← Back to newsletters

46th Ward Newsletter

Relevance: 5/10
zoning_or_development_meeting_or_approval

Summary

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announced a January 22 community meeting with Sarah’s Circle to discuss the proposed 54‑unit supportive‑housing development at 4458 N. Clarendon, a zoning‑related project that requires Lakefront Protection Ordinance review, and noted the City’s 5‑Year Blueprint on Homelessness public‑comment period, the Winter Overnight Parking Ban ordinance, the by‑right development approval at 4725 N. Clifton, and the completion of the Arterial Street Light Project on Montrose between Marine and Clifton. Other highlights included a keynote at the Project Soapbox showcase, a meeting with East Lakeview Neighbors, and the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Breakfast.

46th Ward Newsletter
͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter!

January 16, 2026

Dear Neighbors,


I hope this newsletter greets you like a warm cup of tea as the weather changes between spring and winter.



As we jump in and out of snow flurries please remember that Chicago’s Winter Overnight Parking Ban is in effect from December 1 through April 1, with no parking on designated snow routes from 3:00–7:00 a.m., regardless of snowfall—vehicles parked on these routes may be ticketed and towed, so always check posted signage. If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go during cold weather, 46th Ward warming centers are available throughout the neighborhood during the day, including DFSS sites, senior centers, fieldhouses, and libraries, with additional extreme cold centers open as conditions worsen. For pedestrian safety, property owners are required to shovel and clear sidewalks adjacent to their property whenever it snows; unshoveled or icy sidewalks can be reported to 311 (by phone or online) so they can be addressed promptly to help keep our community safe and accessible for everyone.


Over the weekend, I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker for Project Soapbox Citywide Showcase at Malcom X College. is Mikva Challenge’s public speaking program that creates space for middle and high school students and encourages them to speak out about issues impacting them and their communities.



I shared my reflections on the direct power of youth voice, youth organizing, and why it matters to speak up on the issues that impact us. As a former youth leader, I must say that I left feeling deeply moved and inspired by the many thoughtful, brave young leaders who shared their stories. Their voices, vision, and fearlessness were a powerful reminder that young folks aren’t just the future, they’re leading right now!



I started the week with that same spirit of curiousness and determination during my assessment of houselessness across our entire ward. I had the pleasure of riding through our communities with Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth of the 48th ward to survey occupied and unoccupied tents and check in on neighbors experiencing homelessness. Getting out into the ward and connecting directly with neighbors where they are remains an important part of understanding the state of homelessness and the necessary resources needed to get them into stable


This survey highlighted meaningful progress, including both the Wilson and Lawrence viaducts cleared of tents and a noticeable reduction in tents across our lakefront. While there is still much work ahead to ensure all neighbors have access to housing and resources, these early improvements reflect the outcomes of our continued outreach, coordination, and care. We look forward to continued collaboration with the 48th Ward, the and community organizations as we work together to support our neighbors and pursue lasting housing solutions.

On a related note, the Mayor’s Office also presented their
to the Housing & Real Estate Committee and will have a two-week public comment period until January 30. I encourage you to take some time to review the blueprint and submit a public comment by visiting and selecting


Huge thank you to our for hosting their first meeting of 2026 and inviting my office to join in the conversation. It was a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, share updates, and hear directly about priorities and concerns as we head into the year ahead.


Big thank you to for welcoming me in for a visit and tour of their amazing space. I had the chance to connect with Executive Director Manny Rodriguez, who shared the powerful mission and vision behind their work. Revolution Workshop is doing critical work by providing training and job placement in the construction industry for neighbors 18-40 from some of Chicago’s most under-resourced communities. Through strong partnerships with employers and unions, they’re building a reliable pipeline of skilled workers and making sure participants have the tools and support they need to succeed. I left feeling inspired, energized, and grateful—especially seeing young people access real opportunities to build successful futures, one skill at a time.



I wrapped up the week at one of my favorite annual traditions, the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Breakfast. It was a really grounding way to come together with neighbors from different faiths and backgrounds to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and the work it calls us to keep doing in our communities. Vice President Kamala Harris served as the keynote speaker and reminded us that when we all are tired of being sick and tired, is when we have the power.



Yours In Service,


Alderwoman Angela Clay


P.S. Bear Down, Chicago Bears!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT



You’ve probably passed many times — it’s in a big brick building on the east side of Broadway just north of Lawrence, between a tire shop and a Chinese restaurant — but did you know that it’s open to the public? The yellow and green awning on the front of the building says, “Importer, Wholesaler, Distributor,” but once inside, you’ll discover a classic Asian grocery store and so much more. Step through the front door and you’ll be enticed by the impressive selection of imported products from Thailand – the space is tightly but neatly packed with everything from fish sauce and curries to rice and noodles, plus kitchenware, rice cookers, colorful floor mats, household supplies, beautiful handcrafted home decor and delightful gifts. Sisters Benja Loathaveerungsawad and Patchara Klaisbhan along with their brother immigrated to Chicago from a small farming town near Bangkok, Thailand, to help their older sister run the original store on Argyle St., which opened in 1975. Benja and Patchara moved the business to its current location at 4821 N. Broadway in 1985. This family-owned and operated business has dedicatedly served the Thai community in Chicago over the decades and recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. Longtime customers of the shop have seen Benja and Patchara’s children grow up in the shop from tiny toddlers to adulthood. Patachara’s son, Nick Salim, works alongside his mother and aunt. The generational loyalty goes both ways. The owners have built enduring relationships with many of their customers, and now their children and grandchildren come in from all over Chicagoland to shop at Thailand Food Corp.


The family made the choice to locate the original store on Argyle St. and the current location in the 46th Ward primarily because of the lack of grocery stores in the area at the time, as well as proximity to the train stations and major bus routes. Patchara and Benja strive to curate a broad selection of high-quality products from Thailand and Southeast Asia. According to Patchara and Nick, the most popular items are Thai noodles and sauces, and Thai jasmine rice and sweet rice. They offer a wide variety of sweet treats and salty snacks, and grab-and-go prepared food like Thai curry puffs and savory grilled pork skewers. There’s also a concise but interesting freezer section with Thai vegetable dumplings, leek cakes, eggroll wrappers, and frozen bananas, durian, taro, and sweet corn. Whether you’re a home cook looking to broaden your culinary range, a professional chef, or a neighbor looking for crunchy snacks or a quick lunch, Thailand Food Corp has something for everyone.


Business Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5:30 pm, closed Sundays.







Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Rule Change

SNAP Eligibility Rules Are Changing — What You Need to Know


Important SNAP Benefits Update


Earlier this year, Congress passed H.R. 1, the which includes major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Beginning February 1, 2026, expanded work-reporting requirements will take effect, marking the most significant tightening of SNAP eligibility in decades.


These changes expand work requirements beyond adults ages 18–54 to now include adults 55–64 and parents or caregivers whose youngest child is 14 or older. Most SNAP recipients ages 18–64, unless exempt, will be required to document 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or job training to maintain benefits after three months. Failure to report could result in the loss of benefits as early as May 1, 2026.


These changes could impact food access for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents. To help neighbors understand whether they qualify for an exemption, we encourage residents to use the (IDHS) SNAP screener tool and application forms, which our office will continue to share and promote.


For more information and ongoing updates, visit or call the Illinois ABE hotline at 800-843-6154.
To find free food programs near you, visit

46th Ward Upcoming Events

Houseless Neighbors Updates

Arterial Street Light Project

Montrose between Marine & Clifton



The Arterial Streetlight project on Montrose between Marine and Clifton has faced some weather-related delays and construction finally nearly complete. The new street lights were fully connected to the grid this week and contractors will begin removing the old poles as soon as weather permits. Once the poles are removed, sidewalk restoration will follow as soon as possible.


Installation of new street light poles (see photo above!) began in November - you can see one of the new street lights below; the new poles include “piggy-back” lights to help illuminate both the street and the sidewalk. Final asphalt restoration will take place next spring due to winter paving constraints.


See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations. Search by address . See our local 19th District’s website . Email [email protected] or our office with any questions




Business Resources


is a new citywide campaign celebrating the people, places, and pride that make Chicago’s 77 community areas truly one of a kind. It promotes local commerce and supports the small, independent businesses that shape our city’s vibrant neighborhoods. From neighborhood coffee shops to corner boutiques, these small businesses are the heart and soul of our city.


Businesses can use FREE Chicago Loves Local digital graphics to promote their shops on . Customers can support local businesses by liking and sharing posts about their favorite shops and great retail experiences. Check out the website and Instagram page for more details.


Community Grant Application


, a 501(c)(3) community nonprofit organization, is pleased to accept applications for community grants that strengthen and support nonprofit work within the East Lakeview neighborhood. Eligible applicants may include organizations working in the areas of education, social services, public safety, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, technology, green space, and community enhancement.

Grant awards range up to $2,500 per organization.


Application Deadline:  February 1, 2026



Note: Grant funds may not be used for political fundraising.


Attention business owners, commercial property owners, and developers: applications are now open for the next round of and Community Development Grants. Grants can support projects ranging from $250,000 up to $5 million for new construction, rehabilitation, or expansion.


The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026. Recent 46th Ward awardees include the ) and

American Express is teaming up with  to launch the  to help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities. The Amex Shop Small Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S.


Applications are open until Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 CT.


for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation.

The (UBC) is managed by Uptown United, and supports new and existing business owners and entrepreneurs within the East-West boundaries of Lake Shore Drive to the Chicago River, and North-South boundaries of Lincoln Park to Rogers Park. Whether you’re in the idea stage of your business or a long-standing business owner, the UBC provides a suite of FREE business services.


, powered by helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help.

The helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more.

Workforce Development

Visit the , located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more.  The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE..

Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

Our partners at the are helping keep our community safe. Following Mayor Johnson’s new , the Chamber has free official signage and whistles are available in their office, 4619 N Broadway, for local businesses and property owners. 15 large signs and 10 small stickers (shown below), first come, first served during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM). Below you will also find a quick guide small businesses can use if ICE arrives.


Let’s continue standing together for an Uptown where everyone feels safe and supported.  



Housing/Utility Resources


Senior Resources



Cook County Resources



The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring.

Click to view available positions.


Are you bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog?

Then we definitely need your help! Sign up and support all our communities across the city and serve as an election judge in 2026. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County. You can earn up to $230 for your service.