Chicago’s 50th Ward Newsletter

August 21, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Ice Cream Social & Outdoor Office Hours - August 25

Get ready for more fun in the 50th Ward! The last open office and ice cream social of the summer is this Tuesday, August 25 from 4:30 - 6 PM at Rogers Park, 7345 N. Washtenaw Ave. Come out for free ice cream and to celebrate together with your alderman and your neighbors!

Meet your alderman, discuss any needed city services, and enjoy ice cream together with your neighbors (dairy-free options will also be available).

It has been a very busy summer in the 50th Ward. I hope to see you all at one of our remaining events before the summer ends! We have the ice cream social next week, and then our annual 50th Ward Movie in the Park the following week (on September 1). Find a local event that works for you at 50thward.org/summer. I hope to see you all out in the Ward!

Canceled - Property Tax Appeal Event

I am sorry to report that Commissioner Samantha Steele's office is canceling the 50th Ward property tax appeal event due to analyst availability at her office. My staff remains available to help anyone who needs assistance filing their appeal. Please call the 50th Ward Office at (773) 262-1050 for help.

As previously announced, Rogers Park Township is currently open for appeals. The assessment of your home is one of the most important factors in determining how much you will pay in property taxes. The good news is that you can appeal your valuation and potentially lower your taxes.

Rogers Park Township encompasses the area of the 50th Ward that is north of Devon Avenue. The appeals period is open until Tuesday, September 1. You can file your appeal online at appeals.cookcountyboardofreview.com.

Successful appeals will be reflected on second installment property tax bills issued in the summer of 2027.

Back to School

Our neighborhood is gearing up to go back to school. The first day of school for CPS students is this Monday, August 24, and many private schools begin shortly after then.

Starting the school year off on the right foot is one of the best ways to make sure your children have a productive year. Please familiarize yourself with your school calendar and back to school resources so you can start strong right from day one. CPS students can check cps.edu/b2s for all the relevant information.

Arts on Devon Festival - August 30

Join your neighbors for Arts on Devon, an annual festival where the sounds, sights, and flavors of Devon Ave come to life. This free celebration shines a spotlight on the creativity and cultural traditions that make West Ridge one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

Enjoy an afternoon of live music, dance, performances, and local arts in the heart of Devon Avenue. From traditional dance troupes to emerging solo artists, Arts on Devon will feature performances that reflect the rich diversity of the community.

The festival will be on Sunday, August 30 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM in the Republic Bank parking lot at 2720 W Devon Ave. Also hop on the free trolley running during the event to experience everything Devon has to offer. Click here for more information.

Police CAPS Meetings

There will be two CAPS meetings this week, covering the area of the 50th Ward between Devon and Peterson. Both meetings will be held in person.

The CAPS meeting for Beat 2413, which stretches from Devon to Peterson and from Kedzie to Ridge, will be held on Tuesday, August 25 from 7 PM to 8 PM. The meeting will be held in person at Green Briar Park, 2650 W. Peterson.

The CAPS meeting for Beat 1711, which encompasses Peterson Park, will be held on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held in person at Mayfair Church, 5020 N. Pulaski Road.

These events are great opportunities to meet the officers who patrol your community and discuss safety concerns directly with the police and your neighbors. For more information, please call the 24th District CAPS Office at (312) 744-6321 or the 17th District CAPS Office at (312) 742-4588. Find all the upcoming local CAPS meetings at 50thward.org/police.

India Independence Day Parade

As I announced previously, the India Independence Day Parade will be celebrated this Sunday, August 23, stepping off at 11:30 AM. The parade route runs along Devon Avenue from Western to California.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS: The street will be closed along the parade route on Sunday from 10:45 AM to 3:00 PM.  No parking signs will also be posted starting at midnight on Saturday evening on Devon between Western and California, on the west side of Western from Devon to North Shore, and on the east side of California from Devon to North Shore.

Wishing a very happy Independence Day to all my friends and neighbors in the Indian community!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward