Email from Office of Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley, 21st Ward Alderman

Thriving 21

Weekly Bulletin

July 1, 2026

Hi 21st Ward Family,

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I want to wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. I hope this holiday brings time to relax, reconnect with loved ones, and celebrate the freedoms that unite us as a nation.

While many of us will spend the weekend with family and friends, our work to strengthen the 21st Ward continues every day. This past week brought meaningful progress — from securing more than $2 million in neighborhood investments to advancing new public safety initiatives and connecting residents with housing resources.

Thank you for continuing to stay engaged, informed, and invested in our community. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous 21st Ward.

Office Reminder: The 21st Ward Office will be closed Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day and will reopen Monday, July 6th during normal business hours. If you need immediate City services, please call 311. Garbage collection will operate on a holiday schedule, so please leave your carts out until they have been serviced. Visit chicagorecycles.org for updated collection information.

This Week’s Progress

Advancing Public Safety Through Action

Last week I joined a coalition of faith leaders as we finally established the City’s new Office of Gun Violence Reduction.

For too many families, gun violence has had a devastating impact on our neighborhoods. This new office is designed to improve coordination across City departments, strengthen accountability, and support community-based violence prevention strategies.

Every family deserves to live in a neighborhood where children can safely play, businesses can thrive, and residents feel secure. I look forward to working with our community partners to ensure these investments lead to meaningful results for the people of the 21st Ward.

More Than $2 Million Invested in the 21st Ward

The 21st Ward continues to compete — and win — for resources that create lasting opportunities for our residents.

Out of hundreds of competitive applications submitted from across Chicago, our community secured more than $2 million in City development grants to support housing, economic development, workforce training, and food access.

These investments include:

$1.78 million to transform 433 W. 119th Street into a mixed-use development featuring neighborhood retail and ten new residential units.

$150,000 to advance the Living Fresh Market project at the former Aldi site at 115th & Halsted, bringing us another step closer to restoring quality grocery access to West Pullman.

Nearly $95,000 for Genesus Construction Training Center to expand workforce development and prepare residents for careers in the construction industry.

These investments represent more than dollars — they represent new opportunities, stronger neighborhoods, and continued momentum throughout the 21st Ward.

Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington

Celebrating Leadership, Justice, and Legacy

I was proud to attend the Cook County Bar Association's 112th Installation and Awards Ceremony. As the nation's oldest Black bar association, the CCBA continues to lead the fight for civil rights, professional excellence, and access to justice. Congratulations to President LeDeidre S. Turner and all of the distinguished honorees recognized for their contributions to our communities.

Connecting Residents to Housing Resources

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our June Monthly Town Hall.

Housing remains one of the strongest pathways to building stability, creating generational wealth, and strengthening our neighborhoods. Residents connected directly with experts to learn about homeownership, rental assistance, estate planning, and housing resources available throughout the city.

Thank you to the Chicago Department of Housing, Far South CDC, and all of our community partners for helping ensure residents left with practical information they can put to use.

Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington

Know Your Rights at Work

As of today, July 1, important updates to Chicago’s labor laws are officially in effect. These changes include:

Minimum wage increase: The standard minimum wage for employers with four or more employees rises to $17.05/hour. Note: the tipped minimum wage is not increasing this year — it remains at $12.96/hour under the City’s recent tipped-wage compromise, with the next scheduled increase set for July 1, 2028.
Expanded paid leave enforcement: Workers can now enforce their paid leave and paid sick leave rights directly through a private right of action.
Updated Fair Workweek compensation thresholds for covered industries.
Whether you’re an employee or an employer, I encourage you to learn how these changes may affect you by visiting Chicago.gov/LaborStandards.

Sweet Treats to Beat the Heat!

Stop by Angel of God Resource Center, 10831 S. Halsted St. today at 2 PM for a free refreshing treat while supplies last.

With temperatures expected to remain high this week, we invite residents to cool off and enjoy some free ice cream.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and we'll see you there!

Thank you for staying engaged and connected.

Building Community. Thriving Together.

— Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley

Building a Thriving 21

New Hope MB Church Community Outreach Cookout

Community is built one relationship at a time. Thank you to Senior Pastor Elder Marcus W. Beckham and the entire New Hope Missionary Baptist Church family for hosting another outstanding Community Outreach Cookout. Events like these bring neighbors together, strengthen relationships, and remind us that some of our greatest investments are simply spending time with one another.

21st Ward Block Parties

Congratulations to the 87th & Bishop and 1300 & 96th St Block Clubs for another successful neighborhood celebration.

When neighbors know one another, communities become stronger, safer, and more connected. Thank you to every volunteer, resident, and organizer who helped create another memorable day (loved the Michael Jackson impersonation contest) for families across the 21st Ward.

Upcoming Events/Resources

21st Ward Community Events

Stay Engaged with the 21st Ward

Every month, our Town Halls bring City departments, community organizations, and residents together in one place.

Whether we’re discussing housing, public safety, economic development, or infrastructure, our goal remains the same: put the right information, the right people, and the right resources directly in front of our residents.

Your participation helps shape the future of our community, and I encourage you to stay engaged throughout the year.

Movies in the Park Returns to the 21st Ward!

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family for two free summer movie nights in the park! Join us as we enjoy great films, fresh air, and time together with neighbors under the stars.

July 7 – Drumline at Oakdale Park (965 W. 95th St.)

July 22 – Gremlins at Fernwood Park (10436 S. Wallace St.)

Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:45 PM). We look forward to seeing residents of all ages come together for another fun-filled summer tradition in the 21st Ward.

Bring your family, invite a friend, and enjoy a night at the movies right in your neighborhood!

Taste of Chicago Returns to Grant Park

Chicago’s favorite food festival is back!

Join thousands of residents and visitors at Taste of Chicago, taking place July 8–12, 2026, in Grant Park. Enjoy delicious food from local restaurants, live music, family-friendly activities, and a celebration of the city’s vibrant culture and culinary scene.

Whether you're discovering a new favorite dish or enjoying entertainment with friends and family, Taste of Chicago offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars and come experience one of Chicago’s most iconic summer traditions.

For more information, visit the City of Chicago’s event website.

Paper Shredding & E-Waste Recycling Event

Protect your personal information and help keep our community clean by joining us for our FREE Paper Shredding & E-Waste Recycling Event on Friday, August 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 11414 S. Halsted (Old Jewel-Osco parking lot).

Safely shred confidential documents and responsibly recycle unwanted electronics, including computers, laptops, tablets, printers, cables, and more. Please note that paper shredding is available until the shred truck reaches capacity, and some items are not accepted.

We look forward to helping you securely dispose of old documents and electronics while keeping our community safe and sustainable.

Development/Infrastructure

Development

We're continuing to make progress across the 21st Ward with new housing, business investments, infrastructure improvements, and community development projects. Here's a look at some of the latest updates:

Residential Development

Morgan Park Commons (11420 S. Halsted) – Land transfer legislation was introduced before City Council in June.
Beverly Ridge Phase 1B (105th & Vincennes) – Community engagement efforts are underway as planning continues.
Gonsosa Development (8676-94 S. Vincennes) – Project continues to move through the development process.
433 Missionary (433 W. 119th St.) – Awarded a Community Development Grant (CDG-M).
111th & Eggleston Development Site – Request for Proposals (RFP) has been launched, and a pre-bid webinar was held on June 24.

Business & Economic Development

Shell Gas Station (1421 W. 95th St.) – Permit applications have been submitted.
Lior's Cafe (10500 S. Halsted) – Beginning the process for a ballot referendum to allow the sale of beer, wine, and cocktails with meals.
Genesus Construction Training Center (1407 W. 95th St.) – Received a Workforce Solutions Grant to support training and workforce development.
SSA 81 and SSA 69 – New commissioners have been submitted for consideration.
Former Walmart Site (8331 S. Stewart St.) – An offer is currently pending.
Living Fresh Market 2.0 (821 W. 115th St.) – The former Aldi location received a State of Illinois pre-development award to support plans for a new grocery store.
Midwest Express Clinic (120 W. 87th St.) – Expected to open in August 2026.
Legacy Restaurant (818 W. 103rd St.) – Exploring opportunities to resume operations.
Eiffel Waffle (10321 S. Halsted) – Proposed opening in late summer 2026.
Restaurant Blossom 2 Bloom (8959 S. Ashland) – Exploring feasibility and potential fit for the community.

Parks, Recreation & Community Spaces

Jackie Robinson Park Improvements – Ribbon cutting anticipated in late summer 2026.
Major Taylor Trail Art Installation (111th Street) – Public art project and ribbon cutting planned, featuring artwork connected to Wild Blossom Meadery.

Industrial Development

TDL Center – Groundbreaking has been delayed (date to be announced). An amendment will be presented to City Council.

Urban Agriculture

We Sow We Grow Farm (11958 S. Union) – Groundbreaking date to be announced.

Education & Institutional Development

Chicago Collegiate Charter School (314 W. 108th St.) – Planned for the former Kwame Academy site. Groundbreaking date to be announced.

Infrastructure

Metra 89th & Morgan Bridge Project

Construction at the 89th & Morgan Street Bridge remains on schedule, with completion expected in August 2026.

Upcoming Street Resurfacing Projects

115th–116th Streets and South Laflin Street
99th–101st Streets and South Green Street

These investments represent continued progress throughout the 21st Ward as we work to strengthen our neighborhoods, improve infrastructure, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for residents.

Public Safety

Honda Air Bag Theft Alert

Neighbors, the Chicago Police Department continues to report air bag thefts involving Honda vehicles throughout the area. If you own a Honda, please remain vigilant and take extra precautions to protect your vehicle.

CPD has found that visible anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel clubs, are proving to be an effective deterrent. In many cases, vehicles equipped with these devices were bypassed by offenders, even when nearby vehicles were targeted.

A small investment in prevention can go a long way. Please consider using a steering wheel lock, parking in well-lit areas, and reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Working together, we can help keep our community safe and protect our property.

Stay Alert: Secretary of State Text Scams

Scammers are continuing to target Illinois residents with fake text messages claiming to be from the Illinois Secretary of State or the DMV. These messages often create a false sense of urgency by threatening license suspension, vehicle registration holds, or legal action if you don't act immediately.

Don't click the link or send payment. These messages are fraudulent.

If you receive a suspicious text, delete it and verify any claims directly through the Illinois Secretary of State's official website.

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your personal information.

Block Club Resources

Free Jumping Jack for Summer Block Parties

Planning a summer block party? The City of Chicago’s Jumping Jack Program is back, offering free inflatable bounce houses for residential block parties across the city.

Applications are open now through September 6th on weekends. This is a great opportunity to bring neighbors together, create safe and fun spaces for our youth, and build stronger connections across the 21st Ward.

Please note: this program is only available for residential block parties, and requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

City, County, and State Resources

Business Resources

For more info and to apply, visit

http://Chicago.gov/RFPs.

Senior & Veteran Resources

Housing & Utility Resources

Youth Resources

Health Resources

Employment Opportunites

Looking for a career in public service? Explore open roles across local, county, and state agencies, covering administration, finance, operations, public safety, education, transportation, parks, and more.

City of Chicago Agencies

City of Chicago
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Transit Authority
Park District

Cook County Agencies

All - Cook County
Cook County State's Attorney
Cook County Sheriff's Office

State of Illinois Agencies

State of Illinois
Secretary of State of Illinois
PACE Bus System

Veterans Resources

Cook County Assessor’s Office

The Assessor’s Office administers both the Veterans with Disabilities and the Returning Veterans Exemptions, which can reduce the property tax bills of veterans.

The Veterans with Disabilities Exemption is for veterans with a service-connected disability.

The Returning Veterans Exemption is for veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict who are eligible to receive a reduction.