39th Ward Updates

39th Ward Newsletter
September 4, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

As we head into Labor Day weekend, I want to recognize and thank the workers who keep our neighborhoods and our city moving every day. Whether you work in our schools, businesses, hospitals, public safety, the trades, public service or countless other fields, your hard work makes a difference in our community. Labor Day is an important opportunity to recognize that work, and I hope everyone has a safe and well-deserved long weekend. Please note that our ward office and City offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of the holiday.

Labor Day also signals that fall is just around the corner. Before long, the leaves will start coming down, and a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping our streets and sidewalks clean and our sewer drains clear. Please remember not to rake or blow leaves into the street, and help keep nearby drains free of leaves and debris. Our office will continue sharing seasonal cleanup reminders and information about City services throughout the fall.

And while Halloween may still feel a little ways off, now is a great time to start planning. Every year, blocks across the 39th Ward come together for Halloween block parties, giving kids and families a fun way to trick-or-treat and celebrate with their neighbors. If your block would like to participate, you can apply for a Halloween street closure here: Block Party Application Form. Please note that consecutive blocks cannot be closed and applications must be received by Friday, October 16th. My office is happy to assist if you have any questions about the process.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend and a great start to September. There is plenty to look forward to in the 39th Ward this fall, and I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood!

As always, my office is here to help. We are located at 4200 W. Lawrence Ave. and are open Mondays from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please contact us at 773.736.5594 or [email protected] if you need any city services or have any questions.

Best,

Alderman Samantha Nugent

39th Ward Updates

Labor Day Garbage Collection

ChicagoRecycles.org

First Week of School

Last week, I visited the schools in the 39th Ward to welcome our students, staff, and families back for another great school year.

Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival

I attending the third annual Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival, hosted by the SamaSama Project at Eugene Field Park. I was honored to be invited to speak along with the Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, Melanie Rita B. Diano. This event is always a joyful celebration of music, culture, and community and I am so glad to host it in the 39th Ward.

Guatemalan Consul General

Thank you to Rosario Ovando Castro, Consul General of the Guatamalan Consulate General in Chicago, for meeting with me last week. The Consulate General of Guatemala in Chicago is located in the 39th Ward at 5559 N. Elston Ave. I appreciated the opportunity to connect and discuss ways we can continue to strengthen our relationship.

Quigley Climate Infrastructure Tour

Congressman Mike Quigley joined me for a tour and discussion about climate infrastructure in the 39th Ward. The Albany Park Stormwater Diversion Tunnel helps prevent flooding in Albany Park and Mayfair by diverting water from the river to a tunnel that carries it further downstream, where there is less threat of flooding. This tunnel is a prime example of the type of adaptive infrastructure we must think about while we address climate change.

Edgebrook Library Touch-a-Truck

I attended Edgebrook Library's annual Touch-a-Truck event. It was a beautiful morning full of family fun. Thank you to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), Department of Water Management (DWM), Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Chicago Fire Department (CFD), and Chicago Police Department (CPD) for coming out and allowing the kids to explore their vehicles, and thank you to Helen and the library staff for hosting us.

Block Parties

Around the Ward

Veterans of Foreign Wars Youth Scholarships

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is offering two scholarship opportunities for students across our area. Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6–8 and challenges them to submit a 300-word essay. Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9–12 and invites participants to submit a 3–5 minute audio-recorded essay.

These scholarships provide gradual awards at every selection level - from local, all the way to national. See the links below for more information or to apply.

Patriot's Pen (Grades 6-8)

Voice of Democracy (Grades 9-12)

39th Ward Community Markets

City Announcements

Divvy for Everyone

Chicago Police Department Career & Resource Fair

District Councilor Elections

Help Shape Public Safety and Policing in Your Neighborhood.

Want to make a real difference in how public safety and policing work in your community? District Councils (DCs) are locally elected, 3‑member bodies that give residents a stronger voice in shaping both neighborhood‑level and citywide decisions.

DCs partner closely with the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (Commission), which provides oversight of the Police Department, the Police Board, and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Together, they help ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful community input.

District Councilors stay active year‑round:

Hosting monthly public meetings
Listening to neighbors and elevating community concerns
Meeting with local stakeholders and police leaders
Developing community‑centered policing initiatives
Promoting restorative justice
Collaborating with fellow Councilors
Offering recommendations to the Commission

If you’re curious about how DCs work, or you’re thinking about becoming a candidate, join an upcoming information session during lunch, in the evening or on a Saturday. You’ll learn what the role involves, how DCs strengthen local voices, and what steps to take if you’re interested in running.

Rabies Vaccine and Microchip Clinic

Know Your Rights

Everyone in Chicago—regardless of immigration status—is protected by rights under city, county, state, and federal law. This guide is designed to help you understand those rights. For immediate assistance or more information, please call the ICIRR Family Support Network Hotline at 855-435-7693 or visit the link below.

More Info