In this newsletter:

26th Ward Office Events •  26th Ward Office Updates  • Resources for Youth • Community Events • Public Notices • Job Opportunities

Dear Neighbor,

Tomorrow we have our annual Earth Day Clean-Up, don’t forget to sign up! I’ll see you bright and early! This week, I have updates from the City Council and local ward items.

City Council Updates

This month, we saw significant progress on several issues affecting working families and tenants across Chicago. The Mayor’s veto on efforts to roll back One Fair Wage was upheld, ensuring that tipped workers continue moving toward fair and equitable pay, which is a step forward in supporting the dignity and stability of our workforce. In addition, ongoing conversations about tenant protections, including the Tenant Fair Notice ordinance, continue to build on Chicago’s existing policies requiring landlords to provide advance notice of rent increases and lease terminations. This gives residents more time and stability to plan and remain in their homes.

Sculptural Diversification Project

On Tuesday, community members gathered at Humboldt Park for a public meeting on the Chicago Park District’s Sculptural Diversification Project, focused on bringing a new cultural monument to the park. Facilitated by Parks personnel and Logan Square Preservation President Andy Schneider, the meeting drew more than fifty attendees and resulted in unanimous support for the project. The proposal centers on commissioning a statue of Pedro Albizu Campos to honor the Puerto Rican community that made Humboldt Park a cultural home after their displacement from Lincoln Park. While the park currently recognizes Alexander Von Humboldt, this effort reflects a broader commitment to ensuring public spaces represent the histories and identities of the communities that shape them. Community engagement remains a key part of the process, and residents are encouraged to submit comments online through April 30, with a virtual discussion scheduled for April 30 at 12:00 pm. 

Chicago Flower Market’s Grand Opening

Yesterday I got to celebrate Chicago Flower Market's grand opening at their new home at 3808 W. North Ave, right here in the 26th Ward! I love seeing new businesses rooting themselves in our community. We welcome Chicago Flower Market to the block. Congratulations to the whole team. We're so glad you're here. As the only wholesaler open to the public, all are invited to pre-order Mother’s Day blooms, hanging baskets, and seedlings at www.chiflowermarket.com beginning April 22nd. Flower sales continue all season through November.

Recycling Extravaganza

On Saturday, over 70 community members dropped off carloads of clothes, shoes, paper, electronics, and prescription pills. It was so beautiful to see so many people committed to reducing landfill waste. I’d like to thank Midway Storage, Cradles to Crayons, and the sheriff’s office for receiving all of the donations. A special shout-out to MWRD Commissioner Marcelino García and his outreach coordinator, Carlos Guevara, for donating a water barrel and 20 tree saplings. 

Property Taxes

This Thursday, we hosted a daylong property tax event at our office in partnership with 8th District Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez. Throughout the day, residents of the 26th Ward received hands-on assistance applying for senior tax freezes and property tax exemptions (shout-out to 8D Cook County Outreach Director Cesareo Moreno!).

We are deeply grateful for our continued partnership and friendship with Commissioner Vásquez’s office and for their commitment to bringing these critical services directly to our community. Programs like the senior freeze and other exemptions play a vital role in helping longtime homeowners remain in their homes and stay rooted in the neighborhoods they’ve built over generations. We look forward to continuing this work together to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.

In Solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

26th Ward Office Updates

Earth Day Clean-Up & 5k: 4/18

Community Zoning Meeting: 4/22

Hermosa Town Hall: 4/23

Community Safety Town Hall: 4/29

Property Tax Exemption Applications Are Open

Cicero Land Study - Virtual Community Meeting : 4/29

ALSO’s Peace Walk: 5/23

Construction Alerts

Jumping Jack Program opens: 4/15

The Jumping Jack Program is limited to residential block parties within Chicago. Events on private property, parks, forest preserves, schools, libraries, or churches; private parties; birthdays; community events; and festivals are not eligible.

Applicant must reside on the block where the Block Party is taking place.

If completed correctly, applicants will receive an immediate auto reply confirming their request. If no confirmation is received, the application was not submitted.

To avoid errors, applicants should:

• Complete the application on a computer using Google Chrome.

• Manually fill in each field. Auto fill can cause errors.

• For the block party address, add a period after the street direction (N., S., E., or W.).

• Press SUBMIT at the end of the application.

• Applicants will receive an approval or denial email once processed.

• Jumping Jacks are available Saturdays and Sundays only. Demand is highest on Saturdays, so consider Sundays.

• The program will not operate on Saturday, July 4.

• Only one request per block per season will be approved. Multiple requests from the same block will be denied.

• Approved block parties receive one Jumping Jack for four hours. Delivery is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with pickup between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Specific time requests cannot be accommodated.

• If the wrong date is selected, email [email protected] for instructions. Last-minute changes will not be honored.

• Requests must be submitted through the registration portal. Email requests will not be accepted.

• Must obtain a permit from their Aldermanic Ward office to hold a block party.

• Requests are first come, first served.

Immigration Rights Resources

CDOT Street Work

26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting.

We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties.

Youth Events/Resources

Chicago Youth Works

Radiate Open Mic

Student Showcase

Humboldt Park Patriots Enrollment

GoSTEM Youth Programs

Community Events

Trina Davila April Events

Wellness Walks

Virtual Job: 4/21

Seeds to Strength: 4/21

Blood Drive: 4/3

Mobile DMV: 4/25

Research Showcasing: 4/24

Open House Job Fair: 5/6

Water Reclamation Plant Open House Tours

Street Outreach Mixer: 5/21

Empodérate de tu futuro: 5/28

48th Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade: 6/13

Public Notices/Resources

Medican Assistant Training

Art Classes Enrollment Open

Free Senior Legal Services

Tax Preparation Support

Bilingual Foster Homes Needed

Cycling Safety

Real ID

Community Clinic

Pet Food Pantry

Become a Homemaker

Become a Foster Parent

Senior Home Support

Domestic Violence Resources

Housing Services

CEDA Utility Relief Programs

Seniors Community Care Program

Veteran Services

Cannabis Expungement Project

City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide

ICIRR - Rights Card

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials.

📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish.

✅The right to remain silent.

✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation.

✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help.

Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support

Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness

Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Chicago Rents Program

COPA Commission Advisory Committee Application

CCPSA Commission Meeting—4/30

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 

14th Police District Council

Join elected District Councilors to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. See their schedule here.

Job Opportunities/ Training

Reproductive Justice

If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.