1st Ward Newsletter | June 30, 2026
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Hi neighbors,
Last week we had a hearing on the potential purchase of our parking meter lease by the private equity firm Stonepeak Partners for $2.52 billion dollars. Much of the coverage of this meeting focused on the competing offer the mayor's administration put forward in excess of $3 billion, which arguably would require debt financing with a total cost north of $6 billion. What got lost was the substance on which we are asked to vote on this ordinance, such as the character and financial integrity of the purchaser. It has been confirmed that one of their companies has profited from long haul ICE deportation flights; yet another has been sanctioned overseas for transporting Russian liquefied natural gas. Several other companies in their portfolio have seen their credit downgraded. Please know that I'm focused on the issues in front of us, as well as how we can make better use of the reserved powers the city has held onto.
We are headed for an extremely hot week, particularly through the end Thursday morning. Please make sure to stay hydrated and stay inside whenever you can. If you don't have air conditioning, keep your shades and blinds closed but with windows slightly open. Most of the city's cooling centers are far from the 1st Ward, but please make use of our libraries and park district properties if you need to cool off. Finally, be the neighbor who checks in on your neighbors, particularly seniors and folks with pre-existing health conditions. You could save a life.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all this evening at our Meet Your Electeds event from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Oud Coffee. For now, I'll leave you with a riddle: what walks on all fours and is terribly afraid of fireworks? Pets and babies. There are a lot of great ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday–hot dogs, Old Style, exercising your first amendment rights–fireworks shouldn't be one of them.
Stay cool 1st Ward.
Sincerely,
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Alderman La Spata
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Office Closure
The 1st Ward Office will be closed this Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. We will resume normal operating hours on Monday, July 6.
There will be no garbage or recycling collection on July 3, so collection crews will be operating on an altered schedule. Please ensure that your Blue Cart and Black Cart are accessible throughout the week, as the exact service day may vary.
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Huge thanks to all of the volunteers who joined us on Saturday morning for our annual Tree Stewardship Day!
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TONIGHT is our first Meet Your Elected Officials event! Come on down to Oud Coffee & Cafe in Wicker Park for an evening with your local elected officials, including Ald. La Spata, State Representatives Lilian Jimenez (4th District) and Eva-Dina Delgado (3rd District). No registration required. Light refreshments will be provided.
Plus save the date for August 26 for another Meet Your Electeds event in Logan Square/Bucktown featuring other electeds! More information at the1stward.com/events.
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Join Ald. Daniel La Spata, State Sen. Omar Aquino and State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado for a fun morning of dominoes! In partnership with La Familia Domino League, children (ages 6-18) will learn rules, basic strategies, and practice through friendly matches. Registration required, space is limited!
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Back by popular demand, join Ald. La Spata and State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado for another free bike tune-up event at Palmer Square Park! All appointments have been filled, but walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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An Extreme Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago for Cook County. The Watch is currently in effect and will last through Wednesday, July 1 at 10 p.m. Please remember:
- Stay hydrated – drink lots of water, AVOID alcohol, caffeine, sodas.
- Stay inside; if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights off or turn them down.
- Minimize use of your oven and stove.
- Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
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Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN)
The Northwest Side Rapid Response Network is launching a new neighborhood-based, people powered alert system called the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN). To join, download the Telegram app on your phone. Then, join the channel using this link.
How WARN works:
- The Northwest Side Rapid Response Network confirms the presence of ICE agents/vehicles and sends a notice to the WARN chat on Telegram.
- Neighbors go outside and walk around the block, blowing a whistle. This will warn at-risk neighbors that ICE is nearby.
- Once you’ve warned your neighbors, get inside to safety BEFORE ICE activity begins.
WARN is not rapid response; it complements the work that trained rapid responders are already doing by creating a lower-risk way for anyone in our community to proactively warn neighbors that immigration agents are in the area.
Only administrators can send messages to the WARN channel; administrators are all vetted and trained leads within Northwest Side Rapid Response Network.
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Registration is now open for the Mayor's Youth Commission's 2026 Youth Voice, Real Change Summit taking place on Saturday, July 25 at the UIC Student Center (750 S. Halsted)! This dynamic event invites young Chicagoans ages 14-19 to come together for an inspiring afternoon of youth-led discussion, networking and opportunities to make their voices heard. Any interested youth must register by July 17. Space is limited.
Event Schedule
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Lunch + Networking Hour
- 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Youth Voice, Real Change Summit
- 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Resource Fair
Lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided.
Bonus: Youth attendees will have a chance to win 4-day general admission Lollapalooza wristbands!
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Youth for a Better Future just kicked off the first week of their Youth Designers Club sewing program and have a few remaining open spots! Youth ages 11+ who want to learn how to sew are invited to participate. No prior sewing experience is needed and youth joining the program will be caught up to speed. Register here.
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Chicago Climate Week is coming to Chicagoland July 18–25, 2026.
As Chicago's first community-led, distributed Climate Week, it brings together events hosted by nonprofits, businesses, universities, community groups, government agencies, and residents across the region.
Whether you're climate-curious or deeply involved in the space, Chicago Climate Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and take action.
Learn more, register for events, and find ways to get involved here: www.chicagoclimateweek.org
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In case you missed it!
The 1st Ward hosting a First Look meeting on Monday, June 29; you can watch the video at our video archive.
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Virtual 1st Ward First Look - June 29, 2026, 6PM
- 2831–2845 W Diversey: Numerous zoning attorneys and real estate professionals are reaching out regarding rezoning options for an existing vacant lot. 1st Ward Office is providing zoning intake packet and awaiting more information. As of March 2026, it is expected that this property is under contract, and as of June 2026 the 1st Ward Office received a zoning intake packet for a five story, 40 dwelling unit mixed use property. There will be a forthcoming 1st Ward First Look expected in July 2026. (received January 2026; updated March 2026 and June 2026)
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Recent Zoning Inquiries
- 2818 W Lyndale: Numerous developers and zoning attorneys are reaching out on this property, for numerous types of proposals (mixed use performance space; three story 4 flat; etc.). The 1st Ward Office is providing basic zoning analyses and zoning intake packets, becase the subject property has RT4 zoning existing and can legally support a 3-unit development with 0 parking spaces (Transit Served Location). The 1st Ward Office awaits completed development intake packets. (received June 2026)
- 2357 W North: A potential contract purchaser reached out about potential zoning change for this property, 1st Ward Office provided intake packet and awaits more information. (received June 2026)
- 1318 W Ohio: A zoning attorney reached out about a potential zoning change to establish a 3-story, six dwelling unit development on this vacant lot. The 1st Ward Office requested a zoning analysis that this property is a buildable zoning lot, and provided developer's intake packet. (received June 2026)
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