33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
I am excited to announce our Participatory Budgeting Launch Party next week on September 11 from 3:30-5:00pm at the Roosevelt High School Library. Join us to celebrate the start to our Participatory Budgeting process for 2025! This event is open to all and we will be providing food! |
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Participatory Budgeting is a process through which my office empowers our neighbors to decide how our local infrastructure money is spent. Each year, every ward office receives money to invest in roads, alleys, street lights, sidewalks, and more. My office brings together neighbors to review projects, develop proposals, and create our ballot for neighbors to vote on early next year.
If you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org. The committee is open for all neighbors to join, including students. So please encourage your family and friends to consider joining to learn more about how we can invest in our local infrastructure, schools, and parks.
I would also like to take a moment to provide updates and resources regarding President Trump’s threats to increase immigration enforcement and to possibly deploy the National Guard in Chicago.
Yesterday, I joined WTTW for a segment on “Chicago Tonight” to talk about Trump’s threats to deploy the National Guard and increase immigration enforcement here in Chicago. Trump’s efforts to terrorize our communities and cause fear are not welcome here in Chicago. Our communities are organized and we are here to protect each other. We know that investing in community creates safer and thriving places to live. We call for investment, not more policing.
Please remember, if you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693 to report what you see. We encourage you to save this number in your phone.
The City of Chicago launched a Family Preparedness Campaign and will host virtual Family Preparedness workshops at 6 p.m. every Thursday evening throughout September. Residents are invited to register for the webinars online and can view additional information on IMMR’s website. You can also reference information through my office’s Immigration Resources page on our website by clicking here.
You can email [email protected] to get connected to future training opportunities to join our local rapid response network. If you manage a community organization or small business and would like to receive training to join a community stakeholder rapid response team, you can click here to fill out an interest form or reach out to our office directly at [email protected] with any questions. If you would like to volunteer with our office for canvassing to talk to neighbors about their rights, you can fill our our volunteer interest form by clicking here.
If you would like to spend time with neighbors in the community, Christ Lutheran Church will be hosting an event called, “Our Stories, Our Power,” from 6-9pm at the church tomorrow, September 6. |
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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. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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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.
You can view our 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources You can get involved at bit.ly/nwsdefense and stay informed at bit.ly/nwsresources. |
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Mexican Independence Day Parade: September 14 from 12pm - 3pm starting at the Little Village arch on 26th and Albany |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. Next Week: September 6 - “Our Stories, Our Power,” from 6-9pm at Christ Lutheran Church September 6 - Friendship Center Fundraiser from 2-5pm at Begyle Brewing - Tickets September 6 - Horner Park Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pm, at the fieldhouse September 6 and 7 - Vintage Festival at Wilson and Kedzie, 12pm - 6pm (free) September 8 - Neighbor Night, 33rd Ward Open House, 4747 N Sawyer Ave from 4:30-6:30pm September 10 - Urban Flooding Meeting with NRC from 6-7:30pm at Movement on Montrose - Register
Upcoming: September 13 - Horner Park Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pm, at the fieldhouse September 13 - Global Gardens Free Concert with the Joel Paterson Swing Quartet from 4-7pm - Register September 14 - Mexican Independence Day Parade, 12pm - 3pm, starting at the Little Village arch on 26th and Albany September 14 - Twilight Canoe and Kayak - Clark Park Annual Fundraiser September 20 - Horner Park Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pm, at the fieldhouse September 22 - Neighbor Night from 4:30-6:30pm, details to be announced September 27 - Cleveland Elementary Back-to-School Fall Craft & Vendor Fair at 3121 W. Byron, 10:00am-4:00pm September 27 - Horner Park Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pm, at the fieldhouse September 29 - Sage Brigade, 11am - 12:30pm at the 33rd Ward Office
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City of Chicago Launches Family Preparedness Campaign IMMR will host virtual Family Preparedness workshops at 6 p.m. every Thursday evening throughout September. Residents are invited to register for the webinars online and can view additional information on IMMR’s website.
UPGRADED IMRR WEBSITE The City has also launched a newly enhanced IMRR website at www.chicago.gov/IMRR. Step-by-step, easy-to-follow guidance for immigrant families and individuals; User-friendly content and clear visuals; Resources tailored to immigrant and refugee communities, highlighting services and protections.
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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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Neighbor NightNext: September 8 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm for appointments. The guest’s presentation will begin at 5:30pm and you do not need to have an appointment to join. Upcoming: September 22
Guest: Ward Office Open House Location: 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Guest presentations will begin at 5:30pm. Neighbor Nights will maintain an appointment-based schedule to meet with Alder Rodriguez Sanchez. Appointments with the alderwoman can be made by reaching out to [email protected].
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. We hope that these gatherings will be a place where you can get involved for the first time, or for those of you that are well-connected in the neighborhood to learn more about local organizations and stay up to date on work that is happening locally. |
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Participatory BudgetingSeptember 11 from 3:30-5:00pm Roosevelt High School Library
Join us to celebrate the start to our Participatory Budgeting committee for 2025! This event is open to all. We will be providing food. If you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org |
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Sage BrigadeMonday, September 29 from 11am - 12:30pm 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave.
Join the 33rd Ward Seniors Program for their upcoming meeting at the 33rd Ward Office to learn about utility billing assistance programs available to our neighbors. |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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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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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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Notice to Tenants of Gary Carlson BuildingsOur office has received many calls from tenants concerned about what Gary Carlson’s passing means for them and their housing. We want to assure you that we have already met with the management company, as well as with community partners, to make sure tenants are supported and protected during this transition. We will continue working with the management company and city departments to advocate for the protection of our neighbors.
Please be advised, management will be sending notices to tenants with relevant contact information for building management and to report the need for services.
In the meantime, if you are experiencing challenges in paying your rent, have questions about your lease, or need support understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, please contact our Director of Zoning and Housing, Rebecca Rios, at [email protected] or (773) 840-7880. We are here to guide you and connect you to trusted community partners who specialize in tenant rights and housing support: Autonomous Tenants Union (ATU) – Albany Park Tenant Hotline: (872) 216-5288 Communities United – Housing Rights for both Tenants and Homeowners: (773) 583-1387 Law Center for Better Housing – Retaliation and Eviction Defense: (312) 347-7600 Metropolitan Tenants Organization – Tenants’ Rights Hotline: (773) 292-4988
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CTA Workforce Outreach and Informational EventSeptember 12 from 10:00am - 12:00pm Discover Shine Bright Community Center, 8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL 60619 Register
Learn more about workforce opportunities on CTA contracts, engage with CTA workforce partner agencies, and connect with construction contractors and building trades (trade unions). The event will feature a presentation providing information about current and upcoming projects, contractors involved and how to apply for current and upcoming employment opportunities. The presentation will be followed by a networking session for attendees to speak directly with contractors, unions, and workforce agencies involved on the project.
Early arrival is suggested. Event will conclude at 12:00pm where we will immediately begin take down. |
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Survey by Haugan SchoolHaugan school has created a survey to measure public support for the possible uses for the space vacated by Haugan Aspira. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/xE4qpyCXbjy75FYFA |
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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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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 and fliers by clicking here. You can review the following helpful calendars for an overview of events: Veteran Event Calendar. |
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Chicago Vintage Fest is coming to Albany Park!September 6 and September 7 from 12pm-6pm at Wilson and Kedzie |
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Know Your Rights Workshop (Virtual)Thursday, September 4 from 3-4pm Zoom Register here
In this webinar, organizers from HANA Center will lead a discussion of what your legal constitutional rights are, as well as how to interact with ICE agents and police officers. They will also provide the latest updates on federal immigration policy. This webinar is FREE, will be presented in both English and Spanish, and is open to business owners, leaders, and their employees.
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Our Stories, Our PowerSaturday, September 6 from 6-9pm Christ Lutheran Church, 3253 W Wilson |
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End Hunger GamesSaturday, September 6 from 2-5pm Begyle Brewing
The Friendship Center invites you to this year's End Hunger Games, a family-friendly fundraiser to support 70,000 neighbors facing hunger on Chicago's northwest side. Each $40 ticket will include entry, food, two beers, and carnival-theme gameplay on Saturday, September 6. Buy your tickets today at friendshipcenterchicago.org/ehg!
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Urban Flooding Community MeetingWednesday, September 10 from 6pm-7:30pm Movement on Montrose, 2951 W Montrose Participants can register here
There will be light refreshments, and participants who register AND attend will receive a gift card. This meeting is a chance for community members to: Share personal experiences and concerns about flooding Learn about new technology supporting the City of Chicago’s flood response Gain practical tips on how to prepare for flooding emergencies
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Cleveland Elementary Back-to-School Fall Craft & Vendor FairSaturday, September 27 from 10-4pm |
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National Immigration Justice Center Halloween Costume Contest October 11 from 10:30-12pm Horner Park
Please join us by registering here. The costume contest categories include: Best Individual Adult Costume, Best Individual Child Costume, Best Group Costume. Participants will be ranked on the following criteria: Creativity, Execution, Pizzazz!
Our judges will include Chicago community members who are doing the hard work to support our immigrant/migrant neighbors. Light refreshments/snacks will be served. |
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GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE |
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Chicago Emergency Supplemental Victims FundThe City of Chicago’s Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) pilot provides financial assistance in set amounts to survivors and their families to alleviate the immediate financial impacts of fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents. Launched in December 2022, the pilot's goal is to combat the immediate financial impacts and trauma inflicted on those who experience loss from gun violence. Learn more by clicking here.
Community Development GrantsThe City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards. CDGs use proceeds from the 2024 Housing and Development Bond and other funding sources to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs. |
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Below is a list of Mental Health resources that are available locally here in the City of Chicago. |
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Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward OfficeOur office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to [email protected] for more information. |
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My office believes that the best approach to community safety requires us all to participate in conversation together, to learn about each others’ needs and find ways to support each person. We encourage everyone to participate in the work of the CCPSA and your local District Council and attend your regular beat meetings (CAPS). Click here to view our Community Safety Resource page. |
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Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Policy Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent |
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DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? |
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We are always trying to improve our communication! If you have information to share with the community, we would like to know! To submit an item for our weekly newsletter, please send an email with the event details including date, time, and location, and a brief written description. Any photos should be submitted in .JPEG format. Please submit by 5pm on Thursday. |
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