33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - APRIL 17, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community, |
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In my time as alderperson of the 33rd ward, it has been my primary focus to preserve the characteristics of our communities that make them vibrant and welcoming places for neighbors of all backgrounds and life experiences. As the spring season begins, I have been inspired to think deeply about the role I can continue to play in bringing my neighbors together to care for each other.
Since the beginning of my time in office, I have been working alongside neighbors, organizers, and leaders across Chicago to fight for the Treatment Not Trauma campaign. This campaign advocates for a re-investment in public mental and behavioral health clinics, in neighborhoods across Chicago. Since the beginning of this term in office, we have been able to successfully open two new mental health clinics, reversing decades-old practice in Chicago of closing clinics. We have also worked to stabilize and expand the CARE program, which has shifted from a pilot program to a fully-funded city program within the Department of Public Health with many exciting prospects on the horizon.
This work is an incredible testament to the power of community coming together to demand dignity and the resources to stay healthy. While this past year has taught many of us the horror of instability, unpredictability, over-policing, and fear, many of our neighbors across our communities and across Chicago have endured these experiences through the history of our country. While we cannot change the past, we can create new structures of care to help people now.
That is why I am proud to begin working on a new facet of this work by bringing more attention and awareness to the possibility of Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS). For the past two years, as Chair of Chicago City Council Committee on Health and Human Relations, I’ve convened our Department of Public Health to report out their lessons to Alderpersons about overdose prevention strategies.
These lessons have highlighted the need for more investment in overdose prevention as a key way to keep people alive in communities that are suffering the most from disinvestment and poverty. As Chicago continues to face an unprecedented overdose epidemic, with over 2,000 residents lost annually to preventable opioid-related deaths, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities on the West and South Sides, we can make these life-saving sites a reality.
Over the past month, I’ve visited with colleagues in New York City, to learn more about their city-run OPS, so that Chicago can begin discussions. Already, the Illinois State House Committee on Mental Health and Addiction recommended Bill HB2929 to pass at the end of March. This bill amends The Substance Use Disorder Act to authorize and fund Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) in the State of Illinois.
I am excited to work in partnership with our state legislators, and introduced a resolution in support of this work at City Council on Wednesday. Thirty of my colleagues have already signed on to co-sponsor this resolution, and I look forward to hosting a Subject Matter Hearing soon to learn more about this important work.
I also have a couple of important announcements about our work here in the 33rd Ward Office.
I had the pleasure of visiting Irving Park Pizza and Patio, earlier today and meeting Brittany and Scott. The business was established in September, 2025, and hosts regular social events, including hosting events where a percentage of proceeds go to local schools! They have an amazing selection of pizzas, in addition to a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts. With the weather warming up, and their amazing patio, I encourage all 33rd ward neighbors to stop by, support this local business, and treat yourself to a wonderful time! You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. With weather like this, you could even enjoy the patio tonight!
For the past two months we’ve hosted fellows from Loyola’s Arrupe College. Thank you to Leon and Faidat for their hard work and dedication while assisting the 33rd Ward office! And thank you to Loyola for partnering with us. We are tremendously grateful and lucky to have worked with such amazing people.
Lastly, many local parks and organizations are celebrating Earth Day this weekend by organizing community efforts to care for our public spaces. In that spirit, some of our amazing neighbors are organzing a “Rally in the Alley” to clean up the alley between Cuyler and Belle Plaine with supplies provided by our ward office! This will be Saturday, April 18th, at 10am!
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Thank you for doing this work with me. Please take a moment this week to help out a neighbor in need. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help.
In solidarity, Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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33rd Ward Spring resources: Clean and Greens: Please email [email protected] to request resources to help clean up your block, like garbage bags, grippers, and gloves. Street Sweeping began April 1. You can view our interactive sweeping schedule and map by clicking here. To apply for a block party permit, please fill out this form. To apply for a yard sale, please stop by our office or fill out this form.
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 4pm Phone: 773-840-7880 www.33rdward.org / Connect with us and access resources by clicking here. |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. April 15 — Jumping Jack Portal opens, 9am April 20 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House at 5:30pm
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On Monday morning my office was made aware of a shooting that took place over the weekend near the intersection of Irving Park Rd and N Richmond St in which an unknown woman is suspected of having fired shots at three men outside of a local establishment. All three victims were taken to the hospital where they have been treated.
I’ve been in communication with the commander of the 17th District, and have been in discussion with the impacted local businesses. I have also been working to discuss concerns with neighbors while we wait to learn more. At the moment an investigation is underway, no firm details have been discovered, and we will share any information we receive from the Chicago Police Department as the investigation continues.
When incidents like this occur in our community, they leave a lasting impact and create a ripple effect that touches all of us. We want to connect with neighbors who may be affected by this regrettable incident and encourage anyone in need of support to reach out to our office. We’re here to help connect you with the appropriate resources.
You can learn more about our office's connection to community safety programs in the neighborhood and with the city at our website: www.33rdward.org/community-safety. If you would like to be connected to community safety programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at [email protected] or by calling 773-840-7880. To get connected to our local CAPS team for more information, please [email protected] or call 312-742-4588.
I also would like to encourage neighbors to look out for each other, and to please continue to patronize our local businesses who all continue to struggle under challenging economic conditions.
Neighbors in need:
In November, a single mother and her two daughters (ages 8 and 11) lost their home in a devastating fire. Overnight, they were displaced and forced to leave behind everything they owned, including the cash they had carefully saved. They are asking for assistance through this GoFundMe. |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. Sign up for the ICE Alert System: bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE Follow our local rapid response social media: @northwestsiderrt on Instagram 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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Local Mutual Aid, Donation Drives, and Food Distribution2025 Mutual Aid Map | NRC Albany Park Map | 33rd Ward Map |
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Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, April 20 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Upcoming: Monday, May 4
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:30pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a ward office open house. All are welcome to join.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review
3007-11 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Community Meeting will be held Date: TBA Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
3446 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Community Meeting will be held Date: TBA Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
4634-36 N Avers Ave– Project Website Status: Feedback is in Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: RS-3 to RT-4
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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The snow and ice are melting! As we eagerly await Spring, the melting of the snow has exposed a whole winter’s-worth of trash, debris, and yard waste. You can report any major debris or trash collection issues to 3-1-1 or give our ward office a call for assistance.
We also appreciate all of the outreach we are receiving about neighbors wanting supplies to start helping to clean up. If you are in need of large trash bags or trash grabbers, please do reach out.
Street Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Here is the interactive map our Ward Superintendent made to keep track of scheduled street sweepings! |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044, W032
4400-4700 N St Louis (Block)
4400 N Bernard (Block)
4500 N Drake (Block)
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Job Openings with Metropolitan Water Reclamation DistrictHead Assistant Attorney Hoisting Engineer
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Bateman Spring FlingFriday, April 24, 2026 from 7:00PM - 11:00PM
This is your chance to be part of a special evening with the Bateman community — great food, drinks, music, and dancing, plus a live auction, wine pull, and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Get your tickets here! |
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HANA Center Career FairWednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10:00AM - 1:00PM HANA Center, 4300 N California Ave |
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Spring Citywide Career FairWednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10:00AM - 2:00PM Olive-Harvey College: Main Building, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Parking Available in Student Parking Lot Pre-Registration Strongly Recommended, but Walk-Ins Welcome Dress Professionally Attendees Pre-Register Here |
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PreK at Hibbard ElementaryPlaydate - Saturday April 18, 2026 10AM-11AM Application - April 7th-28th |
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Annual Celebrate Cleveland EventJoin Friends of Cleveland and your 33rd Ward Neighbors for our 8th Annual Celebrate Cleveland Fundraising Gala! Celebrate Cleveland will be held on Friday April 17th, 2026 at Michelle's Ballroom; 2800 W Belmont Ave from 6pm to 12am! Cocktail entertainment will be provided by Parkwest Strings and we'll dance the night away to popular Latin & English tunes spun by the incomparable DJ Sandra Suave! We can't wait to CELEBRATE with you!
Celebrate Cleveland is FOC's largest annual fundraiser for Cleveland Elementary with 100% of funds received from donations, the silent auction, and games used to provide much-needed support for our school. This year in addition to funding our annual $10,000 Cardinal Grant Program, proceeds will go towards the Friends of Cleveland Theater Revitalization Grant to cover Phase II of sound improvements to our beautiful 110 year old Auditorium which are scheduled for this summer break.
Purchase your tickets now at https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/! |
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Bands Apply for Lot Jams 2026Apply Here |
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Apply for Youth Jobs - [formerly One Summer Chicago]We are excited to announce that the Chicago Youth Works (CYW) application portal is now open. Chicago Youth Works — formerly One Summer Chicago — reflects the City’s continued investment in expanding youth employment opportunities and strengthening pathways to long-term career success for Chicago’s young people.
Interested youth can apply online at ChicagoYouthWorks.org. Applicants will receive bi-weekly updates with reminders, resources, and interview notifications throughout the application period.
Youth ages 14-15 will have access to stipend paid opportunities while youth and young adults ages 16-24 will be paid an hourly wage. Apply by May 29. |
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Property Tax Exemption Application Now OpenThe Cook County Assessor opened the property tax exemption application for 2026, and he has announced that the exemption application will likely be open for 2 months. Our County Commissioner’s can help navigate your property tax appeals. You can find you county commissioner’s name through this link. As a reminder, there are several types of exemptions: Homeowner Exemption - homeowner has lived in the property since at least January 1, 2025 Senior Citizen Exemption - homeowner is over 65 Low-Income Senior “Freeze” Exemption - homeowner is over 65 and household makes under $65,000 Persons with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner has documentation of disability Veterans with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner is veteran with disability benefits
You can learn more about each of these exemptions, including eligibility requirements, on the Assessor's website at this link. Residents can still complete a Certificate of Error for any missing exemptions for tax year 2024-2021. If residents would like assistance checking which exemptions they receive or applying for exemptions for 2024-2021, please have them call our office at 312-603-6386. |
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Senator Graciela Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual)The last Monday of every month, from 6-7pm Upcoming Dates: April 27, May 25 Register for Zoom Link
State Senator Graciela Guzman's monthly legislative town halls are back! Her team will be hosting these meetings every last Monday of the month from now until May. Join them from 6-7 via Zoom to hear what they are up to in Springfield, express your opinions, and work to shape the future of our state. *Spanish Translation Available* |
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Gather Together Free Meal Neighbors cooking and eating together each 2nd Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Located in Christ Lutheran Church basement, 4541 N Spaulding |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Connect with our local schoolsConnect with our local schools by accessing a list of schools on our website by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Jonathan Nagy, Chief of Staff John Cruz-Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Director of Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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