1st Ward Newsletter | October 14, 2025
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Dear neighbors,
While a federal judge has ruled against the National Guard being activated in the city of Chicago, ICE continues to be a traumatizing presence in the city, abducting many of our neighbors while injuring and panicking many more. We are helping with an initiative providing signage for businesses and other institutions to identify themselves as “ICE-Free Zones” where investigations are prohibited without a warrant and ICE agents are broadly not welcome. Many have already requested these signs–now available at our ward office–and I understand why. If I’m having a coffee, I want to know that ICE agents aren’t going to enter and start harassing customers. If I’m at the gym, I want to know I’m not re-racking the plates for someone who spent the morning pepper spraying my neighbors. If you’re a first ward entrepreneur or cultural leader, we hope you’ll express your solidarity with one of these signs.
This week will also have the mayor’s budget address on Thursday and the release of the administration’s initial budget draft. Over the past eight months I and others have participated in monthly meetings offering myriad solutions around the investments, efficiencies, and revenue reforms that will promote a safe, healthy, and thriving city. I will be looking to see how those items are reflected in the mayor’s budget draft, and am committed to spending the next month working to shape the budget to reflect the interests and values of 1st Ward residents.
Finally, looking forward to seeing you all at Boo-palooza in Wicker Park this Saturday. I’m hoping beyond hope that the rain holds off till the afternoon, but even if it doesn’t please know that there’s a lot of indoor fun planned for kids!
Have a great week!
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Additional ICE Resources
The 1st Ward Office has compiled a number of resources available on our website to residents who are concerned for their safety or the safety of their neighbors. To join our volunteer network or find Know Your Rights information, please visit our page below.
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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The 1st Ward Office is recruiting volunteers for the final Meet Me On Milwaukee taking place on Sunday, Oct. 26th! Volunteers will assist with set-up, take-down, acting as entrance attendants, etc. Sign up at the link below!
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Commissioners Steele and Vasquez are hosting a Property Tax Appeal Seminar tonight at Moos Elementary (1711 N. California). Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and a presentation on the appeals process will take place at 6:00 p.m. Registration is not required, but highly recommended.
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Community News and Events
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BooPalooza and BarkPalooza is this Saturday! Come out for this family-friendly event featuring live music, an all-ages (and dog!) costume parade and contest, games, activities, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and more. Hope to see you there!
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Every year, the Better Government Association (BGA) puts out Budget Snapshots, day-by-day guides to each department’s proposed budget. After the Mayor gives his budget address on Thursday, the city council will kick off departmental hearings. Each Snapshot highlights major changes from last year, new or significantly increased spending categories, and shifts in budgeted staffing for each department. Sign up to receive BGA's Budget Snapshots here.
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The Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, which will provide one-time payments of $1,000 to eligible selected homeowners who have experienced a property tax increase of 30% or more in tax year 2021, 2022 or 2023, has expanded the eligibility requirements for homeowners.
Under the expanded eligibility, households must have experienced a property tax bill increase of at least 30% in any of the 2021, 2022 or 2023 tax years. The previous requirement was an increase of at least 50%. The deadline to apply is now Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Homeowners who have already applied for the Homeowner Relief Fund program do not need to reapply. All previously submitted applications will be reviewed under the expanded eligibility requirement.
More information, including a full list of eligibility requirements and a link to the application, is available here. If you have questions, want to check if you are eligible, or want to schedule an appointment to complete the application, please call Commissioner Vasquez's office at 312-603-6386.
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