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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for December 1, 2025
In This Edition:
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Chicago's Winter Overnight Parking Ban Began Today, December 1
 The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) reminds motorists that the Chicago winter overnight parking ban began today, Monday, December 1, 2025 (overnight Sunday to Monday), and is in effect through April 1, 2026. The parking ban is enforced regardless of snow on 107 miles of main streets throughout the city during the hours of 3:00 am to 7:00 am.
Signage is permanently posted along the affected routes. DSS also posts flyers on cars parked on the streets affected by the parking ban as an additional reminder before restrictions begin.
Cars left parked on these designated roadways obstruct the path of snowplows and prevent routes from being fully plowed and salted when it snows. Violators of the parking ban will be towed and face a minimum $150 towing fee, a $60 ticket, and a storage fee of $25 per day. Vehicles in violation of the ban will be towed to Pounds 2 (10301 S Doty Ave) or 6 (701 N Sacramento Ave).
Chicagoans can visit chicagoshovels.org for a map of streets impacted by the ban and to view the City’s snow plows in real-time during a storm. Motorists can also visit chicagoshovels.org or call 311 to find out if their vehicle was towed due to the ban.
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Two-Inch Parking Ban
A separate snow related parking ban exists for another 500 miles of main streets and can be activated after there are at least two inches of snow on the street, no matter the time of day or the calendar date. While the 2” inch snow ban is not activated often, motorists who are parked there when it snows could receive a ticket or find that their vehicle has been relocated in order to facilitate snow clearing operations.
Both of these parking bans were implemented on designated arterial streets to prevent recurrences of problems that happened in 1967 and 1979 when Chicago came to a traffic standstill due to major snowstorms.
Here is a list of those rarely activated, yet existing routes in the 2nd Ward:
- E Grand Ave
- N Clybourn Ave
- N Halsted St
- N LaSalle Dr
- N Larrabee St
- W Chicago Ave
- W Division St
- W Fullerton Ave
- W North Ave
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Download the OEMC App for Winter Weather Advisories
 The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is encouraging residents to be prepared for the Winter Season. For winter safety and preparedness, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker, and more. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and public safety information.
Residents can download the app through the Apple App Store and Google Play stores or visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.
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$75 Million of City Bonds Left Unsold in November
Bloomberg News recently reported that, on November 19, Goldman Sachs was unable to sell $75 million in City of Chicago bonds, and was forced to take them off market. The bank reportedly could not find buyers even after boosting interest rates, and was forced to "[take] down a portion of a $454 million debt deal from Chicago even after boosting yields on the sales-tax bonds that hold higher ratings than the city."
This failure to attract reasonable investment represents fiscal irresponsibility manifest. Time and time again, our city has been warned by credit analysts to "course correct" away from bloated, unsustainable budget practices or face real financial consequences. Now, amid another budget impasse between Mayor Johnson and the City Council, we are seeing those consequences compound.
If our government cannot assure investors by demonstrating fiscal responsibility, more tax dollars will need to be allocated to interest payments when the government borrows instead of services. We need a sustainable, responsible budget now more than ever, and I promise to continue pursuit of exactly that throughout the rest of this year's budget proceedings.
Click here to read coverage of the unsold bonds.
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Take the Chicago Police Training Survey
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is soliciting your feedback on how CPD conducts training. The University of Chicago Survey Lab is carrying out the survey and will only report answers in ways that do not identify any individuals. The survey takes just 5 minutes to complete. Please add your voice to help CPD identify training priorities and goals. Click here to take the survey.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis. to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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2025 Chicago Police CAPS Meetings Schedule
The Chicago Police Department's Beat community meetings are a key part of the CAPS strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in-person 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.
18th District: East of the Chicago River and south of Fullerton Avenue.
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Take the OIG 2026 Annual Plan Community Feedback Survey
 The Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published two draft documents outlining details of proposed projects under consideration for 2026. You are invited to read the plans and take the Community Feedback Survey to inform OIG’s project priorities in 2026.
Click here for the survey.
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Know Your Rights with Clerk Spyropoulos: Wednesday, December 3
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Mariyana Spyropoulos, will be hosting a "Know Your Rights and Be Prepared" virtual town hall on Wednesday, December 3, at 6:00 pm. The event will cover immigration, guardianship, power of attorney, deed transfers, and other important resources.
Click here to register.
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The North Dearborn Association Joy of Toys: Saturday, December 6
The North Dearborn Association (NDA) is hosting its 32nd Annual Joy of Toys on Saturday, December 6, from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm at Mario's Table, located at 21 W Goethe St. Drop off toys and stay for the complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. Take home a free special pizza to go. Donate online here.
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18th District Holiday Toy Drive: Through December 10
 The 18th District is seeking donations for its holiday toy drive now through December 10. All donations can be dropped off at the 18th District lobby, located at 1160 N Larrabee Ave.
They are collecting new toys, new coats, hats, scarves, and school supplies for youth aged 5-17. For more information, call the 18th District CAPS team at 312-742-5778.
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December Activities at Near North Library
December is a busy month at the Near North Library! Their staff is hosting a variety of exciting events for kids, families, and adults, alongside their normal service to the neighborhood.
Click here to view their calendar of events.
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Clothing Drive with the Chicago Help Initiative
 The Chicago Help Initiative is accepting donations of warm clothes and outerwear to be dropped off at 721 N LaSalle Dr.
Drop-offs can be made between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, or between 8:00 am and 9:30 am on Saturdays. Alternatively, those wishing to donate can find the requested items by clicking here.
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Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church: Saturday, December 6
Join First St. Paul's Lutheran Church for their first annual Christmas tree lighting and caroling on Saturday, December 6, at 5:00 pm on the patio at 1301 N LaSalle Dr. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a festive evening to celebrate the holidays.
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Clark Street Cookie Crawl: Sunday, December 7
 The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cookie Crawl on Sunday, December 7, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, starting at 2577 N Clark St. Visit businesses along Clark Street to collect a variety of delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy surprises along the way, including carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa.
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First St. Paul's Annual Christmas Concert: Sunday, December 14
 Join First St Paul's for a Christmas concert featuring choir, orchestra, and carols. Free parking is available at the Franklin School parking lot, located at 274 W Goethe St.
Please contact the church directly if you have any questions at 312-642-7172.
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