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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,
I spent a couple days this week at a convening in Los Angeles working with other elected officials and labor partners on how we're building local power and resisting authoritarianism in our cities. The convening was sponsored by Local Progress, Mayors for America, and the Public Rights Project and was a great opportunity to share ideas, strategies, and hope. I spoke on a panel about effective communication in a crisis.
This week we also passed some great legislation through City Council! I was the lead sponsor on the Affordable Housing Portal Pilot (formerly AHAD). We passed unanimously through committee last week and through Council this week. The legislation will allow the city to share listings of all city-financed affordable housing on the IllinoisHousingSearch.org portal and create a working group of diverse stakeholders to work on improving the process of connecting residents with available housing and make recommendations to Council.
We also passed legislation protecting free and fair elections with the Mayor's Rev. Jesse Jackson Defending Democracy Ordinance. The legislation will help support voting access by working to secure mailboxes, institute an anti-doxxing measure for election workers, allow targeted government officials and election workers to file civil lawsuits, and created an advisory group to help address issues impeding access for voters. I was proud to support this important piece of legislation though it was hotly debated in Council.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day and holiday weekend. As a reminder. Blue Jay Cafe reopens for the season TODAY! Blue Jay Cafe is located at Loyola Beach at the end of Greenleaf Ave. They are open 11am - 8pm Tuesday- Sunday. Stop by for a summer treat.
Have a safe and restful weekend,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
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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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Alderwoman Hadden and the 49th Ward team wish a peaceful and good Memorial Day to all.
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Celebrations & Appreciations
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49th Ward Youth Leaders Celebrate End of Year
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Last week we celebrated the close of our year by gifting each member of the 49th Ward Youth Leadership Council a scrapbook commemorating their first year as student leaders with Alderwoman Hadden! These students spent the past year engaging with local organizations, learning about civic engagement and city council processes, meeting Mayor Brandon Johnson, and building their own vision for a city they want to see in the future. Thank you to each and every student for joining our office, we hope to see you next year!
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Celebrating New Businesses
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Last week, our office, the Rogers Park Business Alliance, and Rep. Kelly Cassidy's office were all so excited to welcome five new businesses to the ward! We love these quarterly ribbon cuttings and for a chance to show new businesses all that Rogers Park has to offer.
The new businesses we welcomed were (top to bottom, left to right):
- Thrifty Whiskers (1417 W Morse)
- Max Foods and Tobacco (6814 N Sheridan Rd)
- Wheelie Good Bikes (6981 N Sheridan Rd)
- The PR Method Fitness (1157 W Lunt Ave)
- High Voltage Records and Hifi (7013 N Sheridan Rd)
Additionally, we got to meet Yosmer, the artist behind the fantastic window art along Clark Street! Be sure to check out more of his great artwork here.
Check out these new businesses and welcome them to the Rogers Park neighborhood!
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As Alderwoman of the 49th Ward, it is an honor to steward so many wonderful cultures and communities in our neighborhood. This week we raised the Haitian flag to honor our Haitian and Haitian American neighbors — thank you for standing with us. We are stronger together with Haiti and Haitian Americans as part of our community. L’union fait la force!
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Howard/Paulina Development Receives Final Approval
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We are excited to announce that The Werner development, located at the intersection of Howard/Paulina, passed the Zoning Committee earlier this week! This 80-unit affordable housing project will be a fantastic addition to the Howard St corridor, and plans to break ground in September. Additionally, the Currency Exchange (1609 W Howard) is moving at the end of the month and has reached an agreement to return to their former location in the new building once it’s complete. Thank you to the Howard/Paulina team and the Department of Planning and Development for all the hard work to bring this project into reality!
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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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Memorial Day Office Closure
Neighbors, please be advised that the 49th Ward Service Office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. We will re-open on Tuesday, May 26th at 9 AM.
I'd like to take a moment to thank all those who have served in our armed forces to protect our liberties. Thank you all for your service and the sacrifices you have made for this country.
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Memorial Day Holiday Refuse and Recycling Information
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Please note that due to the Memorial Day holiday, there will be no refuse collection on Monday, May 25, 2026. All city-collected refuse will be serviced on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Residents should ensure all black refuse carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.
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Beach Season Starts Monday!
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Beaches open for the season on Monday! The season runs through Labor Day weekend. Lakefront beaches will be open for swimming daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For your safety, lifeguards will be on duty along the lakefront.
Daily swim status updates are available by checking the Chicago Park District website or by calling the beach hotline at 312-74-BEACH.
Make sure to review water safety tips from the Chicago Park District's website and the Greater Lakes Surf Rescue Project online.
Please remember that Howard Street Beach is closed indefinitely and is not meant to be accessed by beachgoers, hence the rocks and lack of a safe access path to the beach. The Army Corps of Engineers installed the rocks in 2019 to address lakefront erosion and flooding issues experienced by local homeowners. You can read more here on the Park District website. The beach is supposed to be off-limits, swimming is prohibited, and no lifeguards are present. Instead, residents should use the nearby Jarvis Beach or Marion Mahony Griffin Beach.
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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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Loyola University Telecom Work Incoming
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After hearing concerns from residents through community surveys of 2024 and 2025, Loyola University will be conducting telecommunication cabling work on the west side of Sheridan Rd to bring upgraded lighting and safety features to the 1200 block of West Loyola Avenue.
The next phase of this work will take place south of the L-embankment from mid-June until mid-July. For intermittent short periods of time, commuters and pedestrians should be aware of temporary sidewalk closures and temporary vehicle lane closures as crews push cable under the street from east-to-west; seen as a red line in the above diagram. Please exercise caution and awareness in the area once construction begins.
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Kilmer Nature Play Area Construction Ongoing
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Just to the west of Kilmer Elementary, the school’s new playground is taking shape! There will be two separate play areas with age-appropriate equipment, funded by CPS. Adjoining these two areas will be a nature play space, made possible by $200,000 won by Kilmer parents through our Participatory Budgeting process. Already, the entire space has been fenced off and the old play equipment removed, with the full project scheduled for completion in time for the fall semester. The result will be a wonderful asset both to Kilmer students and to the surrounding community!
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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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Families Together Messy Morning Playtime Today
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Join Families Together (1500 W Elmdale) for a messy morning playtime today, 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 Today
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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 today, 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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Leone Beach Park Workday May 24
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The Leone Beach Park Advisory Council will be hosting a workday at the Leone Natural Area (1222 W Touhy) on Sunday, May 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will be removing invasive exotic species and potentially planting some plants. The organizers will provide work gloves, tools, and instructions, but participants are encouraged to bring sun protection and water.
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Park District It's Your Park Day May 30
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The Chicago Parks Foundation is kicking off volunteer season with a special clean-up event across the city, and Leone Beach Park will be one of the participating parks! Join participants on Saturday, May 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1222 W Touhy Ave for trash pick-up and tree mulching, and help beautify one of your favorite 49th Ward parks. You can register to attend here.
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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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Edgewater Monday Market Returns June 1
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Chicago’s ONLY Monday Farmers Market is returning for the 2026 season. Produced by Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Monday Market will take place every Monday from 3pm to 7pm at the southeast corner of Broadway & Thorndale, in the Broadway Armory parking lot (5917 N. Broadway).
The market runs from June 1st to September 28th and will feature 50+ vendors over the course of the year, including a mix of weekly vendors, and rotating pop-up vendors. Each market will include approximately 30 vendors.
Featured vendors include a curated selection of local farmers, produce, specialty foods, bakers, prepared foods, craft goods, and artisans. This year’s market will also include live music and a chef’s table for demonstrations and samples on select dates.
Edgewater Monday Market participates in the Link Up Illinois “Link at the Market” match program. The market also accepts SNAP, Illinois WIC Coupons and Senior Farmers Market Coupons.
Admission to the market is free for everyone and no advance registration is necessary. You can see the full list of vendors, schedule, and find out more information about the Edgewater Monday Market at Edgewater Chamber’s website (www.edgewater.org) or at https://www.edgewater.org/events/monday-market/
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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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Pickleball Tournament for Seniors June 9
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Great news, seniors! The 24th District CAPS team will be hosting their annual pickleball tournament this year at Warren Park (6601 N Western), and they want you to join! The tournament begins on Tuesday, June 9, and will start at 8:00 a.m. Email [email protected] to register for this event!
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Sullivan High School College and Career Startup Fund
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Help Sullivan High School provide annual startup assistance to deserving graduating seniors in need of financial assistance as they transition to college or their career. These funds - whether used for lodging, travel costs, or to set up their new dorm rooms - prove essential as they embark on a challenging new experience. Consider donating 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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Rogers Park Artists Cooperative Seeking Volunteers
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Rogers Park Artists Cooperative (RPAC) is a new organization to empower our local artistic community by providing support and promoting collaboration to ensure sustainability through shared resources and culture. They are seeking volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors. Please contact [email protected] for details.
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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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Theatre Above The Law Presents: The Matchmaker
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Thornton Wilder’s classic work, "The Matchmaker," has been reimagined by Theatre Above the Law, in alignment with their mission to challenge the norms of theater by presenting classic stories in relatable ways. The play has been condensed into an inventive 90-minute production, divided into four scenes.
Wealthy merchant Horace Vandergelder enlists the services of Dolly Levi to find him a suitable wife. What follows is a series of comical mishaps—all in the name of adventure!
Directed by Tony Lawry, with stage management by Reagan Stevenson. The cast includes: Justine Serino, Caleb Ryan Jones, Ross Compton, Stephanie Stockstill, Izzy Shafer, Teddy Nielsen, Mery Drilling Coren, and Elijah Warfield.
"The Matchmaker" will run from May 29 to June 28 at Theatre Above The Law (1439 W. Jarvis), and tickets will be priced between $15 and $25. You can purchase tickets here.
Use the special District 49 code, OhHorns!, to receive a $10 discount off the regular ticket price ($25); subject to availability and valid for online purchases only.
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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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Camp Courage Applications Open Now
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Camp Courage applications are available now! This unique camp is designed for youth ages 13–18 and offers a hands-on introduction to the world of firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Over the course of three days, participants will take part in physical fitness training, firefighting and EMS skill-building, team-based challenges, and mentorship with CFD professionals— all at no cost to families.
Camp Courage 2026 will run from June to July and will be held at various locations in the city. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony to celebrate each participant’s accomplishments.
Space is limited, and participants will be selected based on eligibility, interest, and a short essay. A mandatory parent/guardian virtual orientation will be held prior to the start of camp, with materials shared via email. Please complete this form to apply. We look forward to learning more about you!
For questions, email: [email protected]
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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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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!
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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