1st Ward Newsletter | August 18, 2026
|
|
Dear neighbors,
It has been exhaustingly wet this summer; since June 1st O'Hare and Midway have seen 144% and 183% of their average precipitation. What we should assume for decades to come is that 1) storms will only continue to intensify in Chicago and globally and 2) our stormwater management systems are not prepared for that future. Let's talk about what we can do about that.
Part of the solution is in upgrading our capacity to capture and store stormwater during extreme storms. Examples of this effort include the Wing Storage pilot proposed for the West Side, which will create storage for up to 1.7 million gallons of stormwater. Chicago needs sufficient staffing capacity at Streets & Sanitation to ensure that our drains are clear and unclogged, as well a street sweeping schedule adjustment to account for the later and later leaf drop that we're seeing. These are examples of "gray infrastructure" in stormwater management: human-made, engineered, necessary, but also insufficient.
The flip-side of this solution is "green infrastructure", investments and strategies that keep stormwater out of our system to begin with. Much of this is biological and organic: the trees, native gardens, and bioswales that can absorb stormwater effectively and keep it off our streets. It can also mean incorporating more permeability into Chicago's infrastructure in parking lots and alleys. Finally, I think of the humble but effective rain barrel, which can divert up to 55 gallons of water from your downspout. A block of rain barrel installations could divert hundreds of gallons every storm, making a significant difference for our alleys and streets.
There is no one solution that solves this issue: Chicago needs a comprehensive green and gray infrastructure solution for our future. This pursuit of resilience also must be coupled with reducing Chicago's climate emissions as urgently as possible. It is no longer a moral or ideological matter, but about our ability to provide city services, improve mobility, and avoid property damage. As the old quote goes, "For everything to stay the same, everything must change."
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
Alderman La Spata
|
|
In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
|
|
|
|
The first Meet Me on Milwaukee of 2026 is next weekend! We're seeking volunteers to sign-up for 3-hour shifts on each event day. Volunteers will be responsible for setting up barricades, guarding intersections, redirecting drivers, providing information to attendees, disposing of litter, and more. Please help make MMoM 2026 a success by registering below!
|
|
|
|
Additional events this month include:
|
|
|
- 8/20 Dog Vaccine and Microchip Clinic: Open to the first 100 dogs. Open to all Cook County residents. All dogs MUST be leashed or in a carrier. Dogs requiring muzzles MUST be muzzled and you MUST be able to handle your dog around other animals. Services offered:
- Rabies vaccine and tag
- Distemper vaccines
- Microchips with registration
- 8/20 Live Q&A with OIG: Ald. La Spata will host a virtual event via Facebook Live with Inspector General David Glockner. Send us your questions about City services and recent OIG reports!
- 8/26 Senior Resource Fair: Join Ald. La Spata, State Rep. Lilian Jimenez, State Sen. Omar Aquino, and a plethora of service organizations including healthcare providers. Light refreshments will be provided. Register here.
|
|
|
- 8/26 Meet Your Electeds: Swing by Bungalow by Middle Brow for an evening with your local elected officials, including Ald. La Spata, State Representative Will Guzzardi (39th District), Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez (8th District), and State Senator Graciela Guzman (20th District). Register here!
- 8/30 Meet Me on Milwaukee: The first MMoM of the year! Join us on in Wicker Park on Milwaukee Ave between Damen and Ashland for strolling, shopping, eating and more!
|
|
Property Taxes
Second Installment 2025 tax bills are now available online. To view your tax bill, please visit cookcountytreasurer.com. If you would prefer a physical copy, the Treasurer's Office expects for all property taxes to be mailed by Sept. 1. Second installment bills for the 2025 Tax Year are due Oct. 1.
|
|
|
LoSAH is hosting a Community Family Night this Thursday, Aug. 20th, from 5-7 p.m. This will be a space for families to gather, spend time together, and enjoy each other through fun family activities. Register here!
|
|
|
|
If you are interested in attending tonight's legislative town hall with State Reps. Jiménez and Guzzardi and State Sen. Guzman, please note that there has been a venue change. The event will now take place at the Northwest Center (5233 W. Diversey Ave). Onsite childcare and interpretation will be available. Register here.
|
|
|
|
The Emily Kuhn Quintet will be performing a free jazz set at Wicker Park next Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30-7 p.m!
|
|
New Community Review Updates
- FEEDBACK WANTED! 2525 N Milwaukee: Property owner proposes adaptive reuse of existing vacant building (former Single Room Occupancy residence) for 30 residential dwelling units and 2 ground floor commercial units. A 1st Ward First Look meeting will take place Sept. 1 (RSVP here). In the interim, you can review conceptual plans and provide feedback.
- Awaiting intake packet – 2431 W Fullerton: A potential developer reached out for details about a zoning change on this property. The 1st Ward Office discussed previous zoning change and feedback, provided developer intake packet, and awaits more information. As of August 2026, it is expected that this property is under contract, and the 1st Ward Office is awaiting completed developer's packet.
|
|
|
Virtual 1st ward First Look - September 14 (6pm) RSVP
- 2525 N Milwaukee: Property owner proposes adaptive reuse of existing vacant building (former Single Room Occupancy residence) for 30 residential dwelling units and 2 ground floor commercial units.
|
|
|
|
|
