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January 5th, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones and the traditions that make the Holidays special. I’ve been reflecting on the past year and all that we’ve accomplished together in the 30th Ward.
2025 was a year defined by unity, compassion, and action. Time and again, our community came together to uplift one another and support our most vulnerable neighbors. Across the city, people didn’t just say, “I’m here to help”—they showed it through their actions.
As we head into 2026, Mother Nature continues to keep us on our toes, with unpredictable weather and rapid changes in temperature. Please review our winter weather reminders, and as always, look out for one another whenever possible.
We also have two important dates coming up in early January. On Saturday, January 10, we’ll host our complimentary holiday tree pickup. Then, on Monday, January 12, the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program application opens at 6:00 a.m. You can find more information about both programs in this edition of the 30th Ward Newsletter.
Cheers to 2026! May the new year bring you love, peace, prosperity, and many remarkable accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz Alderman, 30th Ward |
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| To read this newsletter in your preferred Language: Follow , 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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| | | The 30th Ward 2025 Year In Review Click below to view our . |
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| | 30th Ward Tree Cycle - What to Know
The 30th Ward is thrilled to be offering complimentary tree pick up services for our residents again this year. Sign up by Wednesday, January 7th, place your tree curbside by 8am on Saturday, January 10th, and our staff will pick it up and bring it to one of the Chicago Park District tree recycling locations. 
This service is limited to 30th Ward residents, y, and your tree must be placed in the parkway by 8am on Saturday, January 10th. |
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| | Shared Cost Sidewalk Program - What to Know
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular, voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the city. The SCS Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.
The voluntary SCS application opens at 6am on Monday January 12th. Applications will be accepted that day only, until 10pm.
You can read more about the My team will be available in the ward office and by phone to assist with application submissions starting at 6am on Monday January 12th. Feel free to stop by or give us a call at 773-628-7874 for assistance. |
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Pictures with Santa and Surprise Toy Giveaway
We had so much fun at our Pictures with Santa Holiday Bash! It was such a blessing to see so many happy faces.
Thank you to Avondale Music Hall for hosting us - Everything was so festive and their staff was so helpful!
This event would not have been possible without the support of so many community partners: State Rep. Janie Andrade, State Sen. Graciela Guzman, Coach Bates and Maggie from Realty of America, State Farm representative Diana Morado, Dr. Sabha and Draco Strategies, Sami and the entire Dearborn Wholesale Groceries family, Metropolitan Family Services, MWRD of Greater Chicago, Julieta and the Zakat Foundation, Chicago Transit Authority, Kilbourn Park Advisory Council, Grace Automotive, The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, La Villa Restaurants, and our rock star volunteers: Ivan, Patti, Luis, and Mimi.
And thank you to Santa and Mrs. Claus for taking time out of their busy schedule to bring so much joy to 30th Ward families. |
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| | | Christmas in the Wards
We participated in the annual Christmas In The Wards at McCormick Place where we provided gifts to 30th Ward families. 
 
OIPA Holiday Stroll
We stopped by the Old Irving Park Association Holiday Stroll, where we decorated cookies and met Mrs. Claus.  
25th District Holiday Party
We celebrated the Holidays with 25th District CPD. 
House of Glam Toy Giveaway
We supplied gifts and holiday cheer for the House of Glam holiday pop up. We love supporting our local small businesses! 
Senior Bingo with Metropolitan Family Services We joined the staff at Metropolitan Family Services for holiday bingo. It was so much fun to celebrate the holiday season with the community and help spread joy. 
Toys For Tots Donation Drive We were honored to partner with Toys for Tots again this year. Thank you to everyone who dropped off toys at our office, and to the Toys for Tots crew for including us in this Holiday tradition. Together we made the holidays happier for kids across Chicago.
Christmas Day Bingo at Central Nursing Home
We had such a beautiful time celebrating Christmas Day with our Seniors, doing what we all love most, playing Bingo! It was truly lovely to be together and bring some happiness into their day. Moments like these remind us how meaningful connection and shared joy can be.   
Dog Stop Pictures with Santa We partnered with The Dog Stop for pictures with Santa where families enjoyed holiday treats, crafts, and a special toy giveaway, compliments of The Dog Stop.  
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| Three Kings Day Celebration
Yesterday was a beautiful celebration of Three Kings Day. Thank you to the St. Ferdinand and the St. Ladislaus communities for welcoming us to your celebration. And thank you to the officers from the 16th and 25th districts for leading the procession and helping the event run smoothly.    
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Exciting Update: Chopin Park Splash Pad Coming Next Year We recently joined the Chopin Park Advisory Council, Park Supervisor Luigi, and community members to share updates on the new splash pad and preview four design options. You’ll soon have a chance to vote for your favorite design!
Voting opens soon, you can cast your vote online or in person at our office or at the park. Stay tuned for details!
Also, our outstanding State Rep. Will Guzzardi - 39th District joined the meeting to share the great news of his $150K capital improvement grant for Chopin Park. 
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| | Immigration & Know Your Rights Many families in our ward continue to navigate uncertainty. Recent reports indicate a decrease in Border Patrol agents previously stationed in Chicago. While this development may bring some relief, we know anxiety remains.
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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| | | Snow Removal Reminders
Winter has started off with a bang, we want to remind everyone of the important role we each play in keeping our sidewalks safe and accessible. Chicago requires all residential buildings, businesses, and property owners to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks. Keeping sidewalks passable is especially critical for neighbors who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or who simply need a safe path to get around.
We also ask residents to look out for elderly or disabled neighbors who may not be able to shovel on their own. Even a few minutes of assistance can make a meaningful difference in someone’s safety and independence.
If you’d like to lend a hand more regularly, consider joining our 30th Ward Snow Force, a volunteer network that helps shovel for residents who need extra support. This is a great opportunity for neighbors, families, community groups, and local students. To sign up, contact our office and we’ll connect you with upcoming volunteer opportunities or
If you see a sidewalk that has not been cleared and poses a hazard, please contact our office or so we can follow up. Together, we can ensure that everyone in the 30th Ward can move through our community safely this winter |
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| City Snow Plowing Chicago’s Department of Streets & Sanitation manages snow response using a tiered system that prioritizes safety and keeps major routes moving first. Here’s how the process works—and how it applies specifically to the 30th Ward.
1. Arterial Streets Are Plowed and Salted FirstWhen snow begins, the City deploys its full fleet to clear major arterial streets, which include high-traffic roads, bus routes, and emergency corridors.
These routes remain the top priority throughout a storm; crews cycle through them repeatedly to ensure they remain open for emergency vehicles and transit.
2. Side Streets Come NextCrews begin moving into residential streets after the arterial network is safe and passable.
Side streets are plowed but not always salted; salt is used strategically where it’s most effective—intersections, curves, hills, and known icy spots.
3. Each Ward Has Dedicated Snow CrewsEvery ward in Chicago has its own dedicated Streets & Sanitation snow removal crew responsible for clearing residential streets within that ward’s boundaries.
These crews are assigned to the ward throughout the storm and respond as soon as arterial work allows.
We want to thank all 30th Ward residents for their patience while our crew is trained on proper snow removal. Our Ward Superintendent and ward staff have been assisting with snow removal and guiding new hires as they learn the layout of the 30th Ward. Alderwoman Cruz has been in constant communication with our Ward Superintendent and the Commissioner of Streets and Sanitation to address concerns about snow removal.
4. The 30th Ward Is Divided Into Four SectionsFor efficiency and quicker response times, the 30th Ward is organized into four plow sections.
Each section has assigned drivers and equipment so crews can work simultaneously across the ward rather than covering it sequentially.
This structure helps ensure that all neighborhoods within the ward receive timely attention once side-street plowing begins.
5. Alleys Are Not Plowed
6. Real-Time Tracking and Snow CommandAll plows are GPS-equipped and monitored at the City’s Snow Command Center.
During major storms, residents can track plowing progress on the which shows where plows have recently been active.
Finally, we want to remind everyone that placing items in the street to save parking spots is illegal and can be removed at any time by streets and sanitation. |
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| Cold Weather Reminders
As Chicago heads into a stretch of freezing temperatures, we want to remind everyone to take extra precautions and look out for one another. Wind chills can become dangerous very quickly, especially for older adults, children, and our unhoused neighbors.
The City’s warming centers, operated by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, are open during regular business hours, and additional sites may activate during severe cold spells. Residents can call 311 to find the nearest warming center, request a well-being check for someone vulnerable, or get connected to emergency shelter and supportive services.
If your household is experiencing heating issues, programs like the Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) and utility assistance through LIHEAP may be able to help. See the Community Resources portion of this newsletter for more information about either program. Our 30th Ward office can also assist with guidance and application support—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s continue to keep each other safe this winter. Check on your neighbors, dress in layers, and limit time outdoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Together, we can make sure everyone stays warm and protected through the coldest days. |
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| | | ADU Update As you may remember, I supported Alderman Bennett Lawson’s ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units citywide. The compromise legislation adopted by the Council in September required each alderperson to decide if they wanted to opt in their ward, what area(s) to include, and what procedures to require. On Wednesday, the Council adopted legislation that included an opt-in for all residential single-family areas of the 30th Ward, except for precincts 1, 4, 9, and 21. (View a map of the ineligible precincts .) These precincts were not included due to concerns from residents, but I hope to add these areas back once single-family areas in other parts of the ward have successfully participated and ADU benefits are widely known. Only 1, 2, or 3 permits for ADUs will be issued per block per year, depending on the specific zoning category. RS-1 will allow 1 permit per year, RS-2 will allow 2 permits, RS-3 will allow 3 permits. In addition, a property must be owner-occupied at the time of application. Finally, applications will be subject to the City’s administrative adjustment process, which allows the ward office an opportunity to review ADU applications. The ordinance goes into effect on April 1, 2026. More information will be posted on the City’s as it becomes available. We will also post similar information on . |
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2026 Individual Artists Program DCASE’s 2026 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant application is now open. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2026 at noon CT. IAP Grants support the creation, development, or presentation of artwork, and professional development, for artists across all disciplines including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Music, Performing Arts (Theatre/Dance) and Visual Arts/Design. Visit to sign up for an info session and apply. |
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| | Department of Planning and Development: Feedback Needed |
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Cicero Ave Land Use Study How should Cicero Avenue grow in the years ahead? What types of land uses and buildings do you want to see more along the corridor?
Share your vision in the second community survey for the Cicero Avenue Land Use Study. Your feedback plays a key role in shaping the study’s recommendations and it only takes a few minutes to complete!
🗓 Deadline: January 15, 2026
🔗Survey link: Project website: |
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| | | Mental Health Resources
The holidays can be tough, especially if you’re struggling with loneliness, isolation, substance use or mental health issues. Know that you’re not alone and help is here. Call 312.747.1020 or visit MentalHealth.Chicago.gov.
For more information on CDPH’s mental health services and substance use treatment, please go to: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/behavioral_health.html |
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| Scam Alert Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is calling on Illinoisans to remain vigilant for fraudulent text messages claiming they owe money for traffic violations or tolls.
Scam texts, which have surfaced recently, typically claim that the recipient’s vehicle registration or driving privileges are at risk of suspension and prompt immediate action through a link. These messages are phishing attempts designed to instill fear as a means of stealing money or personal information.
“Phishing scams continue to be a persistent threat, especially during the holiday season, with criminals repeatedly attempting to steal Illinoisans’ personal information and hard-earned money,” Giannoulias said. “These messages are designed to look legitimate, which is why it’s important for residents to remember that our office will never contact them by text about license or registration issues. Ignoring and reporting these scams helps protect everyone.”
The Secretary of State’s office sends text messages only to remind customers about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send texts related to driver’s license status, vehicle registration issues or enforcement actions.
Illinoisans who receive scam messages are encouraged to report them to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting . |
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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. Give us a call at 773-628-7874 and we will have one ready for you to pick up.
If you or someone you know needs a little help celebrating the holidays (or any occasion) we can help! Stop by our office and pick up a celebration bag - everything needed to bake a festive cake, compliments of Friends of Gray. |
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| Emergency Heating Repair Program If your furnace or boiler fails, the is designed to help low- to moderate-income homeowners get their heating systems repaired or replaced—without taking on crippling costs.
What you should know: The program reopened November 1, 2025.
It’s available to owner-occupied residential properties (1–4 units) whose households earn 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Grants are awarded first-come, first-served and the assistance can cover repair or replacement work—once every 10 years for your property.
To apply, homeowners can download the 311 app or call 311, or use the CHI311 website. If you need assistance applying please reach out to our office.
Note: If your property received EHRP help within the last 10 years, it is ineligible until the 10-year cycle is up.
As Chicago’s temperatures drop, we don’t want residents to risk going without heat. If you or someone you know owns a property in Chicago and could benefit from this program, keep an eye out for the application opening and gather the necessary documents in advance. |
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| Utility Assistance Looking for help with your energy bills? CEDA’s LIHEAP utility assistance program offers financial support for low-income households in Cook County to help cover heating and electric costs. Applications reopened on October 1, 2025, and eligibility is based on recent income and household size. Learn more and apply at CEDA’s website or call 800-571-2332. |
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| If you would like in person assistance applying for LIHEAP you can make an appointment with Rincon Family Services. Give them a call at 312-907-1517. |
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Chicago Police & Firefighter Training Academy (CPFTA)Applications open in January for current high school sophomores interested in careers in public safety. CPFTA provides hands-on weekly training at the Chicago Police or Fire Academy, focusing on academics, physical fitness, leadership, and the skills needed to pursue careers as police officers, firefighters, or EMTs.
Students must live in Chicago, have a 2.3 GPA or higher, maintain good attendance, and submit two recommendation letters. Information sessions will be offered this winter and spring, with applications accepted through May 1.
The program also offers public safety certifications, paid summer internships, and college credit opportunities. Learn more at CPS.edu/CPFTA or by contacting [email protected] or 773-553-2486. |
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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. We will share the 2026 CAPS meetings for all 30th Ward beats once they are available.  |
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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 . |
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