Our Ward Weekly
Newsletter
Words from Alderperson Vasquez
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Dear Neighbors,
Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate!
This week, the 40th Ward Office came back from our team retreat last week, where we discussed all of the anticipated challenges for the coming year, and also how we want to communicate and celebrate the successes as we partner with the neighbors here in 40! I’m really excited about some of the developments this year, and am grateful that we have such a dedicated and bright team.
Although we see challenges from the Federal to City level, we will continue to be every bit as accessible, transparent, accountable, responsive and effective as we have been. We look forward to showing the rest of the city what the 40th Ward brings to the table!
I look forward to seeing out in the ward!
In Solidarity and Community,
Andre Vasquez
Alderperson, 40th Ward
40th Ward Office Hours:
Monday: 10am-5pm
Tuesday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday: phones and appointments only!
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Top Stories
Ward Office Closed on Monday!
The 40th Ward Office will be closed next Monday, February 16th, in honor of President's Day! We will reopen on Tuesday, February 17th. In the meantime, you can submit any requests to 40thward.org/contact or leave us a voicemail at 773-654-1867.
Ward Night will also be cancelled, so if you have any questions or concerns you want to discuss, you can catch us at our next Ward night on February 23rd, from 5:00-6:30pm.
Join our Front Desk Team
Interested in volunteering at the 40th Ward office? Join our Front Desk team! We'll walk through phone call scenarios, our volunteer schedule, and our constituent service request form! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected]!
- When: Friday, February 27th from 1:00-2:00pm
- Where: 40th Ward Office, 5620 N. Western Avenue
- Register by scanning the QR code above or completing this form!
Green Homes Chicago
Registration for Green Homes Chicago (GHC) begins this month! The program provides free home energy upgrades and energy efficiency retrofits to a limited number of income-eligible homeowners across Chicago, including new insulation and heat pump heating and cooling systems. Interested homeowners must register during the upcoming intake period for a chance to apply for the service. Registration will be open from 9am Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – 4:30pm Friday, February 27, 2026. Register via 311 at www.chicago.gov/greenhomes, calling 311, or using the CHI311 app.
This program is open to residents who own and occupy a 1–2-unit property in the City of Chicago and meet the income guidelines. Households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) are eligible to participate in the program. Homes will be screened for physical condition and feasibility for cost-effective electrification.
Coyote Safety Tips
Coyote pup season is here, which means adult coyotes may be more active and visible as they protect den sites and search for food, especially at dawn and dusk. As our office has been getting more calls about coyote sightings in the neighborhood, we want to share some simple, practical information to ensure neighbors are prepared and stay safe. Check out these tips on how to avoid conflicts with urban coyotes, and learn more about the City of Chicago's Coyote Management and Coexistence Plan.
In the News
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A City That Works: City Hall’s budget brawl exposes a major flaw in the process, Block Club Chicago
On the Blog
- February 2026 Immigration Briefing: Check out the blog for a debrief on the major immigration trends and updates this month, including the expanded travel ban, immigrant visa pause, and an update on CPD interactions with ICE.
- CIRR Immigration Enforcement Violation Report Form: In response to community concerns, the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights has created a reporting mechanism where residents can report violations related to immigration enforcement.
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Construction & Development Updates
Construction Update
Lincoln Avenue Streetscape
Work is set to begin in a week that will update the traffic lights at Western & Ainslie. This work will include removing the left-turn from Ainslie onto Western heading South. This change is necessary to accommodate the safety of the pedestrians and cyclists with the new traffic configuration.
We’re now in the final stretch of the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape! Over the next two weeks the contractor will be working on some miscellaneous items within the Ainslie Plaza.
Ashland Avenue Resurfacing
Construction is set to begin on the Ashland and Berwyn traffic signal this week, and is expected to be operational two weeks from now!
Repaving for Ashland Avenue from Montrose to Foster will pick up again in Spring when the asphalt plants reopen. The signage crew has also started work in Phase 1 (from School to Montrose) and will move to Phase 3 (Foster to Ridge) later in the season. For more on details and timeline, visit our website.
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Community Events & Opportunities
See below for upcoming events in our ward! To view all upcoming and past events, visit our 40th Ward Event Calendar.
Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Scholarship
The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is proud to announce the opening of its annual Foundation’s scholarship program for the 2026-2027 academic year. CLCF has awarded $1.5 million of scholarships since 2017, and will award over $200,000 dollars worth of scholarships this year. That is over 40 $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago. Students can apply online via the Caucus’ website at https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Free Screening: The People vs Climate Change
The Citizens Climate Lobby is hosting a FREE documentary screening of The People vs Climate Change at the Davis Theater (4614 N Lincoln Avenue) on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 PM. To register and learn more, follow this link.
Community Care Program through JACP and IDoA
The Community Care Program (CCP) through the Illinois Department of Aging (IDoA) provides free or low-cost services to eligible older adults to help them live safely and independently at home. Services include:
- Homemaker Services: Help with meals, laundry, errands, and housekeeping
- Adult Day Services: Supervised daytime care and social activities outside the home
- Emergency Home Response Systems (EHRS)
JASC works directly with seniors and families to start the application process and provide guidance. Learn more at this link.
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Microgrants
Over the past several months, we have witnessed a level of devastation among our neighborhood small businesses unlike anything we’ve seen before. Foot traffic and sales have dropped. Many businesses are operating with limited staff. For business owners, every single day has become a test of strength, resilience, and resourcefulness.That is why the IHCC is launching a microgrant program, an immediate and focused effort to raise funds that will be distributed directly to the businesses in our community that need help now. These grants will provide a much-needed boost to help cover rent, pay employees, or replenish essential inventory. Learn more about eligibility and apply at this link.
Winter Coat Drive: Amundsen High School
Amundsen High School will be having a student-led winter coat drive starting on Monday, February 16th! Amundsen Students can drop off coats in the main office from February 16th to February 27th. The general public can drop off coats in front of the main doors (5110 N. Damen) on February 18th and February 25th from 3:15-4:30pm.
Journey Through Foster Care
We hope you can join Lawrence Hall on February 19 from 6:00–8:00 PM at 1016 W Dakin St for the grand opening of their very first Journey Through Foster Care event.
This interactive experience guides participants through the emotional and often unpredictable stages of the foster care system. Guests will walk through eight themed rooms, each representing a different stage in a foster child’s journey toward a stable, long-term placement. Along the way, participants will have opportunities to observe, reflect, and better understand the roadmap a youth navigates as they grow, adapt, and develop within the system. Learn more and register at this link.
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Community Safety
Public Safety Updates
We have seen an increase in catalytic converter thefts across the 20th District. Unfortunately, we’ve been advised that these thefts are rising citywide. The district’s Tactical and Robbery teams are actively coordinating with area detectives and citywide units to address the issue.
As we know, these thefts typically occur in under a minute, which makes it extremely challenging to apprehend offenders in the act. In addition, because catalytic converters are not serialized, even when they are recovered, it is very difficult to trace them back to a specific vehicle.
For residents who may be at risk, we recommend considering anti-theft measures. Options include installing a catalytic converter cage or shield, attaching protective cables, or having your VIN etched onto the converter. While our office cannot recommend a specific vendor, there are several reputable shops in the city that provide these services.
In addition to catalytic converter thefts, Area 3 detectives have informed the 40th Ward of recent trends citywide of burglaries from motor vehicles. In incidents across the city, offenders reportedly targeted late model Hondas by breaking the driver side window and removing the airbags from the steering wheel. The owners reported the incidents after finding the damage to their vehicles.
If you have any information, please contact Detectives from Area Three: (312) 744-8263 or Area Five: (312) 312-746-7394 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com and use reference # 26-CWP-004 A.
Public Safety Trends
Overall, violent crime is down 26.1% in the 40th Ward for 2026 so far compared to 2025! Citywide, violent crime is down 12.5%. See below for a breakdown of citywide and 40th Ward statistics across all categories.
To learn more about crime trends, visit the city's Violence Reduction Dashboard
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Ward Snapshot
On Lincoln's Birthday, The Chicago Continuum of Care, which is a coalition of organizations that address homelessness and provide services for those in need, convened us for breakfast to discuss what the years ahead look like under Trump. We need all levels of government working together to keep our neighbors safe. Here I am joined by my colleague 26th Ward Alder Jessie Fuentes!
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