Dear Chicago,

Despite reduced physical activity, I have been working with my staff to ensure we are both responsive to constituent requests and addressing the issues that require my full attention at City Hall as well.  “Taking it easy” is something that does not come easily to me but I am doing my best to be 100% recovered just in time for 5K race season.

At the end of 2025, 30 of my colleagues and I supported a budget that sought revenue besides property tax increases.  We attempted to fully utilize all options available to us, most notably video gaming terminals (VGT).  Since its passage in the Illinois legislature, Chicago has notably refused to allow VGT in bars and restaurants.  This has hurt us economically, especially along the border wards that see increased traffic by patrons wanting to play the games.

Like so many vice taxes, it is a tax on those willing to engage in the activity.  Chicago’s refusal has always been based on our “share” of the proceeds. Mayors since Rahm Emanuel, Lori Lightfoot, and now Brandon Johnson have argued that the City of Chicago does not receive its due; however, none of them worked to increase our city’s percentage.  That refusal has caused Chicago to not only miss out on millions of dollars but also allowed for the birth of illegal sweepstakes machines to flourish across the city.  Those machines generate ZERO revenue for the city.  We have a duty to address both issues once and for all.

For all the bluster of the mayor & his allies, the FY2026 budget we passed was balanced & sound based on the facts presented to us.  Since its passage, though, they have done everything possible to create holes that will undoubtedly require midyear cuts or property tax increases.  This abdication of duty is outrageous, unacceptable, and inexcusable.  Chicagoans deserve better.

St. Rita of Cascia Parish - Chicago has been chosen as the twin city for the Ceremony of the Lighting of the Torch of Forgiveness and Peace of St. Rita of Cascia. A delegation of 34 pilgrims, led by Cascia Mayor Mario De Carolis and Basilica of Cascia Rector Rev. Giustino Casciano, OSA, will arrive at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago Lawn for the momentous occasion.

The Ceremony of the Lighting of the Torch of Forgiveness and Peace will take place at a special Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Church at 4 PM on Saturday, March 14th. This event is open to the public and will be celebrated in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Confirmed guests will include the Consul General of Italy in Chicago, Mario Alberto Bartoli; State Senator Javier Cervantes, 1st District; Alderpersons Raymond Lopez, 15th Ward, Stephanie Coleman, 16th Ward, & Silvana Tabares, 23rd Ward; and members of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, as well as Augustinian friars of the Midwest Augustinians.

The Alderman recently met with the DCASE Commissioner, Kenya Merritt, and Dana Yarger from Elephant Parade North America. They discussed the possibility of hosting an Elephant Parade in Chicago. This exciting event could attract attention and boost tourism for the city. We're hopeful an Elephant will soon visit your neighborhood!

Alderman Raymond Lopez recently attended the annual Fish Fry hosted by Mt. Carmel Catholic Church alongside Alderman Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward. The event brought together parishioners, families, and neighbors for an evening of fellowship and community spirit. Alderman Lopez enjoyed the opportunity to connect with residents and support a longstanding local tradition that helps strengthen neighborhood ties and support the parish’s mission.

Recently, protestors came to the 15th Ward to express support for Homeless individuals living in the City's parks. The Alderman is eager to work with Family and Support Services to provide resources to the homeless. However, he will not accept the takeover of our parks by homeless encampments. He urges Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa to ensure our parks are safe for the children in our communities.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

  UIC Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum | 725 W Roosevelt Rd

10AM to 3PM | Doors at 9:30AM

The 2026 Chi Food Truck Fest takes place at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, every Friday beginning May 15 through October 2, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
* indicates Wednesday

Below are the Friday dates for the 2026 Chi Food Truck Fest:

May 15, 22, 29

June 5, 12, 17*, 26

July 1*, 10, 17, 24, 31

August  7, 14, 21, 28

September 4, 11, 18, 25

October 2

List of weekly participants are shared on BACP’s social media accounts. Follow ChicagoBACP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Debris Cleaned Up - 46th St / Loomis St

Tilden HS students in AP Computer Science developed a proposal for an innovative redesign of a multipurpose room to benefit students, teachers, and staff. Their proposal was vetted by a committee of network staff and selected, earning the team a total of $4,500 in grants to help bring it to life. The initial grant award was $3,500, and after the students presented to district and network leadership staff, they earned an additional $1,000 grant. When completed, the newly renovated space will offer Tilden students a place to study, collaborate, and socialize.

Debris Clean Up - 47th St / Normal Ave

Damaged Signs at 51st St / Western Ave and Blvd

If you notice any signs that are damaged, bent, or missing, please report them directly to the Ward Office. Your help is essential in identifying and replacing these signs. You can reach us through the website, at 773-823-1539, or by emailing [email protected].

If you witness any criminal activity or notice suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, please report it immediately. Call 911 first to ensure a timely response from the Chicago Police Department, and then notify the 15th Ward Office at (773) 823-1539 so we can follow up and provide support where needed. Your vigilance and cooperation play a vital role in keeping our community safe. Together, we can make the 15th Ward a safer place for all.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Boys to STEM Academy summer programs. These free, week-long, residential programs are designed to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Families and students are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of upcoming information sessions to learn more about program eligibility, curriculum, and the application process.

The Exelon Foundation also offers a limited number of STEM Ambassadors who can attend local community events to share program details and answer questions.

For additional information, application materials, and promotional flyers (available in English and Spanish), please contact our office or visit the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy webpage.

We encourage families, educators, and community organizations to share this opportunity and help connect students with this exceptional STEM experience.

Com-Ed Municipal Customer Experience Survey

2026 CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy

Alderman Raymond Lopez is pleased to share that the Chicago Park District is offering a new round of Veteran and Military Programs this winter, running from early January through mid-March. These programs provide veterans and active-duty service members with opportunities to stay active, build community, and support overall wellness through professionally led recreational and fitness activities at local park facilities.

All equipment is provided, and programs are offered in a supportive, welcoming environment. Registration is required, and participants must provide proof of military service. Veterans and service members interested in participating are encouraged to register in advance and contact the program coordinators for additional details.

Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off Program makes it easy for residents to compost food waste and reduce what goes into our landfills. Items like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be dropped off at designated neighborhood sites at no cost.

This simple step helps cut down on odors and pests, reduces methane emissions, and supports the production of compost used in parks and green spaces across the city.

I encourage residents of the 15th Ward to participate by bringing food scraps in a reusable container and following posted site guidelines. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods cleaner and make Chicago a more sustainable city.

Drop Off Map