Chicago’s 50th Ward Newsletter

July 24, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Back to School Giveaway - July 26

Join us for the annual 50th Ward Back to School Giveaway this Sunday, July 26 at 10 AM. Come to the Indian Boundary Park Nature Play Center (in the northwest section of the park, near Estes and Rockwell) for free backpacks and school supplies. Help your children start the school year off on the right foot!

Backpacks will be distributed one per child on a first-come, first-served basis. Backpacks will ONLY be distributed to children, so make sure your child is present.

Thank you to the sponsors of this year’s event, including: Devon Sport (2359 W Devon), AAIM Howard & Western LLC, and Peoples Gas.

I hope to see you all at the 50th Ward Back to School Giveaway!

Improving the 50th Ward Infrastructure

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will soon be in the 50th Ward to begin resurfacing local streets. I am happy to report that many local streets are being completely resurfaced this year through my Aldermanic Menu funding. We will also be installing new, pedestrian-friendly piggyback streetlights on multiple blocks.

My staff went out to all of the blocks where construction is beginning soon and left notices so residents know what to expect. If you received a notice and you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office to discuss any concerns.

More details about all the upcoming local infrastructure work and recent Aldermanic Menu selections can be found on my website at 50thward.org/infrastructure or in the map below:

Improving the infrastructure of the 50th Ward has been one of my chief priorities as Alderman, and I have focused on every section of the neighborhood. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Small Business Improvement Grants - Lincoln Ave TIF

The deadline is approaching for local small business owners to apply for funding to improve their facilities. The City of Chicago will accept Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) applications from business owners in the Lincoln Avenue TIF until Thursday, July 30 at 5 PM.

The SBIF program uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to help owners repair or remodel their facilities and improve their businesses. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply. Grants up to $150,000 are available for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties.

Examples of what SBIF grants can pay for include:

• Exterior renovations and repairs, including new windows, doors and roofs

• Interior remodeling, including framing, drywall, flooring and ceilings

• Tuck-pointing and masonry repairs

• HVAC, electrical and plumbing system upgrades

• Structural components of new signage

• ADA improvements

• Project-related architectural and construction management fees

  
  

This round of funding is only available for businesses within the Lincoln Avenue TIF. To find out if your business is eligible, use the SBIF Locator Tool.

For more information about the SBIF program, visit chicago.gov/sbif. For any questions, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Cricket Tournament

I was very pleased to join my neighbors for the Charminar Cricket Tournament at Warren Park this week! Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world and has a large and devoted following in our neighborhood. I am proud of my role in helping bring a dedicated cricket pitch to our area.

Thank you to the organization for inviting me! Congratulations to all the players and to our entire cricket community on a fantastic tournament!

Beat 2413 Police CAPS Meeting

The 24th District Police will be holding a CAPS meeting this week for Beat 2413. The meeting will be held in person at Green Briar Park, 2650 W. Peterson, this Tuesday, July 28 at 7 PM.

Beat 2413 stretches from Devon to Peterson and from Kedzie to Ridge. The CAPS meeting is a great opportunity to discuss safety concerns directly with the police and your neighbors.

For more information, please call the 24th District CAPS Office at (312) 744-6321 or email [email protected]. Find all the upcoming local CAPS meetings at 50thward.org/police.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward

Back to School Giveaway Flyer

50th Ward Movie in the Park

Upcoming 50th Ward Summer Events

Community Yard Signs Now in Stock

Free yard signs are now available for pickup at the 50th Ward Office, 2949 W. Devon. There are currently four signs in stock: “Caution - Children Playing,” “Clean Up After Your Dog,” “Do Not Litter,” and “Know Your Rights.” Stop by to pick up your free signs.

Please call before coming to make sure the office is open and your desired signs are still available.

SBA Low Interest Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) for residents and businesses impacted by the severe storm that occurred on June 10, June 11, and June 17, 2026, to apply for low-interest loans. There will be two locations in the City of Chicago and two located in suburban Cook County municipalities – Alsip and Blue Island.

In Chicago, centers will be established at two Chicago Public Library locations, the Pullman Branch at 11001 S. Indiana and the Thurgood Marshall Branch, 7506 S. Racine Ave. 

SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

Events at the Northtown Library

Chess Club

Sunday, July 26 at 1-2:30 PM

Join us as we start a weekly chess club that will meet every-other Sunday afternoon. Local chess coach Isaac Adams will be with us for each meeting to teach and advise.

Family Crafts

Tuesday, July 28 at 1-2 PM

Drop in for some arts and crafts for the whole family! For children 0 to 13 and their caregivers.

Tabletop Game Night 

Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30-7:30 PM

Are you a train gamer, Catan champion, dice roller, or just looking to pick-up a new hobby? Join us at the Northtown branch on Tuesday evenings for tabletop board game play! Choose from our selection of games or bring your own to share! Library staff will be available to teach games and connect you with other players. Bring a friend or meet a new one! For ages 13+.

Circus Trunk Show and Workshop with CircEsteem

Wednesday, July 29 at 11 AM - 12 PM

CircEsteem's Performance Troupe, made up of youth ages 12 to 18, will amaze and delight you as they perform circus skills such as juggling, stilt walking, tumbling and balance. After the show, audience members will be able to interact with the performers and try out a variety of circus skills. No need to run away to join the circus, just come to your local library instead!

Summer Extravaganza with Animal Quest

Thursday, July 30 at 4-5 PM

You've worked hard all summer long – it's time to celebrate! Join us for an amazing animal show with Animal Quest. Learn about the wondrous animals that live in our world and get the chance to touch some of them during this fun, educational and interactive show. Participants who have completed the Summer Reading Challenge can pick up their prize shirt (while supplies last). For children 0 to 13 and their caregivers.

English Conversation Class for Beginners

Saturday, August 1 at 11 AM - 12 PM

Are you an English language learner looking to practice your spoken English? Or are you currently taking our English Class for Beginners and looking for more help? Join us on Saturdays for our English Conversation Class from the Indo American Center! Each class is a drop-in session and no advance registration is required. For ages 6 and up.

All events are located at the Northtown Library at 6800 N. Western. For more information, contact (312) 744-2292 or [email protected].

Sign Up for Street Sweeping Alerts

Street sweeping has officially started and will continue through late-November. You can view the schedule for the 50th Ward as an interactive map here or download a printable version on the Department of Streets and Sanitation website here. Please double-check your address on the map to make sure you are looking at the correct section.

You can find a printable schedule for each individual sweeping section on the 50th Ward website at 50thward.org/sweeping.

You can also sign up for street sweeping alerts with We the Sweeple, a third-party website that pulls information from the publicly available sweeping schedule on the Streets and Sanitation website. Visit www.WeTheSweeple.com to sign up for email alerts when street sweeping is scheduled on your block.

Please note, the site is not affiliated with the City of Chicago, so please always double-check with the official schedule.

Free Summer Meals at CPS

School is out, but Chicago Public Schools are still here to provide nutritious meals over summer break. Free meals are available throughout the summer at any CPS school where summer programs take place. All children up to the age of 18 may receive free meals. ID is not required but children must be present and meals must be consumed onsite.

Find your nearest meal distribution site here. For questions about summer meals, call (800) 359-2163 or text FOOD or visit WeGotYouIllinois.org.

50th Ward Know Your Rights Portal

Summer Bird and Nature Walk

HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program

Communities United Back to School Fair

Rent and Utility Assistance