August 2026 Newsletter

Alderman Dowell’s Statement on Passage of “The 78” Infrastructure TIF Ordinance

"I am proud to support ‘The 78’ project and the complete renewal of a vacant plot of land that has sat fallow, undeveloped, and unused for more than 60 years. Today represents the next step in what has been a laborious yet collaborative process of balancing the needs of the City, the 3rd Ward, community groups, and the developers.

This site presents a unique challenge in that it is completely isolated, yet sits directly at the center of the connection between the South Side and the rest of the City. It represents a real, physical obstruction that limits connectivity and investment on the South Side. This TIF request directly funds the infrastructure necessary to literally build up the site, tying the City together.

Let me be clear: no City money is going to the construction of the stadium. The TIF dollars requested will go solely toward the infrastructure necessary to make the site viable. This infrastructure includes new streets and utilities, reconstruction of the river wall for future connectivity, desperately needed improvements to Roosevelt and Clark Streets, pedestrian access to the south end of the site, safety improvements for Metra, and, most importantly, construction of a podium that will directly connect Roosevelt Road to ‘The 78’ at grade."

To read the entire statement, please click here.

3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting at the Greenline Performing Arts Center

Alderman Dowell hosted the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Chicago Department of Water Management, the City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Chicago, Scitopia, and the developers of Pershing Rd. and State St. at a very well attended Town Hall meeting on June 20, 2026 at the Green Line Performing Arts Center. Thank you to all the residents who came to the meeting, and to all the presenters who showcased some of the amazing developments that will transform Garfield Blvd. and the broader 3rd Ward community.

Copies of the presentations can be found below:

• University of Chicago Hospital / City Colleges Development – 344 E. Garfield Blvd.
• Pete’s Fresh Market – Pershing Rd. and State St.
• Scitopia – 300 E. Garfield Blvd.

Many of these projects are still in their early stages and will require additional City and community input and approval. As they move through the development process, Alderman Dowell will continue to update residents on their progress. If residents have questions or thoughts on any of the proposals, please reach out to Alderman Dowell’s office anytime at [email protected] or at 773-373-9273

Alderman Dowell Joins South Michigan Ave. Block Fest

On June 27th, Alderman Dowell joined Friends of Historic Second Church, 2nd Presbyterian Church, and many local residents for the South Michigan Avenue Block Fest. What a beautiful day to celebrate community! The free family festival featured live music courtesy of Rene Avila's Afro Cuban Quartet and DJ Lugo Rosado, food, a puppet wonder wagon, scavenger hunt, face painting, and more. Thank you to the Friends of Historic Second Church, 2nd Pres, and all of the sponsors for hosting such a fun event.

CRR1919 Rides Though the 3rd Ward

Alderman Dowell attended the 8th Annual Chicago Race Riot 1919 Commemoration Project event on July 25th to acknowledge the lives of all who died during those fateful seven days as a result of the worst incident of racial violence in Chicago’s history. The day began with a presentation of the project and ended with a bike tour to visit the public art installations marking where 38 people were killed during the riot. For more information on the bike tour, the public markers, and the history of the Chicago Race Riot, visit www.chicagoraceriot.org. Thank you Franklin, Peter, Syda and all of the supporters that participated in this wonderful event.

Alderman Dowell Celebrates Emmett Till Day

Alderman Dowell was proud to be part of history celebrating the official signing of H.B. 4323, designating July 25th as Emmett Till Day in Illinois. Congratulations to Representative Kim du Buclet and Senator Mattie Hunter for their advocacy and sponsorship of the legislation.

The 3rd Ward's Bronzeville community is home to Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ (4021 S. State St.), the location of Emmett Till's funeral and visitation after the 14-year-old was murdered by lynching in Mississippi. The event was an important catalyst for individuals seeking social and political justice and equality for African Americans. Designating July 25th as Emmett Till Day reminds all Illinois residents of the importance of his tragic death to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Park District Announces Air Conditioning Upgrades for 3rd Ward Parks

The Chicago Park District announced the launch of their first phase of cooling enhancements in 42 park sites across Chicago. The project addresses historic disinvestment and furthers the Park District’s commitment to building inclusive community spaces through equitable infrastructure improvements.

The Park District utilized the Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) mapping tool to identify 42 priority sites in heat-vulnerable communities for dedicated cooling investments. Of the total, 20 sites will be equipped with upgraded air conditioning by the end of summer 2026, and an additional 10 parks will be complete by years end. Designs for 12 larger capital projects are underway and will include cooling infrastructure.

In the 3rd Ward, the following parks are part of this project:

• Fuller Park (331 W. 45th St.) – AC Upgrade
• Wentworth Gardens Park (3770 S. Wentworth Ave.) – Full AC
• Williams Park (2820 S. State St.) – Full AC
• Women’s Park and Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.) – Full AC

More information will be provided to each individual park as the projects move forward, so please stay in touch with your local park staff!

Pete's Fresh Market Development in Bronzeville on August Plan Commission Agenda

Progress has been made on a promise by Alderman Dowell to bring a Pete’s Fresh Market to the corner of Pershing Rd. and State St. The development is set to be presented at the August 20th Chicago Plan Commission meeting to approve the land sale to the developer. A copy of the agenda and presentation documents can be found here once they are posted by Plan Commission staff.

The developers of the Pete's Fresh Market project recently presented updated development plans to the community at Alderman Dowell's June 20th Town Hall meeting. Presentation materials are linked in a previous article in this newsletter.

Alderman Dowell Cuts Ribbon on The Estate Escape

Alderman Dowell helped cut the ribbon on The Estate Escape, a newly rehabilitated office building at 4517 S. State St. in the 3rd Ward. The $327,000 rehabilitation project, led by Steps Inc. owner Nicole Wheatly, transformed the historic building with all new building systems, energy-efficient materials, employee workspaces, and a conference room that will be available for community meetings. The investment complements the more than $40 million Legends South residential campus currently under construction across the street, contributing to the continued revitalization of the State Street corridor.

The project was supported by $245,625 in grant assistance through the Department of Planning and Development's Community Development Grant program and will support a staff of up to five people as part of Ms. Wheatley's professional consulting practice.

VanderCook College of Music Announces Move to the South Loop

Beginning in 2028, upon the conclusion of its current lease, VanderCook plans to relocate to a new campus at 1319 South State Street, just minutes from its current location, ensuring the College remains deeply rooted in the South Loop community it has proudly called home. 

The new campus will be thoughtfully envisioned to support the evolving needs of students and faculty while expanding opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and performance. Plans include inspiring rehearsal halls, innovative classrooms, collaborative gathering spaces, modern performance venues, and enhanced student-centered learning environments designed specifically for music education.

Founded in 1909, VanderCook College of Music is the only institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to preparing professional music educators.

Businesses Flourish in the 3rd Ward

In July, Alderman Dowell was honored to join the ribbon cuttings for multiple new businesses in the 3rd Ward.

She celebrated the grand opening of the iHeal Health and Wellness Center - Bronzeville Campus at 400 E. 41st St. At iHeal, Dr. Shammona Clark will provide integrated primary care, mental health counseling, and wellness services. Increasing neighborhood access to health care services is critical to the wellbeing of local residents. Welcome to Bronzeville!!

A huge congratulations to Bernard Loyd and Urban Juncture for making a positive impact by moving forward with the redevelopment of The Forum (318 E. 43rd St.). Alderman Dowell joined the community to celebrate the opening of The Forum Cafe, a new cafe providing a wide array of tasty beverages and delicious foods to the Bronzeville Community. The cafe will serve as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the larger Forum project.

Finally, Alderman Dowell also celebrated the opening of Minty, a tooth whitening and permanent jewelry studio in Bronzeville at 327 E. Pershing Rd. Stop by and enjoy one of the many beautification services they offer!

T.E.A.M. Outreach Services Beautifies the Community

Uplifting all the young people from T.E.A.M. Outreach Services who are engaged in the community and made 47th Street look good through a neighborhood clean and green effort! Thank you from a grateful community.

If you want to follow the lead of T.E.A.M. Outreach Services, the 3rd Ward Public Service Office can help you organize your own community clean and green event. Call 773-373-9273 and the office can assist you with supplies, bagged garbage pickup, and more.

Community of the Future Solar Installations

The Community of the Future team, in collaboration with participants from the Rockford and Bronzeville Advisory Councils, have successfully deployed twelve solar-powered workstations. These stations are designed to raise awareness of solar energy while providing community members with clean energy solutions for charging small mobile devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets, in outdoor community spaces.

Stations have been installed in the 3rd Ward's Bronzeville community at the following locations - Boxville (330 E. 51st St.), and XS Tennis Village (5336 S. State St.). An example of the newly installed solar-powered workstations is pictured (right). So if you need a charge, or a place to work outside during the beautiful summer weather, be on the lookout for a workstation near you!

Chicago Sees Historic Drop in Crime Rates

The Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) compiled a detailed analysis of nationwide crime rates which shows a historic drop in violent crime across the United States, including in Chicago. CCJ's report covers the period between 2018 and June 2026 and is based on data from 36 large American cities.

In Chicago, the report found a drop in homicides from 2.3 per 100,000 residents in July 2018 to 1.5 in June 2026. Gun assaults dropped from 19.1 to 14.3. Carjackings fell from 2.6 to 1.09. Aggravated Assaults are down from 61 to 46.7. Robberies also fell from 32 to 13.6. Finally, sexual assaults dropped from 6 to 5.3 per 100,000 residents. While this shows great progress, more needs to be done to ensure Chicago is the best, safest city it can be. Alderman Dowell continues to work with CPD to fully fund officer staffing needs, and neighborhood delegate agencies to allocate additional resources for community violence intervention programming. For a copy of the full mid-year report, please click here.

Business Violation - Rula Harvest Groceries (450 E. 43rd St.)

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has issued violations to Rula Harvest Groceries (450 E. 43rd St.) for operating without appropriate businesses licenses, offering for sale outdated merchandise, offering for sale products marked "not for individual sale," and maintaining an awning and a business advertising sign without proper permits. A hearing in the Department of Administrative Hearings on these violations is scheduled for August 14th at 10:00 am. Questions regarding this order can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Business Violation - 43rd Food and Tobacco (200 E. 43rd St.)

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has issued violations to 43rd Food and Tobacco (200 E. 43rd St.) for failing to disclose all activities and services that are carried out at the licensed premises, maintaining a sign without the required Grant of Privilege, and offering for sale cigarette wrapping paper or leaf that is impregnated with illegal flavoring. A hearing in the Department of Administrative Hearings on these violations is scheduled for August 4th at 10:00 am. Questions regarding this order can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Business Violation - Jamii Center for Arts and Media (3850 S. Indiana Ave.)

The Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings held a hearing on July 21, 2026 regarding Jamii Center for Arts and Media (3850 S. Indiana Ave.) for operating an event space without the required license, charging for private events, and operating in violation of a Cease and Desist Order. As a result of the hearing, a judgment of $940.00 was entered against Jamii Center for Arts and Media. Questions regarding this order can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Ordinances Sponsored by Alderman Dowell in July 2026

O2026-0027231 - Amendment of Municipal Code Section 11-12-532 allowing transferees of properties covered by Utility Billing Relief Program to remain in program if meeting certain requirements. Allows individuals who inherit a property continue participating in the City's Utility Billing Relief Program if the property's previous owner was a qualified participant in the program. This means that people who inherit a property will be able to fulfill their obligations to the City without being hit with a massive, unexpected utility bill at the time of inheritance. The new owners can not re-enroll in the UBR program unless they are otherwise qualified.

O2026-0026950 - Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 10-8 regarding charitable solicitation on public way. Reforms the City's Charitable Solicitation process by transferring enforcement responsibilities from the Committee on Finance to the Chicago Department of Transportation, which already has dedicated inspectors in the field. Charitable Solicitation is the process through which nonprofit organizations receive a permit to raise funds on the streets of Chicago. This change would strengthen enforcement by ensuring that all organizations engaged in Charitable Solicitations comply with the City's permitting requirements.

O2026-0027165 - Amendment of Municipal Code Section 18-14-101.3 to remove exemption for buildings where more than 10 percent of floor area is classified as Group S from definition of covered building. Subjects "Storage Group" buildings including data centers to the City's energy benchmarking requirements. Chicago Energy Benchmarking (CEB) is a program that tracks large buildings’ energy use and helps building owners understand their energy consumption and discover opportunities for cost savings. This program not only helps building owners reduce their utility bills but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which are the largest source of emissions in Chicago. 

O2026-0027487 - City Comptroller, Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director ordered to contribute any and all advanced pension payments on or before October 31, 2026. The FY26 City of Chicago Budget that Alderman Dowell helped craft contains a provision for the City to make an advanced payment to help pay down our massive outstanding pension obligations. This supplementary payment saves the City billions in long-term pension obligations, and helps fortify the City's fragile credit rating, lowering our borrowing costs. During mid-year budget hearings, the administration stated that it has yet to make the required supplementary payment. Making the payment in the beginning of year maximizes investment returns and is credit positive for the rating agencies. This is a missed opportunity. The ordinance mandates the City make the budget-required payment on or before October 31, 2026.

Bike the Drive - September 6th

DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed to car traffic from Bryn Mawr to 57th St. for the annual Bike the Drive on Sunday, September 6th from 6:00 am to noon. On and off ramps will be barricaded to prevent car traffic. Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open as well as other main through routes that run parallel to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. For more information visit www.bikethedrive.org.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

Foo Fighters: Take Cover Tour 2026

Saturday, August 8th at 5:30 pm

Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns (pre-season)

Saturday, August 15th at noon

Chicago Fire vs. Portland Timbers

Sunday, August 16th at 5:00 pm

The R&B Tour Starring Usher and Chris Brown

Friday, August 21st and Saturday, August 22nd at 7:00 pm

BTS World Tour

Thursday, August 27th and Friday, August 28th at 8:00 pm

New Arrival Wellness Clinic

Lurie Children's Hospital is now offering a New Arrival Wellness Clinic. Referrals to the clinic are made by community and school-based partners. During one extended visit, families meet with three providers in the same clinic, allowing them to receive medical, mental health, and supportive services all in one place. This approach helps reduce barriers to care, decreases mental health stigma, and makes it easier for newcomer families to access the services and resources they need.

Lurie Children's Hospital welcomes referrals for children and or adolescents who are foreign-born or live in mixed status families who are ages 0-18, are in need of a primary care physician and/or mental health provider.



The New Arrival Wellness Clinic takes place twice monthly on Friday afternoons at an outpatient clinic location*. All appointments start at 1:00 pm and last 3-4 hours to ensure patients can meet with all three providers. Assistance with transportation may be available. Call about the referral program can be directed to 312-227-2159.

*To protect the safety and privacy of our patients and their families, the clinic location will be shared

during the appointment scheduling process.

University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy 

Led by the Harris School of Public Policy, the Civic Leadership Academy is a six-month program that equips emerging leaders in nonprofits and local government with practical tools, lasting connections, and a broadened perspective to lead transformative change across Chicago’s civic landscape. RSVP for an informational session or apply by August 31st.

Clear the Shelters

Throughout the entire month of August, adoption fees will be waived for dogs and cats as part of NBCUniversal Local's annual Clear the Shelters campaign. Residents can visit Chicago Animal Care and Control daily from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (please arrive by 5:30 p.m. if ready to adopt).

Where: 2741 S. Western Ave.

When: August 1st through August 31st from noon to 7:00 pm

1st District National Night Out

The annual National Night Out celebration is a great way to connect with your local police officers alongside other community members in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a night of family fun, food and games sponsored by the 1st District Police.

Where: Stadium Green Outside Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Dr.)

When: Tuesday, August 4th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn how to: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, August 4th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Here and Now

Join UChicago Arts + Public Life for a showcase celebrating community, history, and the next generation of creative voices featuring:

• DAP & Urban Growers Collective— Handcrafted planters and benches bringing beauty and utility to shared neighborhood spaces.
• Choreographic Arts Program— An original dance performance honoring the rich tradition and energy of the Bud Billiken Parade.
• Teen Arts Council— Custom swag celebrating the South Side Home Movie Project, connecting today’s youth with local history.

RSVP here.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 East Garfield Blvd.)

When: Wednesday, August 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Preschool Story Time

Join King Branch Library for stories and songs followed by time for coloring, crafts, or open play. For children 2 to 5 with an adult.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Wednesdays, August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Computer Basics Class

Are you interested in learning how to use a computer? Join King Branch Library for a basic computer skills class using the online resource Chicago Digital Learn to build digital literacy. Feel free to bring a laptop.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Wednesdays, August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 11:00 am to noon

Bronzeville Youth Innovation and STEAM Fest

Join South Side Sanctuary to celebrate two exceptional Summer Youth Interns, Dale Morrison (Chicago Youth Works) and Terrence Singletary (Illinois Youth Investment Program), as they showcase their final summer projects, Bronzeville Youth Innovation and S.T.E.A.M. Fest. 

This exciting, free, youth friendly event invites youth ages 5 to 18 from across Chicago to explore hands on demos and activities including video game building, aerospace demos, 3-D printing, and more. Attendees will also enjoy panels covering a wide range of subjects, from music studio production to career pathways across the professions. Free food and beverages will be available for all attendees. RSVP is not required, but it is suggested at https://bit.ly/BronzevilleInnovationFest. Tech organizations and workforce development partners are welcome to join. Email [email protected] with questions.

Where: South Side Sanctuary (4702 S. King Dr.)

When:  Friday, August 7th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an in-person event broken down into two four-hour sessions. Register here.

Where: 639 E. 87th Pl.

When: Saturdays, August 8th and 15th at 9:00 am

Chicago Footwork Music Production Workshop

Join F.A.M. with DJ T-Rell for a free community music production workshop. Learn how Chicago footwork beats are created, and music production using the MPC. Open to youth and community members. Sign up here.

Where: Intonation (3633 S. State St.)

When: Monday, August 10th from noon to 2:00 pm

Secret Life of Plants

Plants pop and the mind boggles in this rarely screened, impossible-to-stream 1978 documentary exploring the emotional and interconnected life of plants. Scoring time-lapse planetary grandeur, plant-communication experiments, and eccentric biology labs, Stevie Wonder provides a legendary synth-heavy soundtrack that doubles as the film's narrator. Before sunset, enjoy a Stevie-centric set by DJ Duane Powell, and themed merch from Reformed School! RSVP here.

Where: The Arts Lawn (337 E. Garfield Blvd)

When: Friday, August 14th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

The Care and Water Show

Join Chicago Animal Care and Control for a fun, water themed Clear the Shelters adoption event while the Air & Water Show takes place overhead. Adoption fees will be waived, and we'll have plenty of animals looking for their forever homes.

Where: 2741 S. Western Ave.

When: Saturday, August 15th from noon to 6:00 pm

Haitian Immigrant Community Know Your Rights Workshop

With the recent changes to the TPS program, please take this opportunity to learn about immigration options, guardianship, estate planning, accompaniments, and more! Presented by the Westside Justice Center and the Haitian American Lawyers Association. To register call 773-940-2213.

Where: Westside Justice Center (601 S. California Ave.)

When: Sunday, August 23rd from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Saturday, August 29th from 10:000 am to 1:00 pm

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 131

No Beat Meeting in August

Beat: 133

No Beat Meeting in August

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 211

Date: August 10th at 6:00 pm

Location: Illinois College of Optometry (3241 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 213

Date: August 26th at 6:00 pm

Location: St. Elizabeth Church (4058 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221

No Beat Meeting in August

Beat: 224

No Beat Meeting in August

Beat: 225

Date: August 12th at 6:00 pm

Location: 2nd District Community Room (5101 S. Wentworth Ave.)

Beat: 231

No Beat Meeting in August

9th District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 915

No Beat Meeting in August

Beat: 925

No Beat Meeting in August