Chicago’s 50th Ward Newsletter

March 6, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Combating Anti-Jewish Hate in Chicago

I joined Jewish leaders from across Chicago this week to urge Mayor Brandon Johnson to address the crisis of anti-Jewish hate in our city. City data shows a disturbing 58% rise in antisemitism, with fully one-third of all reported hate crimes impacting Jewish residents of Chicago. The Commission on Human Relations unanimously issued recommendations on how to curb this trend, but no action has been taken by City Hall.

The City’s own civil rights agency has been raising the alarm about increasing anti-Jewish hate in Chicago since an earlier report released in July of 2025. Still, after more than 8 months, there has still not been a response to this crisis from the Mayor’s Office. We need strong action now.

For more information about the press conference and what Jewish organizational leaders are requesting, view the ABC 7 report here or my recent editorial in the Chicago Tribune here.

The Chicago Commission on Human Relations recommendations to combat antisemitism are available on the CCHR website here.

Parade on Devon - March 8

There will be a parade soon on Devon Avenue to commemorate an Islamic holiday, the Martyrdom of Imam Ali. The parade will start at 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 8. The route runs along Devon Avenue from Leavitt to Western and then north on Western to Albion.

Expect street closure and bus detours during the parade. No parking signs will also be posted on Devon Avenue along the parade route on March 8 from 3 AM to 6 PM.

The 50th Ward is one of the most diverse communities in the City of Chicago, and it is wonderful to be able to celebrate so many different cultures.

Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. This important annual commemoration was officially recognized by the US government in 1987 when it was extended from a weeklong commemoration into its current form. The purpose of the month, according to then President Ronald Reagan, is to urge us to “recognize and salute women's contributions to the American family and to society.”

As a proud woman, I am eternally grateful to the trailblazing women of the past who set the course for equality for people of all genders. I would like to thank my own mother for setting an example of self-confidence and pride, and I hope that I am able to set a similar example for my daughters. I encourage everyone to learn more about this important commemoration. For more information, visit www.womenshistorymonth.gov.

Daylight Saving Time

It is almost time to “spring forward.” Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday at 2 AM. Please remember to turn your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.

I also want to remind everyone to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clocks. Batteries need to be replaced in alarms at least once a year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you also test your alarms every month to make sure they are still working.

Three out of every five home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. It is vital to make sure that your alarms work and are placed in the proper locations.

Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. For more information about the proper placement of smoke alarms and frequently asked questions, click here.

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward

Primary Election Update

A Midterm Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 17. Early Voting has officially begun and Vote By Mail applications are currently being accepted.

There are a few important updates that residents should know as we get closer to Election Day:

Early Voting is available at sites across the city, including the 50th Ward’s Northtown Library (6800 N. Western). Voting will be available every day through Election Day.

Early voting hours are as follows:

March 2 through March 17

Weekdays: 9 AM - 6 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM - 5 PM

Sundays: 10 AM - 4 PM

Election Day (March 17): 6 AM - 7 PM

For more information and a complete list of early voting locations throughout the city, click here.

The Board of Elections has started mailing Vote By Mail ballots for those who registered. Please remember, in order to be counted, your vote by mail ballot must be postmarked by Election Day. The United States Postal Service will not guarantee that ballots will be postmarked the same day you mail them, so USPS now recommends voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before Election Day.

If you plan on returning your ballot by mail, make sure to put it in the mailbox no later than Tuesday, March 10. If you want to return your vote by mail ballot closer to Election Day, use one of the secure drop boxes in place at the Northtown Library and other Early Voting sites or go directly to the post office counter and request a manual postmark.

Online voter registration is now closed, but you can still register to vote at your precinct polling place on Election Day or at any early voting site. To register in person, you must show two forms of ID, at least one of which lists your current address. Click here for more information about registering to vote.

For more information about the upcoming election and how you can participate, visit chicagoelections.gov.

Emergency Heating Repair Program

The Emergency Heating Repair Program is now open to new applicants. This program provides direct assistance to income-eligible Chicago homeowners to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Limited funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enrollment will be accepted from November 1, 2025, through April 1, 2026, or until all funds have been exhausted. To apply, visit chicago.gov/ehrp, call 311, or use the CHI311 app.

The Emergency Heating Repair Program is open to Chicagoans who own and occupy a one-to-four unit residential building. Households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible to participate in the program.

If approved for the program, qualified contractors will perform the work at no cost to the homeowner, with funding provided through the Department of Housing. For more information, visit chicago.gov/ehrp. For any questions, call (312) 744-3653 or email [email protected].

Request a Free Tree on Your Parkway

With spring on its way, now is the time to request a tree be planted in a public parkway, free of charge. Simply call the 50th Ward Office or submit a Tree Planting Request online.

Planting trees improves air quality, prevents flooding, provides shade and cool air, and reduces pollution. The benefits of trees are numerous and of increasing importance in this age of climate change. More trees mean healthier communities and healthier lives.

Tree planting service requests are handled in the order in which they are received. Once your request is submitted, your planting site will be investigated by Forestry staff to confirm its suitability for a tree to grow. For the health of the trees, planting is typically only done in the spring and fall, with the exact timing of each season varying based on weather and ground temperatures.

Learn more about the benefits of planting trees and find answers to frequently asked questions at chicago.gov/OurRoots.

50th Ward Know Your Rights Portal

24th District Police Senior Movie

24th District Police Youth Program

Become a Chicago CERT Volunteer