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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for May 11, 2026
In This Edition:
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2nd Ward Website
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2nd Ward Twitter
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2nd Ward YouTube
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Temporary Relocation: 2026 Division Street Farmers Market & Streetscape Project
Due to the construction of the Division Streetscape from Dearborn to State, which is expected to break ground in June/July 2026, the Farmers Market will shift two blocks west for the duration of the 2026 market season.
The Farmers Market will be held on Division between Clark and Wells, rather than its usual location between Clark and State. The market will be open from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm every Saturday. Street closure of Division will be in effect from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm. North/South traffic on Wells, LaSalle, Clark, Dearborn, and State will be open and unaffected by the Farmers Market.
As in years past, we look forward to saying hello at our 2nd Ward Mobile Ward Office every Saturday!
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Congratulations to 18th District Sergeant Schenk in Receiving the Commander Paul R. Bauer Award
We are thrilled to announce that our beloved 18th District Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Sergeant Schenk has been awarded the Commander Paul R. Bauer Award for Leadership at the 65th Annual Chicago Police Recognition Ceremony.
We are beyond grateful to Sergeant Schenk for his tireless dedication to the residents of the 2nd Ward and the entire 18th District.
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Amendment to Native and Pollinator Garden Registry Passes Committee on Environment
Today, I was pleased to attend a meeting of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy and speak about O2026-0022796, an amendment to my Native and Pollinator Garden Ordinance that changed the maximum permitted height for native gardens to 36 inches (from 10). This change was recommended by fellow board members on the Native and Pollinator Garden Advisory Board to ensure that native plants can sufficiently grow to attract pollinators and is in keeping with similar projects in other American cities. I want to thank Gloria Pittman, Deputy Commissioner of Streets and Sanitation, for joining us to speak on this item, and to my colleagues for supporting this important piece of legislation.
Click here to view my comments (beginning at 27:00).
Click here to learn more about the native pollinator garden registry and the advisory board.
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Lincoln Monument Gardens and Meadows Project
The Lincoln Park Conservancy is in the midst of planning and fundraising for an overhaul of the southern portion of Lincoln Park (the area of the park bounded by North Blvd, Lake Shore Dr, LaSalle Dr, and Clark St). Dubbed the Lincoln Monument Gardens and Meadows Project, there will be a comprehensive restoration of pathways, garden landscaping, and drainage. Restoration on the Standing Lincoln statue has already begun and is expected to be completed in time for the July 4th holiday. I am pleased to be supporting this overall endeavor with the allocation of aldermanic menu funds.
For information about how to support this important community improvement, please click here.
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Get Behind the Vest Fundraiser: Wednesday, June 24
Join me and Committeeman Egan for a special fundraiser supporting Get Behind the Vest, hosted by Mario Stefanini. The event will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at Mario's Table (located at 21 W Goethe St).
This is the 5th Annual Get Behind the Vest event we have hosted in the 2nd Ward. Since 2022, we have raised over $250,000 (approximately 400 life saving vests for our men and women in the department).
A vest is not bulletproof forever. It wears out. It breaks down. It needs to be replaced every 5 years. At $500 or more per vest, in addition to other equipment and uniform expenses, the costs can quickly add up. That is why we need your help. Your donation ensures that every officer out there protecting you is protected.
Click here for tickets.
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Their website is now live. Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. There is an interactive map of all seven street sweeping sections included, as well as the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, May 12: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 7 (brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, May 13: Section 1 (olive), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, May 14: Section 1 (olive)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, May 15: Section 2 (blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, May 18: Section 7 (brown)
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18th Police District Council Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, May 26
The 18th Chicago Police District Council is holding its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 26th at 12:30 pm at the Near North Public Library (310 W Division St).
District Councilors will provide updates, and 18th Police District Commander Bielfeldt (or his representative) will attend to provide safety updates.
For attendees planning to drive, there is a parking lot just west of the library and there are metered spots on Division St.
Click here for more information.
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Serve Your Community: Become an 18th District Court Advocate
 If you are interested in supporting victims of crime in your community and playing an important role in making Chicago safer, please consider becoming a court advocate. Many residents ask our office what they can do to support the Chicago Police and the 2nd Ward, and I cannot think of a better way than to support victims through court advocacy.
Contact the 18th District CAPS office at 312-742-5778 to learn how to become a court advocate.
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Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, 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. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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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. Click here to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 08 May 26 - Juvenile Offender Charged with Multiple Felony Counts, Including Armed Robbery, Burglary and Vehicular Hijacking
Community Alerts:
- 06 May 26 - Public Transportation Section - Brown Line Public Indecency
- 04 May 26 - 18th District - Burglary
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 07 May 26 - Offender Charged with Murder of 40-Year-Old Male
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Homebuyer Event with Treasurer Conyears-Ervin and Money Matters Institute: Saturday, March 16
 City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is hosting an event with the Money Matters Institute for prospective homebuyers on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at 1955 E 75th St. A number of resources will be available for Chicagoans aspiring to buy a home, including: HUD-certified homebuyer education, 1-on-1 housing counselling, and financial and housing resources for residents.
Registration required. Click here for more information.
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Cook County Government Job Fair: Wednesday, May 27
 The Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is hosting its annual job fair on Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at 124 S Wabash Ave. Representatives from a number of departments of Cook County government will be in attendance to connect, answer questions, and highlight open positions.
Click here to register.
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Make a Blanket for Project Linus at Near North Library: Saturday, May 16
The Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St, is hosting a blanket-making event for Project Linus, a non-profit that provides blankets for children who are seriously ill or otherwise in need. All supplies are provided, all you have to do is show up and put together blankets for a great cause. This event is for ages 10 and up.
Click here for more information.
May is a busy month at Near North! Click here to view their full calendar of events.
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SOAR Farmers Market: Opens Tuesday, May 19
Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) is once again hosting its weekly Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm this summer, with the first of the season taking place on Tuesday, May 19, outside the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E Chicago Ave). Stop by for fresh produce, baked goods, and other local offerings.
My office will have a table at the market each week, so please stop by and say hello. The following vendors will also participate:
Click here for more information.
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Sounds Good Choir in Gold Coast: Thursday, May 14
 Sounds Good Choir, a choral organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of older adults through the joy of singing, is hosting its spring Gold Coast concert on Thursday, May 14, at 2:00 pm. The concert will take place at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut St) and is free to the public.
Click here for more information.
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Magnificent Mile Art Festival: May 30-31
 The Magnificent Mile Spring Art Festival returns to 875 North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, for a weekend celebrating art, creativity, and the energy of Chicago in spring. Featuring more than 60 juried artists from across the country, the open air festival showcases original works in painting, photography, jewelry, fashion, glass art, and more, all set along one of the city’s most iconic avenues. Visitors can explore the festival while experiencing the shopping, dining, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of spring along The Magnificent Mile.
Click here for more information.
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Chicago Blues Festival: June 4-7
 The Chicago Blues Festival will take place from Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, with Thursday's programming taking place at Ramova Theatre (3520 S Halsted St) and Friday through Sunday taking place at Millennium Park. This is the largest free Blues festival in the world, featuring a number of iconic acts in celebration of Chicago's place in Blues history.
Click here for more information.
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