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3rd Ward E-News for 1/7/26

Pat Dowell Ward 3 📞 773-373-9273 ✉️ [email protected]
Relevance: 1/10

Summary

The Third Ward alderman's office highlighted several community initiatives, including the launch of the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program on January 12 and the final submission deadline for the city’s annual "You Name a Snowplow" contest on January 10. Residents are also encouraged to apply for Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grants, with the next deadline on February 13, and to take advantage of the Mobile DMV service and various UChicago youth programs. Additional updates include police alerts on armed robberies and a reminder that the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program requires re‑application each year.

Email from Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward

In This Issue

  • 2nd District Police Community Alert - Armed Robberies
  • Mobile DMV Sponsored by Alderman Dowell
  • Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens January 12th
  • Holiday Tree Recycling Info
  • Apply to be an Early Voting Official
  • Name Your Snowplow Contest
  • NOF Program Accepting Grant Applications
  • Apply to High Jump
  • Veterans Water Aerobics
  • South Loop Memory Cafe
  • UChicago College Scholars Program
  • UChicago Space Explorers Program
  • Monthly Hiring Event
  • Veterans Winter Programming

Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens to New Applicants on January 12th


The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis on January 12, 2026 between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2026 if you wish to be considered for the 2026 program. 


Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s service request website , or through the free CHI311 mobile apps on iOS Apple and Android.


The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program provides great value to property owners while helping improve neighborhoods. Should you have any questions, please contact CDOT at (312) 744-1746 or email [email protected].

Last Chance to Submit Names in Chicago's FOURTH Annual 'You Name a Snowplow" Contest


The Department of Streets and Sanitation's (DSS) fourth annual ‘You Name a Snowplow’ contest submission period for new names ends January 10th! Chicago residents are once again encouraged to create innovative snowplow names and submit them to . At the end of the two-phase contest, residents will pick the top six names, and those names will represent one snowplow in each of the City’s .


This year’s contest winners will join the 19 named snowplows unveiled by the City following the previous contests held in 2023, 2024 and 2025:


  • Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow
  • Da Plow
  • Salter Payton
  • Sears Plower
  • Sleet Home Chicag
  • Holy Plow!
  • Jean Baptiste Point du Shovel
  • Skilling It
  • CTRL-SALT-DELETE
  • Casimir Plowaski
  • Ernie Snowbanks
  • Mies van der Snow
  • Bad, Bad Leroy Plow
  • Bozo the Plown
  • Lollaplowlooza
  • My Kind of Plow
  • Snower Wacker
  • Scoop, There It Is!
  • Bean There, Plowed That


This year’s event follows the annual two-phase protocol. First, the City will gather names from the submissions, which are limited to one per person and 50 characters in length. When the submission period closes on January 10, 2026, or when the City receives 20,000 submissions, whichever comes first, DSS staff will choose 25 finalists. In the second phase, which begins on February 1, 2026, residents may vote for up to six names of their choice by February 14, 2026. The top six chosen by residents will be featured on one snowplow in each of the City’s six snow districts. 


Signage for the winning snowplow names will be created and installed on the snowplows, and residents who submitted the winning names (earliest time stamp when there are multiple submissions) will be offered a photo opportunity with the named snowplow along with City swag. 

Applications Open Now For NOF Grants

Eligible projects can submit materials ahead of the next quarterly application deadline on Feb. 13, 2026


The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) provides capital development grants up to $250,000 for small business and cultural projects located along West, Southwest, and South Side commercial corridors. NOF grants are provided as reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project expenses with a maximum grant of $250,000. Applicants may qualify for additional funding for Technical Assistance.


Grants in excess of $300,000 are available through DPD's Community Development Grant (CDG) program. For information on grants between $300,001 and $5 million, . For information on grants exceeding $5 million, .


How to Apply


Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through  and evaluated quarterly. Those interested in applying are encouraged to attend an NOF information session before submitting their materials.


Next application period 


Q1 2026 application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 

  

Eligibility


All NOF projects must be located on an eligible or priority corridor. To confirm your property is eligible, email [email protected] with the full address. NOF grants fund permanent capital improvements through reimbursement or an escrow agreement for eligible work.


Eligible Projects:


  • Commercial (office, retail) 
  • Cultural (museums, theaters, performance venues)
  • Non-profits with an on-site commercial component 
  • Commercial components of industrial uses


Eligible Expenses:


  • New construction  
  • Storefront buildouts  
  • Facade repair, window, and door replacement  
  • Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work 
  • Roof repairs
  • Acquisition costs - as part of a larger construction or renovation project
  • Soft costs (design, technical assistance)



For full project eligibility information, see the .

Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward | 5046 South State Street | Chicago, IL 60609 US
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