Chicago’s 50th Ward Newsletter

February 13, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Standing Up to Anti-Jewish Hate

I joined Jewish leaders at a Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) board meeting this week to discuss anti-Jewish hate in Chicago. The commission is now sending recommendations to the mayor on how to combat rising antisemitic hate crimes in our city.

Jewish Chicagoans make up just three percent of the city’s population, yet they were the victims of more than one-third of all hate crimes reported to the police, according to the most recent city data. At my prompting, CCHR held a hearing in September where they heard from Jewish victims of hate crime and from organizational experts to help the city get a grasp on what is driving this disturbing increase in hate.

I will share the commission’s recommendations when they are publicly released. In the meantime, I hope the mayor takes this crisis seriously and listens closely to recommendations on how to protect Chicago’s Jewish community.

Primary Election Update

A Midterm Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 17. Voter registration for the election is currently open, and Vote By Mail applications are now being accepted.

There are a few important updates that residents should know as we get closer to Election Day:

Early Voting officially started downtown at the Board of Elections offices (69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor) and the new supersite at 137 South State Street. On Monday, March 2, Early Voting will expand to all 50 Wards, including at the Northtown Library, 6800 N. Western Ave. Click here for complete Early Voting hours and details.

The Board of Elections has started mailing Vote By Mail ballots for those who registered. Please remember, in order to be counted, your vote by mail ballot must be postmarked by Election Day. The United States Postal Service will not guarantee that ballots will be postmarked the same day you mail them, so USPS now recommends voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before Election Day.

If you plan on returning your ballot by mail, make sure to put it in the mailbox no later than Tuesday, March 10. If you want to return your vote by mail ballot closer to Election Day, use one of the secure drop boxes in place at the Northtown Library and other Early Voting sites or go directly to the post office counter and request a manual postmark.

For more information about the upcoming election and how you can participate, visit chicagoelections.gov.

Green Homes Chicago

Registration for the Green Homes Chicago program will open this week. This program provides free home energy upgrades and energy efficient retrofits to income-eligible Chicago homeowners. Call 311 or visit www.chicago.gov/GreenHomes to apply.

Interested homeowners must register during the upcoming intake period for a chance to apply for the service. Registration will be open from 9 AM on Tuesday, February 17 through 4:30 PM on Friday, February 27.

Green Homes Chicago can help make your home more energy efficient. Eligible improvements include new insulation and heat pump heating and cooling systems. The program will be open to residents who own and occupy a 1–2-unit property in the City of Chicago and meet the income guidelines. Households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) are eligible to participate in the program.  Homes will be screened for physical condition and feasibility for cost-effective electrification; not every selected homeowner will end up being served.

For any questions, contact the Chicago Department of Housing at (312) 744-3653 or [email protected]. For more information about the program, visit www.chicago.gov/GreenHomes.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tomorrow (Saturday, February 14) is Valentine's Day. I hope that everyone in the 50th Ward spends the day with someone they love. I would like to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to all those who celebrate the holiday!

Ramadan Mubarak

This coming week will mark the beginning of the month of Ramadan on the Islamic calendar. This is a solemn time of year for the Muslim world, with many of our neighbors fasting during the days. I would like to wish the 50th Ward’s entire Muslim community a very meaningful Ramadan.

Lunar New Year

This Tuesday, February 17 is the first day of the Lunar New Year. This is the beginning of the Year of the Horse in the 12-year cycle of animals that comprises the Chinese zodiac. Join in the citywide celebration with cultural performances, parades, and more. For all the event details, click here.

George Washington’s Birthday

The City of Chicago will celebrate George Washington’s Birthday this Monday, February 16. While many municipalities combine Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays into one celebration (known as Presidents’ Day), Chicago commemorates them on separate days.

The 50th Ward Office will be closed on Monday in commemoration of the holiday. If you need any assistance with City Services while the office is closed, please call 311 or visit 311.chicago.gov. 

Washington was one of our nation’s greatest leaders and is an inspiration to me and all proud Americans. I encourage everyone to learn as much about our nation’s first president as possible. To learn more about George Washington and his legacy, please click here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward

Indian Boundary Park Playground Community Meeting

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. This important annual commemoration spotlights the often overlooked achievements and contributions of black Americans in every area of our society.

Click here to find local celebrations, and make sure to support your favorite black-owned businesses! Learn more about this important commemoration at www.blackhistorymonth.gov.

Skate In the Parks

Enjoy a fun winter of skating in the parks! The Warren Park ice rink, and outdoor ice rinks across the city, are now open for the season. Pre-registration is required for all programs, including open skate sessions. Register online here.

Admission is free, and skates are available for rental. For questions, please contact Warren Park at (773) 761-8663. For more information and a list of all ice rink locations, visit the Park District website here.

Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program

Applications for the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program for tax year 2025 are now available on the Cook County Treasurer’s Office website. The deferral program allows income-eligible property owners aged 65 or older to "borrow" money from the state to cover their property taxes. This program operates as a loan with a simple annual interest rate of 3%, providing financial relief to eligible seniors. Applications must be submitted before March 1.

The program allows deferring up to $7,500 annually in property taxes. If the bill is greater, the homeowner is responsible for paying the difference. Deferred taxes are paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant.

Find more information about the program at the Cook County Treasurer’s website here. The Treasurer's Office has also created a video to explain the program.

Museum Free Days

Chicago has some of the world’s greatest museums. You can see the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found, moon rocks, dolphins and more – all without breaking the bank. Most of Chicago’s museums offer free days to Illinois residents, and now is the season when all the fun begins!

During this coming week, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and more great museums all have free days! Click here for all the details.

Stay Warm This Winter

Now that the weather is getting colder and winter is here, several programs are open to help residents pay their heating and electric bills. Visit CEDAorg.net/bills to find a program that helps you. For assistance applying, visit a local Partner Intake Site.

Programs now available include:

1. Heating and Electricity Assistance – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a one-time benefit toward a household’s heating and/or electric bills.

2. Cash Assistance for Renters – Provides a cash benefit to renters whose heating costs are included in their rent.

3. Furnace Assistance – Supports Cook County homeowners with free furnace repair or replacement if their heating systems are not working properly.

4. Water Assistance – Helps eligible Chicago homeowners receive a monthly discount on their water bills.

The programs are managed by the Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA). For more information, visit CEDAorg.net/bills. For flyers in multiple languages, click here.

Emergency Heating Repair Program

The Emergency Heating Repair Program is now open to new applicants. This program provides direct assistance to income-eligible Chicago homeowners to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Limited funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enrollment will be accepted from November 1, 2025, through April 1, 2026, or until all funds have been exhausted. To apply, visit chicago.gov/ehrp, call 311, or use the CHI311 app.

The Emergency Heating Repair Program is open to Chicagoans who own and occupy a one-to-four unit residential building. Households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible to participate in the program.

If approved for the program, qualified contractors will perform the work at no cost to the homeowner, with funding provided through the Department of Housing. For more information, visit chicago.gov/ehrp. For any questions, call (312) 744-3653 or email [email protected].

Dance Classes at Indian Boundary

Join Khecari for movement classes at Indian Boundary Cultural Center (2500 W Lunt Ave) during the new session (January 6 - June 4). Classes include Contemporary Modern Dance, Somatics, and Creative Movement for Kids.

To learn more and register, visit khecari.org/ibcc-classes.

50th Ward Know Your Rights Portal

Community Development Grants

CACC Fee-Waived Adoptions