1st Ward Newsletter | September 1, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
Thank you to the thousands of you who came out to make our first Meet Me on Milwaukee a success! It had everything! Incredible volunteers! Terrible portraits! Ducks! Intermittent rain! But seriously, I'm so grateful to the Wicker Park / Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, 14th District police, CDOT, our staff and volunteers, and all of you for being such a joyful community to share that space with. We'll see you again on September 27th!
Next week is Labor Day: the 1st Ward office will be closed this Friday, September 4th, and reopen on Tuesday, September 8th. Every day, my life is enriched by Chicago's union members. The ATU 308 and 241 members who operate our trains and buses; the AFSCME members who work at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Shedd Aquarium; the LIUNA members who keep our neighborhoods clean (among so many jobs!). There is a union member who makes your life livable and fought for decades for the work conditions you enjoy. I hope your Labor Day is one of rest and gratitude.
Finally, this week we have our 2027 Budget Forecast briefings. I’ll have more to report next Tuesday but we’ll have clarity on how revenues and expenditures are looking. At once, Chicago has a very resilient and diversified economy and that is reflected in our revenues. At the same time, federal actions and policies have plunged tens of thousands into deeper desperation than they could have imagined and the needs in their lives are harder than ever. I’m here to help Chicago meet this moment.
Have a wonderful week.
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Alderman La Spata
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Labor Day Office Closure
The 1st Ward Office will be closed Friday, September 4th, and Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, September 8th.
Please ensure your black and blue carts are accessible to collection crews throughout the entire week.
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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The first Meet Me on Milwaukee of 2026 was a huge success and we have two left for the year! We're seeking volunteers to sign-up for 3-hour shifts on each event day. Volunteers will be responsible for setting up barricades, guarding intersections, redirecting drivers, providing information to attendees, disposing of litter, and more. Register below!
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The McCormick YMCA's (1834 N. Lawndale) upcoming Water Works program is seeking participants between the ages of 16 to 24. Water Works is a workforce development program that provides participants with valuable training and career opportunities, including:
- Paid hourly stipend while participating in the program
- Swimming instruction and training
- CPR certification
- Training to earn a Lifeguard Certification
- Career readiness and job preparation
- All necessary equipment provided at no cost
The program will take place from September 14 through November 30. Click here to learn more.
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is continuing its citywide community listening sessions for the 2026 Chicago Police Superintendent Search on the city's North side tomorrow evening at DePaul College Prep (3300 N. Campbell).
What are the biggest public safety challenges facing Chicago? What should the relationship between CPD and our communities look like? Residents can participate in person or virtually and sign up for an opportunity to provide public comment. Register via Zoom here.
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Calling all dog owners! Join the Chicago Latina Doxie Club this Saturday for a walk in West Town and Wicker Park. The club will be meeting at 2 p.m. at Bickerdike Square Park before embarking on 3-mile walk with stops along the way at Cosmicos Pet Bakery and Vinny D's.
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Registration is now open for the annual Bloomingdale Trail Run on Saturday, September 26! It’s a fun, family-friendly event with a timed 5k and 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile dashes for young runners. Use code 1STWARD26SAVE10 for $10 off. The event is produced by Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail, McCormick YMCA, and the Chicago Park District. It’s a true community-organized run and the proceeds support the Bloomingdale Trail’s year-round programs.
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The Metropolitan Planning Council is hosting a Zoning and Land Use 101 workshop at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Library on Wed. Sept. 9 at 5:30 p.m. Learn more about what zoning and land use actually is, the history behind zoning in Chicago, and get some hands-on practice on creating a zoning map! No registration required.
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New Community Review Updates
- FEEDBACK WANTED! 2525 N Milwaukee: Property owner proposes adaptive reuse of existing vacant building (former Single Room Occupancy residence) for 30 residential dwelling units and 2 ground floor commercial units. A 1st Ward First Look meeting will take place Sept. 1 (RSVP here). In the interim, you can review conceptual plans and provide feedback.
- Awaiting intake packet – 2431 W Fullerton: A potential developer reached out for details about a zoning change on this property. The 1st Ward Office discussed previous zoning change and feedback, provided developer intake packet, and awaits more information. As of August 2026, it is expected that this property is under contract, and the 1st Ward Office is awaiting completed developer's packet.
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Virtual 1st Ward First Look – Monday, September 14 (6pm) RSVP
- 2525 N Milwaukee: Property owner proposes adaptive reuse of existing vacant building (former Single Room Occupancy residence) for 30 residential dwelling units and 2 ground floor commercial units.
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