33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - September 18, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community, |
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Big news: the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) passed out of committee!
At Wednesday’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate, I shared a story about a landlord with 70+ buildings across two wards, ALL out of code — a literal slumlord whose entire "management plan" was a phone line open for 30 minutes a day. Tenants were left with no real way to get help, and we had to take him to court, building by building, to get any accountability.
This is exactly why PRO matters. And we know that this idea has already worked in other cities like NYC, LA, and even other municipalities in Illinois. Which means we have the blueprint! Now we need the will to use it.
To everyone who's spent years organizing, taking eviction cases to court, and counseling tenants so they can defend themselves against predatory landlords — this is your win.
Why is PRO so necessary? There are an estimated 622,641 Chicago families renting. The average rent in Chicago is $2,328, which means you need an average annual income of $93,000. Which also means that approximately 48% of Chicago renters are overburdened with paying rents that are 30% or more of their income.
What would PRO do? Create a Rental Registry, creating the data infrastructure needed to better understand the state of Chicago’s rental housing stock, while also overhauling how the city monitors and enforces health conditions for renters. Create a Bureau of Rental Housing Services to coordinate enforcement work while leveling the playing field between corporate landlords and small landlords. Create an Eviction Counsel Program to provide legal representation and consultation for tenants facing eviction Update the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance with a Tenant Bill of Rights and the banning of junk fees.
After receiving the support of the Committee on Housing and Real Estate, PRO still has to pass in the City Council next Wednesday. I voted to pass PRO at committee, and my support remains firm. PRO is data-driven, well-researched with a clear plan to implement and pay for the work, and exactly what our communities have been organizing for for decades. |
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While this was refreshing news from City Hall, there were more reasons to celebrate as this past Wednesday also marked the start of Latine Heritage Month!
September 15 is important across Latin America as the day that Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all achieved independence. We also celebrated Mexican independence on September 16th, and the independence of Chile today, on September 18th. These celebrations of independence remind us of the legacy of struggles for peace across Latin America and the Caribbean that lasted for hundreds of years. Many of these struggles continue today under new forms of oppression.
Albany Park remains a sanctuary for migrants and refugees, and has played an important role in welcoming new Chicagoans during periods of great migration. As we honor Chicago’s long history of providing sanctuary and welcoming people from across Latin America and from around the world, please remember to always celebrate safely and to care for and respect your neighbors. |
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Thank you for doing this work with me. Please take a moment this week to help out a neighbor in need. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help.
In solidarity, Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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Ongoing Donation Collection for Unhoused Neighbors During these hot summer days, our unhoused neighbors are in extreme need of a few essential items. We are currently accepting donations of any non-perishable food items, including bottled water, hand fans (battery powered), and bus cards.
Donations can be dropped off at the 33rd Ward Office during business hours. If you would like to coordinate a special drop-off time, please reach out to 773-840-7880. We are not requesting donations outside of the above list. Donations can also be made to: Albany Park Mutual Aid | PRP Shower Connect Wish List |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. September 21 — Neighbor Night, 4747 N Sawyer Ave, 4:30pm - 6pm September 23 — CCPSA Youth Listening Session, 5100 W Harrison, 4pm - 5:30pm September 26 — Vital Records Fair, 6 S. Hoyne, 10am - 2pm September 29 — 3403 W Lawrence, 6pm, RSVP October 6 — Get Covered IL at our office, 4747 N Sawyer - 11am - 3pm, RSVP TBD October 10 — Expungement and Sealing Fair, 740 W 63rd St, 8:30am - 4pm October 10 — Holiday Craft Fair at St Mary of Providence, 4200 N Austin, 9am - 2pm October 16 — Senior Resource Fair, Our Lady of Mercy, 4432 N Troy, 11am - 1pm November 14 — Diabetes Awareness at Swedish Hospital, 2751 W Winona, 11am - 3pm
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Ronan Park UpdatesIn March, we have received many residents from the former Legion Park encampment into our ward as they wait for their assigned housing. I understand that this encampment has caused great concern for many neighbors. When this community moved into our local park, my office began working in close, daily collaboration with many local organizations, mutual aid groups, nonprofit agencies, and government partners to ensure that our neighbors most in need receive the care, attention, and resources they deserve.
For updates, please check in on our website. |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. |
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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33rd Ward Spring and Summer resources:Clean and Greens: Please email [email protected] to request resources to help clean up your block, like garbage bags, grippers, and gloves. Street Sweeping began April 1. You can view our interactive sweeping schedule and map by clicking here. To apply for a block party permit, please fill out this form. You can also get small whistle kits for your neighbors if you wish to include them in your block party festivities to encourage safety and support in your community during these difficult times. To apply for a yard sale, please stop by our office or fill out this form.
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Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, September 21 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-6:00pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Appointments will be offered in 15 minute segments, with the final time slot at 5:45pm.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. If you would like to coordinate an event related to your organizing work with an upcoming Neighbor Night, please reach out to our office. |
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Sage BrigadeThe Sage Brigade needs volunteers to help pack groceries for seniors. This is a commitment of 2 hours a month, once a month, in person, at the Irving Park Food Pantry. If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected] with the subject line: SAGE BRIGADE VOLUNTEER FOR FOOD PANTRY. Someone from our office will follow up with you! |
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Join the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN)Looking for a lower-risk way to help protect your neighbors from ICE? The Northwest Side Rapid Response Network is launching a new neighborhood-based, people powered alert system. To join the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN), download the Telegram app on your phone. Then, join the channel using this link. WARN is open to everyone, so please don't hesitate to share. |
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Current Proposals In Review3256 N Elston Ave:
Project webpage: link
Application Type: Type 1 Map Amendment
Change Request: RS-3 to B2-2 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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2026 Street SweepingStreet Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Here is the interactive map our Ward Superintendent made to keep track of scheduled street sweepings! |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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Street Resurfacing Project with Pedestrian Improvements Anticipated Start Date: August 10, 2026 Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2026 Location: North California Ave. from W. Byron St. to W. Montrose Avenue.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, and striping. During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work.
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Intersection Construction - Curb Bump-OutsThe four corners of Hibbard Elementary, bounded by Spaulding Ave, Argyle St, Sawyer Ave, and Ainslie St, are anticipated to begin work next week (the week of 09/14). There are no anticipated street closures. Pick-up and drop-off times should be unaffected as construction will not occur at those times.
If there are any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office during regular business hours. 
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Alley Reconstruction - 1The Mayor’s Office, Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the reconstruction of an alley in the 33rd ward. Please know that alley construction is scheduled to begin July 29, 2026. No alley access will be granted after July 29, 2026, please make accommodations to relocate your cars out of the garages. There will be saw cutting and minor asphalt demolition taking place July 27 & 28, 2026 but garage access is still permitted and allowed during those 2 days.
The alley is bounded by Wilson Ave and Montrose Ave, and by Sacramento Ave and Richmond St. Once started, construction is expected to take approximately six (6) weeks, weather permitting.
Due to construction, the following changes will occur: During construction, residential garbage will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. There will be no access to the alley for approximately six (6) weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrance to the alley. Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
This project will be managed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact Capitol Cement Company, Inc. at 773-478-2200.
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Alley Reconstruction - 2The Mayor’s Office, Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the reconstruction of an alley serving the 33rd Ward. Alley construction is scheduled to begin September 8, 2026. No alley access will be granted after September 8, 2026, please make accommodations to relocate your cars out of the garages. There will be saw cutting and minor asphalt demolition taking place September 3, 2026 but garage access is still permitted and allowed during those days only.
Alley bounded by: W. Leland Avenue (W. Leland Avenue / W. Wilson Avenue / N. Central Park Avenue / N. Drake Avenue)
Once started, construction is expected to take approximately six (6) weeks, weather permitting. Due to construction, the following changes will occur: During construction, residential garbage will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. There will be no access to the alley for approximately six (6) weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrance to the alley. Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
This project will be managed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact Capitol Cement Company, Inc. at 773-478-2200. 
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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingThe Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Neighborhood Market Grant ProgramMayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched a new grant program designed to support small business owners and farmers market operators, providing funding to strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, healthy food across the city. Through the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, one-time grants will be provided to small food businesses operating in priority geographies across Chicago.
The program will focus on businesses that are both economic anchors and food access points in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment. Applications in English are available as of Friday, August 28 and applications in Spanish will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Small business owners and market operators interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application materials by visiting Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan. |
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CCPSA Youth Listening SessionWe’re looking for youth voices to shape Chicago’s Police Superintendent search! The CCPSA is partnering with BUILD Chicago for a special youth listening session to hear directly from young people about their experiences with public safety and policing, the issues that matter most to them, and what they want Chicago’s next Superintendent to understand about the city’s youth.
Wednesday, September 23 4:00PM - 5:30PM Build Chicago 5100 W Harrison |
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Vital Records FairThe City of Chicago and Cook County are partnering to help residents get free certified birth certificates and register to vote—all in one place. Having these documents in hand can help Chicagoans be prepared for new barriers the federal government may try to put between them and the ballot box. Please share in your newsletter and in your networks.Register for free today, get your documents, and make sure you’re ready to exercise your right to vote. Register here.
Saturday, September 26 10:00AM - 2:00PM Manning Library 6 S Hoyne |
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Community Meals at Queen of AngelsShare a hot meal and community with us every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month! And pick up a bag of sandwiches and other food to eat the next day. Next meal is:
Sunday, September 27 6:00PM - 7:00PM Queen of Angels 2330 W Sunnyside |
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Rat Birth Control ProgramNorth River Commission will be hosting a community info session to provide more information about the Rat Birth Control Program, answer questions, and recruit volunteers. Please keep an eye out for upcoming meeting details! You can register here.
If you are interested in joining as a volunteer and be part of the Deployment Team, please reach out to [email protected]. If you are unable to join in person, you can register for the zoom link here.
Tuesday, September 29 6:00PM NRC Office 3403 W Lawrence, Suite 301 |
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Get Covered IL - Health MarketplaceA representative from Get Covered Illinois will be at the 33rd Ward Office to help assist our neighbors with finding health insurance that meets their needs and is affordable. Save the date!
Tuesday, October 6 11:00AM - 3:00PM 4747 N Sawyer |
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Center for Changing Lives - October WorkshopsThere will be a various workshops available throughout the month of October! Please see the graphics below and visit their Linktree at https://linktr.ee/cclchicago |
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Expungement and Sealing FairThere will be a Second Chance Summit at Kennedy-King College for expungements and sealing of records. RAP sheet(s) and/or IL State Police Criminal History Record must be uploaded by September 25 to participate.
Get your RAP sheet by calling CPD headquarters at (312) 745-5508 or call the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification at (815) 740-5160. Space is limited, so pre-registration will be strictly required.
Saturday, October 10 8:30am - 4:00pm
Kennedy-King College 740 W 63rd St, Building U RSVP here |
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Holiday Craft FairThere will be handmade crafts at St Mary of Providence. Stock up now for gifts and decorations to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even get a head start on Christmas shopping!
Saturday, October 10 9:00am - 2:00pm
St Mary of Providence, 4200 N Austin |
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Senior Resource FairThis event will bring together seniors, families, community organizations, and local service providers to connect with valuable resources and learn about programs and services available to older adults in our community.
Friday, October 16 11:00am - 1:00pm
Our Lady of Mercy, Basement Hall 4432 N Troy |
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Diabetes Awareness DayJoin Endeavor Health for a community event featuring expert presentations, health screenings, nutrition education, wellness resources and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals. Learn practical ways to prevent and manage diabetes while accessing resources to support your health and well-being.
Saturday, November 14 11:00am - 3:00pm
Swedish Hospital, Anderson Pavilion 2751 W Winona RSVP: 630-527-6363 |
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Disaster Loan Outreach The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) for residents and businesses impacted by the severe storm that occurred on June 10, June 11, and June 17, 2026, to apply for low-interest loans.
Online Applications To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is September 8, 2026. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 12, 2027.
Note: All impacted residents, regardless of where they live can go to any Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) site, even if it is not their Ward, county or municipality. Each location will have a Spanish translator available. |
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Impact for Equity — Property Tax AppealsThe property tax appeal system in Cook County is complex and difficult to navigate, so few homeowners appeal and even fewer succeed. Impact for Equity has developed a set of checklists and resources to simplify the process and empower homeowners to challenge inequitable property tax practices. (Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog at this website.) |
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Get Medicaid FactsThe Cook County Medicaid Impact Workgroup, a coalition convened by Cook County Health, has launched “Get Medicaid Facts," a new website and communications toolkit designed to help people understand upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and what steps they can take now to keep their coverage. These resources come at a critical time. Federal policy changes are expected to significantly impact Medicaid, and an estimated 400,000 Illinois residents could lose coverage in the coming years if they are not prepared or informed.
https://getmedicaidfacts.com/ |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Jonathan Nagy, Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Zoning and Housing Kenneth Barrios, Director of Policy and Communications Abraham Espino, Director of Business Services Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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