Dear Neighbors,
Chicago celebrated its 189th birthday this past week. March 4 marked the 189th anniversary of the city’s official incorporation! Chicago has so much to celebrate, but its greatest strength has always been its people. I’m grateful to serve a community that truly embodies the heart and spirit of this city.
This weekend we spring our clocks forward an hour for daylight savings! As we look toward spring, we also want to share a couple of reminders about preventing unwanted pests. This week’s Focus on City Services highlights the importance of garbage cart maintenance and a few simple steps residents can take to keep their carts clean and secure.
In addition, I have been actively engaged in discussions about the future leadership of Chicago Animal Care and Control. I have called for a nationwide search for the agency’s next executive director to ensure the city brings in the strongest possible leadership. Animal Care and Control plays a critical role in protecting the welfare of animals and it is essential that the next leader has the experience, vision, and compassion needed to guide the agency forward.
I also want to remind everyone that Early Voting has kicked off in all 50 wards ahead of the March 17 Primary Election. Be sure to visit the Chicago Board of Elections website to find your polling place, and check Ballotpedia to view your sample ballot.
Finally, I hope you have a chance to get outside and enjoy the springlike temperatures this weekend—and don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz
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To read this newsletter in your preferred Language: Follow this link, click on the newsletter you’d like to read, and select your language from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner. You’ll be redirected to a Google Translate page, where a blue drop-down menu in the top-left corner lets you choose your preferred language. |
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Loteria at Riis Park
We hosted Loteria at Riis Park and had a packed house and a fun filled morning with the community. Thank you to the Chicago Park District and the staff at Riis Park for hosting us and to all of our small businesses and community partners for helping make the event such a success! |
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Mobile DMV Event
Thank you to Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulis and Metropolitan Family Services for bringing DMV services to the 30th Ward. |
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March in Love Resource Fair
We were pleased to participate in March In Love, a community resource fair for teenagers and their families at La Casa Norte (3533 W. North Ave).
Attendees were able to connect with organizations offering support in housing, education, employment, and other essential services. Events like this help ensure young people and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and to the families who came out to connect with community support! |
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Community First Medical Center Tour
We met with the Chief Operations Officer at Community First Medical Center to learn about improvements that have been made to their facilities, including a brand new behavioral health unit and new air conditioning systems. |
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Illinois Environmental Council Meeting
We attended a meeting with The Illinois Environmental Council to learn about their priorities for the coming year. |
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Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
We attended a presentation with Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to learn how the IHCC is supporting Small Businesses and the importance of incorporating AI to help companies operate faster and more efficiently. |
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Civics Class at Schurz It was great to chat with students at Schurz High School, a neighborhood public school in the 30th Ward about city government and the role of an Alderperson. As a Schurz Alumni it was an extra special visit! |
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Kenton Ave Clean Up Spring cleaning has started along Kenton Ave between Roscoe and Addison! |
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Portage Park Bikeway Meeting We attended the CDOT meeting at Portage Park about the proposed bikeways around Portage Park. The majority of this project would be outside the 30th Ward, but would connect to existing infrastructure in the 30th Ward. It was heartening to see so many residents attend the meeting to provide feedback! If you were not able to attend the meeting and would still like to learn more and provide feedback please visit CDOT’s website about the project. |
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The 30th Ward is proud to be partnering on the following upcoming events:Free Warm Meals: Stop by Metro Family Services from 3-5pm for a free hot meal on Wednesday, March 11th.Conversation with the Commander: Join the 25th District and Alderwoman Cruz at Dunkin Dounuts (5959 W Diversey) on Thursday March 12th from 9:30-Noon to share concerns directly with CPD in a casual atmosphere.Food Giveaway: Save the date for our next food giveaway with State Rep Guzzardi, State Senator Guzman, and the Chopin Park Advisory Council at Chopin Park on March 27th. Stay tuned for additional details!
Pictures with the Easter Bunny at Kilbourn Park: Saturday, March 28th, from 10am-11:30.The Give-n-Receive at Kilbourn Park: We are excited to invite you to a FREE thrifting boutique with clothes and accessories for all ages and genders at Kilbourn Park on Saturday, March 28th from Noon-3pm. The Give n Receive will also be accepting donations of gently used clothes and accessories, a great opportunity to get a head start on your spring cleaning while supporting an amazing community organization.Old Irving Park Association Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 28th, 10am at Belding Elementary.Shred-a-Thon and Electronics Recycling: Join us at St. Viator’s for our annual shred-a-thon on April 25th. More details coming soon!Chopin Park Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday April 4th, 3420 N Long, 10am-12pm.
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SBIF - Belmont/Central Opens
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in April in the Belmont/Central TIF district. Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by April 30, and register for an informational webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 bit.ly/apr26sbif. |
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Navy Pier Small Business Opportunities |
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Small Business Fundamentals Join the Crecer Business Incubator and the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation for their small business fundamentals courses. Contact Cesar 773-451-5233 with questions or for additional information.
 
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Immigration & Know Your Rights
Community leaders and elected officials are watching the developments in Minnesota closely as winter turns to spring. Recent actions by city leadership — including directives to document and investigate federal immigration activity — show that local government is preparing. |
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Our office will continue to share reliable updates and connect residents with Know Your Rights resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
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Spring is right around the corner, and we have a couple of important reminders to keep our neighborhoods safe and clean. |
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Garbage Cart Maintenance
Proper garbage cart maintenance is an important step residents can take to help prevent rodent activity in our neighborhoods. Rats are attracted to food waste, and damaged or poorly maintained carts can provide easy access to a reliable food source. Making sure your cart lid closes completely, keeping the cart clean, and placing trash in sealed bags (black bins only!) can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting rodents. To ensure your bins are as rodent proof as possible take a few moments to inspect them for holes, cracks, or broken/damaged lids. If you find damage to your bins you should report it via 311 for Garbage Cart Maintenance - if you need assistance reporting in 311 please give our office a call. It typically takes 30 days to get replacement bins from the City of Chicago, so the sooner you report damage the better!
Residents should also avoid overfilling carts and keep lids tightly closed. Simple steps like rinsing carts periodically and ensuring trash is contained go a long way toward keeping alleys and streets cleaner and less appealing to pests. When everyone does their part to maintain their garbage carts, we help protect the health, safety, and cleanliness of our entire community.
The city provides black bins to single family homes and buildings with less than four units. Buildings with four units or more are required to hire a private company for waste removal. If there is a building in your neighborhood that is not maintaining their dumpsters please let us know so that we can address it. |
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Springtime Coyote Safety Springtime brings pup season for our clever and adaptable wild neighbors. Check out these tips for co-exisiting peacefully as coyote sightings increase in our neighborhoods and across Chicago. |
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Chicago Animal Care and Control
Concerns about conditions at Chicago Animal Care and Control have brought renewed attention to the city’s municipal animal shelter. Volunteers and advocates have raised alarms about overcrowding, cleanliness, and the overall environment inside the facility, with some describing unsanitary conditions and a lack of resources to properly care for the number of animals arriving at the shelter.
At the same time, the leadership of the agency has become a point of debate. Mayor Brandon Johnson recently appointed longtime city employee Susan Cappello—who had been serving as interim director for the past 3 years—to lead the agency permanently. Alderwoman Cruz and Alderman Villegas are leading the call for a nationwide search for the position instead, to ensure that we find the best candidate for the job.
Overall, the current discussion centers on improving conditions for animals, supporting shelter staff and volunteers, ensuring transparency, and determining the best leadership and resources needed to strengthen Chicago’s animal care system going forward.
You can read more about the call for a nationwide search and Alderwoman Cruz’s leadership on this issue in recent media coverage:
City Animal Shelter Needs New Chief Amid ‘Concerning’ Conditions, Alderpeople And Volunteers Say (2/20/2026)
Mayor Defends City Animal Shelter Leader Amid Pushback From Alderpeople, Advocates (2/26/2026)
Mayor Johnson defends choice to lead city's Animal Care and Control, despite conditions at city-run shelter (2/26/2026)
Mayor names new head of Animal Care and Control amid shelter backlash: 'Very concerning' (2/26/2026)
Animal Control Boss Defends Record As Volunteers, Alders Sound Alarm Over Euthanasias, Conditions (3/5/2026) |
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Steinmetz Vision and Mission
Dear Belmont Cragin Families, Students, and Community Members,
We invite you to share your feedback on the draft Vision and Mission for Steinmetz High School. Your input is truly important — it will help ensure that the final Vision and Mission reflect the core values and aspirations of our school, our families, and the Belmont Cragin community.
Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey and let your voice be heard:
👉 https://forms.gle/6shU1ajUg2oG5L6DA
Your feedback matters!
Thank you for partnering with us to strengthen our school vision.
Warm regards,
Steinmetz High School Administration
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Estimadas familias, estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad de Belmont Cragin,
Les invitamos a compartir su opinión sobre el borrador de la Visión y Misión de Steinmetz High School. Su participación es muy importante, ya que nos ayudará a asegurar que la versión final refleje los valores fundamentales y las aspiraciones de nuestra escuela, nuestras familias y la comunidad de Belmont Cragin.
Por favor, tómense unos minutos para completar esta breve encuesta y hacer escuchar su voz:
👉 https://forms.gle/amYKLJyPPz4WBjP16
¡Su opinión es importante!
Gracias por colaborar con nosotros para fortalecer la visión de nuestra escuela.
Cordialmente,
Administración de Steinmetz High School
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Portage Park Bike Infrastructure
Chicago Department of Transportation is proposing a new network of bikeways in the Portage Park neighborhood. The majority of the proposed bikeways would be outside of the 30th Ward, but would connect to bikeways in the 30th Ward.
CDOT has provided an informational video that explains what is being proposed, the potential impact on the surrounding community, and the expected benefits. CDOT is requesting community feedback about the proposal. Watch the video and take a short survey to share your input!
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Chicago Park District Spring Programming Online registration for Spring Programs at the Chicago Park District opens on Monday, March 9th. |
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Check out what’s happening at Chopin Park this spring! Don’t see you favorite class below? You can browse all parks and their classes at the Chicago Park District website. |
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Changes to Vote By Mail
The United States Postal Service does not guarantee that your Vote by Mail return ballot envelopes will be postmarked on the same day you mail them. Any ballot postmarked after Election Day on March 17 cannot be accepted. USPS recommends voters to take additional precautions and mail their completed Vote By Mail Ballot at least one week (March 10) before Election Day.
Returning your ballot close to Election Day (March 17)? You have options! Drop your ballot off into any of 52 Secure Drop Boxes located at all Early Voting sites in Chicago – even on Election Day! Go to the post office counter and request a manual postmark Deliver your ballot directly to 69 W. Washington St. – either at the First-Floor lobby drop box or in the 6th Floor office
All qualified ballots properly postmarked by Election Day (March 17) and received up to 14 days after (March 31) will be processed and counted for the 2026 Primary Election. The Chicago Board of Elections will send you an email when it receives your ballot return envelope, and again when your ballot has been processed and counted.
Please Note: Precinct polling places on Election Day do not have drop boxes. Precinct election judges cannot accept Vote By Mail ballots, and VBM ballots returned at precinct polling places will not be processed. Voters instead can use any of 51 Vote Centers open on Election Day to return their Vote By Mail ballot, including the new downtown voting Supersite at 137 S. State St.
Don’t risk a late postmark on your ballot – take any of the steps above to make sure your vote counts!
For more information, go to: https://chicagoelections.gov/voting/vote-mail |
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Food Resources The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map of locations where you can find food assistance: |
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The 30th Ward office has a supply of pantry essentials. If you or someone you know is in need we can provide a bag of groceries, no questions asked. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. |
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Green Homes Chicago
Green Homes Chicago helps income-eligible homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Through this City of Chicago program, qualifying residents can receive free home upgrades like insulation, energy-efficient systems, and electrification improvements that lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Eligible homeowners must live in their home, own a 1–4 unit property, and meet income guidelines. Applications open during limited enrollment periods. Registration for this program is now open and closes at 4:30pm on Friday February 27th. Applications can be submitted via 311 or at www.chicago.gov/greenhomes 
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Resources for Veterans The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be at the 30th Ward office the third Thursday of each month. The VACCC is a county-based veterans service organization that assists honorably discharged veterans and their dependents who live in Cook County, Illinois. It focuses on both immediate emergency support and benefit navigation to help veterans access the resources they’ve earned. If you or someone you know needs help in the meantime, you can reach out to the VACCC directly at 312-433-6010.
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Resources For Students and Their Families |
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CLFC Scholarships
Every student deserves a chance! The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is providing $5,000 scholarships to students from across Chicago. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 11:59pm. Apply today at https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships |
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LSC Elections
The 2026 Chicago Public Schools Local School Council (LSC) elections are coming up on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — one day when parents, community members, staff, and students (where applicable) will elect representatives to serve on their school’s LSC. Local School Councils are important governing bodies at each CPS school that help shape decisions on school improvement plans, budgets, and the selection and evaluation of principals.
Who Can Vote? Parents and guardians of students enrolled at the school. Community members who live in the school’s attendance area or voting district. Students and school staff may also have opportunities to participate in student-specific or staff portions of the election, depending on the school.
How to Vote:
Voting takes place in person at your child’s school on March 18, 2026. Hours and specific procedures are set by each school — look for information from your school with details on where and when to cast your ballot.
Why Your Vote Matters:
LSCs give families and community members a real voice in the future of their schools. By voting, you help choose representatives who will guide key decisions — from academic plans to school leadership — that affect students’ daily experience and long-term success.
For more details on where and how to vote, check with your school or visit the CPS LSC Election page on CPS’s website. |
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After School Matters Youth Leaders
The After School Matters Youth Leaders program empowers Chicago teens to build leadership skills while making a positive impact in their communities. Participants gain hands-on experience through service projects, civic engagement, and professional skill-building—while earning a stipend for their time. Youth Leaders develop confidence, teamwork, and real-world experience that helps prepare them for college, careers, and active citizenship. The program offers teens a meaningful opportunity to lead, learn, and give back beyond the classroom. 
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Employment Resources
Career Opportunity: Pre-Apprenticeship Program
ASI is now recruiting participants for its upcoming Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program beginning March 30. This no-cost program offers a debt-free pathway into the skilled trades through hands-on construction training, OSHA 10 Construction Certification, industry-recognized credentials, and direct connections to Registered Apprenticeships. Participants receive career coaching, job readiness support, and assistance removing barriers to employment. Launch your career in the construction trades and build a future with family-sustaining wages. For more information or to apply, contact Barbara Garcia at [email protected] or call 773-278-5130.
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Mental Health Resources
Experiencing a mental health crisis? Be prepared in case you or someone you know needs immediate support. LSSI’s Mobile Crisis Team offers free, confidential help 24/7 and can come to you anywhere on Chicago’s north and northwest sides. Call 833-610-5774 (press 1) to speak with a trained professional who can help guide next steps. 
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Engaging with the Chicago Police Department There are a variety of ways to engage with the Chicago Police Department. Here are upcoming opportunities - including CAPS meetings, Conversations with a Commander, and District Council meetings. If you are unsure of the police district or beat that you live in you can look up that information here. |
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Have you visited us at 5418-A W. Belmont Ave? Stop by and say hi! Here are our hours: Monday: 9am-7pm Tuesday: 9am-5pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-3pm Second Saturday each month: 9am-1pm |
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Meet Alderwoman CruzJoin us Monday night from 5-7pm to meet Alderwoman Cruz. Share ideas, concerns, or feedback directly with the Alderwoman - no appointment needed! |
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Connect with your Northwest Side Elected Officials Need help finding out who your state elected officials are? You can look up that information here. |
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