Dear Chicago,

The elections may be over, but the work in our communities continues on.  Our elected leaders at the county, state and federal levels need to be better partners in addressing the needs of our shared constituencies throughout the 15^th Ward in their respective districts.  Only one, County Commissioner John Daley, has consistently brought public investment dollars to us for use.  Every elected official has been repeatedly asked, repeatedly invited to collaborate, and repeatedly ignored the request.

My frustration extends beyond simply “bringing home the bacon.”  Many of the policies and laws the advocate for are often in direct contradiction to the values of the communities we represent.  While they may focus on legalizing prostitution or legitimizing drug use, our communities are struggling with reduced educational standards and opportunities. While they continue to push laws that increase the costs of doing business, our workers are fighting not only to keep their jobs, but keep the hours needed to maintain lifestyles outside of poverty.  They gaslight those that question the wisdom of investing billions on new migrant arrivals while ignoring the plight of American residents that struggle with affordability.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the incessant rhetoric around immigration.  Every candidate wanted to be seen fighting with ICE agents, marching against President Donald Trump, formers DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and making wild unfounded accusations against Chicago Police.  None of them had a plan for addressing how to deal with both 11 Million long-term undocumented or the 15 Million migrant asylum seekers.  Politics thrived in broad strokes lumping everyone together.  However, governance requires leaders to understand nuance, intentionality and purpose.

In that regard, I remain the only elected officials who acknowledges the difference and proposed two different paths for both noncitizen groups.  I believe long-term undocumented residents have been used by both parties as pawns long enough.  We must address this issue directly and resolutely.  First, we can begin by creating pathways to citizenship for Dreamers (noncitizens brought here as children and having grown up only knowing the USA) and long-term undocumented with clear criminal backgrounds.  Second, all migrant asylum seekers will have their asylum requests adjudicated within 90 days.  Anyone found without merit for asylum will be immediately sent back to their home country.  Lastly, any noncitizen with a violent criminal background should immediately be sent back to their country of origin.

These are common-sense approaches to bringing this country back to a workable, functional immigration policy.  On this and many other matters, I welcome old and new elected officials to join me in leading our communities based on understanding & compassion, not political expediency and desperation.

Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman fell in the line of duty, bravely fighting a fire in  Rogers Park late Monday morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, the crew of Truck #47, members of the Edgewater Fire Station, and the entire Chicago Fire Department.

As Ward Superintendent for the 15th Ward, Michael Payne plays a key leadership role in coordinating city services and ensuring efficient operations through the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. He brings years of civic and political experience to the role, combining operational oversight with a deep understanding of community needs. Michael is dedicated to delivering results and maintaining a high standard of service for residents across the ward.

Alderman Raymond Lopez was at St. Rita of Cascia to participate in a special twin city exchange 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, came to St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago Lawn for the momentous occasion. The Ceremony of the Lighting of the Torch of Forgiveness and Peace took place at a special Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Church on Saturday, March 14th.

Alderman Raymond Lopez was proud to partner with McDonald’s and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council (BYNC) to host a successful shoe giveaway for local residents. This event brought together community leaders, families, and volunteers to ensure that children in the Back of the Yards community have the resources they need to stay active, confident, and prepared.

On Wednesday, March 18th, longtime Acting Director Susan Cappello was officially confirmed as the Executive Director of Animal Care and Control. Her appointment was approved unanimously by the City Council. We thank all members of the City Council for making the right decision for the future of all animals in the City of Chicago.

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.

Hazard Tow - 55th St / Seeley Ave

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.

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