48th Ward News: November 20, 2025

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48th WARD NEWS: NOVEMBER 20, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BUDGET
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
HEALTH & SAFETY
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & NEIGHBOR SOLIDARITY
DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
CONSTRUCTION
CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?

BUDGET

Dear Neighbors,

Our budgets are moral documents and this year, we’re being asked to choose between protecting working families or protecting corporate profits. We have an opportunity to balance this budget without increasing property taxes or adding fines and fees, like grocery taxes or garbage fees, that disproportionately impact our most vulnerable residents. The proposed budget asks large corporations that profit from our city to pay their fair share through a series of modern progressive revenue ideas.

Some of my colleagues voted against the budget ordinances in the Finance Committee on Monday, but the only options they offer are more fees, more fines, and higher property taxes. That’s not progress—that’s the status quo. In this moment, we need more. At a time when rents are skyrocketing, SNAP has been cut, and ICE is coming after our families, we can’t keep asking working people to pay more just to survive. We need to fund Green Social Housing, protect and create union jobs, and build communities that are affordable, sustainable, and rooted in dignity. I will keep fighting to fund our libraries, gender-based violence programs, and the Chicago Legal Protection Fund.

As we continue to negotiate this budget in City Hall, please continue to send me your feedback via the 48th ward budget survey. Over 190 neighbors responded to share their feedback, and it’s not too late to share yours. Together, let’s invest in our people, our planet, and our future together. And together, let’s build a Chicago where everyone—everyone—has a home, a voice, and a fair shot at life.

Yours in Community,

Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman

Leni posing for a photo with public transit advocates holding signs

CTA Approves 2026 Budget with No Fare Hikes or Service Cuts

On October 31, after years of organizing by transit advocates, the Illinois state legislature the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, securing $1.5 billion in urgently needed funding for Chicagoland area and downstate transit agencies, including the CTA, Metra, and PACE. The bill represents a generational investment in public transit that not only averts massive service cuts but also allows local transit agencies to expand capacity, providing better, faster, and safer service. The bill also creates the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) to oversee public transit agencies and includes ETOD reforms that empower NITA to facilitate development near transit stations. On November 13, CTA, Metra, and Pace, approved their 2026 budgets with no fare hikes or service cuts.

Apply for Property Tax Exemptions

Many of us saw increases in our property tax bills over the weekend. With this release of the 2024 second installment tax bills from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, homeowners should check to make sure they are not missing property tax-saving exemptions including:

Homeowner Exemption (saves approximately $950 dollars, most homeowners are eligible).
Senior Exemption (available to most homeowners over 65).
Senior Freeze Exemption
Veterans with Disabilities Exemption
And many more.

If you believe you are eligible for an exemption, you are encouraged to complete a Certificate of Error application, which provides homeowners with an opportunity to redeem missing exemptions for the 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 tax years. Accepted photo IDs and documents required to apply are listed on the Assessor’s website. If you have already paid the original amount due, you will receive a refund check from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office in the mail once the application is processed by the Assessor’s Office.

To learn more about missing exemptions, join a virtual workshop on Facebook or YouTube on the following dates:

Monday, December 1 at 6pm in English
Tuesday, December 2 at 6pm in Spanish

Braver Angels Community Budget Debate

When: Saturday, Devember 6 at 12pm
Where: St. Paul's UCC (2335 N Orchard)
Regsiter online.

Braver Angels hosts community debates where people on opposite sides of an issue have a constructive, enlightening discussions that reduces polarization and can lead to actual answers. Join them for their upcoming conversation: Is a high tax rate for the rich necessary for a thriving economy?

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.

48th Ward Office Closed November 27-28

The 48th ward office will be closed for Thanksgiving from 12-5pm on Wednesday, November 16 and all day on November 27-28. While we are away, please contact 311 for non-emergency requests. In the case of an emergency, contact 911. See the full list of City of Chicago holidays here. We also include these closures on our community calendar.

Garbage Collection Schedule
During the holidays, garbage collection schedules may shift by 24-48 hours. During weeks with city holidays, put your bins out 24 hours ahead of your scheduled pick up day to avoid delays.

Collage of four photos of halloween decorations outside the Edgewater Beach Apartments

Congratulations EBA - Halloween Decoration Contest Winner!

Congratulations to our Neighbors at the Edgewater Beach Apartments, this years Halloween Decoration Contest winners! Thanks to the many 48th Ward Neighbors who voted. View EBA's original Instagram post here.

Thanks also to Solar Intentions for this year's prize: a $25 gift card! Solar Intentions is a new dry bar and community space on Bryn Mawr.

CTA holiday fleet in the 48th ward schedule

Catch a Ride on the CTA Holiday Fleet!

CTA Holiday train rides begin just after Thanksgiving on November 28 and are scheduled to pass through the 48th ward six times this year! You'll also be able to catch a festive ride on the #22 bus this season. Learn more about the holiday fleet and how to track trains and buses here.

NE Levy Senior Center Thanksgiving Celebration

When: Friday, November 21 from 11:30am-2:30pm
Where: NE Levy Senior Center (2019 W Lawrence)
No RSVP is require for this event

Join the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) for a Thanksgiving Celebration at the NE Levy Senior Center featuring a full thanksgiving meal, live music, karaoke, and dancing.

ECRA Inter-Faith Thanksgiving Service

When: Sunday, November 23 at 3pm
Where: St. Andrews (5649 N Sheridan)
No RSVP is required for this event.

Every year, a dozen faith communities from throughout Edgewater come together for an interfaith Thanksgiving service. Delight in the music from the various community choirs. Care for Real will gratefully accept food and cash donations at the service. FREE ample parking is available. Please enter the St. Andrew south and east parking lots from Sheridan Road between Bryn Mawr and Hollywood. Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) attendants in the lots will direct our guests to the ECRA Thanksgiving Celebration. There will be a social hour after the service to mingle and meet those from other faith traditions.

Lakefront Litter Cleanup with EEC

When: Saturday, November 29 at 11am
Where: Osterman Beach House (5800 N DLSD)
RSVP online.

Join the 48th Ward Green Council and the Edgewater Environmental Coalition (EEC) for a post-thanksgiving litter cleanup at Osterman Beach. This is part of EEC's Litter Free Edgewater program. Learn more here.

Tree Trimming Update

The City of Chicago uses a grid system for tree trimming with 1-2 trim crews from the Bureau of Forestry (BoF) trimming trees in a 16-block area, or "grid," on a given day of the week. BoF trims every tree in the grid, and if these trees are properly cared for, they should not need to be trimmed again for at least five years. BoF is currently working on grid area N052 - W012 which is bounded by Clark, Bryn Mawr, Broadway, and Foster. Visit our blog to see a map of the grid and determine when the trees on your street will be trimmed.

Help shape OIG’s project priorities for 2026

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published two draft documents that share details of proposed projects under consideration for 2026. Both documents are posted on OIG’s website for public review and comment.

Click here to read the 2026 Public Safety Draft Annual Plan
- OIG’s Public Safety section works to improve the effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of the Chicago Police Department and Chicago’s police accountability agencies.
Click here to read the 2026 Audit and Program Review Draft Annual Plan
- OIG’s Audit and Program Review section conducts independent, objective analyses and evaluations of City programs and operations.

Community feedback helps OIG prioritize projects for the coming year to align with what is of most concern and importance to all Chicagoans. OIG invites you to explore both draft plans and encourages you to provide your feedback by taking the community feedback survey at igchicago.org/survey. OIG is accepting community prioritization feedback through December 31, 2025.

collage of 6 photos from edgewater village events

Edgewater Village is Seeking Gift Bag Donations and Greeting Cards

This holiday season, Edgewater Village is starting a new project! They'll be donating gift bags filled with useful items to residents of Balmoral Nursing Home located in West Edgewater. They are seeking donations of new, travel-sized toiletries, socks, gloves, hats, t-shirts, stationery, jewelry, cosmetics, books, and ornaments. They are also seeking donations of non-religious holiday cards.

Drop off all donations at the Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway) by Friday, November 28.

HEALTH & SAFETY

office of community policing community coversation header image

20th Police District Community Conversation

When: Friday, November 21 from 6-8pm
Where: Philadelphia Church (5437 N Clark St)
Register online.

Each year in the fall, the Chicago Police Department hosts Community Conversations throughout the city. These conversations are an opportunity for Chicagoans to participate in the creation of their district’s strategic plan for the following calendar year. Join us at upcoming conversation for the 20th district.

Goudy Technology Academy Food Drive - Last Chance

Goudy Elementary is collecting non-perishable food items to hand out to school community families on November 20. Wishlist items include instant oatmeal packets, mac & cheese, canned soup, peanut butter, pasta & sauce, and instant noodles. Today (Thursday, November 20) is that last day to drop off donations at 5120 N. Winthrop doors 2 and 4.

Chicago Friends School Clothing Drive flyer

Used Children's Clothing & Toy Drive - Last Chance

Now through November 21, the Chicago Friends School is collecting gently-used toys and clothing to benefit Cradles to Crayons, an organization working to make life better for children in need. Drop off donations at 1315 W Berwyn daily from 8:15am - 3:45pm.

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy's 2025 Coat Drive - Last Chance

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy is partnering with Care for Real to collect donations to keep our neighbors warm and safe from dropping temperatures. They are collecting new and lightly used winter gear including coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats. Please make sure all donations are laundered and refrain from bringing light jackets. Reach out to [email protected] with questions.

Swift School Mini Pantry

Swift Elementary School is collecting non-perishable items, toiletries, and Zelle donations for their pantry to benefit neighbors facing food insecurity. See the full wishlist here. Drop off food items at 5900 N Winthrop.

SNAP Updates & Food Security Resources

The federal government shutdown has ended and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) anticipates that snap recipients will receive their full benefits from November by the end of this week. Those anticipating benefits payments can check their EBT balance here.

While this comes as a relief for many families, many more are still preparing to lose their benefits at the start of December following changes to SNAP eligibility requirements. To access foo security resources and find out how to help our at-risk neighbors, visit our blog.

Holiday Meal Kit Donation Drive

We're partnering with Commissioner Gainer's office on a Meal Kit Donation Drive. Please shop entire recipes when possible and drop off meal kits at our office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) by December 8. Learn more on our blog.

Join the MPower Community

Join Vivent Health + TPAN's MPower community to connect with others and refine your health and wellness through discussion, education, and self improvement. Participants receive $65 after completing the program. Call/text 312-887-1633 or fill out the interest form for more information.

Chicago Heat Ordinance Reminder

The Chicago Heat Ordinance mandates that landlords supply heat to any unit in which residents do not have individual control of the thermostat during cold weather months. From September 15 - June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30am - 10:30pm and at least 66 degrees from 10:30pm - 8:30am. Landlords face fines of up to $1000 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat. If you are a renter and your landlord is not providing adequate heat, you may file a No Heat Complaint through 311. The Department of Buildings will inspect your home and will take action against delinquent owners. Learn more.

Join the Shovel Squad!

Remember: when it snows, it's the resident or building manager's responsibility to clear snow from the sidewalk. Snow that falls between 7am-7pm should be cleared by 10pm, and snow that falls between 7pm-7am should be cleared by 10am.

To report sidewalks that have not been cleared (shoveled or salted) within 15 hours of a snow or sleet event, you can file a Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk Complaint via 311.

If you need help clearing your own sidewalk, contact our office at 773-784-5277 or [email protected] and we'll put you in touch with a member of our Shovel Squad! If you'd like to volunteer for the Shovel Squad, sign up here. If you signed up last year, you'll be getting an email from our office soon!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & NEIGHBOR SOLIDARITY

24th District Council November Meeting

When: Sunday, November 23 from
Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
Register to attend via Zoom.

This month, the 24th District Council is using their meeting as an opportunity to engage with neighbors who are looking to learn more about ICE rapid response and school patrols. Want to get involved? Attend in person at the Edgewater Library or virtually via Zoom. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.

Know Your Rights/Migra Watch Training

When: Wednesday, November 26 at 6pm
Where: Virtual
Register online.

Join the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights' Know Your Rights + Migra Watch Training. This training aims to equip participants with ways to exercise our rights when encountering federal immigration enforcement actions.

Únete al Entrenamiento de Conoce Tus Derechos y Migra Watch a de la Coalición de Illinois por los Derechos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados. Este entrenamiento se enfocará en las herramientas que necesitamos para ejercer nuestros derechos en una operación de inmigración.

secretary of state plate watch program flyer

Secretary Giannoulias' Plate Watch Hotline

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a stern warning to federal ICE agents that swapping or altering license plates is illegal and will not be tolerated in Illinois. The warning comes amid reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are flipping and modifying state-issued license plates on vehicles. In a video circulating on social media, an ICE agent is recorded telling a bystander filming their vehicle’s license plate that: “You can record all you want. We change the plates out every day.” To report plate violations, call the Secretary of State’s Plate Watch Hotline at (312) 814-1730 or email [email protected]. Read the full press release here.

KYR Training at Senn - pick of all attendees from behind

Know Your Rights Training at Senn - Recap

Thank you to the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), Centro Romero, ONE Northside, Senn High School, and our neighbors and volunteers for participating in our recent Know Your Rights training in Spanish. Knowing your rights is how we keep ourselves and our neighbors informed of what we are able to do in the face of violations to our constitutional rights (regardless of immigration status). The training covered know your rights information, enforcement updates, and policy changes, and offered mini legal consultations. A big thank you to our volunteers, partners, and interpreter who translated the event in real-time from Spanish to English for those who needed it. For more information see our blog: Know Your Rights.

Know Your Rights for Local Businesses & Employees - Recap

This week, our office co-hosted a Know Your Rights event for Local Businesses and Employees in Spanish. The event included Know Your Rights information and best practices for I-9 audits. The 48th Ward Office has free Know Your Rights cards and flyers in Spanish and English, whistles, Protecting Chicago signs, and Protecting Edgewater Signs available on a first-come-first-served basis while supplies last.

If you would like to pick up a stack of Know Your Rights cards or flyers to distribute in the community, let us know and we can prepare them for you. Drop in at 1129 W Bryn Mawr any time we're open or give us a call at 773-784-5277. To print signs, flyers, and cards at home, visit our Know Your Rights page and look under "Printable Materials."

Development and Infrastructure section header image

DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

four people holding sledgehammers inside the building at 6344 N Lakewood

6344 N Lakewood (Lawrence Hall) Groundbreaking

We are happy to celebrate Lawrence Hall creating new beginnings for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care by providing a beautiful, affirming home setting for them. Lawrence Hall has been doing incredible work for 160 years and they are a leader in providing affirming care. We are honored to support them on this journey as they transform their Edgewater property at 6344 N Lakewood into a beautiful space that serves our LGBTQ+ youth aged 14-17. The home is expected to open in spring 2026.

6130 N Sheridan Development Update

Demolition has started for the vacant Kindred Hospital property at 6130 N Sheridan. This project is a complex demolition, which requires strict regulations. We have confirmed that the developer is following all requirements and is using a reputable local demolition company experienced with demolition work within Chicago. Some things to note regarding this work:

It began November 17 and is expected to last approximately two months.
For the first two weeks, the demolition contractor Heneghan Wrecking will be gutting the building and recycling materials including concrete and rebar.
After completing the interior work, the contractor will start at the north end of the building and move south for the remaining demolition work.
Trucks will load on site in the parking lot. The work will occur within the fenced property.

google street view images of two 48th ward SROs

SRO Update - Northmere

Our commitment to coordinated care continues at the 4943 N Kenmore Ave Single Room Occupancy Building (SRO), the Northmere. We partnered with Uptown People's Law Center (UPLC) and Care For Real to provide winter coats and jackets (appointment based) to those in need. Please visit their websites to donate, receive services, or to learn more about them.

to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.

CONSTRUCTION

Alley before reconstruction (left) and after (right).

Green Alley Construction is Complete!

The full-depth reconstruction of the alley bounded by Edgewater/Victoria/Clark/Ridge is complete! A big thank you to the Public Building Commission and Chicago Department of Transportation for getting this project done on time. The PBC Project Manager and contractor crews worked closely with our office and neighbors throughout the entire process.

Chicago’s Green Alley program is an environmentally friendly initiative to reconstruct alleys, creating a greener, more sustainable environment. Chicago has about 1,900 miles of public alleys, one of the largest alley networks of any city in the world. Many of the alleys are not connected to the city’s storm sewer system and are prone to flooding. The Green Alley program was created to improve stormwater drainage, reduce heat, and conserve energy in alleys. CDOT has installed more than 400 green alleys in Chicago since 2007 and has accelerated the pace of installation in recent years thanks to dedicated funding for the program in Chicago’s Capital Bond program. Each ward selects one green alley location per year to be constructed.

New Bus Benches on Broadway

Three new bus stop benches have been installed on Broadway at the following locations:

Broadway & Hollywood (south-bound bus stop)
Broadway and Thorndale (north-bound and south-bound bus stops)

Thank you to CDOT for installing these new benches and to the neighbors who requested them. The benches were funded by the Aldermanic Menu program.

RPM Road, Alley, & Sidewalk Closures + Overnight Work

CTA has listened to feedback from some Red Line customers regarding the angle of the seating on the benches at the new stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr. The CTA plans to replace the benches starting in November and expects to have all of them replaced by the end of the year. The new benches will have a flat seating area.

Please note that some sidewalks, alleys, and streets not listed here may be affected by noise and partial closures. Visit the RPM site to subscribe for all updates in your area.

CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR

Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.

View the 48th Ward Calendar

WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?

Two PB meeting attendees posing for a photo

Thanks to Emanuel Congregation for hosting our third and final participatory budgeting (PB) engagement meeting! If you weren't able to make it to any of the meetings for this round of PB, be sure to fill out our online idea forms for repairs and special projects. Stay tuned for information about voting to come in future newsletters!

Leni and Senior City Forester Jeff Brinkley walked the lakefront with Openlands TreeKeepers to assess tree health and talk about how diversifying species will support a resilient canopy for generations. Learn more about the TreeKeepers program here.

People standing behind a podium adorned with transgender pride flags

Leni visited The Center on Cottage Grove with community and government leaders to mark the beginning of Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance. The purpose of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is to honor and mourn individuals who have been killed due to anti-transgender violence, raise awareness about the violence and discrimination the transgender community faces, and call for justice and an end to anti-transgender brutality. It also serves as a time for the community to gather for support, mutual healing, and to renew its commitment to working toward a safer world for transgender and gender-expansive people.

The 48th Ward welcomed over 500 people to Senn High School for the ONE Northside Town Hall. Leni joined other elected officials including Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for a powerful day of action where we came together as neighbors to talk about how we can build a better future together.

Leni joined 48th ward theatre lovers in celebrating 31 years of LGBTQ+ youth theatre with About Face Theatre at Bramble Arts Loft. About Face Theatre advances LGBTQ+ equity through community building, education, and performance. About Face Theatre envisions an affirming and equitable world in which all LGBTQ+ individuals are thriving and free from prejudice and discrimination.

Farragut softball team posing for a photo with Leni at the doors of the council chambers

Principal Virag Nanavati and the Farragut Academy Softball Champs were honored at City Hall last week. Principal Nanavati is a 48th ward resident and former Assistant Principal at Peirce Elementary. Congratulations to Principal Nanavati and the team!

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