46th Ward Newsletter

Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter!

July 3, 2026

Earlier this spring, I visited Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) and had the opportunity to meet participants and learn about CWIT’s incredible work preparing women for successful careers in the trades industry. It was an honor to return to CWIT this week and serve as the keynote speaker at their commencement and celebrate alongside the graduates as they marked the completion of 180 hours of training.

Thank you to Chicago Women in Trades for investing in the next generation of skilled tradeswomen, and congratulations to every graduate on this well-earned achievement. We can't wait to see all that you'll build.

As temperatures continue to rise, we're committed to meeting neighbors where they are and making sure everyone has access to the resources they need. This week, we hosted our monthly Houseless Neighbor Outreach Picnic, providing cold water, nourishing meals, and connections to critical services alongside our incredible community partners.

 

Thank you, as always, to every organization that joined us in caring for our neighbors with compassion and dignity. We also spent the afternoon tabling at the Uptown Farmers Market, connecting with neighbors, sharing information about upcoming events and city resources, and enjoying the opportunity to catch up with so many familiar faces. We look forward to seeing even more neighbors at the market every three weeks throughout the summer!

Speaking of the summer heat, we're partnering with the People’s Response Network for a special screening of Cooked on Friday, July 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Clarendon Park. This powerful documentary explores the devastating impact of the 1995 Chicago heat wave and reminds us why checking on neighbors, understanding available resources, and preparing for extreme weather can save lives.

As Chicago experiences hotter summers and more frequent heat waves, it's important that our community is prepared and knows how to stay safe during extreme heat. I hope you can join us for this important conversation as we work together to keep our community informed, connected, and safe all summer long.

Neighbors, the countdown is on! Our annual Back to School Bash is less than one month away!

Join us on August 1 at Clarendon Park for an exciting day of free school supplies, helpful community resources, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Together, we’ll make sure our young people start the school year feeling supported, celebrated, and ready to shine.

Last year, our community came together to welcome well over 1,000 neighbors and families, and thanks to generous donations both big and small, we were able to distribute hundreds of backpacks and school supplies to students across the ward. This year, we're hoping to reach even more families, but we can't do it without you. No donation is too small to make a difference. If you would like to support, my office is now accepting in-kind donations of new school supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, pencils, notebooks, folders, markers, crayons, calculators, and more. We also gratefully accept gift cards, and neighbors can support the event from anywhere by purchasing items through our Amazon Wishlist.

We’re also currently looking for partners to help make this year even bigger. If you’re interested in sponsoring, hosting a resource table, leading an activation, performing, or collaborating in any way, please fill out our interest form.

We’re also seeking volunteers to support the day-of event. Last year, 25+ volunteers helped make the bash a success and we’re hoping to grow that team even more this year. If you’re interested in volunteering, sign up today!

Thank you for helping us ensure every student starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

Fourth of July Reminder

As you celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday with family and friends. As a reminder, consumer fireworks are illegal in Illinois.

Fireworks can be very frightening to neighbors, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other underlying conditions. Pets also find fireworks terrifying as well.

This time of year, our local parks are frequently left littered with discarded fireworks and debris, and many neighbors become accidentally injured. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals, celebrate responsibly and be mindful of your neighbors, pets, and surrounding properties.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and enjoyable Fourth of July!

Yours In Service,

Alderwoman Angela Clay

Stay Cool During This Week's Heat

With dangerously high temperatures continuing this week, we encourage all neighbors to take precautions and check in on family, friends, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat. Be sure to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

If you missed our Heat Safety Update earlier this week, we encourage you to take a few minutes to review it. It includes important information on cooling centers, public cooling locations, heat safety tips, available resources, and ways to stay cool throughout the heat wave.

Read our Heat Safety Update here:

Stay safe, stay cool, and don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance accessing heat relief resources.

Street Sweeping Reminders

E-Scooters and E-Bikes Reminders

Please click here for updated guidance and rules from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) on Scooter and E-Bike rides.

Click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. Vendors have two hours to remedy any parking complaints.To report dangerous or illegal activity on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc), call 1-888-546-3345.

We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood safe and clean.

46th Ward Upcoming Events

Schedule of Events:

12pm: Check-in at Brennemann Elementary School begins at 4251 N Clarendon to see their garden spaces and then begin your self-guided tour through the residential gardens.
12pm - 3pm: The gardens are open from 12pm - 3pm. Use your map and wander from garden to garden.

2pm - 5pm: Wrap up the afternoon at Haymarket House with a signature summer cocktail, wine, and refreshments. Then browse our Silent Auction featuring unforgettable experiences and beautifully curated gift baskets.

Event Information:

• The event will be held rain or shine.

• There are several free spaces at the Uptown Library (929 W Buena) and paid parking is available at the school lot on the corner of Clarendon and Junior Terrace.

• Tickets may be purchased the day of the event at Brennemann School subject to capacity for $50.

• Dogs are not allowed in the gardens.

Housing & Community Services

Shelter Closure - 640 W Irving Park

The family shelter at the American Islamic College (AIC) closed out its contract with the City of Chicago on June 30, 2026. All shelter residents were supported in finding housing or shelter before the closure date, and many families transitioned into their first apartment.

The AIC Family Shelter opened in the summer of 2023 as a temporary shelter to address the acute need for shelter as Chicago received an influx of new arrivals, including thousands of people coming from Texas. Since the opening of the family shelter, we gathered hundreds of donated coats to make sure our new neighbors have a warm first winter, filled two resource rooms in the shelter with donated books, tables, games, and toys for the kids, and helped coordinate community events and ESL classes to take place on-site. We also visited the shelter every month to make sure things were running smoothly and share feedback from neighbors. Thank you for helping be part of the solution and welcoming our new neighbors with open arms.

At the end of 2024, all “New Arrival Shelters” were absorbed into the existing shelter system, which meant we welcomed Chicago-based families into AIC alongside new arrivals. Over the past three years, thousands of neighbors have stayed at AIC for anywhere from a few days to six months while they worked with community organizations to get placed into housing. Our ward has always been a place where new people coming into the city can find refuge, get connected to resources, and establish a connection to our amazing city, and we are so grateful to have contributed to this legacy through the AIC shelter.

A big thank you to the Department of Family and Supportive Services (DFSS) for coordinating shelter oversight, KLEO Family Services for providing incredible staff to run the shelter, every neighbor who donated supplies, and, of course, the neighbors on Bittersweet who rolled with the big and unexpected change to their neighborhood.

The 46th Ward will always be a place where we support our most vulnerable neighbors. Though the AIC shelter is now closed, we are lucky to have other shelters in our ward, like the Sylvia Family Center at Cornerstone, the Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge, and Sarah's Circle, to meet the shelter needs of families and women in need.

Money Matters Institute: Preparing for Homeownership

The Chicago City Treasurer’s Office is hosting an upcoming free Money Matters Institute Homebuyer Education Event in the 46th ward!

The event will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Clarendon Community Center, Location: 4501 N Clarendon Avenue, and will include:

• Budgeting and saving strategies

• How to build and strengthen your credit

• What it takes to be financially ready for homeownership

• How to qualify for HomeGrown and other housing assistance programs

Neighbors can register here: chi.gov/mmi-July14

The 46th Ward is getting new neighbors! 4713 N. Clark - also known as "The Anderson" is opening up to its first tenants right now! The building has 36 units total, 6 of which fall under the Chicago Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO), which requires the developers to keep 20% of units at affordable rental rates.

ARO units require an application for occupancy. Applications opened on May 1st, and are still open through this link.

2026 Adopt-a-Landmark Funding

Chicago’s Department of Planning & Development (DPD) recently announced its 2026 Adopt-a-Landmark funding round that will provide grants up to $250,000 for the restoration and repair of designated City landmarks. A social media graphic is attached for your potential use with your constituents.

New Streetlights Coming to Sheridan Road (Montrose to Buena)

Neighbors, you may have noticed even more orange no-parking signs on Sheridan between Buena and Montrose!

These restrictions are in place to enable CDOT (Chicago Department of Transportation) contractors to install new and more reliable street lights on this stretch of Sheridan.  Given the limited extent of the segment under construction, the supervising engineers anticipate the project shouldn't take more than 6 weeks, as long as the weather cooperates.

Crews will install new streetlights with "piggy-back" lights (which provide better sidewalk illumination) over the next several weeks.  Once the new streetlights are installed, electrified, and functioning, crews will remove the old ones. Afterward, they will complete concrete and asphalt restoration as necessary.

We understand that streetwork across the ward can cause parking challenges, and we are doing our best to keep all projects on track and on time.  If you have any questions or concerns about this work, please reach out to our office!  

Alley Reconstruction - Malden / Magnolia / Leland / Lawrence!

Malden / Magnolia neighbors, good news!

Last week, CDOT (Chicago Department of Transportation) crews began the long-awaited project to rebuild the alley bound by Malden, Magnolia, Leland, and Lawrence.

Over the course of construction, crews will remove the current asphalt surface and replace it with more durable concrete, replace existing catch basins and drainage structures as needed, and replace utility structures as needed to ensure proper drainage and sloping. If there are no delays, CDOT estimates that the work should be complete by the week of August 10.

During construction, the alleys will be inaccessible for neighbors, and barricades will block all entrances. This means there are impacts to trash pickup and parking

This week, contractors nearly finished the alley sewer work and replaced several manholes and the existing catch basin at the center of the alley. They anticipate fully completing the sewer work next Monday, after which they will begin excavating the entire alley before preparing the new foundation.

If all goes according to plan and the weather cooperates, excavation will take most of next week, and crews will begin framing and pouring concrete the week after next.

During construction, the alleys will be inaccessible for neighbors, and barricades will block all entrances. This means there are impacts to trash pickup and parking.

Trash Pickup:

Trash pickup will take place from the street, in front of residences, rather than off the alley.  At this point, all trash cans and dumpsters should have been relocated to the street. If your dumpster has not been moved yet, please reach out to our office ASAP and we will coordinate dumpster relocation with the contractors.

We know that trash collection on the street is inconvenient and takes away much-needed street parking, but unfortunately it is the only option.

Parking:

Neighbors will be unable to access garages and rear parking spaces during construction, and will need to find alternative off-street parking or rely on street parking.  We know that the loss of alley access is extremely disruptive; however, this alley reconstruction is a once-in-a-lifetime project and this alley will not host similar work again for many decades.

Some parking options are listed below:

• Free parking is available at the Truman College garage a few blocks away. Neighbors can park their cars overnight, but the garage is not accessible 24/7: summer garage hours are 7AM - 11PM Monday - Thursday, 7AM - 10PM Fridays, and 7AM - 5PM Saturdays.  Parking is available on Sundays 7AM - 5PM only when Truman is open. If you plan on parking at Truman over the next few weeks, please email [email protected] and [email protected] and provide them with your car's make, model, and license plate.

  
  

• Daily parking is available under the Wilson Red Line station between Sunnyside and Wilson for $5/day, available via parking.com

  
  

• Cedar Street has limited paid monthly parking available at The Winnie (4750 N. Winthrop) and the Draper (5050 N. Broadway). Please reach out to [email protected] for details and pricing.

  
  

• Neighbors can purchase zoned parking passes (zone 1130) at the 46th Ward Office.

  
  

• Other daily and monthly parking nearby may be available for purchase via Spot Hero or other online providers.

  
  

Additional Questions?

Please reach out to our office by phone (773-878-4646) or email ([email protected]) if you have any questions or concerns!

Say Goodbye to Potholes on Sheridan!

In May, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) contractors began resurfacing Sheridan Road between Montrose and Foster to fix the wear and tear on the street. The resurfacing project includes pedestrian safety improvements, including curb extensions and paint-and-post bump-outs opposite of “T” intersections for traffic safety.

Work is now almost complete, and crews will start laying the final layers of asphalt early next week!

CDOT will pave the Northern (starting at Foster) and Southern (starting at Montrose) stretches of the corridor first and will hold off paving along the middle of the corridor (near Leland) until sewer and catch basin reconstruction at Lakeside and Sheridan near the new Lakeside/Sheridan plaza is completed.

Resurfacing Construction Reminders

• During construction, signs will often be posted to limit parking during workdays to enable construction access. Please move your vehicle to avoid tickets.

• Parking will generally remain available overnight and on weekends. Be sure to check signage.

  
  

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the 46th Ward office at 773-878-4646 or via email at [email protected].

If you want to learn more about the project, check out the presentation from our online briefing on our website!

Water Main 4600 - 4800 N. Racine!

Racine Update (as of July 3)

In May, the Department of Water Management (DWM) began work on a project to replace the water main on Racine between Wilson and Broadway. This project entails replacing the existing - more than 120 year-old! - water main and replacement of all existing lead service lines along this stretch of Racine.

As of today (Friday, July 3), crews have installed the new water main, connected it to the existing water system, and disinfected the new sections of pipe.  Contractors have also replaced several sewer main sections that needed repair.

On Monday, July 13, crews will begin replacing the water service lines that connect the water main to individual homes and businesses.  This stage of work will take up to 2-3 months, as it includes replacing every service line to at least the B-Box, and completely replacing all lead service lines all the way into residences and businesses.  Service line replacements will entail brief individual water shutoffs as homes are transferred from one service line to another, and crews will alert neighbors about any upcoming shutoffs in advance of any work being done.

During the next phase of work, parking restrictions will be limited to the locations where crews need to station equipment and access service lines.

As always, neighbors can expect to park along Racine through the weekend.  No work or parking restrictions are anticipated next week.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

46th Ward - Community Budget

Neighbors, tell us where you want to see infrastructure investments in our neighborhood by using this form.  We will review all proposed ideas and share vetted proposals with neighbors this Fall for voting - see the flyer below for more details, and check out the presentation here if you have any questions!

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.

Citywide Events & Resources

Business Resources

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

July 8 - Public Chauffeur and Public Passenger Vehicle Licensing (Applying/Maintaining)

July 15 - Where do you go when the bank says NO?!

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.

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.

Workforce Development

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.

Utility Resources

Senior Resources

Veteran Resources

Cook County Resources

The big screen in your backyard, Movies in the Parks returns this summer, bringing Hollywood movies and local films to local parks for the twenty-sixth season. Join us in the parks for classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, retro childhood favorites, and the best family-friendly box office hits. Movies in the Parks is part of Night Out in the Parks, which features cultural & arts events in parks throughout the city each year.

Click to download the full Movies in the Parks schedule (PDF/Excel), or add events to your calendar from our Google Calendar.

Help support Movies in the Parks! Keep this FREE program going strong by making a donation today.

Chicago Public Library