to Pop Up in Humboldt Park Sunday

• Alderperson Fuentes’ line of questioning for Stonepeak Partners’ Parking Meter Deal 

• Statement from Latine Progressive Public Officials in Chicago’s Northwest Side on Supreme Court Decision upholding Birthright Citizenship

In Solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

26th Ward Office Updates

Community Resources

26th Ward Events

Immigration Rights Resources

Construction Projects

26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward's community-led 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.

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.