|
|
Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! My staff and I hope you had a restful holiday season. We look forward to working alongside you and our community to accomplish positive and meaningful things for our ward and city in 2026. Our office remains committed to providing responsive and effective city services to every resident and neighborhood, serving as a resource to support grassroots organizing efforts of workers, immigrant defense mobilization, and the rich and diverse civic, cultural, and small business communities that exist in the 35th Ward.
I want to share an update on the passage of the 2026 city budget and why I voted no. As you may have seen in the news or read in our previous newsletter, a group of alderpersons introduced an alternative budget to the Mayor’s proposal. Instead of passing a corporate head tax on the largest 3 percent of corporations in the city, the alternative budget relies on expanding corporate advertisements on public property (such as city bridges and light poles), permitting more video lottery machines in local businesses, and selling off Chicago residents’ debt (including ambulance bills, utility bills, and red-light camera tickets) to private debt collectors. These debt collectors often use predatory practices that harm credit scores and undermine the financial stability of low-income residents.
While investments in youth employment, mental health care, homeless services, and gender-based violence prevention programming were successfully defended in the budget, many of the revenue projections included in this proposal are, according to the Office of Budget and Management, off by approximately $153 million. These inaccurate revenue projections could result in mid-year budget cuts to essential city services and to our city workforce.
Government budgets are moral documents, fiduciary responsibilities, and political agendas. Choosing to commodify public spaces and collect debt from working people who are already struggling, instead of asking the largest and most profitable corporations to contribute their fair share, is a political choice—one that makes life harder for everyday Chicagoans. That is why I voted no.
I invite you to a City Budget Report-Back Town Hall that our ward will host alongside Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday, January 20, at 6:30 PM at the Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee Avenue. This is an opportunity to learn more about what we can expect in this year’s approved budget. Please register for the event . |
|
|
|
I also want to extend heartfelt congratulations to two institutions in the 35th Ward that were awarded city grants this week. The Department of Planning and Development awarded D5 Design and Metal Fabrication in Logan Square (2439 N. Pulaski) a Community Development Grant for façade repairs. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events awarded the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance in Avondale (3000 N. Elbridge) a Neighborhood Access Program Grant. Congratulations to both awardees!
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, January 7. I am heartbroken and outraged by this callous and morally reprehensible incident, and I send my deepest condolences and solidarity to Renee’s family, loved ones, and community. Renee was killed while acting as a legal observer monitoring ICE activities.
Sadly, Renee is not the first person killed during the reckless immigration enforcement campaign sweeping our nation. Her killing is the ninth time since September 2025 that ICE agents have opened fire on people and reflects a dangerous pattern.
I am equally disturbed that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went on national television, without evidence or the results of any official investigation of the shooting, and called Renee a domestic terrorist. It is an extremely dangerous precedent for a high-ranking federal official to label a fellow American engaged in the defense of civil rights and liberties, who posed no threat, a domestic terrorist. The Trump administration and its far-right, unqualified, and disgraceful officials are betraying the principles our nation should uphold.
I join the calls for the ICE agent responsible for Renee’s killing to be arrested and prosecuted.
As students return to school after the holiday break, our Northwest Side Rapid Response team has reactivated our school watch programs for arrival and dismissal to help ensure that school families can safely continue their education. We ask all of our neighbors to remain vigilant. If you believe you see ICE activity or need immigration-related support services, please call the Family Support Network hotline at (855) 435-7693.
As always, I hope you have a safe and restful weekend. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if there is anything we can do to help you.
Sincerely,
Anthony J. Quezada Alderman, 35th Ward
Community Resources: |
|
| |
Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Applications Open January 12th
Applications for the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Shared-Cost Sidewalk Program will be open Monday, January 12th, from 6 AM to 10 PM. The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk reconstruction with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. Residents can enroll by calling 311, signing up on the online 311 portal at , through the chi311 application, or by calling the 35th ward office at 773-985-3510 between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm on Monday, January 12th. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, while funds are available. You can also find more information .
Request to lift the Liquor Moratorium on Milwaukee Avenue between Kimball Avenue and Central Park Avenue
The 35th Ward Office has received a request to lift the moratorium on new liquor licenses on North Milwaukee Avenue, from North Kimball Avenue to North Central Park Avenue to allow for the establishment of a new liquor store with an attached event space focusing on wine and spirits education at 2909 N Milwaukee. The applicant will be in attendance at the next beat 1412 CAPS meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 6pm at VFW Post 2978, 3009 N Kedzie to introduce himself, discuss his proposal, and answer questions. The 35th Ward Office will accept feedback on this request for two weeks following this meeting. Please reach out to 35th Ward Policy Director, Chas Sirridge, at (773) 985-3510 or [email protected] if you have any questions. |
|
| | Holiday Tree Recycling
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Chicago Park District have partnered to offer 27 tree recycling drop-off locations, including several locations where you can also get free mulch! For more information, including a list and map of the locations, click . |
|
|
| | The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) provides direct assistance to owner-occupied properties in the City of Chicago, helping homeowners repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating systems. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH). The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply . |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues will recognize 18 women as the County’s “Unsung Heroines”. Nominees should be women who, in a professional or volunteer capacity, have made significant contributions to the well-being of their community for which they have not received widespread recognition. They should not be elected officials or Cook County employees. Nominations close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 15th, and we encourage you to nominate a community leader today! Learn more and apply at: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Upcoming Community Events |
|
| |
Union and Career Fair Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Rincon Family Services invites you to participate in their upcoming Career and Union Fair. This event will connect individuals with union representatives' industrial corridor partners, job opportunities, and workforce development programs like the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program.
Event Details: · Date: Thursday, January 15 · Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Location: 3710 N Kedzie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | 35th Ward Office Phone Number: 773-985-3510 35th Ward Office Email: [email protected] DSS recycling and garbage schedule: Parking Zone Lookup: Snow Plow Tracker: Street Sweeping Schedule: Street Sweeper Tracker: Street Sweeper “We The Sweeple” App: Official Lookup: Backyard service rodent abatement: (312) 746-5230
35th Ward Staff Scott Jaburek - Chief of Staff Alberto Cuevas - Ward Superintendent Sara Rodriguez - Neighborhood Services Director Chas Sirridge - Policy Director Juan Cardenas - Neighborhood Services Advocate |
|
|
| The Center for Changing Lives will be hosting a new six-week cohort beginning on January 20, 2026. In this course, participants will learn the key benefits of digital solutions for small businesses and how to take advantage of free and affordable online and digital resources to improve customer experience and reduce business costs. Register . |
|
| |
High Jump Applications now open Know some outstanding 6th graders? Send them our way! High Jump empowers Chicago middle schoolers to grow as well-rounded leaders through our 100% FREE academic enrichment program. High Jump offers unique experiences, valuable resources and supportive guidance for curious, motivated 7th and 8th graders who are ready to challenge themselves academically and personally. The deadline for current 6th graders to apply is January 20, 2026! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ublic Safety (CAPS) Meetings CAPS meetings are an opportunity for residents to meet with the Community Engagement officers of their local police districts to discuss public safety concerns in their neighborhoods. The 35th ward includes portions of the 14th, 17th, and 25th districts of the Chicago Police Department. Visit the to find your beat.
Beat 1414 Logan Square Library at 3030 W Fullerton Rd, January 15th at 6:00 pm Beat 2524 Kosciuszko Park at 2732 N Avers Ave, January 15th at 6:30 pm |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
