October 2nd, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
Fall is officially here, and so is Participatory Budgeting season in the 30th Ward! We are excited to announce our third year of Participatory Budgeting (PB) in the 30th Ward. Voting is now open for the first round! This first vote asks residents to decide what percentage of funds should go toward each category and to suggest specific projects and project locations. In November and December, residents will be asked to vote on specific projects within each category. Check out the Feedback Needed portion of this newsletter to learn more about how to participate.
It is hard to believe that we are October has arrived, and before we know it, we will be crunching through autumn leaves! The City of Chicago has several important reminders about proper leaf disposal. You can read more in the Environmental Focus portion of this newsletter.
We also want to get the word out about the Disaster Relief Assistance Program (DRAP). This program, offered through the Department of Family and Support Services, provides assistance to residents who experienced financial hardship due to flooding in 2023 and 2024.
We also have more 30th Ward events coming up! Join us for our next event to assist residents with their property tax appeals on October 6 at St. Ferdinand, or at our office on Monday October 19th (appointment required). We will also be hosting a free flu shot clinic at the 30th Ward Office on Friday October 9th. Finally, save the date for our annual Trunk or Treat at Riis Park on October 30. Check out the 30th Ward Events portion of this newsletter to learn more!
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz Alderwoman, 30th Ward |
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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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Avondale Sexual Assaults
We want to thank and acknowledge all of the survivors who came forward to report their assaults to the Chicago Police Department and then followed up with our office about them.
The community came together and were able to provide the police with enough information that the suspect has been arrested and charged. We are so thankful that CPD was able to make an arrest so quickly and we want to remind everyone that if you see something suspicious call 911 first, and then follow up with our office. The 17th District also shared some important reminders about community safety: If you see something, say something. Even if it seems mundane, reporting it can help police identify a pattern of concerning behavior. If it is an emergency, always call 911 first. If you have noticed something concerning but do not feel that it warrants calling 911 you can submit it to CPD using their online form. Motion activated exterior lighting around your property is a recommended deterrent, and having cameras can also serve as a deterrent, and in this case, provided valuable evidence that helped solve this crime. Our office has community watch window signs available to anyone who would like one. The back of sign has important contact information for community partners, including CAPS and organizations.
CAPS, or the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, is the Chicago Police Department's community-policing program. CAPS brings residents and police officers together to identify and address public-safety and quality-of-life concerns in our neighborhoods.
One of the most important parts of CAPS is your local Beat Meeting. Beat meetings give residents an opportunity to meet the officers who serve their neighborhood, learn about public-safety issues in their area, raise ongoing concerns, and work with police and their neighbors to identify possible solutions.
Attending your local CAPS meeting is also a great way to get to know the officers serving your community and stay informed about what's happening in your neighborhood. You don't need to have a specific problem to attend—all residents are welcome to participate. Please see the Public Safety portion of this newsletter for each beats CAPS schedule. If you are not able to attend your CAPS meeting in person, you can also reach out via email or phone: |
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Chopin Park Splash Pad - Groundbreaking
We are thrilled to announce that the construction of the new splash pad at Chopin Park has started! We anticipate that the new splash pad will be ready in Summer 2027. |
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Disaster Relief Assistance Program Did you experience flooding during the severe storms of 2023 or 2024? The Disaster Relief Program (DRAP) provides a one time reimbursement to eligible Chicago residents who experienced financial hardship related to the storms and flooding in 2023 0r 2024. . Interested parties may apply online, visit a DFSS Community Service Center or contact Northwest Center.
Addition information about the program and the application can be found here. |
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If you have questions about the program or need assistance with the application there is an upcoming event at The Northwest Center where you will hear directly from the Department of Family and Support Services. |
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Feedback Needed 3oth Ward Participatory Budgeting
Fall is upon us, and so is the annual 30th Ward participatory budget! Participatory budgeting (PB) is an innovative democratic process that allows community members to directly decide how to allocate public funds. In the 30th Ward, Alderwoman Cruz uses PB for three reasons: Community Involvement: 30th Ward residents propose and vote on projects, ensuring that funding addresses local priorities. Transparency: PB allows greater transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent. Empowerment: By providing neighbors a say in budget decisions, PB empowers communities and strengthens civic engagement.
Funding for participatory budgeting projects come from the ward's annual "menu" money, which is the $1.5 million provided annually in the City budget to each ward. Individual alders decide how to spend that money on infrastructure projects, with some alders using PB to allocate “menu” funds. For 2026, 30th Ward residents will be asked to vote to allocate up to $500,000 in PB funds. The first round of voting, in September and October, asks residents what percentage of those funds to devote to the four categories of this year’s participatory budget: The first voting round also asks residents to suggest projects and locations in each of those categories. When this round is complete, the 30th Ward Office will compile all the suggestions, ensure a geographical balance of projects, and ask residents to vote for specific projects on the second and final ballot in November and December. The 30th Ward will be hosting a virtual participatory budgeting town hall on Thursday, October 8, at 6:00 pm. Meeting info is here: Please vote on the first ballot here and spread the word! All 30th Ward residents 16 or older are welcome to participate. |
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Ward Night Schedule Ward Night is your opportunity to meet one on one with Alderwoman Cruz, no appointment needed. |
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Chopin Park Sandlot Classic
We stopped by the first ever Chopin Park Sandlot Classic where we cheered on the players and connected with the community. Thank you Chopin Park Advisory Council for organizing this event - we are so proud of the work you are doing to build community around the Chopin Park neighborhood. |
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Property Tax Appeals
We hosted a property tax appeal event with the Board of Review where residents could go over their property tax bills, check for missing exemptions, and appeal their most recent assessment. Thank you to Chicago Academy for hosting us! If you missed this event we have another one coming up on October 6th at St. Ferdinand. |
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My Block, My Hood, My City comes to Belmont Cragin
Jahmal Cole of My Block, My Hood, My City has spent the past month living in Belmont Cragin as part of his Live 77 project. I had the oppotunity to show him around the 3oth Ward portions of Belmont Cragin. We talked about the rich culture and vibrant communities that make up this corner of Chicago while we dined at Avenida del Sabor. |
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Mobile DMV at Kilbourn Park
Our office was thrilled to partner with the Secretary of State for a mobile DMV pop up at Kilbourn Park. We love making government services more accessible for 30th Ward residents! |
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Share our Spare Gala
We attended the Share Our Spare Gala where we presented a city resolution recognizing Diaper Need Awareness Week. Share Our Spare is a non profit dedicated to ensuring all children aged 0-5 have the essentials they need to support their health and development - and they are located in the 30th Ward! |
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Community Safety Meeting - Springfield and Cornelia
Our office partnered with the 17th District and hosted a safety meeting in the community where the sexual assaults occurred. The police shared updates about the arrest and answered questions from residents. |
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Conversation with the Commander
Our office partnered with the 25th District for a Coffee with the Commander event. Residents and 25th District officers gathered at Dunkin Donuts to hear directly from the 25th District Commander and share any concerns they have. |
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DRAP Informational Sessions
Our office hosted two informational sessions about DRAP at Northwest Center where residents had the opportunity to ask questions about the Disaster Relief Assistance Program to the Department of Family and Support Services. |
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Latina Voices Panel
Alderwoman Cruz participated in a panel discussion Latina Voices: Shaping Our Future - Leadership and Service where she joined other leaders to share their experiences with up and coming leaders. |
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International Council on Shopping Centers
We attend the International Council On Shopping Centers Aldermanic Retail Exchange to meet with businesses and let them know about opportunities to open locations in the 30th Ward. |
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CFD Memorial
We honored fallen Chicago Firefighters at the annual CFD Memorial Ceremony at Rosehill Cemetery. |
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Parkview Terrace Beautification Project
We stopped by the Independence Park neighborhood Parkview Terrace Clean Up where volunteers and Openland's Treekeepers were preparing the parkway for new trees to be planted. We are so proud of the work that GIPNA does in their neighborhood! |
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Immigration & Know Your Rights |
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The Northwest Side has seen an increase in ICE activity in recent weeks. Northwest side elected officials are closely monitoring the detentions and working with impacted families. Our office has know your rights literature, yard signs, and whistle kits available to anyone who would like one. For real time updates on confirmed ICE Activity on the Northwest side you can follow Northwest Side Rapid Response of social media. |
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The Northwest Side Rapid Response team has created a Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN) to help warn vulnerable neighbors when there is confirmed ICE activity in the area. To learn more, or sign up see below. |
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| | Our office will continue to share reliable updates and connect residents with Know Your Rights and immigration resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
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Organization Highlight:After School Matters
After School Matters (ASM) provides Chicago teens with paid, hands-on opportunities to explore their interests, learn new skills, meet other young people, and prepare for college and future careers. Programs cover a huge variety of interests, including arts, sports, STEM, communications and leadership, skilled trades, and more. Teens can find opportunities ranging from graphic design and robotics to welding, filmmaking, dance, horticulture, basketball, and bike repair.
Most After School Matters programs are open to Chicago high school students ages 14–18 who live in the City of Chicago. Some opportunities have additional age or eligibility requirements; for example, Outreach Assistantships are generally for teens ages 16 and older. Participants can also earn a financial stipend while developing skills and gaining hands-on experience.
Fall 2026 applications are currently open, with programs running September 28 through December 12. Teens can apply for up to six programs and rank their choices.
Explore programs and apply through After School Matters |
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As the days are getting shorter the leaves are getting ready to fall. The Department of Streets and Sanitation has some important reminders for proper leaf disposal. |
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There is also a growing movement to “leave the leaves” instead of disposing them. Fallen leaves are an important part of a healthy backyard ecosystem and can benefit your garden, soil, and local wildlife.
Leaves provide valuable winter shelter for butterflies, moths, fireflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, many of which overwinter in or underneath leaf litter. As leaves naturally break down, they also return nutrients to the soil, retain moisture, suppress weeds, and help insulate plant roots during cold weather.
You don't have to leave leaves everywhere. Clear them from sidewalks, driveways, streets, and sewer drains, but consider leaving a layer in garden beds, around trees and shrubs, or in a designated corner of your yard.
A little less fall cleanup can mean healthier soil, happier pollinators, and better habitat for neighborhood wildlife! |
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Belmont/Central Corridor Activation Program
he City of Chicago's Workforce Solutions Program (WSP) is accepting applications to help eligible businesses invest in their employees and strengthen their workforce.
Through the program, businesses can receive reimbursement for training current employees and providing on-the-job training for new hires. Eligible businesses may receive funding for up to 100% of qualified training costs, with grants of up to $250,000.
Businesses located in eligible, funded TIF districts can apply year-round on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available. For businesses outside funded TIF areas, the next HED Bond-funded application cycle opens October 1 for 30 days, with applications reviewed through a competitive process.
Want to learn more? The Workforce Solutions Program hosts informational webinars on the first Tuesday of each month to explain eligibility, the application process, and available funding. The next webinar will be Tuesday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m.
Registration: Register for the October 6 Webinar |
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Belmont/Central Corridor Activation Program
The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office.
This initiative will help revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.
For more information, visit: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail |
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City Council Update The City Council met for its regular September meeting on Wednesday, September 23; a special meeting Friday, September 25; and another meeting on Tuesday, September 29. Here are some highlights of the meetings: The parking meter lease. A final vote to authorize a change in ownership of the parking meter took place on Tuesday, September 29, and was approved by a vote of 45 to 3. I voted to approve the transfer of ownership. A team of alders working with the Departments of Law and Finance was able to negotiate some favorable conditions for City, including: $75 million upon the transfer, which will go towards the City’s pension programs. 5 percent of “calculated net income,” which will also go towards pensions. A 2 percent of the sale price of any future sale transferring the lease from one owner to another (again, devoted to shoring up pensions). Requiring the buyer, Stonepeak Partners, to sell its stake in Omni Air, which provides deportation flights to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A pending sale was announced earlier this week. More flexibility to take meters out of service for large City events without financial penalties to the City. Greater on-the-job protections for parking meter staff members.
In total, Alderman Bill Conway calculated that the net present value of the deal is somewhere around $140 million. Against the billions of dollars the parking meter system is projected to make over the remaining 57 years of the lease, this is a depressingly small amount. I remain very upset with the deal that was made in 2008, but I believe the Council achieved the best deal it could, given the awful circumstances. This new deal doesn’t exactly turn lemons into lemonade, but it does make the lemons slightly less sour. One very persuasive fact: Ald. Scott Waguespack, the only current member of the City Council who voted against the parking meter deal in 2008 (four other members from 2008 who voted yes also still serve on the Council), was a lead negotiator of the deal and voted in favor of it. The competing Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) proposed by the mayor and the Fair and Accountable Illinois Renters (FAIR) ordinance introduced by a coalition of alders were both advanced by their respective committees prior to the September 23 meeting, but both were deferred and published. At Tuesday’s Council meeting, both ordinances were held back to allow negotiations to merge the proposals together to continue. I continue to hope the best parts of PRO and FAIR can be combined through dialogue and that a consensus ordinance can be approved by an overwhelming majority of the City Council. My top priorities have always been protecting small, landlords and protecting tenants, especially by providing permanent funding for tenant legal assistance in eviction court. I am pleased that the negotiations will led by Ald. Gil Villegas, chief sponsor of FAIR, and Ald. Maria Hadden. chair of the Progressive Caucus. Both are serious people. An ordinance to require a supermajority vote (30 of 50 alders) to approve new borrowing was approved at the September 29 meeting, passing by a vote of 32-15. I voted in favor. By requiring broader support for borrowing, I believe this ordinance will result in better outreach from mayoral administrations to alders to ensure that all wards receive benefits from bond-funded programs. I voted in favor of Alderman Martin’s legislation to expand the City’s ethics ordinance at the September 23 meeting. It will: Require candidates for City offices to state that they “approve this message” in any advertisements (as you already see for federal officials Further restrict the use of City symbols in ads. Prevent elected officials from pressuring staff to support campaign. Ensures that campaign committees cannot dissolve to avoid fines by holding new campaign committees for the same candidate responsible for the fines. Subject contractors working for City Council members to the same restrictions on lobbying and campaign donations as City Council members and staff.
Legislation to require employers to provide breaks and shade to any staff who work outside in extreme heat was re-referred at the September 23 meeting back to the Committee on Workforce Development. 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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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 groceries, no questions asked. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. Our pantry office is stocked by the community for the community - and we are always accepting donations of canned goods! |
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The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be at the 30th Ward office on the third Thursday 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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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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