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WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
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Good morning neighbors,
It's been quite an eventful week in the 49th Ward! Starting with some more serious news, we had a shooting on Thursday that took place on Paulina, north of Howard St. The incident started as a physical fight between two men who know each other and escalated to gun violence. 24th District Police have maintained a regular presence near the Howard L and were quick on the scene and able to apprehend the person suspected of the shooting. Both victims are in stable condition.
On Thursday we also lost Chicago Firefighter Steven Decker. He was assigned to Engine 71 in West Ridge and suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise. Decker was a 30-year veteran of the department. The 49 th Ward mourns his loss and send our condolences to his family and colleagues.
We also have a lot to celebrate in the ward this week including passing legislation to make finding affordable housing easier out of committee, celebrating the opening of new businesses with the Rogers Park Business Alliance, and meeting with my Youth Leadership Council for the last time this school year. Read about even more in our Celebrations and Appreciations section below.
Lastly, Howard Street Carnaval, a festival celebrating our African Caribbean Diaspora, is happening for the third year TODAY! Festivities kick off just before noon and you don't want to miss it. I hope to see you out there later today. More details below.
Have a safe and restful weekend,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
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Howard Street Carnaval Today!
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Chicago’s African & Caribbean diaspora is taking the streets of Rogers Park! The 3rd Annual Howard Street Carnaval, featuring a vibrant parade and festival honoring traditions from across the African and Caribbean diaspora, will be taking place TODAY, Saturday, May 16, at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard). Interested in learning more? Visit HowardStreetCarnaval.com. Event Map below.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
- WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources housed on the 49th Ward website
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Celebrations & Appreciations
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Affordable Housing Listing Portal Passes Committee
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This week Alderwoman Hadden won passage of the Centralized Affordable Housing Listing Ordinance (formerly AHAD). The ordinance will create a working group of stakeholders to sift through the bureaucratic process that is now required to list city-financed affordable housing and approve tenants and make it easier for all parties. It will also pilot the use of the ILHousingserach.org web portal to list all affordable units of housing in one place! Thanks to the Chicago Housing Initiative (CHI), Mayor Johnson's policy team, and the Department of Housing for working with our team on this important legislation. The item passed unanimously through committee and will be before the full City Council on Wednesday.
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First Citywide Green Mixer a Success
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More than 150 people from neighborhood groups, organizations and government departments gathered at the Garfield Park Conservatory this Thursday for conversation, learning, and sharing of ideas on the vital work of environmental protection and sustainability. Alderwoman Hadden chairs the City Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy and her team organized this first-ever event. Great work to Gina Parra-Hughes and Ashley Parks for your amazing work!
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Little Free Library for Gale Students Opens
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Congratulations to the Gale Community Academy students, staff, and Principal Leal for your newest amenity for the kids and broader community! Students from DePaul University who worked with the school all year worked to develop a project to help the students continue their education through the summer. It was great to see so many students excited about their new library. Have children's books you're looking to share? Consider stopping by the little library on Jonquil to share this summer.
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Kilmer Nature Play Area Starts Construction Begins
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Amazing news, Rogers Park! Back in 2025, our Participatory Budgeting process earmarked $200,000 for Kilmer Elementary School to build a new nature play area for students. We are excited that construction will begin today, three weeks ahead of schedule! Please be aware of the construction in the area as the school works to install this new nature play lot, which will be a wonderful addition to students' education for years to come.
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES
As Operation Midway Blitz continues and ICE agents have been active around the City, we want to remind neighbors of our Fighting Against Fascist Occupation resources. Know your rights, stay safe, and stay informed. Find our guide here.
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Neighbors, as you may be aware, recent federal changes to the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program (SNAP) mean that up to 250,000 neighbors in Illinois are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits due to new work requirements and other eligibility changes. These changes went into effect on May 1.
If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, take action to protect your benefits today.
- Click here to see if you are meeting the new SNAP work requirements.
- If you qualify for an exemption from the new work requirements, you can apply for this exemption here.
- If you are subject to the SNAP Work Requirements, you must do one or a combination of the following activities for an average of 20 hours per week (total of 80 hours per month):
- Work (paid or unpaid)
- Volunteer to take part and comply with an approved qualifying work program that offers activities such as basic education, vocational training, and work-based learning.
- Do self-initiated community service or volunteering with a community-based organization (see more information below)
- Any combination of the above.
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Seasonal Street Sweeping Has Begun!
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Street sweeping season has begun! If you park a vehicle on the street, please be mindful of the sweeping schedule and make sure to move your vehicle so that we can clean up the trash and organic waste that has accumulated on this winter. The Department of Streets and Sanitation sweeps the city’s streets April through November every year. The city hangs bright orange temporary parking restrictions a few days before sweeping service is scheduled to begin. Those who fail to move their vehicle between the restricted hours of 9 am- 2 pm can be fined $60. The street sweeping schedule is available on our website and is updated for this year.
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Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Artist Applications Open
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Artist applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest! The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is Rogers Park’s annual outdoor celebration of arts and community, run by a volunteer planning committee to showcase our neighborhood’s arts, talents, and businesses. Interested in applying? Click here: https://gaaf2026.artcall.org/
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Tree Trimming Occurring May 18
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The Bureau of Forestry, a division of the Division of Streets and Sanitation, will be conducting tree trimming for the 6400, 6500, and 6600 blocks of N Glenwood Ave on Monday, May 18. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming.
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Lighting Project on 1615 - 1758 W Chase & 7200 - 7331 N Paulina
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The Chicago Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a residential street lighting project on the 1600 to 1700 block of Chase and the 7200 to 7300 block of Paulina, which will last roughly 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting. There will be a No Parking tow zone in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the duration of the project. Crews are currently working to restore the landscape work, which they estimate will take roughly two weeks.
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Loyola University Construction at 6347 N Broadway
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Loyola University is currently undergoing several construction projects, including one at 6347 N Broadway. Construction at this address resulted in the northbound lane closure at N. Broadway on April 4. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Loyola at [email protected].
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"Kidical Mass" Returns Today
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It's that time of year again! Join your neighbors at Kidical Mass for a fun, easy-going bike ride on the second Saturday of each month, May through October! This event is family-friendly and invites bikers of all ages to participate in a slow tour of the Rogers Park neighborhood. The group will meet at Jarvis Square (1500 W. Jarvis) each Saturday at 10:00 a.m., starting on May 16.
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Leone Beach Park Advisory Council Birding Today
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The Leone Beach Park Advisory Council will be holding a bird-watching event Saturday, May 16 (with a rain date on Sunday, May 17th) at 8:00 a.m. to spot birds that either live or are stopping off during the migration along the lakefront in Rogers Park. Participants will meet at Leone Park (1222 W. Touhy). They will have binoculars to lend to participants.
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24th District Council Meeting May 17
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The next meeting of the 24th District Council will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway). You can access the meeting via Zoom here. Anyone may submit a written public comment by delivering it at the public meeting or by emailing it to [email protected]
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Rep. Kelly Cassidy Virtual Town Hall May 20
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Join the office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy on Wednesday, May 20th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm for a virtual town hall. They will be giving updates on the Representative’s bills, the budget, and the end of the legislative session, with guest speakers State Representative Lindsey LaPointe and State Representative Will Guzzardi. You can scan the QR code on the flyer or follow this link (https://bit.ly/4diBYee) to register for their town hall. While completing registration, you will also have a chance to submit questions you would like answered during the meeting. Zoom links will be sent out the day of the event.
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24th District Community Movie May 20
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The 24th District is excited to announce its May 2026 movie feature: We Grown Now! The screening will take place at the 24th District Police Station (6464 N Clark) at 1:00 p.m. on May 20. Spots are limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible by emailing [email protected].
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Red Line Jazz Project May 21
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Red Line Jazz Project is a free public arts initiative from Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, bringing live jazz performances to CTA Red Line stations and surrounding community spaces from May through October 2026. Curated by jazz musician and Mandala Artist-in-Residence Fareed Haque, the series features local jazz musicians and ensembles performing short sets that blend jazz improvisation with global musical influences. Artists including Butter Chicken Brass Band, Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, Renee C. Baker of AACM, and Luciano Antonio are among those scheduled to appear across neighborhoods such as Rogers Park, Chatham, Chinatown, Uptown, Bronzeville, and Roseland. The Howard Station (7519 N Paulina) performance takes place on May 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. Consider showing up for this great experience.
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Protect RP B*tch and Wine Event May 21
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Join Protect RP and your neighbors for a community wine night at Taste Food & Wine (1506 W Jarvis Ave) on Thursday, May 21, where participants will hear stories from one another, celebrate mothers of all kinds, and see performances by Winter Diorr. Consider attending this community-oriented event for a good cause!
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Families Together Messy Morning Playtime May 23
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Join Families Together (1500 W Elmdale) for a messy morning playtime on Saturday, May 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. You and your child will have the opportunity to participate in sensory play through playdough, paint, and more, to learn how play-based learning supports children's development. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to [email protected].
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Jarvis Square Match-Up Market May 23
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If you are looking for a way to connect with non-profits in the 49th Ward, great news! Jarvis Square will be hosting a Match-Up Market at Jarvis/Greenview on Saturday, May 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants can meet local non-profits and learn about the many opportunities to get involved in the City of Chicago. Feel free to email [email protected] to participate as a non-profit.
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Sullivan Community Car Wash June 1
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Stop by Sullivan High School on Monday, June 1, for a free community car wash from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., located at Parking Lot B on Greenview (6631 N Bosworth). There will be a lunch break from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Rogers Park Presbyterian Music Event June 6
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Join the Chicago Community Chorus at the Rogers Park Presbyterian Church (7059 N Greenview) on Saturday, June 6, at 4:00 p.m. for a spring concert! This concert seeks to celebrate all the ways that music can enrich life, adding songs with value, depth, and meaning to our lives. Tickets cost $25 for adults. Call 312-282-3612 for more information.
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2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable June 6
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Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City will be hosting a series of Budget Engagement Roundtables to hear your insights and priorities about the 2027 Budget. The closest roundtable to our ward will be at Harry S. Truman College (1145 W Wilson) on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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.
Sign up to attend here.
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North Side Queer Pride Volunteer Form Available
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Are you interested in volunteering for the inaugural weekend of North Side Queer Pride? NSQP plans to have a whole weekend of events for Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and they're asking for your help to make it a reality. Sign up here to volunteer and be part of this wonderful event.
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Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
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The Rogers Park Branch Library (6907 N. Clark) offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here.
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Strawdog Theatre Presents: 12 Ophelias (A play with broken songs)
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In this play with broken songs, Shakespeare’s Ophelia rises out of the water dreaming of reclaiming her life. She finds herself in a neo-Elizabethan Appalachian setting where Gertrude runs a brothel, Hamlet is a Rude Boy and nothing is what it seems. In this mirrored world of word-scraps and cold sex, Ophelia cuts a new path for herself.
12 Ophelias closes Sun, May 24, and will be showing at the Factory Theatre (1623 W. Howard St). You can purchase tickets here.
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Chicago Tap Theatre Presents: Saturn Returns
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Directed by Molly Smith, Saturn Returns tells the universally human story of getting older through tap dance and live music with new choreography by Smith and the dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre. Based on the Saturn return process in astrology, this show, the ultimate in CTT’s ’25-’26 season, is a heartwarming snapshot of our individual pasts, presents, and futures. Saturn Returns will show at The Edge Theatre (5451 N Broadway) on Thursday, June 11th, at 7 pm, Friday, June 12th, at 7 pm, Saturday, June 13th, at 5 pm, and Sunday, June 14th, at 2 pm. You can purchase tickets here.
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Lifeline Theatre Presents:
LOKI - The End Of The World Tour
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LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?
LOKI closes Sun, June 14, and will be at the Lifeline Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood Ave.) You can purchase tickets here.
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Mayor Youth Commission Application Open Now
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Apply for the Mayor’s Youth Commission for 2026-2027, now through Friday, June 19, 2026! The Mayor's Youth Commission (MYC) is a group of up to 40 Chicagoans (who live within the boundaries of the City of Chicago) between the ages of 14 and 19 who serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor's Office and Chicago's youth.
The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth voices to impact the City's critical policy conversations. Any youth who is interested must apply by June 19, 2026. This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voices heard! Want to learn more? Click here!
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Mary Crane Center Space Available Now
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Interested in the Mary Crane Center? Operating with the goal of providing high-quality early care and education programs, the Mary Crane Center is currently recruiting prospective families for its year-round childcare. Interested? Click here to learn more.
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Pottawattomie Park Summer Camp Open Now
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Get ready for an unforgettable summer! Join the Chicago Park District at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers) for six weeks of exciting activities, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories. Day camp will operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for ages 6-12. The registration fee will be $195 for the day camp. For those interested in extended camp, this will operate from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will cost $70. Both camps will run from June 22 to July 31. You can register online here.
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Uniting Voices Chicago Programs Available
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The Rogers Park Neighborhood Choir is one of 12 after-school programs, offering instruction twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at Indian Boundary Park (2500 W Lunt). The choir has three ensembles for varying ages and musical experiences, and begins accepting singers who are 8 years old and entering 3rd grade. Check out the schedule below!
- Allegro (ages 8-10) - Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15 pm
- Vivace (10-12) - Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 pm
- Presto (13+)- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:15 -7:30 pm
Uniting Voices' programming is tuition-based and determined by family annual income. Fill out this form to get involved today.
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HECC Early Learning Programs Currently Recruiting
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If you have a child aged 0-5, consider applying for Howard Evanston Community Center's Early Learning program for this upcoming school year. Their Early Learning Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start, provide a comprehensive range of services that include play-based education, health and safety, mental wellness, nutrition, disability support, and strong parent engagement. Interested in enrolling? Click this link to learn more.
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Become a Lifeguard This Summer
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Being a lifeguard along Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront or a neighborhood pool is a job unlike any other. You'll be part of one of the country's largest and best-trained lifeguard corps, gaining life-saving skills while making a difference in people's lives. Be part of their team in 2026 & make $20.50 an hour! Apply today & register for a swim test.
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Science in Art Competition Open Now
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Students, are you looking to win a prize and create some art along the way? The Willye White Park Advisory Council 2026 Science in Art Competition invites you to select an active, future, or past mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and create a two-dimensional artwork inspired by or interpreting that mission. (NASA missions are found at www.nasa.gov/missions/.) Submit your original artwork along with an entry form to the Willye White Fieldhouse beginning May 1, 2026, and no later than May 30, 2026. This competition is open to all elementary students, or homeschool equivalents, attending school in Rogers Park. Submissions may be dropped off at the Fieldhouse or mailed to:
Willye White Park
Science in Art Contest
1610 West Howard Street
Chicago, IL 60626
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In partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), A Safe Haven provides communal and familial settings through apartment-style accommodations to promote a sense of belonging in safety. Semi-private, fully-furnished apartments, cribs, linens, groceries, bus vouchers, and more will all be provided. If you are interested in these resources, call 312-372-6707 ext. 131 or 132, or email [email protected].
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Chicago Youth Works Application Portal Now Open
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Get Paid. Get Skilled. Get Ahead. Chicagoans from 14 to 24 years old can apply for paid summer jobs and opportunities today at ChicagoYouthWorks.org! Check out this fantastic opportunity for this summer!
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Paid Junior Bike Ambassador Fellowship Available
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The Chicago Safe Ambassador program is currently accepting applications for junior bike ambassadors to educate children of all ages about mobility safety in the city. This paid seasonal mentorship is for Chicago residents 16 or older who enjoy working with kids and navigating the city by bike. For more details about the program, please reach out to [email protected]. For those interested in the job, please reach out to [email protected] or fill out this interest form.
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Chicago Park District Summer Jobs Available
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The Chicago Park District has plenty of opportunities for teens this summer, from ages 13 and up! To see a list of open positions and submit an application, click here.
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Property Assessment Informational Appointments
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Join Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein for a property assessment workshop on Tuesday, May 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the 50th Ward Office (2929 W Devon Ave). Attendees will meet one-on-one with a representative from the Cook County Assessor's office to learn more about the appeal process in the Rogers Park Township, which is open for appeals until June 1. Click here to book an appointment.
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Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeals Open Until June 1
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Properties in the north suburbs & City of Chicago are not being reassessed this year. However, if an individual property undergoes significant changes related to division work, permit applications, or other special applications, then it may be reassessed. Under these circumstances, the property owner would receive a Reassessment Notice containing the new estimated fair market value.
Currently, the Rogers Park township is open for appeals until June 1. If you reside in this township, you still have an opportunity to file an appeal. To file an appeal, click here. To learn more about filing, click here.
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SBIF Applications Opening June 1
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The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications for the Devon/Sheridan corridor, serving Edgewater and Rogers Park. Applications open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.
Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.
DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process. For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.
SBIF Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 | Register
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OEMC Flood Relief Funds Available
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from July 25–28, 2025. This declaration will allow homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain non-profit organizations to apply for low-interest loans to help cover damages not covered by insurance.
Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as appliances and furniture. Businesses and some not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 22. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 25, 2027. Residents can apply for disaster assistance at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance now.
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WBEZ School Board Survey Open
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Hey, Chicago parents & voters! You get to vote for your first-ever fully elected school board this fall. Inform WBEZ's candidate questionnaire and school board voter guide by telling them what issues are affecting you and your family, and what questions you have for the candidates. Take their survey at wbez.org/survey!
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IL ABLE Account Info Sessions
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Did you know you may be eligible to open an IL ABLE account to save and invest money and build financial independence, WITHOUT jeopardizing your federal benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid? The IL ABLE Account is a simple, tax-advantaged way to save for qualified expenses like housing, education, transportation, and much more. Want to learn more? Then register for a free informational webinar!
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM Register here.
These one-hour webinars provide an overview of IL ABLE accounts, eligibility, benefits, and how to get started. Visit illinoisable.com if you want to learn more!
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Connect with Your Elected Officials
Want to get connected with your other elected officials? Find links to sign up to their newsletters and website information below!
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Cook County:
Commissioner Josina Morita Website
State of Illinois:
Rep. Cassidy Newsletter | Website
Sen. Simmons Newsletter | Website
Federal Government:
Congresswoman Schakowsky's website
Senator Durbin's website
Senator Duckworth's website
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