In this newsletter:

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

Dear Neighbor,

People over profit. Trees over heat islands. Peace over violence. This is what the 26th Ward has been up to this week.

Our Office Is Closed for May Day (May 1st)

Today is May Day. International Workers' Day. And the 26th Ward office is closed in solidarity. May Day was born right here in Chicago, in the streets, in the movement, in the fight for the eight-hour workday. That history is OUR history.

This January, Minneapolis showed the world what it looks like when a city says ENOUGH. Over 100,000 workers marched in subzero temperatures to stand against ICE raids and billionaire rule. That fire did not stay in Minnesota. It spread. And today it is burning in cities across this country and around the world. May Day, unlike Labor Day, is an international action. Because billionaires do not have wards. They do not have cities. They do not have borders. Their greed and exploitation of working people are global, and so must be our resistance.

The 26th Ward stands in solidarity with laborers, immigrants, and working people everywhere who are rising up to say, people over profit. Business as usual can wait. Our people cannot. We will be back Monday at 2 pm. Want to plug into May Day actions happening across Chicago today? Visit chicagomayday.org to find an event near you.

Growing a Greener Hermosa

This past weekend, we joined Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez and 35th Ward Alderperson Anthony Quezada to plant 20 trees across the Hermosa neighborhood with our partners at Openlands. It was a beautiful morning of community action.

Hermosa has historically had lower tree canopy coverage than many other parts of Chicago, and that gap matters. Trees do more than beautify a block. They filter air pollution, reduce the urban heat island effect that hits our communities hardest during summer, absorb stormwater runoff, and lower energy costs for nearby homes. Research also shows that access to green space is directly linked to reduced stress, improved mental health, and stronger neighborhood connections. Thank you to everyone who showed up, dug in, and made it happen.

Every tree planted is an investment in the health and resilience of our community, and 20 new trees mean 20 more reasons Hermosa is well... hermosa. 

Community Safety Committee & Town Hall

This week, the Community Safety Committee brought neighbors, organizations, and local leaders together to reimagine public safety and expand support across our community. Committee members received hands-on Narcan training from CDPH and learned about a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 22 at 3:00 PM at Division and California, where we will support individuals battling substance use and recognize community partners.

Guest speaker Luis Rodríguez led a powerful conversation on Community Violence Intervention (CVI), connecting violence to job loss and limited economic opportunity while calling on all of us to invest in young people through mentorship, resources, and opportunity. We also discussed upcoming changes to SNAP benefits starting May 1. Community organizations are organizing volunteer opportunities, from helping at New Life Church community meals to canvassing with San Lucas Church, so residents can meet the 80-hour monthly requirement while staying connected and supported.

We also planned the Community Safety Town Hall, where residents could speak directly with the 14th District Commander, review crime statistics, and share concerns. We are also preparing for the Memorial Day Peace Walk on May 23, a family-friendly event featuring music, spoken word, youth activities, food, and more. The walk begins at 1:00 PM, followed by activities in the park at 2:00 PM. Stay engaged, stay informed, and join us as we continue building a safer and stronger community together. As always, WE KEEP US SAFE!

Pushing Peace in Chicago

Community safety looks like supporting the peace efforts in our city. On Saturday, I was proud to start my day off next to GoodKid MadCity’s youth peacekeepers, Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, and many organizers for Mayor Brandon Johnson to sign the Peace Book Executive Order. Young people should be at the table, and I am grateful that the Mayor has centered them. The executive order guarantees funding for 54 youth peacekeepers and establishes a working group, co-chaired by Deputy Mayor Khari Humphries and a young person, to help craft the Peace Book Ordinance. Thank you, GKMC, for all of your dedication.

I followed the executive order by attending We Are Our Own Medicine as a panelist alongside DM Humphries, Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council; Avik Das, Director of the Office of Reentry; Joseph Mapp; and Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps. We discussed the role of local government in supporting violence intervention. Thank you to Alees for organizing such a phenomenal event – I can’t wait for next year.

Calling Youth Artists! Peace Walk & Cookout T-Shirt Design Contest

Our Peace Walk is fast approaching, and we are looking for young artists to design the next shirt!

• Theme: Peaceful Streets, Safe Summer

• Who can submit: Students in grades 1-12

• Submission Deadline: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 5pm

• Design Guidelines:

  • Original student artwork only (no AI-generated or copyrighted material)

  • Must include the text: “ALSO’s 31st Annual Walk for Peace: Peaceful Streets, Safe Summer”

  • Maximum of 3 colors

  • Size: 8” x 10”

  • Include student’s name, grade, and school

• Recognition:

  • The top three students will be recognized

  • The winning student will be honored at the Peace Walk on May 23

• Submissions: Juanita García at [email protected]

• Please note that ALSO will return rights to the selected design. The winning student will also be asked to sign a media release for recognition through event promotions and social media.

Connecting Neighborhoods Solidarity Bike Ride on May 16

Save the date for our Connecting Neighborhoods Solidarity Bike Ride on May 16th! We are thrilled to launch from 35th Ward’s brand new Logan Square Plaza. This family-friendly ride will be approximately 6 miles through our northwest neighborhoods, with a stop at Blackhawk Park. Grab your bike and join us!

In Solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

26th Ward Office Updates

Property Tax Exemption Applications: DEADLINE 5/15

Connecting Neighborhoods: Solidarity Ride - 5/16

ALSO’s Peace Walk: 5/23

Construction Alerts

Jumping Jack Program opens: 4/15

The Jumping Jack Program is limited to residential block parties within Chicago. Events on private property, parks, forest preserves, schools, libraries, or churches; private parties; birthdays; community events; and festivals are not eligible.

Applicant must reside on the block where the Block Party is taking place.

If completed correctly, applicants will receive an immediate auto reply confirming their request. If no confirmation is received, the application was not submitted.

To avoid errors, applicants should:

• Complete the application on a computer using Google Chrome.

• Manually fill in each field. Auto fill can cause errors.

• For the block party address, add a period after the street direction (N., S., E., or W.).

• Press SUBMIT at the end of the application.

• Applicants will receive an approval or denial email once processed.

• Jumping Jacks are available Saturdays and Sundays only. Demand is highest on Saturdays, so consider Sundays.

• The program will not operate on Saturday, July 4.

• Only one request per block per season will be approved. Multiple requests from the same block will be denied.

• Approved block parties receive one Jumping Jack for four hours. Delivery is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with pickup between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Specific time requests cannot be accommodated.

• If the wrong date is selected, email [email protected] for instructions. Last-minute changes will not be honored.

• Requests must be submitted through the registration portal. Email requests will not be accepted.

• Must obtain a permit from their Aldermanic Ward office to hold a block party.

• Requests are first come, first served.

Immigration Rights Resources

CDOT Street Work

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.

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.