33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - MARCH 20, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
This week I would like to provide a couple of updates regarding the City Council meeting that took place on Wednesday. To start, I was able to take this opportunity to uplift two important milestones for our community. My office submitted a proclamation to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of our neighbors, Ms. Tadeo, who has served our city for nearly thirty years! It is an inspiration to have a community full of public servants like Ms. Tadeo and so many of the organizers and leaders we work alongside every day. We wish Ms. Tadeo all of the best on this important milestone.
I was also able to welcome the North River Commission and some of the winners from this year’s Community Choice Awards to celebrate their success. Thank you to NRC and all of our community and business partners that continue to bring us all together to celebrate our home! The NRC has also begun to organize this year’s Lot Jams concert series, and I encourage any local performers to sign up by clicking here. |
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The City Council also approved my ordinance to establish a “Proactive Rental Inspections Working Group” for the city. This working group is a very important step forward to advance the work of the Chicago Healthy Homes Coalition. You can read their press release here. Thank you to the coalition for your important leadership and creativity to move this work forward!
My office has been working in partnership with the coalition for years to advocate and organize for a policy proposal to establish a proactive rental inspections program for Chicago. Cities across our country are establishing similar programs, which require rental units to be regularly inspected to ensure the health and safety of tenants.
Every person deserves a healthy place to call home, yet our children remain in constant danger because so much of our housing stock is outdated and falling into disrepair. In our ward, we hear the heartbreaking stories of families trapped in deteriorating conditions, and this ordinance is our chance to finally protect them from harmful toxins like lead poisoning, toxic mold, and carbon monoxide, and to help better ensure our housing is safe. You can learn more by watching the presentation to the Housing and Real Estate committee by clicking this link and forwarding to the 1:17:00 mark. |
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Lastly, City Council also passed an ordinance to clarify the powers of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to open investigations into violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance. This important piece of policy has been a missing link in resolving many reports of violations to the Welcoming City Ordinance through the federal government’s Operation Midway Blitz that terrorized Chicago last year.
After initial violations were reported to our offices, these issues were raised to the City Council where we were met with uncertainty from oversight agencies about who was responsible for the investigative work. This ordinance will allow us to move forward with important investigations, to ensure any violations to our Welcoming City rules are properly documented and resolved. I want to thank Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, her team, and all of the community partners and elected offices that supported the development of this work. And most importantly thank you to our communities that fought for this oversight and accountability. |
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I encourage you to please contact my office should you need any support, we are here to help. Thank you for doing this work with me. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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Help support our local mutual aid organization, Albany Park Mutual Aid, with their donation drive by clicking here. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 4pm Phone: 773-840-7880 www.33rdward.org / Connect with us and access resources by clicking here. |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. March 21 — Hearing and Balance Fair, 1:00-3:00pm, Irving Park Lutheran Church March 23 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House at 5:30pm March 30 — Senator Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual), 6-7pm, Register April 6 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House at 5:30pm
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. Sign up for the ICE Alert System: bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE Follow our local rapid response social media: @northwestsiderrt on Instagram 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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Local Mutual Aid, Donation Drives, and Food Distribution2025 Mutual Aid Map | NRC Albany Park Map | 33rd Ward Map |
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Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, March 23 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Upcoming: Monday, April 6
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:30pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a ward office open house. All are welcome to join.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review3240 W Lawrence Ave – Project Website Status: Supported Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B1-2 to B2-5
3007-11 W Irving Park Rd – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
3446 W Irving Park Rd – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
4634-36 N Avers Ave – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: RS-3 to RT-4 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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The snow and ice are melting! As we eagerly await Spring, the melting of the snow has exposed a whole winter’s-worth of trash, debris, and yard waste. You can report any major debris or trash collection issues to 3-1-1 or give our ward office a call for assistance.
We also appreciate all of the outreach we are receiving about neighbors wanting supplies to start helping to clean up. If you are in need of large trash bags or trash grabbers, please do reach out.
Street Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Our Ward Superintendent will be providing updated sweeping schedules and maps before the start of the season on April 1. Stay tuned for that update. |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Sports Cards, TCG, Comics & Collectibles Show Sunday, April 12 from 10am - 3pm Rickover Naval Academy, 5700 W Berteau Ave, Door 1 |
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Nominate Cross Guard of the YearNomination Form
This year, we are going to select FOUR Crossing Guards (one from each region) to be recognized for the Crossing Guard of the Year award. Nominations are due by 5 pm on Friday, April 17, 2026 The winner will be determined and acknowledged on Monday, May 18th, 2026
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HANA Center Career FairWednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10:00AM - 1:00PM HANA Center, 4300 N California Ave |
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Spring Citywide Career FairWednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10:00AM - 2:00PM Olive-Harvey College: Main Building, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Parking Available in Student Parking Lot Pre-Registration Strongly Recommended, but Walk-Ins Welcome Dress Professionally Attendees Pre-Register Here |
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PreK at Hibbard ElementaryOpen House - Tuesday April 14, 2026 9AM and 5:30PM Playdate - Saturday April 18, 2026 10AM-11AM Application - April 7th-28th |
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Free Eviction Sealing Event with LCBHApril 13, 2026 - Register here by March 30, 2026
In Illinois, eviction filings remain on a renter's credit record for seven years regardless of outcome, oftentimes, locking families out of safe and stable future housing!
That's why LCBH is teaming up with DePaul University College of Law Pro Bono & Community Service Initiative and DePaul University College of Law Center for Public Interest Law to host a FREE community legal clinic where law students and pro bono attorneys will help eligible renters look up old evictions and write a motion to seal, or erase, it from their rental record.
If you know someone who would benefit from this free service, please share our registration form using the link below. You can also find sample social media and newsletter copy, promotional graphics, and FAQs here.
Registrants must complete the form for each eviction record they would like to seal by March 30th, 2026, to secure their spot. Space is limited! |
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Please note: This clinic is for tenants who have a previous eviction(s) on their rental/credit record. If they have an active eviction case, visit cookcountylegalaid.org or call (855) 956-5763 to get help. |
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Hearing and Balance FairSaturday, March 21 from 1:00-3:00pm Irving Park Lutheran Church, 3938 W Belle Plaine Ave |
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Annual Celebrate Cleveland EventJoin Friends of Cleveland and your 33rd Ward Neighbors for our 8th Annual Celebrate Cleveland Fundraising Gala! Celebrate Cleveland will be held on Friday April 17th, 2026 at Michelle's Ballroom; 2800 W Belmont Ave from 6pm to 12am! Cocktail entertainment will be provided by Parkwest Strings and we'll dance the night away to popular Latin & English tunes spun by the incomparable DJ Sandra Suave! We can't wait to CELEBRATE with you!
Celebrate Cleveland is FOC's largest annual fundraiser for Cleveland Elementary with 100% of funds received from donations, the silent auction, and games used to provide much-needed support for our school. This year in addition to funding our annual $10,000 Cardinal Grant Program, proceeds will go towards the Friends of Cleveland Theater Revitalization Grant to cover Phase II of sound improvements to our beautiful 110 year old Auditorium which are scheduled for this summer break.
Purchase your tickets now at https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/! |
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Bands Apply for Lot Jams 2026Apply Here |
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Apply for Youth Jobs - [formerly One Summer Chicago]We are excited to announce that the Chicago Youth Works (CYW) application portal is now open. Chicago Youth Works — formerly One Summer Chicago — reflects the City’s continued investment in expanding youth employment opportunities and strengthening pathways to long-term career success for Chicago’s young people.
Interested youth can apply online at ChicagoYouthWorks.org. Applicants will receive bi-weekly updates with reminders, resources, and interview notifications throughout the application period.
Youth ages 14-15 will have access to stipend paid opportunities while youth and young adults ages 16-24 will be paid an hourly wage. |
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Support our Local Business LD PhoPlease stop by to eat or you can support their GoFundMe link. |
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Property Tax Exemption Application Now OpenThe Cook County Assessor opened the property tax exemption application for 2026, and he has announced that the exemption application will likely be open for 2 months. Our County Commissioner’s can help navigate your property tax appeals. You can find you county commissioner’s name through this link. As a reminder, there are several types of exemptions: Homeowner Exemption - homeowner has lived in the property since at least January 1, 2025 Senior Citizen Exemption - homeowner is over 65 Low-Income Senior “Freeze” Exemption - homeowner is over 65 and household makes under $65,000 Persons with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner has documentation of disability Veterans with Disabilities Exemption - homeowner is veteran with disability benefits
You can learn more about each of these exemptions, including eligibility requirements, on the Assessor's website at this link. Residents can still complete a Certificate of Error for any missing exemptions for tax year 2024-2021. If residents would like assistance checking which exemptions they receive or applying for exemptions for 2024-2021, please have them call our office at 312-603-6386. |
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Senator Graciela Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual)The last Monday of every month, from 6-7pm Upcoming Dates: March 30, April 27, May 25 Register for Zoom Link
State Senator Graciela Guzman's monthly legislative town halls are back! Her team will be hosting these meetings every last Monday of the month from now until May. Join them from 6-7 via Zoom to hear what they are up to in Springfield, express your opinions, and work to shape the future of our state. *Spanish Translation Available* |
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Gather Together Free Meal Neighbors cooking and eating together each 2nd Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Located in Christ Lutheran Church basement, 4541 N Spaulding |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Connect with our local schoolsConnect with our local schools by accessing a list of schools on our website by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Jonathan Nagy, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Director of Zoning and Housing Services Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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