36th Ward Newsletter for August 2026

36th Ward Newsletter:

August 2026

Dear Neighbors,

Happy August, it seems as though summer is flying by!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who attended our town hall earlier this week about pedestrian safety improvements coming to Chicago Avenue. I appreciate the discussion we had and am grateful for everyone’s participation and engagement.

As a reminder, you can watch the full town hall and view the presentation from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). Links to both items can be found below.

As we get closer to the start of a new school year, a reminder that several back-to-school bash events are happening in the ward and across the city. Flyers to those events can be found below as well.

Lastly, the Chicago Police Department’s baseball team, “CPD Knights,” and the Alders are set to have a rematch next Thursday, August 27th. Please help us share the news and spread the word.

The event will be an evening of family-friendly fun, community, and recreational-level softball skills! More details below.

Thank you, neighbors, as always, for allowing me to serve as your Alderman.

Sincerely,

Alderman Gilbert Villegas 36th Ward

Office Hours in the 36th Ward! ⏰

Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Please note: our offices are closed for lunch between 12:45-1:30pm Monday and Wednesday and 1:45-2:30pm Tuesday and Thursday.

VISIT OUR OFFICES:

36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office
6560 W Fullerton Ave
Unit # C118 - Suite A
Chicago, IL 60707

36th Ward West Town Office
2246 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Upcoming Events in the 36th Ward:

📚 Back to School Events:

Cameron Elementary, Aug. 21 at 11:00 AM: 1234 N Monticello Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
Malcolm X College, Aug. 21 at 12:00 PM: 1900 W. Jackson Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Union Park, Aug 22. at 10:30 AM: 1501 W. Randolph Street

⚾️ CPD vs Alders: Aug. 27 at 6:30 PM: Rate Field

🏠 Property Tax Appeal Workshop: Aug. 25 at 5:00 PM | 6560 W. Fullerton Ave. #C118, Chicago, IL 60707

🩸 Blood Drive for Ukraine: Aug. 23 at 8:30 AM | St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral (Mobile blood clinic on N. Oakley Blvd.)

🚔 Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Information Sessions: Various Dates and Locations

CONTACT THE 36TH WARD OFFICE

For all service requests and questions, call our office at 773-745-4636 or send an email to [email protected]. Please include your name, home address, and phone number so my staff can best assist you.

As a reminder, we have two 36th Ward Offices to serve our constituents: one in West Town, and one in Belmont Cragin.

We are closed for lunch from 12:45pm to 1:30pm Monday, Wednesday and 1:45pm to 2:30pm Tuesday, Thursday. Stop by to ask questions and get connected to resources!

Sincerely,

Alderman Gilbert Villegas & the 36th Ward Team

36th Ward Upcoming Events Flyers

POLICY UPDATES FROM ALDERMAN VILLEGAS

🏠 PASSED: Governor JB Pritzker Signed Into Law Flood Assistance Through the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program

Our office was working closely with my City Council colleagues and our State Elected officials to get this bill across the finish line. Our office will be working with the NW Home Equity Assurance Program to conduct some workshops on how to apply.

Under the new law, the Southwest Equity Home Assurance Program and the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program can establish legislation that builds on the Home Equity Assurance Act.

A temporary, three-year flood damage direct rebate program will be available to homeowners, and eligible households will get a one-time rebate for up to 50% of flood-related expenses, with a maximum rebate of $1,000, according to the release.

Read more about it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday evening for our community town hall regarding pedestrian safety improvements coming to Chicago Avenue. Another thank you to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for conducting a study and putting this plan in place. My office is committed to ensuring that Chicago Avenue is a corridor everyone can utilize and navigate safely.

I am grateful for the community members who showed up and made their voice heard.

You can watch the full town hall here: https://tinyurl.com/c5xsdatd

And view CDOT’s presentation here: https://tinyurl.com/2h92jvcn

It was a fantastic evening at Grand Night Out! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us and help make this year’s event such a success.

It was wonderful to see neighbors, families, community organizations, and our first responders come together for an evening of fun, conversation, and connection.

Nate Diaz was a loving husband, father, and pillar of the community. Whenever a person was in need, he never hesitated to help and assist in any way he could.

Grand Avenue from Nagle to Narragansett is now, “Honorary Nathan Diaz Way” enshrining his legacy for generations to come. Thank you to the Diaz family for your deep passion and commitment to our community.

May Nate’s memory continue to be a blessing. 🙏🏽🕊️

We had the privilege of recognizing Virginia Oviedo, Michael J. Ojeda, & Sandy Ruiz for their extraordinary leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to our Chicago community during the McDonald's Back-to-School & 45th Anniversary Celebration.

We are truly grateful for leaders like them, whose generosity, compassion, and commitment have touched the lives of so many families over the years.

Their impact on our community is lasting, and their example continues to inspire others to serve with kindness and purpose.

Congratulations, and thank you for everything you have done—and continue to do—to make our community stronger.

Honored to celebrate your incredible legacy. ❤️

RESOURCES

PROMOTING COMMUNITY SAFETY

- Our office works closely with the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff's Office to respond to crimes and keep our residents safe.
- As a reminder, always CALL 911 whenever you see a crime or suspicious activity occurring. That is the only way for CPD to know when & where to target their responses.
- Attend a community meeting with your Police District! At the bottom of this email, you will find the CAPS Police Beat Meeting Schedules for the 11th, 12th, 16th, and 25th Police Districts. Find your Police District & Beat here: operations.chicagopolice.org/FindMyDistrict

POLICE BEAT MEETING
SCHEDULES FOR 2025:
11th, 12th, 16th, and 25th Districts

11th District Schedule:

12th District Schedule:

16th District Schedule:

25th District Schedule:

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36th Ward Alderman · 6934 W Diversey Ave · Chicago, Illinois 60707 · USA