|
The 2nd Ward Newsletter for May 22, 2026
In This Edition:
|
|
|
|
2nd Ward Website
|
|
|
2nd Ward Twitter
|
|
|
2nd Ward YouTube
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did someone forward you this email? Click here to subscribe.
|
|
City of Chicago Offices Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
Note: Due to the upcoming holiday, this newsletter is being sent today, Friday, May 22, 2026, instead of Monday, May 25, 2026.
All City of Chicago Offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. The 2nd Ward office will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, with our regular hours. If you need to file a service request, please use the City's 3-1-1 portal here. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
There will be no refuse collection on Memorial Day, and all city-collected and LRS refuse and recycling will be serviced Tuesday through Friday. Residents should ensure all Black and Blue Carts are accessible throughout the week of collection.
On this day of remembrance, we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I wish you all a very safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
|
|
Cortland Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project Update
I received this letter from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) providing some requested clarity on the status of the Cortland Street Bridge rehabilitation project; it is yet another reminder of the enormous strain that multiple bridge closures have placed on residents, workers, and commuters across the North Side. For months, our neighborhoods have dealt with traffic congestion, rerouted transit, and daily frustration as key river crossings have been taken offline simultaneously. The cumulative impact has been disastrous for the surrounding communities and for anyone trying to move efficiently through the city.
At the same time, I appreciate CDOT’s acknowledgment that pedestrian and bicycle access across the bridge will remain open. Given the limited number of river crossings available on the North Side right now, maintaining this connection is an important, if modest, consolation for residents who walk or bike between neighborhoods. Preserving safe non-vehicular access helps reduce some of the disruption and ensures people still have a viable way to traverse the river during this extended closure.
As a reminder, in the aftermath of the closures that happened in the fall of last year, I successfully passed an ordinance that mandates that CDOT inform the City Council of non-emergency bridge closures before initiating any repairs. This has already started to have an impact, with the department informing the City Council of other planned closures of bridges on the South and far Northwest side.
I remain committed to passing legislation that improves the quality of life of my constituents and all Chicagoans.
|
|
Luft Balloons Grand Re-opening
This week, my staff was able to join the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce for the grand re-opening of Luft Balloons. Their new storefront is now located at 1536 N Halsted Street. Visit their space for balloon bouquets, great for birthdays, graduations, or any celebratory occasion.
Click here to learn more.
|
|
Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions made by Jewish Americans in the United States. This week, the Chicago City Council passed this resolution in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.
Last month, I was honored to be a guest at the Latin School of Chicago's community Seder last month. The event was a huge success with over 240 participants. Thank you to Latin School of Chicago for hosting this memorable Seder.
Featured in the photo below (left to right): Paul Kendrick, myself, Latin seniors, Susana Mendoza (comptroller), Consulate General to Israel to the Midwest Elad Strohmayer, and Ellen Rosenfeld CPS Board Member - District 4.
|
|
Follow Me on Social Media to Receive Pertinent Updates
 While the weekly Email Newsletter is the best way to stay up-to-date with communications from my office, you may also get updates about grand openings, community alerts, and other news from my official office accounts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X.
Please follow us at the handles below:
Instagram - @aldhopkins
Facebook - @aldermanhopkins
X - @aldhopkins
TikTok - @alderman2ndward
|
|
Get Behind the Vest Fundraiser: Wednesday, June 24
Join me and Committeeman Egan for a special fundraiser supporting Get Behind the Vest, hosted by Mario Stefanini. The event will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at Mario's Table (located at 21 W Goethe St).
This is the 5th Annual Get Behind the Vest event we have hosted in the 2nd Ward. Since 2022, we have raised over $250,000 (approximately 400 life saving vests for our men and women in the department).
A vest is not bulletproof forever. It wears out. It breaks down. It needs to be replaced every 5 years. At $500 or more per vest, in addition to other equipment and uniform expenses, the costs can quickly add up. That is why we need your help. Your donation ensures that every officer out there protecting you is protected.
Click here for tickets.
|
|
Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Their website is now live. Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. There is an interactive map of all seven street sweeping sections included, as well as the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, May 26: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 7 (brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, May 27: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 7 (brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, May 28: Section 1 (olive)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, May 29: Section 1 (olive)
|
|
18th Police District Council Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, May 26
The 18th Chicago Police District Council is holding its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 12:30 pm at the Near North Public Library (310 W Division St).
District Councilors will provide updates, and Kevin Ryan, Vice President of Security at the CTA, will be in attendance as a guest speaker.
For attendees planning to drive, there is a parking lot just west of the library and there are metered spots on Division St.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. Click here to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
|
|
Cook County Government Job Fair: Wednesday, May 27
 The Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is hosting its annual job fair on Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at 124 S Wabash Ave. Representatives from a number of departments of Cook County government will be in attendance to connect, answer questions, and highlight open positions.
Click here to register.
|
|
Mobile DMV Event at St Matthew United Methodist Church: Saturday, June 13
The Secretary of State announced a mobile DMV event on Saturday, June 13, at St Matthew United Methodist Church, located at 1000 N Orleans St from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
This event will provide community members with convenient access to important DMV services, including:
• Driver’s License renewals or corrections
• State ID and REAL ID services
• Vehicle registration and license plate stickers
• Motor voter registration
• Organ donor registration
Appointments are required. Community members can register using the link below or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
Click here to register.
|
|
|
Sueños Chicago Music Festival: May 23 - 24
 The Sueños Chicago music festival returns to the Lakefront from noon to 10:00 pm daily in Grant Park on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24. Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, and increased traffic, and to plan accordingly.
Information about transit and traffic may be found here. Residents are also encouraged to download the OEMC app for relevant alerts.
|
|
"It's Your Park Day" at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks: Saturday, May 30
 On Saturday, May 30, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, I will be co-hosting a cleanup event at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks, in partnership with the Lake Shore and Seneca Parks Foundation and The Chicago Parks Foundation. Join us to make an immediate difference by volunteering to prepare our parks for the (fast-approaching) warmer weather. This event is a great way to team up and clean up areas in the Parks, gardens, playgrounds, and neighborhood.
Gloves, brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags needed for clean-up projects will be provided. All ages are welcome, and students can earn community service credit.
Click here to register.
|
|
Division St Farmers Market Now Open
 The Division St Farmers Market, located at 100 W Division St, is open every Saturday from 7:00 am - 12:00 pm. Enjoy fresh local produce, baked goods, fresh herbs, and plants at this very popular market.
My office will have a table at the market each week from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, so please stop by and say hello!
|
|
SOAR Farmers Market Now Open
 The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) is hosting its weekly Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm this summer, in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E Chicago Ave). Stop by for fresh produce, baked goods, and other local offerings.
My office will have a table at the market each week, so please stop by and say hello. Click here for more information.
|
|
Volunteers Needed at the Wells Street Art Festival: June 13-14
 The 51st annual Wells Street Art Festival will take place on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help ensure that this exciting event runs smoothly. If you are interested in helping out on either of the days, please reach out to Marcy Huttas at [email protected].
Click here for more information about the Wells Street Art Festival.
|
|
Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier: Begins Saturday, May 23
Navy Pier kicks off its fireworks display this Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23, starting at 10:00 pm. Enjoy the show every Wednesday at 9:00 pm and Saturday at 10:00 pm, from May 23 to September 5.
Click here for the summer schedule.
|
|
Tour the Gold Coast with the Chicago Architecture Center
 The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) offers two distinct neighborhood walking tours of the Gold Coast: Astor Street and Dearborn Street. The seasonal tours run to November.
Join a certified CAC docent to learn about the neighborhood's spectacular homes. Each 90-minute tour focuses on the buildings' architectural styles, the architects who designed them, and the people who lived in them. The preservation movement that saved many of Gold Coast's treasures is covered, along with stories that bring the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage to life.
For information on the Astor Street tour and scheduling, click here.
For information on the Dearborn Street tour, click here.
To learn more about the CAC and all of the tours offered, click here.
|
|
Magnificent Mile Art Festival: May 30-31
 The Magnificent Mile Spring Art Festival returns to 875 N Michigan Ave on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, for a weekend celebrating art, creativity, and the energy of Chicago in spring. Featuring more than 60 juried artists from across the country, the open air festival showcases original works in painting, photography, jewelry, fashion, glass art, and more, all set along one of the city’s most iconic avenues. Visitors can explore the festival while experiencing the shopping, dining, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of spring along The Magnificent Mile.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Lookingglass Theatre Presents "Ice Cream Circus" at Seneca Park: Tuesday, June 2
The Lookingglass Theatre is excited to host Ice Cream Circus at Seneca Park, located at 220 E Chicago Ave, on Tuesday, June 2, at 5:00 pm. Ice Cream Circus is an original, circus-infused play showcasing the transformative magic of a simple act of kindness. Conveyed without spoken language and entirely through dance, clown, and circus, Ice Cream Circus! is perfect for all generations and language backgrounds.
The performance is free and open to the public. Bring your own chair!
|
|
|
|
