33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 14, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
Today City Council met to hold a public hearing on the Mayor’s proposed budget for 2026. As I have expressed when this budget proposal was introduced last month, I am heartened by the efforts of this proposal to shift the burden of balancing Chicago’s budget needs away from our poor and working class neighbors, our most impacted neighbors and those most in need of help and public services, to the ultra-rich 3% of corporations that have benefited from incredible tax breaks this past year, and nearly every year.
According to research by Institute for the Public Good, a research institute located in Chicago that has been helping to educate our communities and advocate for revenue reforms in Chicago,
“The top 20 publicly traded companies in Chicago will contribute ~20% of the Community Safety Surcharge with less than 1/1000th of the annual Federal Corporate Income Tax Cuts that they have received since 2017.
Those 20 publicly traded companies accrue approximately $323 billion in post-tax profit, with a combined $60 billion in annual tax breaks from Trump’s federal corporate income tax cuts that were instated in 2017, and reaffirmed in 2025.
The Community Safety Surcharge is a surcharge of $21 per employee per month for companies larger than 100 employees (3% of Chicago companies). Those funds will go into a Community Safety fund used for: youth jobs, violence intervention, gender based-violence support, mental health support for first responders, and other community safety interventions.”
You can review more of their research by clicking here and review their additional reports on local revenue options by clicking here.
Chicagoans deserve a city budget that invests in them, not one that continues to prioritize corporate greed and fear-mongering. In addition to the Community Safety Surcharge that would serve to fund many of our community’s priorities like mental healthcare, the CARE program, violence interruption and prevention work which has successfully lowered rates of gun violence in Chicago, and youth-focused investments, we can look forward to a historic investment in our public schools, and so much more.
There is still time for us all to work together to imagine what investment can look like in this time of great need. My office has worked alongside other progressive alderpeople to begin circulating a budget survey to collect feedback from our neighbors as I prepare to join City Council again next week to vote on the budget proposal. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts by clicking here.
So far, my office has received a lot of positive feedback on this budget proposal. Areas for improvement have been to find additional funding for gender based violence support services, funding for Chicago Animal Care and Control, for the public libraries, and for the Legal Protection Fund. I have heard this feedback and have been advocating for change in the proposal to reflect these needs.
While we advocate for structural reform in our city budget, to help stabilize many of our programs and services impacted by cuts from federal and state grants, our neighbors are currently experiencing a great deal of instability in these challenging times. I encourage you to stay connected with our local Albany Park Mutual Aid through their website or their social media to help support neighbors in need.
Many of you are also aware of the horrible fire that happened in our community a couple of weeks ago that has impacted a number of families. Our office has been connected with the following GoFundMe campaigns to help out.
If you would like to provide material donations, we request you coordinate with our community groups for their seasonal collection drives, such as Albany Park Mutual Aid, a local food pantry, or a local religious institution. As always, we will continue to post opportunities to support your neighbors in our announcements section below. |
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Thank you for doing this work with me. 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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The 33rd Ward Office is now a distribution site for Gun Safety Locks.
Locks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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The 33rd Ward Office has a new stock of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. November 15 — CACC Animal Adoption Event - Fees Waived! - 12:00pm - 6:00pm, 2741 S. Western Ave. November 15 — Holiday Craft Fair, 11-5pm, Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St November 16 - Avondale Food Drive - 9:30am - 7:00pm, 3642 W Belmont November 19 — Free Adult Health Screenings, 10am - 1:30pm, St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie November 19 — Free Groceries, 12:30-1:30 pm, St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie November 21 — Help Build Safe Heaters for Unhoused Neighbors, 5-7pm, Space is very limited. Please RSVP.
November 22 — Free Thanksgiving Meal Kit, 2-5:00pm at the Friendship Center November 24 — All-Community PB Meeting, 7:00pm, 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave November 27 — Free Thanksgiving Dinner, concert at noon, dinner at 1:00pm, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3857 N Kostner Ave - Call 773.725.9026 to make a reservation December 1 — Property Tax Appeals Info Seminar, 5:30pm for consultations to pre-file an appeal, 6:00pm for presentation, ends at 7:30pm - Irish American Heritage Center, Register
December 13 — Breakfast and Photos with Santa, 8am - 11am, Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St - Buy Tickets Here: https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/ December 14 - Free Community Meal, Queen of Angels Church, 6-7pm
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Support Our Local Businesses
We know many neighbors are choosing to stay in during this difficult time, and we understand safety comes first. At the same time, our local businesses, corner stores, restaurants, and shops are feeling the impact of the recent attacks on our community. If you’re able, please consider supporting them in ways that feel safe for you, whether by ordering takeout or delivery, shopping online from them, or picking up from a trusted spot. Every gesture of support helps keep these community anchors strong while we look out for one another. |
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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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Ways You Can Get Involved to Support Immigrant NeighborsIMMR 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.
ALBANY PARK MUTUAL AID APMA have been helping with grocery deliveries to folks who may not want to leave their homes right now. Their contact information can be found on their website: https://www.albanyparkmutualaid.com/
ADOPT A HIRING CORNER Latino Union is helping day laborers with their “Adopt a Hiring Corner” volunteer team. Sign up : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV1HGjpuXg8TBZXRwk4iAKa2GyRSVlgOlTwwXXgfgRBg2Ykw/viewform.
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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 Night
Upcoming Neighbor Night to be announced
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. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. |
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Participatory BudgetingIf 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
All-Community PB MeetingNovember 24, 7:00pm 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave |
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33rd Ward Snow Shoveling ProgramYou can sign up to help a neighbor with their snow shoveling or sign up to ask for help by filling out the form by clicking here, calling our office at 773-840-7880, or emailing our office at [email protected]. We will help to pair you with a neighbor for the duration of the winter season. |
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Feedback Closed - Proposal to lift the Liquor Moratorium at 3455 N Elston Ave In October our office held a community meeting to discuss the request to lift the liquor moratorium on a portion of N Elston Ave, specifically, (33.44) On Elston Avenue, from Addison Street to Roscoe Street. We allowed community members to listen and view the presentation on our website and provide feedback on the request.
After reviewing community feedback and seeing that there is a majority support from the community to lift the moratorium for on site consumption, the alderwoman has decided to proceed with lifting the Liquor moratorium at that location. The following ordinance will be amended to allow for the application of a liquor license for on site consumption on the stretch of Elston that is mentioned in the following ordinance.
(33.44) On Elston Avenue, from Addison Street to Roscoe Street. (Added Coun. J. 3-9-11, p. 113725, § 2).
The lifting of the liquor moratorium does not guarantee the approval of a liquor license, but it allows businesses in that stretch of N Elston Ave to apply for an on-site consumption liquor license. Below is a quick graph of the feedback we received.
An ordinance to amend this portion of the municpal code to allow for the application of new liquor licenses on this portion of Elston will be introduced to City Council at the next upcoming meeting. |
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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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2025 Street SweepingWe are nearing the end of street-sweeping season, with the final scheduled sweeps ending by mid-November. Sweeping will continue on main streets as weather permits.
View a printable street sweeping schedule. You can find your zone by referencing the interactive map by clicking here. |
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Fall Leaves Announcement from Department of Streets and SanitationIt's fall, and that's exactly what the leaves are doing - falling from Chicago's trees. Help us keep our streets, curbs, and gutters clean and safe! Remove leaves that fall into the street in front of your residence. Reuse them as mulch in your yard. Bag them and call 311 for a yard waste pickup.
DO NOT sweep or rake leaves into the street. Doing so is a violation of City Ordinance and can clog the sewer system, leading to flooding, ice over the upcoming winter months, and other issues. |
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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 TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044 - W032 — 3300 Block of W. Eastwood
Outside of Grid Area: 4800 Block of N. Albany
The 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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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Winter Gear Drive
3000 W Lawrence Ave Drop off times: Mondays & Wednesdays 4pm - 8pm; Saturdays 12pm - 4pm |
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Roosevelt High School - Holiday Help Drive |
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Trilogy - Winter Clothing Drive
We are accepting donations through Feburary 2026
Drop-off locations: Rogers Park- 1400 West Greenleaf Ave. Albany Park - 3737 West Lawrence Ave. Chatham - 8541 S. State St. (Wednesday only 8:30am to 5:00pm)
As temperatures fall, many struggle to access warm clothing. Trilogy aids adults and children with a mental illness and seeks donations of gently used winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves and winter boots), particularly larger sizes.
Your generosity can enhance their dignity and well-being. Let's collectively spread warmth and kindness in our community! |
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Avondale Food DriveNovember 16 from 9:30am - 7:00pm 3642 W Belmont
Several community groups have organized a this Sunday (11/16) to support neighbors in need. You can drop off supplies 9:30am-7pm at 3642 W Belmont. We are still in need of more volunteers in the afternoon to help with pickups from cars and organizing donations. You can email [email protected] if you’d like to volunteer. |
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Help Build Safe Heaters for Unhoused Neighbors
Friday, November 21st from 5pm-7pm. Space is very limited. Please RSVP.
Join @heaterblocchicago and Albany Park Mutual Aid to build safe heaters for our unhoused neighbors. Our friend at Heater Bloc Chicago will be walking us through the steps to build the heaters! Come learn how to make this resource, eat some vegan pizza and hang out with your local mutual aid group.
We are looking for donated supplies including Mason/Ball Jar Canning Lids (regular mouth), Terra Cotta Pots 6", and Isopropyl Alcohol (91%). We are also happy to receive dinner plates that are at least 6'! Supplies and donations can be brought/dropped-off at the time of the event.
If you have a 3d printer and want to help print bases for these heaters, please DM @heaterblocchicago for more info. |
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33rd Ward Food Pantry and Free Meals MapYou can view the map here.
On November 1, as SNAP benefits were being cut for 42 million Americans, including members of our own community, North River Commission launched a Community Food Pantry initiative in partnership with 3 Albany Park businesses: , , and . The response from the community has been overwhelming, as donations have been rolling into the businesses to keep the shelves stocked. If you know anybody in need of food, you can direct them to one of these businesses to take anything they need for free! And if you are interested in donating to one of the Community Food Pantries, please consider shopping from a local grocery store! The freeze in SNAP funds has led to a decrease in sales for many of these small businesses.
Albany Park restaurants have also stepped up to contribute free hot food to community members for free. Thank you to , , , , and for looking our for our neighbors!
As SNAP funding is slowly being released again, there will be changes to eligibility for the program staring December 1. For information about these changes, , and for general SNAP updates, . |
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Holiday Craft & Vendor FairSaturday, November 15, 2025 from 11am to 5pm Grover Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St
Join Cleveland Elementary for the Second Annual Cleveland Elementary Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair! Shop local artisans, crafters, hobbyists, and small businesses. Grab a snack to support our 7th/8th Grade Cafe, stop by our 3D Printing Club Table and FOC Booth for Cleveland Swag & Spirit Wear, and enter our market raffle.
There are a limited number of available vendor booths still available for the market on 11/15 - Apply to be a participating vendor here: https://tinyurl.com/CCMHoliday2025VendorForm |
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Chicago Animal Care and Control - Pet Adoption EventSaturday, November 15 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 2741 S. Western Ave
If residents plan to adopt a cat, please advise them to arrive by 1 p.m. to support an efficient experience for feline adopters. If adopting a dog, City of Chicago residents will still pay the required $5 dog license fee.
Adoption fees will be waived for all cats and dogs during this event to help more pets find loving homes before winter. |
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Free Thanksgiving Meal Food Kit
November 22 from 2 - 5 pm
The Friendship Center, 2709 W Lawrence Ave
The kit includes mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, collard greens, applesauce, and turkey. Limit one per household. |
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St. John’s Episcopal Thanksgiving DinnerNovember 27 - Free concert at noon, with dinner starting at 1pm 3857 N Kostner Ave — This location is wheelchair accessible
Please call 773.725.9026 to make a reservation and leave you name and the number of people attending. Walk-ins are welcome. The dinner is free and all are welcome to attend. |
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Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser (With Photos!)December 13, 8am - 11am Grover Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St
Buy Tickets Here: https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/
Bring your families for a delightful morning filled with joy and wonder. Join us for Breakfast with Santa Claus, where children can share their holiday wishes, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and revel in the magic of the season
Adult Meal: $15.00 (any person over the age of 11) - All you can eat Kids Meal: $10.00 (any person under the age of 10) - All you can eat |
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Property Tax Appeals Info SeminarDecember 1, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
Register for this event
Please bring your PIN Number, located on your property tax bill and questions.
Attendees may arrive at 5:30 PM to meet with an analyst to answer questions and pre-file an appeal. A presentation will begin at 6:00 PM, with analysts available throughout the event to assist with appeals and questions. The event will end at 7:30 PM.
The Cook County Board of Review has officially opened the tax year 2025 session. Property owners may Pre-File an Appeal of their 2025 property taxes with the Cook County Board of Review now, OR you can wait until the property value has been finalized by the Assessor and file an appeal when Jefferson Township 30-day appeal period opens. You will be notified when your township is open for appeals. You are not required to submit comparable properties as evidence with your appeal. The Board of Review will provide the latest and most accurate data to substantiate your appeal. Please visit www.cookcountyboardofreview.com for information on how to file an appeal online or by mail. |
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November Hot-Meals To-Go ScheduleEvery Thursday from 12:00 - 1:30pm St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie
All food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID or registration necessary.
Free Adult Health Screenings and Groceries
St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie Wednesday, November 19 Free adult health screenings: 10 am - 1:30 pm Free Groceries: 12:30-1:30 pm |
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Free Community Meals - Second SundaySunday, December 14, from 6-7pm Holy Family Hall (basement of Queen of Angels Church), 2330 W. Sunnyside.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul invites you and the members of your household to a new free Community Meal. Come, relax, and share a hot meal with other members of the community! Pick up a to-go bag with a packed lunch to eat the next day.
If you have questions, please call the Queen of Apostles Parish Office at 773-539-7510. Leave a message and the team will call you back. |
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Emergency Heating Repair ProgramOpens November 1, 2025.
EHRP offers income-eligible Chicagoland owner-occupied properties with direct assistance to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH).
The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested homeowners can apply online. They will complete the online pre-qualification questions. Afterwards, their information is transferred through the City's portal. They will receive an email on the same day with a link to proceed with completing the application. Homeowners with an email address can apply online.
Constituents can also receive a paper application via one of the following methods: The City's 311 service line CHI311 APP www.chicago.gov/ehrp. where applicants can complete a service request to apply, and an electronic status letter will be generated for their records. Paper application can be downloaded at www.chicago.gov/hrp and printed out.
A homeowner who does not have an email address or access to a computer will need to call 311 to be sent a paper application package by mail. Completed applications can be returned to: Department of Housing, Attu: Emergency Heating Repair Program, 121 N Lasalle, Room 1000, 10 flr, Chicago, Illinois 60602. |
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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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Free Narcan and Drug 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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Free Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Available at Our Ward OfficeThey 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 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 Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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