Neighbors, 

In this newsletter, I’m recapping our town hall and zoning advisory meeting, and sharing vital resources you may need. We're sharing updates that reflect both the progress taking place in our community and the ways neighbors continue to show up for one another. We’re highlighting the new partnership between Humboldt Park Health and Ponce Health Sciences University, which will bring medical education and research to the West Side, and sharing an opportunity to support the Alvarez family following a devastating fire. These updates and stories remind us that the future of our community is shaped not only by new investments and opportunities, but also by the care we extend to our neighbors when they need us most.

Logan Square Town Hall

On Monday, my team and I  held our Logan Square Town Hall, where residents learned about investments in the 26th Ward, received hyperlocal community safety updates and resources, and heard about our community-led zoning process. We also discussed our participatory budgeting process, which is currently open for your ideas!

We also opened the floor for public comment where we heard from Gretchen Moore, a Logan Square resident of over 50 years and head of the Northside Resource for Progress Agency who is collecting specific men’s clothing like socks, shirts, gloves, work boots size 8-10 and jeans sizes 28-36. If you are able to donate, please deliver to 1917 N. Kedzie from 9:30am - 6:30pm.

Thank you to everyone who attended and congratulations to our rain barrel winner!

Zoning Survey for 3208 West Armitage 

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at Mozart Park for our community meeting on the proposed development at 3208-16 W. Armitage Ave.  We appreciate everyone who came out, asked questions, and shared their thoughts about the project. The proposal would redevelop the currently vacant lot into a 5-story, 38-unit mixed-use residential building with ground-flood commercial space and 11 affordable units. If you were not able to attend, or if you were and have more to share, we encourage residents to review the developer’s presentation, learn more about the proposal, and submit feedback through our community feedback form. Your input will help inform our office as the proposal moves through the zoning process.

The feedback form will remain open through October 1st.

It Takes a Village - Humboldt Village

If you live or work near the former Von Humboldt elementary school (2620 W. Hirsch), and notice any suspicious activity around the site, please report it to the Chicago Police Department by calling 9-1-1. This historic property is slated to become 103 affordable homes, however, the building has experienced ongoing break-ins. Every act of vandalism creates unnecessary setbacks towards much needed affordable housing. Together, we can protect this historic landmark and move closer to welcoming families home. 

Lost Food in a Summer Power Outage? You May Be Owed $150 

If your power went out for two or more days during the recent storms, the city may be able to help replace $150 worth of groceries you lost. This week, the Department of Family Support and Services opened the application portal to apply. Funds are limited. Apply now.

You may qualify if:

• You live in Chicago

• Your Household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (see application)

• You have documentation from Comed confirming a two day outage or more.

How to apply:

In person at any of the six DFSS Community Service Centers found HERE.

Property Tax Appeal after Recent Storm Damage

If the recent storm caused damage to your home, garage or roof, the Cook County Board of Review has opened prefiling for property tax appeals. While this will not reduce the bill that arrives this month, it can reduce your 2027 bill if you start documenting damages now. Documenting can look like photos, insurance claim information, repair or contractor estimates, hotel receipts, if you had to stay elsewhere.

Dates and items to watch for:

• Your second installment 2025 tax bill should arrive before September 1st.

• The exemption filing deadline is also September first. If you are a senior, check that you have not fallen off the senior freeze list. 

• If you bought your home recently you may need to file for new exemptions.

Supporting Our Neighbors After A Fire

A few weeks ago, the Alvarez family experienced a devastating fire that resulted in a tremendous loss for their family. Our community is coming together to support the Alvarez family as they recover and begin rebuilding. We encourage anyone who is able to contribute donations, resources, or other forms of assistance to join us in showing that, in times like these, the strength of our community is reflected in how we show up for one another. A GoFundMe has been created to support the family.

Humboldt Park Health & Ponce Health Sciences University’s Historic Partnership

Humboldt Park Health (HPH) and Ponce Health Sciences University have announced a historic new partnership that will bring medical education, innovative research, and new opportunities to Humboldt Park and the surrounding communities. The agreement establishes the first academic research presence on the HPH campus in the hospital's 131-year history, creating a groundbreaking opportunity to educate future healthcare professionals and advance care in communities that have long experienced health disparities. 

Rooted in the culture, pride, and history of our community, this partnership between HPH and Puerto Rico's premier university is a meaningful reflection of our shared heritage and our shared future. Organizations like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center have helped cultivate the cultural foundation that makes a moment like this possible. Together, this partnership represents an investment in a future where the next generation of medical professionals is trained not only to provide excellent care, but to understand, respect, and serve the communities at the heart of their work. 

Mobile Mammogram Screenings at Humboldt

As we look to the week ahead, I want to highlight an integral health service coming to our ward for women over 40. Rush and Siemens Healthineers will be offering FREE mammograms, blood pressure checks, oral cancer screenings and additional resources and referrals at the Humboldt Park Boathouse parking lot. If you have been unable to take care of yourself due to being uninsured or other constraints, this is your opportunity. 15 minutes and early detection can save lives. Please note they are not available on the weekends.

Where: Humboldt Park Boathouse parking lot

When: Monday 8/24 - Friday 9/4 (excluding weekends)

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mammogram appointment: 312-942-2027

First Day of School

Monday is the first day of school. And we are hoping our youth are as excited to enter their schools as confidently as they jumped into bouncy houses this summer.  It’s an exciting time to have our students back in the classroom advancing their understanding of their communities, math and sciences, and themselves. To make sure you and your student are ready to excel, CPS has a Back-to-School resource page  with resources for the whole family. And remember, on the first day of school, students ride the CTA for free and for 75 cents thereafter. Happy first day of school.

In Solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

26th Ward Office Updates

Community Resources

26th Ward Events

Immigration Rights Resources

Construction Projects

26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward's community-led zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting.

Reproductive Justice

If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.