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| Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter! |
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| | February 13, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
Happy Friday the 13th! This past weekend we celebrated the 2nd Annual DuSable Day amongst families, local leaders and amazing organizations. We had the distinct honor of recognizing the Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) as the 46th Ward recipient of the 2026 Legacy Award presented by the DuSable Black History Museum. It was a beautiful celebration of Black history, culture, and the triumph’s that continue to shape our city. I invite you to visit the DuSable Museum and experience it for yourself! Admission is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday, and the museum always welcomes military members, first responders, and Illinois public school students free of charge. |
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Love is in the air this weekend and in honor of that, I joined our neighbors at Sherway Towers for a meet and greet filled with community, love and fun. We decorated cookies, made Valentine’s Day cards, and most importantly held space for neighbors to meet with me, ask questions, and spend time together. Special Happy Birthday shoutout to our neighbor Boris Flider who turns 90 today! Aging is an immense honor and we’re thankful for all of our seniors in the ward. |
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| | | | My office is partnering with HIRE 360 to host an On Site Admissions Day for the Illinois Works Pre Apprenticeship Program on Tuesday, February 17 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Clarendon Park - 4501 N. Clarendon.
HIRE 360 is a workforce development nonprofit that creates pathways into good paying careers in the construction and building trades. This event includes an informational session, application support, and an on site interview for eligible candidates.
Participants must be 18 or older, Illinois residents, and have a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET. Required documents must be brought to participate.
We encourage neighbors to share this opportunity with anyone interested in starting a career in the trade!. Expanding access to career pathways strengthens our entire community.
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Don’t forget, next weekend we’re gearing up for one of our favorite parades of the year. The Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration returns on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:30am to 4:00pm along the Argyle corridor. The parade kicks off at 1:00pm at Argyle and Sheridan and will feature 20+ community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers, plus family-friendly pop-ups throughout the day. RSVP for free for a chance to win prizes from Argyle businesses, and tune into the live stream if you can’t make it in person. Please refer to the parking and street closures and prepare accordingly. |
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| Yours In Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay
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In partnership with the Office of the City Clerk, we will be hosting a City Key event on Monday, March 9, where Chicago residents can apply for a City Key card. The City Key card is a valid form of identification for residents who do not have access to other forms of ID.
The event will take place on Monday, March 9 from 1:00–5:00 PM at 4501 N. Clarendon. Appointments are required, and valid proof of Chicago residency must be provided.
We will begin accepting appointments for City Key applications on February 16, 2026. Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to schedule your appointment.
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| Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Updates |
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| The new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements went into effect on February 1. Up to 450,000 Illinoisians are at risk of losing their benefits under the new requirements. For more information on the changes, visit the IL Department of Human Services’ SNAP Federal Impact Center. Under the new requirements, most adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under the age of 14, will be required to work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.
SNAP recipients now have three months to establish eligibility under these new rules, either by demonstrating that they meet work requirements or by submitting a request for exemption form. |
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I. Exemptions from the Work Requirements
Many Chicagoans may be eligible for an exemption to these requirements.
IDHS has a user-friendly screening tool to help individuals determine if they qualify for an exemption or are meeting the requirement: IDHS Exemption tool CLICK HERE.
See the table below for a summary of recent changes |
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| | II. Ways to Meet the Work and/or Volunteer SNAP Requirements You can find Employment and Training opportunities at this link: IDHS Education and Training DFSS Senior Centers - See the attached flyer for details on the following resources: The Seniors Division at DFSS has opportunities to connect seniors age 55-64 with employment support through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. There are a range of volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting seniors. For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities contact DFSS at 312-744-4016 or [email protected]
Volunteer opportunities across Chicagoland are available at the following links: Serve Illinois – CLICK HERE Chicago Cares website CLICK HERE Volunteer with the 46th Ward CLICK HERE
Meals on Wheels has launched a new program called, "Snap Together Volunteers," which offers accessible volunteer opportunities for seniors at the Nourish Chicago Pantry, located at 2102 W Ogden Avenue.
III. Food Pantry Resources Below are some additional resources that may be helpful to your residents and anyone no longer eligible for SNAP Find Food Pantries in Chicagoland: CLICK HERE Get Help Applying for SNAP/Link: CLICK HERE Protect Chicago Website: CLICK HERE
Our DFSS Community Service Centers (CSCs) are always available to assist clients with public benefits enrollment, including SNAP. CSCs operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CSC locations can be found here. |
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
As we continue to celebrate a month full of Black excellence, we’re highlighting it right here in the 46th Ward. The next Black-owned business we want to spotlight is our neighbors at Downstate Donuts!
Located around the corner from our office at 1132 W. Wilson Ave, Downstate brings a unique twist to the classic donut, made entirely from potatoes (insert drooling emoji). The staff is awesome, the breakfast sandwiches are delish and they have awesome coffee. This neighborhood favorite is often sold out for a reason and has become a true 46th Ward gem. Be sure to check them out and support Black-owned businesses this Black History Month.
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Although it’s warming up, it’s still winter, so we joined our neighbors at East Lakeview Neighbors for their annual winter mixer. It’s always a joy to connect in a more intimate setting, share a few laughs, and spend time with neighbors. Thank you to East Lakeview Neighbors for having us and to Kit Kat for welcoming us into their new space! |
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The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest FREE filing program. This past tax season, 26,000 volunteers in 3,600 communities across the country helped more than 1.7 million people save over $1.3 billion in tax refunds. The service is aimed at, but not limited to taxpayers who are 50 or older. AARP prepares taxes for taxpayers of all ages and income levels For the coming tax season, volunteers who are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service, will offer this service at the Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 Clarendon Ave, on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning February 3rd through April 14th. Appointments will be available from 9:30 to 2:00 PM. Both federal and state tax returns will be prepared and electronically filed. To book an appointment, enter the following link into your computer’s browser and follow the online appointment instructions. https://taxappointment.aarp.org/s/registration?locationId=a1rUv00000Dn158. Alternatively, you can log into AARP.org and search for the Tax-Aide Locator tool. Again, the service is FREE and you do NOT need to be a member of AARP to use the services.
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| | RESERVE ONLINE IN ADVANCE Free Winter Weekdays for Illinois Residents at The Art Institute
January 5–February 27
Free admission is available each weekday we’re open from 11 a.m. through closing (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 p.m. on Thursdays).
You can reserve your free tickets online in advance; your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit for assistance. |
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| | | Submit a Lime Scooter Removal Request |
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| Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location. You can also call 1-888-546-3345.
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| 46th Ward Upcoming Events |
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| | | | Houseless Neighbors Updates |
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| | The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has informed my office that the temporary family shelter at the American Islamic College located at 640 W Irving Park (AIC) will officially close on June 30th, 2026. This closure is part of a planned shelter decompression and is being coordinated with the current shelter operator KLEO, DFSS and partner agencies.
KLEO, in collaboration with DFSS, will provide transitional support to current neighbors living at AIC. All shelter residents will be offered placement at other family shelters across the city based on school needs, shelter availability and resident choice. Decompression will happen in multiple phases over the next few months to not disrupt the school year for children. KLEO staff will remain on site through the closure date and will continue providing services and guidance during this transition.
Over two years ago, just a few months after taking office our entire city was tasked with showing up for thousands of new neighbors who endured horrible conditions to find a better life. My office is proud and grateful we were able to meet this unprecedented moment with the help of neighbors, our local schools, mutual aid networks, faith based organizations, the Chicago Police Department and city departments. The evolution and success of this family shelter allowed our most vulnerable neighbors, many of them children, to have a safe space with wrap-around services as they transition into permanent housing.
If you are aware of local landlords who are interested in filling affordable units in their buildings, please reach out to our office as we are collecting local housing resources to share with neighbors who want to stay in the area. A special shout out to 19th District Mutual Aid, an organization that formed to meet the needs of new arrivals during the peak of the crisis. Visit their website here for ways to continue to support their mission.
Over the next couple of months, our office will continue to meet with KLEO and DFSS to ensure that the shelter transition happens smoothly. We will share updates and information as we receive it and encourage anyone with questions to reach out to us at [email protected] or via 773-878-4646.
You can read the Block Club article about the closing here.
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| | We're looking for donations to help restock our Free Community Cornerstore! Items like baby wipes, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and new children’s socks go a long way in supporting our neighbors who need them most. If you're able to contribute, please consider dropping off supplies at our ward office. Together, we can keep this vital community resource going strong! |
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| | | Our office is in close communication with Edgewater/Uptown Migra Watch, a network of neighbors that does rapid response to confirm potential ICE sightings. Confirming ICE sightings is a critical part of keeping our neighbors safe. If you see activities that you suspect may be ICE, please report it to the ICIRR Hotline so that a team can go out and confirm their presence. This is an important part of how we keep our neighbors safe! |
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Next week, the Chicago Plan Commission will consider two exciting projects in the 46th Ward - 3611 N. Halsted and 4458 N. Clarendon. Renders of both proposed developments can be seen below.
I am proud to support the two proposals, both of which have received substantial support from the community through in-person, written, and organizational feedback after community meetings.
3611 N. Halsted
The proposal at 3611 N. Halsted is 10 stories and includes 188 residential units - 38 of which will be affordable - across nine residential floors set above two floors of parking including 77 parking spaces. The proposal also includes the removal of a curb cut on Halsted and an alley vacation of the east-west leg of the alley bound by Halsted, Addison, Waveland, and Broadway. The alley exit onto Halsted would be replaced by a green space attached to the retail tenant at the property - planned as a cafe patio by the developer.
The proposal is all-electric and features a significant number of sustainability features, including geothermal heating and cooling, 77 EV-ready parking spaces, and an extensive green roof meant to both beautify the neighborhood and enable 100% on-site stormwater retention. The developer has also committed to working with the Chicago Housing Authority to place Project Based Vouchers (PBV’s) in the building to enable deeper affordability for tenants making less than 60% of the area median income (AMI).
4456 N. Clarendon
The proposed development at 4458 N. Clarendon - called "Sarah's on Sunnyside" - would be a 54-unit, 7-story new construction permanent supportive housing development. All units, studios of approximately 460 square feet, will be targeted to women at risk of homelessness who earn no more than 30% of AMI (area median income). Building amenities will include a community room with kitchenette, a therapeutic garden, sensory room, and 24/7 onsite staffing including security and property management staff. Sarah’s Circle will provide supportive services to all tenants and will manage the property.
These two developments paired exemplify my ward office’s approach to development, which pairs market-rate developments that add to our tax base with affordable housing to ensure that every 46th Ward neighbor has the opportunity to live in high-quality housing they can afford.
Plan Commission Feedback
If you want to provide written feedback directly to the Chicago Plan Commission, please email it to [email protected] by 10AM on Wednesday, February 18 Your feedback will be included in the full public record for the development. We encourage all neighbors interested to do so. If you wan to provide in-person feedback, you must come to the hearing in person. The hearing will began at 10AM AM in Room 1103 on the 11th Floor of City Hall (121 North LaSalle Street). For additional information about providing public comment, please check out the public meeting rules here.
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Last week, the Department of Water Management began conducting emergency repairs to the sewer main on the 4300 Block of Broadway. This work is expected to last at least through the end of next week and will continue to require street closures and traffic detours to maintain safe working conditions for the repair crew. The 100-year old sewer suffered an internal collapse creating a high risk of backups and basement flooding.
Broadway is currently closed to traffic between Cullom and the Jewel-Osco parking lot exit and drivers will need to use Sheridan as a detour - see the diagram below. As the repairs continue the location of work will shift to the north, potentially requiring closure of the Sheridan/Broadway intersection for several days. We will share any information about additional closures as soon as we have them. Sidewalks will remain open during construction.
This work will not impact residents' or businesses' water or sewer service. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Bus (#36) will continue to run in both directions using Broadway, Sheridan, Irving Park, and Broadway.
Our office is in contact with the Department of Water Management and will continue to share updates as we receive them. Thank you for your patience as crews work to repair the sewer main. |
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See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations. Search by address here. See our local 19th District’s website here. Email [email protected] or our office with any questions. |
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| | | | | Community/Citywide Events & Resources |
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Applications are now open for the 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service!
The Obama Foundation is looking for current college sophomores and community college transfer students interested in pursuing a career in public service. If you are seeking a transformative leadership development and scholarship program that includes financial aid to ease the burden of college debt, an immersive work-travel experience, and access to a powerful network of mentors, then this program is for you!
We need your help to spread the word! Please apply now or send this to a college sophomore in your life who might be interested. | 
| Started by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, the CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, the Voyager Scholarship gives students with demonstrated financial need a deeper understanding of the issues they are passionate about, exposes them to new communities and perspectives, and inspires them to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
The program has enabled students to travel to every corner of the globe during their Summer Voyages– from Bolivia to work on gender-based violence prevention trainings, to Alaska to learn about indigenous approaches to climate resilience, to Morocco to support migrant education initiatives, and many places in between. The Voyager Scholarship has exposed students to meaningful learning opportunities and ways to engage with the world that would not otherwise be possible.
The application closes on March 17, 2026, and we need your help to spread the word!
Apply today or share with a college sophomore in your life who could benefit from the Voyager Scholarship. | |
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| 46TH WARD DOG OF THE MONTH
Millie is a beautiful 3-year old Vizsla who lives in the 46th Ward. She and her human Meredith dropped by the ward office this week to purchase some Daily Residential Parking Permits. Bring your well-behaved pup on a leash into the 46th Ward Office for a chance to feature them in a future edition of the newsletter. |
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| | | | Illinois Restaurant Association hosting 2026 Illinois Laws: A Legal Update for Restaurant Owners & Operators |
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Attention business owners, commercial property owners, and developers: applications are now open for the next round of Small and Medium Community Development Grants. Grants can support projects ranging from $250,000 up to $5 million for new construction, rehabilitation, or expansion.
The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026. Recent 46th Ward awardees include the Black Ensemble Theatre (2025) and Access Contemporary Music (2024) for The Checkout. |
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| The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.
BACP is here to support your business today: Business Education Webinars: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars Entrepreneur Certificate: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate Neighborhood Business Developments Centers: Chicago.gov/NBDC Small Business Center: Chicago.gov/SmallBusiness
FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies. Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule:
February 11 - What You Need to Know About Your Business & Federal Taxes February 13 - Financing Your Business February 18 - The Start-Up Challenge: Is Your Dream Built to Succeed
February 19 - Empower Hour: Reach for the Stars |
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| Sign up HERE to get the BACP Newsletter for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation. |
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The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. |
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| | ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help. |
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| SAVE THE DATES 
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series. The series of expos offers business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more.
2026 SMALL BIZ EXPO SERIES: Thursday, March 12 at 9 am to 12:30 pm held remotely, register Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Truman College, register Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Malcolm X College, register
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| Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more. The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE.. Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details. |
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| | Our partners at the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are helping keep our community safe. Following Mayor Johnson’s new “ICE-Free Zone” Executive Order, the Chamber has free official signage and whistles are available in their office, 4619 N Broadway, for local businesses and property owners. 15 large signs and 10 small stickers (shown below), first come, first served during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM). Below you will also find a quick guide small businesses can use if ICE arrives.
Let’s continue standing together for an Uptown where everyone feels safe and supported. |
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Enjoy a discounted Chicago Bulls game and support the Chicago Park District's Inner City Hoops Program with your purchase. Learn more and purchase your tickets now at https://bit.ly/BullsTix_ICH2025. |
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Housing/Utility Resources |
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| | | | The Department of Family and Support Services’ Senior Services Division provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better to keep them healthy, active and engaged. They have a number of programs to highlight that are available online including:
Creating Dementia-Friendly Buildings - An Online, Self-Directed, Learning Module brought to you by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services. You can register here!
Benefits are a Click Away! At cityofchicago.benefitscheckup.org - We want to ensure seniors have access to the benefits to which they are entitled!
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| | 2025 Senior Guide Now Available
Looking for helpful tips, resources, and services tailored for our senior community? The Office of the City Clerk has released the 2025 Senior Guide, filled with valuable information to support older adults across Chicago. From transportation programs and health services to emergency contacts and community activities—this guide has it all. View or download the full guide here: Senior Guide 2025 (PDF) Let’s make sure our elders are informed, connected, and cared for. |
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The Clerk’s Office is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team that honors those who have served our country. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard, and reservists are now eligible to receive one free ticket to a 2025–26 regular-season Wolves home game, thanks to this special offer coordinated by Clerk Gordon and the Clerk’s Veterans Services team.
To receive a free ticket, veterans must be enrolled in the Clerk’s Military and Veterans Discount Card Program – a free initiative that also provides access to discounts on food, auto repair, legal services, health and fitness, and more. Those already enrolled are eligible, and additional discounted tickets are available for friends and family attending the game.
Getting your ticket is easy:
Sign up for the Veterans Discount Card at cookcountyclerk.com/veterans or by visiting the Clerk’s Veterans Office at 118 N. Clark, Room 120 in Chicago.
Go to cookcountyclerk.com/Wolves to claim your free ticket and purchase additional discounted ones.
Tickets will be emailed and can be shown on your phone at Allstate Arena – no paper tickets needed!
This special offer is valid for Wolves home games through April 19, 2026, and tickets are available while supplies last.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, veterans and military can call the Clerk’s Veterans Services Office at 312-603-5788.
Let’s cheer on our Chicago Wolves—and honor those who’ve served our county and our country.
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Explore summer partnership opportunities with the Art Institute. | Thursday, March 5 12:30–2:00 Uptown Library Branch
929 W Buena Ave
Chicago, IL 60613 |
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As we kick off the new year, we are delighted to welcome neighborhood leaders to learn about Willem de Kooning Drawing, and discuss ways to bring the story and the excitement of abstract art to life on the North Side.
Whether via streetscape beautification, business partnerships, or storefront activations like our window display contest, Project Windows, we invite you to join us in making it an artful Chicago summer. |
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| Arrivals and welcome with lunch provided |
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| Overview of the exhibition and partnership opportunities |
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Willem de Kooning Drawing runs from June 14–September 20, 2026.
Please contact Civic Relationships and Partnerships manager Achaia Moore at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. |
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The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring. Click here to view available positions.
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Early Voting is Now Open in Downtown Chicago for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election
Early Voting for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election is now open in Downtown Chicago at the new Chicago Board of Elections Supersite (137 S. State Street - State & Adams) and the Chicago Board of Elections Offices (69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor). From February 12 through March 8, these two sites will be open Weekdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm; Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm; and Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. From March 9 through March 16, these two sites will be open for an extra hour on Weekdays from 9:00am to 7:00pm, with the same hours for weekends. The Supersite will be open on Election Day (March 17) from 6:00am to 7:00pm. Early Voting in all 50 Wards in Chicago will begin on Monday, March 2 at 9:00am and runs through Election Day (March 17). All 50 Ward Early Voting sites will also be open as vote centers on Election Day from 6:00am to 7:00pm. You can see all Early Voting locations and addresses by clicking here. “Any voter in Chicago can now come downtown to vote early, if you want to get a head start on their civic duty. Don’t wait until the last second on March 17th – research your choices on the ballot and make a plan to vote,” said Marisel Hernandez, Chairwoman, Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Over 151,000 Vote By Mail ballots for the March 17th Primary have begun to ship to Chicago applicants. Voters can still apply to Vote By Mail for the upcoming election, as well as apply online to join the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and receive their ballot ahead of their preferred elections. Vote By Mail applications will remain open until March 12th at 5:00pm. However, the Chicago Board of Elections recommends you request and return your ballot back as soon as possible - click here for more information related to recent USPS postmark changes. For the upcoming Primary Election, voters must request a specific party ballot either in-person, early, or when requesting a Vote By Mail ballot. When the time comes to select a ballot, a voter may choose any Political Party they wish (but may choose only one party ballot). The Political Party ballots available in Chicago for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election are: Democratic, Libertarian, and Republican. There are no Non-Partisan ballots available for the upcoming election. The Board is still seeking poll workers for Election Day on March 17 – Election Judges make up to $230 for the day, and interested voters can apply at pollworker.chicagoelections.gov
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| Are you bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog? Then we definitely need your help! Sign up and support all our communities across the city and serve as an election judge in 2026. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County. You can earn up to $230 for your service. Click HERE to apply online to serve as an Election Judge for the March 17, 2026 Primary |
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